Parks and Riverside Walks in Ho Chi Minh City

Part of the Ho Chi Minh City travel guide — see every topic in All Ho Chi Minh City Guides.

Ho Chi Minh City is hot, busy and full of motorbikes, but it also has calm parks and open spaces by the river. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to walk, when locals come out to exercise and relax. This guide covers the main walking street, the riverside, the big central parks and the new open spaces across the river.

Nguyen Hue walking street

Nguyen Hue is a wide pedestrian boulevard in the city centre. It runs from the old City Hall area down towards the Saigon River. There are fountains, benches and trees along the middle, and modern towers and old buildings on both sides. In the evening, families and young people gather here to walk, take photos, watch street performers and eat snacks. The street is busiest on weekend nights. During big holidays, such as Tet, it becomes a flower street with large displays. The Opera House metro station is close by.

Bach Dang wharf and the river

At the bottom of Nguyen Hue is Bach Dang wharf, a park along the Saigon River. It has paths, lawns and benches with views across the water to the Thu Thiem side. River boats and the Saigon Waterbus leave from piers here. In the evening, the breeze from the river makes the walk cooler, and the lights of the city reflect on the water. You can walk north along the river towards the Ba Son area. This is a good walk to combine with a river cruise or dinner in the centre.

Tao Dan Park

Tao Dan Park is a large, shady park in the city centre, with very tall old trees. In the early morning, it is full of people doing tai chi, dance, badminton and exercise. One corner is known for its bird cafés, where men bring their songbirds in cages and hang them in the trees while they drink coffee. The birds sing to each other, and it is a peaceful and unusual scene. Come between about 6 and 8 am to see it at its best. The park is quieter during the day and is a good place to rest in the shade.

Thu Thiem riverside

Across the river from the old centre is Thu Thiem, a large new urban area. Along its riverbank there are new parks with open lawns, paths and gardens. The best part is the view back across the river to the skyline of the old centre, especially at sunset and at night when the towers light up. You can reach Thu Thiem by Grab through the Thu Thiem tunnel or over the bridges. The area is still being developed, so some parts are construction sites. Check a map app for open parks. Since 2025, Thu Thiem is part of An Khanh ward.

Tips for walking

The best times to walk are early morning, about 5:30 to 8 am, and evening, after about 5 pm. The midday heat is strong all year. Carry water and wear a hat. In the rainy season, from about May to November, short and heavy storms are common in the afternoon, so carry a light raincoat. Be careful crossing roads. Walk at a slow, steady speed, and use crossings and traffic lights. Motorbikes sometimes ride on pavements. Parks are free to enter and have toilets. Most parks have small kiosks selling cold drinks and coconut water.

Parks and Riverside Walks at a glance

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