Le Van Tam Park: A go-to spot for nature in Saigon

Contents

1. Where is Le Van Tam Park? How to get there?

Le Van Tam Park is located in District 1 (now part of Tan Dinh Ward), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It sits at the intersection of four major streets: Dien Bien Phu, Hai Ba Trung, Vo Thi Sau, and Phan Liem.

Le Van Tam Park is located in Tan Dinh Ward (Source: Collected)

Due to its prime location in the heart of the city, getting to Le Van Tam Park is convenient. It is easily accessible by car, motorbike, or taxi. Public transportation is also a great option. You can reach the park by taking bus 10, 150, 91, 93, and 54. 

If you are departing from District 1, you can follow this route:

• Follow Nguyen Hue Street northwest
• Turn left onto Le Thanh Ton Street, then right onto Pasteur Street 
• Turn right onto Dien Bien Phu Street, then left onto Hai Ba Trung Street 
• Le Van Tam Park will be on your right 

The entire trip takes about 10 minutes by car or motorbike.

Explore the top 15 parks in Saigon to find joy amidst the urban bustle!

2. What is Le Van Tam Park known for?

2.1. History as a former cemetery

Before 1975, Le Van Tam Park was the site of Mac Dinh Chi Cemetery, which originally served as a burial ground for French soldiers during the colonial occupation of Saigon. During the Republic of Vietnam era, the cemetery also became the final resting place for high-ranking politicians, military generals, and other prominent figures. In 1983, the city authority decided to relocate thousands of graves to Lai Thieu Cemetery in Binh Duong Province. The site was then planned to be transformed into a children’s cultural center, but it was later redeveloped into what is now known as Le Van Tam Park.

2.2. A relaxing green space

Le Van Tam Park is filled with lush greenery, featuring a variety of trees and flowers. Covering an area of approximately 10 hectares, the park is a well-designed green space with areas for sports, a children’s playground, and shaded walking pathways. At its center stands a monument dedicated to the revolutionary hero Le Van Tam. Old trees, tall coconut palms, and vibrant lawns create a refreshing environment here. The park’s airy layout provides a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Le Van Tam Park is filled with lush greenery (Source: Collected)

2.3. A venue for special events

Le Van Tam Park also serves as a lively venue for cultural, artistic, and communal events that bring people together.

• Tet Viet Festival: One of the most anticipated events at the park is the Tet Viet Festival, which is held annually during Tet. Over several days, the festival recreates the atmosphere of Tet across Vietnam’s three regions, immersing visitors in traditional customs.
• Tet Flower Market: As the Tet Holiday approaches, the park transforms into one of Saigon’s top flower markets. Starting from the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, flower stalls line the park and surrounding streets, filling the area with the scent of fresh blooms.
• Ho Chi Minh City Book Festival: Every two years, book lovers eagerly await the Ho Chi Minh City Book Festival, a large-scale event hosted at Le Van Tam Park. With nearly 200 exhibitors, including publishers, printers, and businesses, the festival offers books, interactive talks, and artistic performances.

Discover more:

• 20 places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for your itinerary!
• Independence Palace: A place for history buffs in Saigon
• Ho Chi Minh City 4 days 3 nights itinerary for all

Best-selling products

[Grand Park] Celestial Swing

1 USD

[Grand Park] Fairy Guardian

1 USD

[Grand Park] Tropical Island Water Park Entrance Ticket

8 USD

[Grand Park] Adventure Express

1 USD

-9%

[Grand Park] Water Park + Dream Garden Outdoor Games Combo

11 USD12 USD

[Grand Park] Enchanted Banquet

1 USD

[Grand Park] King of Speed

1 USD

[Grand Park] Mambo Serenade

1 USD

3. Essential guide for visitors to Le Van Tam Park

3.1. When to visit?

Le Van Tam Park is open year-round. Visiting during special events like Tet or the Ho Chi Minh City Book Festival adds an extra layer of excitement. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to enjoy the park’s fresh air.

Take memorable Le Van Tam photos during the festivities (Source: Collected)

3.2. What to do?

Taking a leisurely stroll along the park’s shaded pathways is a simple way to soak in the peaceful surroundings. The greenery provides a refreshing escape from the city’s fast pace. For photography enthusiasts, Le Van Tam Park is an excellent place to snap pictures of the everyday moments of locals exercising, playing with families, or selling delicacies. Behind the Le Van Tam Monument, a spacious playground awaits children with swings, seesaws, slides, etc. Additionally, the open space often serves as a gathering point for youth activities, including music performances, team-building games, and casual picnics.

3.3. What to eat?

A visit to Le Van Tam Park is not complete without trying Ho Chi Minh City food. The area surrounding the park is a hotspot for delicious snacks. One of the most popular options is goi kho bo, which offers a unique balance of textures and tastes. You will also find bo bia, kho muc, and banh trang tron. To complement these, a cup of bubble tea is perfect.

3.4. What to note?

Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable experience at Le Van Tam Park:

• Respect the environment by avoiding actions such as climbing trees or picking flowers.
• Dispose of trash properly using designated bins.
• Be mindful of traffic as all the streets surrounding the park are one-way streets.
• Keep a close eye on your belongings. During festivals, the park can become very crowded. 

Take fun Le Van Tam Park photos with your loved ones (Source: Collected)

Check out 21 bucket-list things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!

4. Other parks in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

If you are looking to explore more green spaces in District 1 (now the wards of Tan Dinh, Ben Thanh, Sai Gon and Cau Ong Lanh), several other parks are located within 3 kilometers from Le Van Tam Park.

• Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens: As one of the oldest zoos in Vietnam, this park is home to diverse animals and plants. It is a great spot for families, nature lovers, and those looking to escape the city’s bustle.

• Bach Dang Wharf Park: Overlooking the Saigon River, the park at Bach Dang Wharf offers a scenic promenade with benches and open spaces. It is especially beautiful in the evening, when the city lights reflect on the water. 

• September 23rd Park: Located near Ben Thanh Market, this park often hosts cultural events, outdoor exercise sessions, and weekend markets.

• Tao Dan Park: Known for its lush greenery, Tao Dan Park is perfect for a morning jog. The park also features a café where bird enthusiasts gather to showcase their songbirds.
• April 30th Park: Situated near Notre-Dame Cathedral, this charming park is a great place to enjoy a coffee while taking in the historic surroundings.

Le Van Tam Park is a green space in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. It is where history, culture, and community come together. Whether you are fond of taking a stroll or enjoying a picnic, this park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the charm of Saigon. 

For those looking to extend their adventure, Ho Chi Minh City offers more exciting attractions. For example, you can head to Grand Park in Thu Duc City (now part of Long Binh Ward) for a day of thrilling entertainment amidst plenty of green spaces. 

Book Grand Park ticket now