Jan 23, 2024
By Goodnight Staff 
From tranquil parks that serve as green lungs for the city to hidden gems that offer a serene escape, Ho Chi Minh City and its surrounding areas are replete with natural wonders that beckon to be discovered.
This articletakes you through 15 must-visit natural attractions that offer a perfect blend of relaxation, beauty, and outdoor fun.
Situated in the center of the Ho Chi Minh City, Tao Dan Park is a refreshing escape where nature and community thrive. Its expansive 10 hectares are a precious expanse of greenery amidst the urban hustle and bustle.
The park is among the favorite destinations for locals to relax and spend time with family. With wide walking and running paths, it is perfect for leisurely walks in the morning or evening.
Several exciting activities can be enjoyed in the park, such as jogging or practicing yoga.
It also houses a children’s playground with various games like slides, swings, seesaws, etc. Children can play freely while their parents sit nearby and chat.
The park also features ancient structures, including a temple honoring the Hung Kings and a small Cham tower. Visiting these historical buildings will help you better understand Vietnamese culture and architecture.
In addition, the park has two antiquated tombs, which are well-known for their subtle designs and intricate entrance screens. They are also a popular spot to take pictures.
Located in the city's heart, Cong Vien Van Hoa Park is a tranquil space away from the frantic streets. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, participate in a fitness class, or catch a movie, the park has something for everyone.
The park also features a variety of temples and pagodas. Chua Ong Pagoda is a popular spot among those praying for prosperity and can get crowded throughout the day. The Giac Lam and Emperor Jade Pagodas are reminiscent of Vietnam’s rich Buddhist heritage.
For those who would rather take a break from their busy life, sitting on a quay watching the silhouette of fishermen along the Saigon River during sunset is an ideal way to unwind.
Located 40 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve is an enchanting wetland adventure. Recognized as a UNESCO Mangrove Biosphere Reserve in 2000, the area encompasses 75,740 hectares and showcases unique mangrove flora and fauna that inspire nature lovers.
Visitors can wander along the roads under thousands of trees or take a speedboat to explore the canals and learn more about the forest’s biodiversity. They can also get close to nature by visiting Monkey Island or watching crocodiles at a local fishing hamlet.
The reserve’s ecosystem is vibrant with many species and contributes to the protection of soil erosion and flooding in urban areas. The dense mangrove forests also serve as a hiding place for birds and are a valuable source of seafood.
The Ho Chi Minh Trail is a pathway through the jungle that was used during the Vietnam War. It is now buried mainly by vegetation, but there are places where you can still find the old cobblestone road. There are also bamboo bridges or different kinds of boats that can take you across streams.
The most popular activity on the Ho Chi Minh trail is to visit the Fairy Stream and Twin Mountains. This is a fantastic nature-filled getaway, and it’s only a quick bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City! You can also do some hiking and explore a cave.
The 12.5-hectare open Dai Nam Zoo features 76 different kinds of animals, including those that can't be found anywhere else in Vietnam, like white peacocks and white tigers. Most of the zoo is on natural land, which allows visitors to experience a more natural and realistic safari than other zoos.
The park also boasts many modern entertainment activities, from kiddie rides and mirrored laughing houses to roller coasters on square rails. It's a great place to take kids and teenagers for an exciting day out.
Getting to Dai Nam Zoo on foot or by bus from the town center is easy. The best way to enjoy the park is to visit on a clear day and see the city's awe-inspiring architecture in all its glory. Whether it's the Saigon Central Post Office or September 23rd Park, you'll be left with plenty of great photo opportunities. You can also find many restaurants and bars in the area.
Located away from tourist areas, Bach Dang is a rustic wild spot with beautiful mountain ranges and calm blue waters. It is a great place to go trekking or take in the spectacular sunrise and sunset.
This particular street has witnessed many significant events in the city since its name, “Tourane” (meaning a riverside pier). In the past, this street was an important transportation route with manyvital buildings and cultural centers. It was also a crucial trade port, often crowded with foreign ships.
A walk along Bach Dang Wharf at night is a must for visitors because of its super impressive lighting designs on bridges spanning across the romantic Saigon River. It is also a great place to spend time with friends and family.
Cong Vien 23 Thang 9 is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site covering 434 km2 (168 sq mi) and 775 islets. Its core zone encompasses Dau Go Island on the west, Ba Ham Lake on the south, and Cong Tay Island on the east.
It has a lily pool, potted, sculpted plants, several public motorbike parking areas and festival grounds, a public pool, pavilions, sculptures, exercise equipment, multiple coffees and ice cream shops, and many other activities.
The park’s most distinctive feature is the Dau Go cave (“end of wooden bars”), where visitors can see the remnants of sharp-edged wooden poles once used by Tran Hung Dao, commander for sinking Mongolian ships in the 13th century.
Turtle Lake is a beautiful 141-acre lake with Largemouth Bass, Panfish, and occasionally Northern Pike. It is a popular fishing lake that provides recreational options such as boating, swimming, and water skiing. It is also known for its pristine beauty and abundant wildlife.
It offers private rental cabins, a clean lakefront campground on the Southeastern shore, and a public beach on the Northern shore. It also has a bar and restaurant with a lakefront patio. In addition, it has a playground and a sports recreation complex.
Cong Vien 30-4, also known as April 30th Park, is a lush oasis situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Named to commemorate the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, the park serves as a serene escape from the bustling city life.
With its well-manicured lawns, towering trees, and blooming flower beds, the park is a favorite spot for locals and tourists looking to unwind. The park also features various sculptures and monuments that add artistic flair to the natural surroundings.
Whether you're an early riser looking to enjoy a peaceful morning jog or a family wanting to spend quality time on a weekend, the park caters to all. The walking paths are well-lit and safe, making them popular for evening strolls.
Located just north of the downtown, the Le Van Tam Park offers a refreshing experience away from the crowds. The large trees and shaded spots provide a relaxing place to walk, run, or exercise. The locals use the park for cultural activities and picnics.
It is also home to the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, where you can watch the puppets dance, dive, and glide across the water’s surface while narrating age-old Vietnamese folklore. It’s a mesmerizing experience and one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
You can reach Le Van Tam Park by taking a bus from any major public transit station. You can look for the bus routes and schedules on Google Maps to plan your trip. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the park for a more direct route.
Rin Rin Park is a hidden gem located just a short drive from the bustling center of Ho Chi Minh City. This unique park is often called the "Little Japan" of Vietnam, thanks to its stunning Japanese-themed gardens.
As you enter the park, you're immediately transported to a tranquil world filled with koi ponds, bonsai trees, and traditional Japanese tea houses. The meticulously designed landscape offers a harmonious blend of nature and artistry, making it a perfect spot for those seeking peace and relaxation.
What makes Rin Rin Park truly special is its ability to offer an educational yet calming experience. Visitors can learn about various types of bonsai and the art of Japanese gardening, all while enjoying the soothing ambiance.
A tour of Ho Chi Minh City is incomplete without visiting one of the city's many parks. These parks provide a peaceful retreat from the busy life of the city, allowing visitors to relax and recharge their batteries.
Located in District 10, Le ThiRieng Park is the largest park in the city. It is also home to a traditional house, a memorial stele, and several food and beverage stalls. The park was once a cemetery, and it is named after Le ThiRieng, a member of the People's Liberation Armed Forces of South Vietnam during the war.
This park is a popular destination for local couples, and it is filled with tall trees and beautiful ponds. During the day, visitors can stroll along the park's well-maintained walkways and admire the stunning scenery.
Ho Ban Nguyet Park is a modern urban oasis in District 7 of Ho Chi Minh City. The park is designed around a crescent-shaped lake, where it gets its name —Ho Ban Nguyet translates to "Crescent Moon Lake." This beautifully landscaped area is a haven for those looking to get away from the city's hustle and bustle.
With its wide-open spaces, well-maintained grassy areas, and a variety of flora, the park provides a refreshing contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers and commercial complexes. The lake is a focal point, often dotted with paddle boats and surrounded by people enjoying leisurely walks.
As the sun sets, this area lights up with colorful lights illuminating the walking paths and the Starlight Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that arches gracefully over the lake.
Cong Vien Bach Tung Diep is a lesser-known but enchanting park in Ho Chi Minh City. Named after Bach Tung Diep, a revered historical figure in Vietnamese folklore, the park is steeped in cultural significance.
Unlike other urban parks, Cong Vien Bach Tung Diep has a more rustic and natural feel, featuring a variety of indigenous trees and plants. The park is a sanctuary for those who appreciate the simpler things in life, offering a quiet respite from the city's frenetic pace.
The pond in the middle of the park adds a tranquil element, often attracting local bird species, which further enhances the park's natural beauty.
Originally a park built by the French, this one became a Vietnamese favorite after independence. The Sala Park is home to a shrine for the Hung King and has a wide promenade arching over a lake, framed by tall modern buildings. It’s popular for outdoor activities like football, taichi, and jogging.
Nearby a picturesque river, this national park features surreal-looking limestone karst pillars and caverns in strange shapes. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers, as it’s the perfect place to go hiking and explore its otherworldly interiors.
Take a tour to get the most out of this unique attraction, including other sites of interest, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, and a visit to a local village. Alternatively, combine it with a Mekong Delta cruise in a one-day organized trip to save time and money.
We’re excited to be working on helping you find the best hotel deals. Stay tuned.
