Tao Dan Park in District 1 – an interesting and attractive picnic location, not only has a fresh and green space, but it also preserves many famous historical traces. As a familiar destination for Saigon residents, Tao Dan garden contains many interesting things not everyone knows.
1. Where is Tao Dan Park?
Tao Dan Park is a green destination in the heart of the bustling Saigon, ideal for those who want to relax and immerse themselves in nature.
- Address: Truong Dinh Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, TP. Ho Chi Minh
- Opening hours: 07:00 – 22:00 (All week)
- Area: about 9 hectares with more than 1,000 trees
- Ticket price: Free on weekdays. It is possible to collect festivals during the festival (price depending on the program).
- Car parking: Safe, convenient for visitors.
At the park, visitors can stroll in the fresh air, especially in the morning. In addition, this place also regularly organizes fairs and exhibitions and has many delicious restaurants around, bringing a rich experience for visitors.
2. History of Tao Dan Park District 1
Initially, Tao Dan Park belonged to the French Governor -General. In 1869, when Miss Clavell was built, this area was separated and named Jardin de la Ville (also known as Ong Thuong garden or Bo Ro garden).
In the following years, many buildings were built in the park’s campus such as: Hieu Nhac Association (1896), Tam Diem Association (1897), Sports Club (1902), Children’s Education Institute (1926), … After France withdrew, this place was renamed Tao Dan.
After 1975, the park had an additional children’s play area and was called Tao Dan Cultural Park. Not only prominent with the green space, the park also regularly organizes the exhibition on holidays and New Year.
In particular, in 1992, the temple commemorating the Hung Kings was built in the campus, and was restored at the end of 2011. Thanks to that, in addition to playing, Tao Dan is also a destination with a cultural – historical impression for tourists.
3. Discovering Tao Dan Park is interesting?
If you only have 1 day of travel in Saigon, do not forget to visit Tao Dan Park – where not only has a green landscape but also has a cultural and historical value.
3.1. Ideal space for picnics and gatherings
Located right in the city center, Tao Dan offers a peaceful, cool space in the heart of bustling Saigon. With beautiful landscape design, spacious lawns and lots of green trees, this is an ideal meeting place for picnics, gatherings with friends or relaxing on weekends.
In addition, the area around the park also has many attractive restaurants, making the trip more complete with interesting culinary experiences.
The ideal time to visit Tao Dan Park
Tao Dan Park is usually most crowded in the early morning and late afternoon, when the air is cool and pleasant. This is when many locals and tourists come to take a walk and exercise, creating a lively and vibrant scene.
On holidays and Tet, the park also organizes many special events and festivals, the most prominent of which is the Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival – attracting a large number of visitors because of its brilliant space and many interesting activities.
Although located in the heart of bustling Saigon, Tao Dan still retains its peacefulness, making it an ideal place to rest, relax and enjoy the green space in the middle of a crowded city.
3.2. Visiting the Hung Kings Memorial Temple
In 1992, the Hung Kings Memorial Temple was built right in the Tao Dan Park. The building has a solemn architecture, imbued with tradition, and is a place for people and visitors to express their gratitude to their ancestors who built the country.
If you have the opportunity to visit Tao Dan, you should take the time to visit and offer incense at the Hung Kings Temple – an experience that is both spiritual and helps connect with the nation’s roots.
3.3. Explore the unique ancient tomb complex
Hidden under the shade of green trees, the ancient tomb complex in Tao Dan Park is a mysterious and ancient destination. According to legend, the tomb complex was built in 1895, the resting place of Mr. Lam Tam Lang and Mrs. Mai Thi Xa.
The tomb complex impresses with its discreet architecture, including details such as the front and back screens of the gate, the surrounding wall system, and the solidly built head and foot of the tomb. The harmony between the architecture and the surrounding nature creates a quiet, attractive space, attracting the curiosity of many visitors when passing by.
3.4. Children’s playground
After 1975, Tao Dan Park built a children’s playground, creating a safe and useful entertainment space for children. To this day, this area is still completely free and always attracts a large number of children to visit.
Here, children can freely play with many familiar games such as: seesaw, slide, sand yard, swing… in a cool, green environment, friendly to nature. This is also an ideal place for families to relax with their children on weekends.
4. Suggested bus routes to Tao Dan Park
Visitors can choose to take the bus for convenience, save time and avoid getting lost when going to Tao Dan Park. Some popular bus routes passing through this area include:
- Route 05: Cho Lon – Bien Hoa
- Route 06: Cho Lon – Nong Lam University
- Route 14: Mien Dong Bus Station – 3 Thang 2 Street
- Route 150: Cho Lon – Tan Van Intersection
The operating hours of bus routes are usually from around 4:00 am to 9:00 pm, with some main routes operating continuously from 4:50 am to 5:50 pm. Ticket prices range from 3,000 – 25,000 VND, depending on the route and distance.
5. Attractions near Tao Dan Park
5.1. Notre Dame Cathedral
- Address: Cong Xa Paris Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Ticket price: Free
Notre Dame Cathedral is a symbol of classical French architecture with a red tiled roof and an ancient bell tower. This is a historical and artistic work that cannot be missed when coming to Saigon. Tourists often visit and check-in here.
5.2. Ben Thanh Market
- Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 04:00 – 19:00
Ben Thanh Market is not only a shopping center but also a unique architectural work. Visitors can shop, enjoy specialties and experience Saigon culture here.
5.3. Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City HCM
- Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday evenings
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a famous entertainment spot, with many cultural, culinary and artistic activities. Visitors can stroll around the streets, visit the book street, coffee shops and participate in weekend events.
5.4. Bui Vien Western Street
- Address: Bui Vien Street, District 1, HCMC
- Opening hours: 19:00 – 2:00 am (weekends)
Bui Vien Western Street is famous for its vibrant nightlife atmosphere, many entertainment activities, music and unique street food such as mixed rice paper, grilled rice paper, fried rice paper, braised offal… This is a destination not to be missed for those who want to experience Saigon at night.
ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTIONS
If you intend to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, you should choose accommodations near the center and with good services, for example:
+ Acnos Hotel Ben Thanh: 20 Nguyen Thi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
+ Acnos Grand Hotel: 82 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.