Le Thi Rieng Cultural Park (Công viên Văn hoá Lê Thị Riêng)
Essential Guide: A Local Green Oasis and Family Fun Destination
Le Thi Rieng Cultural Park, or Công viên Văn hoá Lê Thị Riêng, is a prominent and highly cherished urban park in Ho Chi Minh City. Unlike the centrally located historical parks, Le Thi Rieng offers a truly authentic glimpse into local life, serving as both a tranquil green space and a bustling hub for community and family entertainment.
Practical Visitor Information
| Practical Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 875 Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, Ward 15, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City |
| Park Entrance Fee | Free (The park itself is public and open to everyone.) |
| Operating Hours | Generally 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (Hours are very long to accommodate morning exercisers and evening leisure.) |
| Tho Trang Amusement Park | Hours and ticket prices are separate; see below. |
| How to Get There | Easily accessible by taxi or Grab. It is centrally located in District 10. |
| Best Time to Visit | Early Morning (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM): To see locals exercising, practicing Tai Chi, and enjoying the cool air. Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): When families gather and the amusement park is most lively. |
What Tourists Want to Know
History and Cultural Significance
The park’s history is surprisingly deep, reflecting a significant urban transformation in Saigon:
From Cemetery to Park: The land where the park now stands was historically the vast Đô Thành Cemetery (also known as Chí Hòa Cemetery) before 1975. As part of a major urban development plan in the early 1980s, the cemetery was cleared and transformed into this public cultural park, officially opening in 1983.
The Name: The park is named in honor of Lê Thị Riêng, a senior female member of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (Viet Cong) during the war, whose tomb was once located in the cemetery. This gives the park a deep historical and political resonance for Vietnamese citizens.
Memorials: Within the grounds, visitors can find historical elements like a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Memorial Plaque to General Secretary Trần Phú, offering educational points about Vietnam’s tumultuous past.
The Main Attractions & Activities
Le Thi Rieng is famous for balancing serene nature with exciting activities:
The Green Escape: Covering about 8 hectares, the park offers lush greenery, wide walking paths, and a large central lake surrounded by willows. It truly functions as a “green lung,” offering fresh air and a peaceful place for jogging, walking, and relaxing.
Thỏ Trắng (White Rabbit) Amusement Park: This section, located inside the cultural park, is a major draw for families. It features numerous amusement rides, from gentle carousels for small children to more thrilling outdoor attractions. Note: This area requires separate tickets for the rides.
Swimming Pool: The park complex often includes a public swimming facility, offering a refreshing break from the heat, with separate areas for children and adults. Note: Swimming requires a separate admission fee.
Local Life: The park is the best place to witness the daily routine of Saigonese life: people practicing ballroom dancing, playing shuttlecock (đá cầu), or simply gathering for conversation.
Food and Shopping
The park experience extends to its perimeter and internal kiosks:
Street Food Paradise: The areas surrounding the main park gates, particularly in the evening, transform into vibrant street food hubs where you can sample various local snacks, juices, and light meals at very affordable prices.
Refreshments: Numerous small stalls inside the park sell cold drinks, ice cream, and light snacks, perfect for a break while strolling.
Tip for Foreign Visitors: Since the park’s main appeal is local life and the amusement park, the staff and signage are primarily in Vietnamese. Be prepared to use body language or translation apps, particularly when purchasing ride tickets.
