Turtle Lake, Ho Chi Minh City: A timeless historical icon

Contents

1. An overview of Turtle Lake in Ho Chi Minh City

Turtle Lake Ho Chi Minh City—officially known as International Square—is a vibrant landmark nestled between District 1 and District 3, at the crossroads of Pham Ngoc Thach, Tran Cao Van, and Vo Van Tan streets.

This iconic landmark, with a sprawling area of over 3,843 square meters, is a harmonious blend of water, walkways, and lush greenery. For Saigonese, it is a timeless treasure, evoking fond memories of childhood, youthful rendezvous, and everyday life.

Beyond its nostalgic charm, it is a bustling hub, drawing students, couples, and tourists alike for weekend leisure. Encircled by chic cafes and restaurants, Turtle Lake remains a captivating spot in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Turtle Lake Saigon—a favorite spot for many young people and tourists (Source: Collected)

2. The history of Turtle Lake in Ho Chi Minh City

The history of Turtle Lake, Ho Chi Minh City, spans centuries, weaving together stories of Vietnam’s dynasties, colonial influences, and modern identity. In 1790, the site was home to the Kham Khuyet Gate, part of Gia Long’s Eight Trigrams Citadel.

After the citadel was demolished by Emperor Minh Mang following the Le Van Khoi rebellion (1833–1835), a smaller fortress, Phung Citadel, was built nearby. By the late 19th century, following the 1859 Saigon invasion of the French, the citadel was entirely dismantled. In 1878, the French constructed a water tower at the current site of Turtle Lake Saigon to supply drinking water to the city.

The water tower was removed in 1921, and the area evolved into a traffic intersection. During the French colonial era, the site featured a monument called “Cong Truong Ba Hinh” (Ba Hinh Square), with statues of three soldiers, symbolizing French domination over Indochina. The statues were dismantled in 1956 under the Republic of Vietnam, leaving only a small pond behind.

The monument built by the French in the early 20th century at the current site of Turtle Lake Saigon (Source: Collected)

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3. The legend about the architecture of Turtle Lake Saigon

The unique architecture of Turtle Lake Ho Chi Minh City is surrounded by an intriguing legend tied to feng shui and the presidency of Nguyen Van Thieu. In the 1960s, during President Nguyen Van Thieu’s administration, the site was transformed into its modern form.

Rumored to align with feng shui principles, the octagonal lake and the large bronze turtle were believed to stabilize the “dragon’s tail,” part of a mythical dragon whose “head” resided at Independence Palace. Architect Nguyen Ky designed the structure, incorporating symbolic elements like five towering columns resembling an open flower and a spiral walkway leading to the center.

The lake was officially named International Square in 1972, though it was affectionately called Turtle Lake due to the prominent turtle statue at its heart. Tragically, in 1976, the turtle and central monument were destroyed in an explosion, but the nickname “Turtle Lake” endured, and the site remains a cultural and historical touchstone in Ho Chi Minh City.

Turtle Lake Saigon area today, viewed from above (Source: Collected)

Read more: 20 places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for your itinerary

4. Things to experience at Turtle Lake Saigon and nearby

4.1. Take stunning photos

Turtle Lake Saigon is one of the most photogenic spots in the city that you definitely should not miss. With its picturesque scenery, it offers plenty of beautiful spots to capture stunning photos, especially around the lake’s center. The unique staircases and walkways that surround the lake create a chic and sophisticated backdrop for your shots.

Whether you are a professional photographer or just love taking pictures, Ho Chi Minh City Turtle Lake is a place where you can capture some truly enchanting moments.

Make sure you plan to visit Turtle Lake for some Instagram-worthy shots (Source: Collected)

4.2. Enjoy plenty of street food

In the evenings, the area around Turtle Lake Saigon comes alive with a vibrant street food scene, offering a wide variety of Ho Chi Minh City food that caters to every taste. From light snacks to mouthwatering dishes, there is something for everyone, all at affordable prices starting from just VND 15,000 per dish.

Popular treats you should try include banh mi Saigon, fried sticky rice, stir-fried corn with shrimp, grilled Vietnamese rice paper, and Vietnamese sweet soup. It is a perfect spot to savor the flavors of the city while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Turtle Lake is a hub for Saigon’s iconic street food (Source: Collected)

4.3. Visit cafes near the lake

The area around Turtle Lake Ho Chi Minh City is home to several cozy cafes where you can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the view. These cafes offer the perfect blend of atmosphere, great drinks, and a chance to unwind. Some popular spots to check out include:

• Phe La
• Cong Ca Phe
• Casa Cafe
• Maison des Fleurs
• Mellow Beans Cafe

4.4. Drop by other tourist attractions

Turtle Lake is perfectly situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, offering visitors easy access to a range of iconic attractions within walking distance. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or just exploring the vibrant city, there are plenty of fascinating spots nearby that complement your visit to the lake.

From architectural wonders to cultural landmarks, here are a few must-see places you can drop by after discovering Turtle Lake Ho Chi Minh City:

• War Remnants Museum (600 meters away): A powerful and moving museum showcasing Vietnam’s history during the war, with detailed exhibits that highlight the struggles and resilience of the Vietnamese people.
• Saigon Central Post Office (650 meters away): A stunning architectural gem, this French-colonial building offers both historical charm and modern-day services, including a post office and souvenir shops.
• Ho Chi Minh City Book Street (750 meters away): A paradise for book lovers, this pedestrian street offers a wide range of books, from local literature to international works, along with cozy cafes and bookshops.
• Independence Palace (800 meters away): Known for its role in the fall of Saigon, this iconic historical site offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s turbulent past, with beautifully preserved rooms and gardens.
• Ho Chi Minh City Opera House (1.1 kilometers away): A grand colonial-era theater that hosts a variety of performances, including classical music, ballet, and opera.

Saigon Central Post Office is well-known for its harmonious blend of neoclassical European design and Asian embellishments (Source: Collected)

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5. How to get to Turtle Lake on your visit to Ho Chi Minh City?

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Turtle Lake Saigon is easy to find and accessible via several main streets in District 1. If you are traveling from the city center, you can take a route through major roads such as Le Loi, Le Thanh Ton, Pasteur, and Pham Ngoc Thach to reach the lake.

Alternatively, if you are coming from the Thu Thiem area, simply cross the Ba Son Bridge, continue along Ton Duc Thang, then turn onto Le Duan and Pham Ngoc Thanh.

For a smooth and convenient visit to Turtle Lake Ho Chi Minh City, it is important to find a safe and accessible parking spot. If you are driving or riding a motorbike, you can park at the parking facilities located across from the lake along Pham Ngoc Thach Road or at the Youth Cultural House. Just be sure not to park directly at the lake to avoid a fine.

6. What to note while relaxing at Turtle Lake Ho Chi Minh City?

To fully enjoy your visit to Turtle Lake Saigon, here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience:

• Dress comfortably: Choose comfortable clothing suitable for activities like walking or exploring the area around the lake.
• Protect your belongings: Keep an eye on your personal belongings to avoid any unwanted incidents.
• Respect the environment: To maintain the lake’s beauty, make sure to dispose of your trash in the designated bins and avoid littering.

Read more: Ho Chi Minh City travel tips: 7 things to keep in mind

In conclusion, Turtle Lake Ho Chi Minh City is not just a historical landmark but also a vibrant spot where locals and visitors alike can relax, enjoy delicious street food, capture stunning photos, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City.

In addition to the relaxing atmosphere of Turtle Lake Saigon, there are numerous other exciting places to explore in Ho Chi Minh City. For entertainment and stunning views, you can visit Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Bui Vien Street is another popular spot for nightlife, bustling with bars, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Landmark 81 is the second tallest skyscraper in Southeast Asia (Source: Collected)

If you are looking for more family-friendly fun, don’t miss VinWonders Grand Park. Set to open in December 2024, VinWonders Grand Park promises to be an exciting addition to Ho Chi Minh City’s entertainment scene. Located in Thu Duc District, this massive amusement park will offer a variety of attractions, including a water park, gardens, stunning landscapes, and dynamic shopping areas. With its grand opening just around the corner, it is definitely a place to keep an eye on if you are planning to visit the city in the near future.

VinWonders Grand Park’s Dream Garden features 15 giant 20-meter light trees inspired by Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay

Park Avenue, located next to VinWonders Grand Park, is a shopping and dining paradise by the picturesque riverside

Grab the hottest deals at VinWonders!