Tao Dan Park is the most famous park in Ho Chi Minh, considered the “green lung” of the city. The park is an ideal relaxing destination where nature meets unique structures and modern facilities. Many citizens and tourists come to Tao Dan Park to relax and exchange the culture.
In this article, we will dive into the helpful information for an enjoyable visit to Tao Dan Park, including its history, location, and top things to expect in the park for Indian tourists.
Location And Opening Hours
- Opening hours: 7 AM – 10 PM daily
- Location: Truong Dinh Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tao Dan Park is adjacent to 4 routes: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Truong Dinh, Nguyen Du, and Cach Mang Thang Tam in Ben Thanh ward. In addition, Tao Dan Park entrance fee is free.
Historical Context of Tao Dan Park Saigon
Initially, Tao Dan Park was part of the grounds of the French Governor’sGovernor’s Palace. In 1869, when Miss Clavell Street was constructed, the park was separated from the Palace and named Jardin de la Ville.
Over the years, several projects were developed within the park, including the Hieu Nhac Association (1896), the Tam Diem Association (1897), a sports club (1902), and the Education Institute for Children (1926). After the French troops withdrew from Vietnam, the park was renamed Tao Dan.
Following 1975, an additional play area for children was built, and the park was renamed ” Tao Dan Cultural Park.” Tao Dan is well-known for its numerous trees and frequently hosts exhibitions during holidays and Tet. In 1992, a memorial temple for the Hung Kings was constructed within the park, and it was restored at the end of 2011.
Today, Tao Dan Park is the largest park in Ho Chi Minh City, often known as the green lung of this dynamic city. The park attracts a large number of urban residents and tourists with various activities, including exercising, playing sports, hosting social events, and visiting historical structures.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Tao Dan Park is in the early morning and evening, with cool fresh air and a relaxing vibe. During this period, many locals of all ages will flock to the park to exercise, play sports, and socialize with each other. It’s a perfect time to take a walk around the park, and watch locals playing sports and practicing Tai Chi.
The weather in Ho Chi Minh City is relatively pleasant all around the year so Indian tourists can visit the park anytime. However, in the rainy season, it’s advisable to follow the weather forecast in advance.
How To Get There
Tao Dan Park is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh downtown. Therefore, there are various means of transport for your choice:
- By bus: Bus numbers 05, 06, 14, and 150 have routes passing by Tao Dan Park.
- By motorbike or bicycle: If your hotel is in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, renting a motorbike or a bike to get to the park is a good option.
- By car: Traditional taxis (Vinasun and Mailinh) or ride-hailing services (Grabcar and Xanh SM Taxi) are available.
- Book a tour package: It is the safest and most convenient option for Indian travelers. The local guide will make a plan and take care of everything for an ideal trip to Tao Dan Park and other nearby attractions.
What To Expect Of Tao Dan Park Ho Chi Minh City
Visiting Ancient Structures
Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh has unique structures with traditional designs, including the Hung King Temple, Cham Tower, and ancient tombs. Indian tourists can take a chance to explore the culture and history of Vietnam through these architectures.
Hung King Temple
One of the remarkable structures in Tao Dan Park is the Hung King Temple, which honors the heroes dedicated to building the country. The temple boasts traditional architecture with a three-way door, typically in Vietnam design. The main hall consists of three rooms: the middle part is the place to worship Hung Vuong King, the left is worshiping Au Co Mother, and the right space worships President Ho Chi Minh.
Cham tower
It is designed based on a typical Champa temple. It can be said that the Cham tower in Tao Dan Park is a scaled-down replica of the famous Po Nagar temple in Nha Trang. The structure exudes the unique beauty and mysterious appearance inherent to a Cham tower, drawing Indian tourists to visit and take great photos.
Ancient tombs
Beneath the lush canopy of green within Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh City is a collection of ancient tombs. These tombs were established in 1895 for Mr. Lam Tam Lang and Mrs. Mai Thi Xa, as local legend goes. What makes these historical resting places special is their subtle architecture, which includes finely crafted entrance screens, tombstones, and carefully designed surroundings.
Enjoying Landscape
With an area of more than 10 hectares, Tao Dan Park is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and many ancient trees. Therefore, the park is regarded as a green lung of Ho Chi Minh City.
Coming to Tao Dan, Indian visitors can enjoy abundant green trees, peaceful atmospheres, and clear lakes. It is really an ideal place to release stress, regenerate power and do meditation.
Attending Outdoor Activities
Tao Dan Park has a 300m2 area of children’s playground, offering a variety of exciting sports games, slides, swings, and more. It is a great place for children to be close to nature while playing games.
In addition, Tao Dan Park has a large area with green grass fields being cut and taken care of every day. So, many families choose the park to host a cozy picnic on the weekends. Indian tourists, especially those going with family, can visit the park to attend captivating experiences.
If you come here on the Tet holiday, your family will be immersed in the ” Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival” with unique artworks that will surely make your children excited.
Emerging in Local Life
Tao Dan Park is the biggest park in Ho Chi Minh City, with cool atmospheres and many shadows. Therefore, it attracts many people to exercise, relax, and chat, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
You can practice various activities here, from gentle exercises such as jogging, yoga, and tai chi to sports such as badminton, running, and material arts. The park is equipped with dozens of exercise equipment and offers sports areas that adapt to various demands of all ages.
Moreover, the park hosts dancing activities for both men and women, including aerobic dance, modern dance, and more. These meaningful activities help people improve their physical health and enhance their mental health.
At Tao Dan Park, Indian visitors can immerse themselves in local life and experience many exciting activities.
Exploring Local food
Coming to Tao Dan Park, you will definitely be attracted by the sounds of birds singing in the corner of the park. That peaceful corner is “the bird cafe” that many people love. On weekends, birdwatchers often bring ornamental birds here to socialize. You can go to the cafe to sip a cup of coffee, admire rare birds, and enjoy a strangely peaceful Saigon morning.
After having fun at Tao Dan Park, it’s time to visit some of the delicious restaurants nearby. They serve delicious dishes at reasonable prices. Typical delicacies include crab hotpot, chicken hotpot, BBQ, dimsu, and crispy Vietnamese pancakes.
Attractions Nearby
- Independence Palace is a masterpiece marking the historical events of Vietnam’sVietnam’s reunification.
- Notre Dame Cathedral is known as one of the world’s 19 most majestic cathedrals, the sole representative of Southeast Asia.
- Saigon Central Post Office captivates Indian visitors with its splendid architecture.
- Ben Thanh Market is the most famous market located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street boasts modern beauty and exciting activities, drawing numerous Saigonees and tourists every night.
- Bui Vien Walking Street is the heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh’s nightlife, serving chains of bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels, and spas for foreigners and young people.
Useful Tips When Visiting Tao Dan Park
Here are some useful advice to have a nice time at Tao Dan park:
- Avoid visiting Tao Dan Park late in the evening.
- There have been records of criminals and accidents occurring in the park during the night.
- Wear shoes and comfy clothes to walk around the park freely
- Bring hats, a bottle of water, and snacks for an enjoyable outdoor trip.
- Avoid bringing valuable things because you can drop out of them while moving or doing sports.
- Keep the environment clean
- Converse with citizens to learn more about local life.
- Go with a local guide to have an efficient and safe journey.
Conclusion
Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit attraction for Indian tourists. Boasting beautiful landscapes and rich local experiences, Tao Dan is a hot spot for cultural exchange and outdoor activities. When planning your trip to Saigon, be sure to include this park in your itinerary. Have a wonderful journey in Vietnam, and let Vietnamtour.in accompany you with our exclusive Vietnam tour packages.
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