
1. A glance at Le Van Tam Park, Ho Chi Minh City
- Location: Vo Thi Sau Street, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Ticket: Free
Le Van Tam Park, a well-known green space in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, is bordered by four major streets: Dien Bien Phu, Hai Ba Trung, Vo Thi Sau, and Phan Liem. Named after a Vietnamese revolutionary hero who gave his life to destroy an enemy ammunition depot during the Indochina War, the park stands as both a historical and recreational landmark.
Spanning about 10 hectares, the park features lush greenery and vibrant flowers, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors. It is thoughtfully divided into zones, including sports areas, children’s playgrounds, and shaded walking paths. At its center stands a statue of Le Van Tam, adding cultural and historical significance to the space.
In addition to being a tranquil retreat in the city, Le Van Tam Park hosts cultural, artistic, and community events, enriching the lives of residents and enhancing the city’s dynamic spirit.

2. About the history of Le Van Tam Park
Before 1975, Le Van Tam Park was the Mac Dinh Chi Cemetery. This place initially served as a burial ground for French officers during the Indochina War. It was commonly referred to as "Western Cemetery" among locals at that time.
Later, the cemetery became the resting place for prominent political figures, military officers, and influential individuals, including President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu. In 1983, the cemetery ceased operations, and thousands of graves were relocated to Binh Duong province.
After the relocation, this place was initially planned to become a Children's Cultural Center. However, the site was eventually transformed into the current park.

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3. What to do at the park?
Though not as expansive as some other parks, Le Van Tam Park holds its unique charm, offering visitors enjoyable and memorable experiences.
3.1. Stroll and relax in the greenery
Le Van Tam Park offers visitors a serene and refreshing atmosphere filled with lush greenery. Beneath the trees are neatly arranged stone benches, perfect for resting, chatting, or reading. More than a place for strolls or casual exercise, the park features amenities such as tennis areas, basketball courts, a children’s playground, and fitness zones equipped with exercise tools.

3.2. Enjoy tasty street food
Near Le Van Tam Park, you can explore a variety of distinctive food in Ho Chi Minh City. A popular choice is "goi kho bo" (dried beef salad) from Di Sau, located just across from the park. Additionally, you'll find other local favorites like fresh spring rolls, garlic fried squid, mixed rice paper, and milk tea, all of which add to the vibrant food culture surrounding the area.
3.3. Capture memorable moments
Visitors can also come and take amazing Le Van Tam park photos against the unique, refreshing green backdrop; the shade of ancient trees and lush grassy ground create a peaceful, natural background. Also, early morning and late afternoons bring the park to life, with children laughing and playing and locals enjoying a quintessentially Saigon ambiance. And that is where passersby can pause and take vibrant photos of Saigon's everyday life.

>>> Read more about the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
4. Major annual events held at the park
4.1. Tet Viet Festival
Tet Viet Festival at Le Van Tam Park is a popular event open to the public, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant traditions of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. The festival features a variety of activities that celebrate Tet customs, including traditional food, folk games, and Tet market experiences. It is typically held from January to February, coinciding with the lead-up to the Tet Holiday.
4.2. Tet Flower Market
Le Van Tam Park is one of the three major Tet flower markets in Ho Chi Minh City. The market starts early on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, with hundreds of flower varieties displayed both inside the park and along the surrounding streets. The usual tranquil atmosphere of the park is transformed into a vibrant, colorful, and festive environment, brimming with energy and excitement.

4.3. Ho Chi Minh City Book Festival
The Le Van Tam Park Book Fair, held biannually, features a wide range of activities such as book displays, reader interactions, live performances, and food stalls. The fair offers visitors an extensive variety of books, from educational materials and comics to science fiction and novels. Visitors can also explore cultural and stationery businesses, making it a fantastic event for both book lovers and shoppers.
>>> Keep reading: things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
5. Guide for first-time visitors to Le Van Tam Park
5.1. How to get there?
Due to its prime location in the heart of the city, surrounded by major roads such as Dien Bien Phu, Vo Thi Sau, Hai Ba Trung, and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, getting to Le Van Tam Park is very convenient and easy. You can simply use Google Maps for directions. Additionally, the park is accessible by several bus routes, including Bus 10, 150, 91, 93, 54.
5.2. What to note?
When visiting Le Van Tam Park, keep the following tips in mind:
- Dispose of waste in designated bins to maintain cleanliness.
- Respect the environment by refraining from climbing, picking, or damaging plants and flowers.
- Note that all surrounding streets are one-way, so drive with caution if you're using a motorbike or car.
- Beyond the park's street vendors, plenty of excellent food options are available nearby.
- During festivals, book fairs, or other events, the park can get crowded. Ensure your belongings are secure and stay vigilant to avoid theft.

5.3. Where to go nearby?
On your journey exploring Le Van Tam Park, you’ll pass by many other famous tourist attractions in Saigon, such as:
- Tan Dinh Church (about 400 meters): Officially known as the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it is one of the most significant and stunning architectural landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its pink façade, this 19th-century European-style church is a stunning architectural gem and a popular tourist destination.
- Jade Emperor Pagoda (850 meters): Built in the early 20th century, the temple is famous for its Jade Emperor Festival and sacred rituals, drawing visitors seeking blessings for prosperity and harmony.
- Turtle Lake (900 meters): Turtle Lake is a favorite hangout and sightseeing spot for young locals and tourists alike, perfect for sightseeing and snacking.
- War Remnants Museum (1.3 kilometers): This museum offers profound insights into Vietnam's wartime history with its extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs.
- Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (1.4 kilometers): A French colonial masterpiece featuring two 57.6-meter bell towers, this serene and majestic cathedral is a must-see in the city.

Le Van Tam Park is not just a park but a community hub that blends historical significance with modern-day leisure. Whether you're looking for a spot to unwind, engage in outdoor activities, or enjoy the natural beauty of the space, it has something for everyone. Its charm lies in its balance between serenity and vibrancy, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
While visiting Saigon, make sure to explore Grand Park Amusement Park, a vibrant entertainment destination in Thu Duc City. This dynamic venue boasts attractions like the Tropical Island water park, a magical garden adorned with luminous tree installations, and an urban beach offering exciting water-based activities. Blending cutting-edge entertainment with natural beauty, the park is also renowned for its unique events, such as the captivating Fantasy On Ice festival, alongside a variety of shopping and dining options available year-round.

In addition to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam boasts many attractive destinations that tourists can combine into their travel lists, such as Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Ha Long, etc. Each stop comes with incredible natural wonders and offers unique historical, cultural, and entertaining experiences for tourists here.
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