Public parks have long been an indispensable part of urban life in Hanoi. If you want to get the most authentic look at the lives of Hanoi people, which you cannot find in any travel guides – set the date to visit the following famous parks in Hanoi.
Public Parks in Hanoi: Thu Le Park
Thu Le Park has a large lake surface, with an oval-shaped strip of land that looks like a drop of tear, hence the name Thu Le, which means “holding the tears inside.” Located in Thu Le village, an ancient village dating back to the Ly Dynasty with the legends of Linh Lan and Voi Phuc Temple, this is not only a place of entertainment for the people but also a historical site with significant meanings to Hanoians.
Thu Le Park is one of the most famous parks in Hanoi.
Thu Le Park is also known as one of the largest zoos in Hanoi. This place conserves many kinds of rare and historical animals such as Japanese crane, Vientiane deer,… Additionally, one of the interesting activities at Thu Le park that visitors shouldn’t miss is pedaling on swan boats to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere here.
Ticket price: VND 10,000 / adult; VND 5,000 / child
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Bus: 07, 09A, 28, 32, 55
Public Parks in Hanoi: Bach Thao Botanical Garden
Bach Thao Botanical Garden is one of the attractive destinations for families on weekends. The vast area of Bach Thao Botanical Garden is home to many different kinds of trees, creating a miniature primeval forest in the heart of a noisy city. With a variety of landscapes including lakes, woods, and an animals conservation zone, Bach Thao Park is an ideal destination for weekend picnics.
Bach Thao Botanical Garden
Most importantly, if you have the chance to visit Bach Thao Botanical Garden, don’t forget to come to the small hill right next to Vi Danh Lake named Nung Mountain. On the hill is an old temple worshiping Huyen Thien Hac De – who, according to folklore, was a talented kid who helped the Ly king to defeat the invaders.
Ticket price: Free for exercising; VND 5,000 for tourists or for other purposes
Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Bus: 14, 45
See more Public Parks in Ho Chi Minh City.
Public Parks in Hanoi: Thong Nhat Park
Thong Nhat Park is an ideal choice for visitors who want to relax, have fun, or participate in outdoor activities. Apart from being one of the biggest public parks in Hanoi, Thong Nhat Park lies in the intersection of four main streets: Tran Nhan Tong, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Le Duan, and Dai Co Viet. The Bay Mau Lake locating in the middle of the park brings a breezy air and cooling atmosphere to the entire area.
In the park, there is also an orchid growing area with hundreds of kinds of orchids and a variety of plants: ornamental plants, trees, etc. Here, President Ho Chi Minh also planted a banyan tree that became the most beautiful old tree in the park.
Thong Nhat Park in Hanoi
There is a peaceful Hoa Binh island in the middle of Bay Mau lake, with a vast area covered with flowers and ornamental plants. Children’s play area has many exciting recreational games such as a Ferris wheel, mirror house, sailing boat,…
One quick tip: Due to the immense acreage of the area, it is advisable to wear sneakers when visiting the park for more comfort.
Ticket price: Free
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: Tran Nhan Tong Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Bus: 09B, 11, 30, 40, 43, 44, 52A, 52B
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Public Parks in Hanoi: Indira – Gandhi Park
The unique park is named after Indira Gandhi – the first Indian female prime minister – to show the admiration of Vietnamese to the heroine who has made great merits in the Indian development.
Indira Gandhi Park faces two big streets of Hanoi: Lang Ha Street and Huynh Thuc Khang Street and has impressive landscapes, with the highlight is the stone-paved road around the lake. There’s a fountain in the middle of the lake, perfect for night views. Trees are planted intercropping to create shades for the park, with special highlights from the vibrant flower beds.
Locals frequently visit Indira – Gandhi Park.
Indira Park – Gandhi is a place where many locals come to exercise every day. Besides, visitors will occasionally encounter film crews coming here to film, thanks to the beautiful scenery and prime location of this park.
Ticket price: Free
Opening hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Address: Lang Ha Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Bus: 09B, 12, 18, 26, 35A
Public Parks in Hanoi: Cau Giay Park
Cau Giay Park is widely adored as the most attractive landscape in Hanoi and as a familiar entertainment venue of locals.
The park is divided into three main sections: a children’s play area, a sports area, a lake area with a big square that is a promenade of residents living around the area.
Cau Giay Park has the most attractive landscape.
Furthermore, Cau Giay Park also organizes many other extracurricular activities such as traditional games and festivals. Tourists coming here can join in many fun and easy-to-follow activities such as fishing, dancing, and sliding.
The square and lake of Cau Giay Park located in the center of the park is the gathering spot for many young people in the evening thanks to the cool, fresh, and pleasant atmosphere.
Ticket price: Free
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: Duy Tan Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
Bus: 09B, 12, 18, 26, 35A
Public Parks in Hanoi: Yen So Park
With a wide range of green trees, a large lake surface, Yen So Park place was once referred to as the biggest green lung of Hanoi. Thanks to the intensive investment in the design of landscapes, the park was honored by the Malaysian Institute of Architecture & Landscape (ILAM) with an award for Landscape Architecture Design in 2011.
Yen So Park is perfect for family outings.
The large area, the airy atmosphere, and the charming natural surroundings provide a perfect spot for group gatherings. Visitors can rent bikes at a reasonable price, about VND 40,000, to explore the beauty of the park. Yen So Park is the only park that allows visitors to hold BBQ parties, and they even have BBQ grills for rent.
Ticket price: Free
Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Address: Phap Van – Cau Gie Highway, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi
Bus: 04, 06A, 60
Summary on A Guide to Public Parks in Hanoi
The public parks in Hanoi may not be as modern and impressive as those in other big cities, yet they’re still perfect for anyone who wants to get immersed in the slow-paced lives and live just like a Hanoian.
See more:
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Top 5 Things to Do in Hanoi for a Day
When is The Best Time to Go to Hanoi
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