Coming to adorable Hanoi, besides contemplating the tower buildings with huge commercial centers, the parks ar places that noone should miss. There, you will find yourself immersed in a relaxing atmosphere, comfortably strolling, doing sightseeing, enjoying the intimate chit-chat or even taking part in weekend activities.

1. THU LE PARK

This park is located inside a large lake, having an oval-shaped land of soil, looking like a tear-like soil. That is also the origin of the name Thu Le, whose name is “holding the tears”. It used to be known as Bach Thao Gardens as well. The Hanoi Zoo is set within the park and there are over 90 different kinds of species and a number of approximately 800 animals that live within the premises, including big cats, monkeys and reptiles. Don’t let the term zoo mislead you – this is one of the most fabulous parks in Vietnam! Thu Le Park is continuously striving to improve its facilities in order to manage to take care of the animals as best as they could. They aim to conserve and protect regional animals which are supposed to be under threat.

Kids in particular love the zoo and park, but you will definitely find a lot of corners comfortable for adults around, too, since it offers a real respite from the hustle and bustle atmosphere of Hanoi city life. There is also a lake with peddle boats, making it a jubiliant getaway for anyone.

Accordingly, visitors will also find themselves mingling in the harmonious symphony of birds with the crystal clear sound of the mi mi miu or the energetic monkeys.

                                                                                     Photo: Hoang Long

Jogging around the park, inhaling in the fresh air and sensing a feel of peace after the hecticity of everyday life will certainly be the relaxing moments for the weekend with friends, family or beloved ones.

Address: Kim Ma Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.

2. YEN SO PARK

This is the most extensive green park in Hoang Mai distric, Hanoi with a total area of about 325 ha, which is a part of  commercial center and 5-star hotel complex, Gamuda.

Located at the southern gateway and is considered to be the green lung of Hanoi capital, Yen So park includes buildings such as art galleries, boat houses, outdoor theaters, mesmerizing gardens, cultural villages and various landscapes; besides, it also have five natural lakes surrounding six themed gardens, a chain of dining options, shops, residential zones, and business center. There are bicycle rental service priced at about 2 USD per hour and boat rental service for about 3 USD.

 The location and the great number of trees here offer a lot of shade from the Hanoi sun and muffles the sound of nearby traffic, turning it almost into a soothing background murmur that your ears get used to. The pathways are amazingly cool and surrounded on both sides by lushes grass, high trees and colourful flowers – it’s incredible because many people are astonished to know that it exists such a well-kept and green areas existing in an urban city like Hanoi.

Address: Near Nuoc Ngam car station, Hoang Mai dist., Hanoi.

3. HOA BINH PARK

Located on Pham Van Dong street, this is absolutely an interesting destination for many young people. The park covers an area of over 20 hectares of Xuan Dinh commune, Tu Liem district, Hanoi. This park was built in the celebration of 990 years of Thang Long – Hanoi. At the same time, the capital was proudly honored to be awarded the title “City for Peace” by UNESCO.

The architectural highlight of the park lies in the main entrance, which was not built with gates but symbols. The main gate is to the north, and back about 40m is a series of greenery islands.

The significance of the North gate is the Lac bird which was built towards the highway. If you are a delicate person who has a tendency to pay attention to small features, you will surely recognize the interesting features in this design, which is the model of the Lac bird, together with the lake forming the English word “No War”.

Address: Pham Van Dong Street, Xuan Dinh Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi.

4. THONG NHAT PARK

Thong Nhat Park is another big park in Hanoi. Though having Bay Mau Lake located in the center, bordering to four mains streets, the park is very tranquil and airy. Thong Nhat park has always been the ideal destination for relaxation, entertainment, group activities, outdoor education or even fairs.

There is a peaceful and serene Hoa Binh island in the middle of Bay Mau lake, and there are many areas for growing flowers and ornamental plants, various interesting games for children such as ferris wheel, mirror house, rowing boat, etc. Particularly on holidays, this park is also the venue for the Spring Flower Fair with thousands of beautiful and fragrant flowers.

Address: Tran Nhan Tong Street, Le Dai Hanh ward, Hai Ba Trung dist., Hanoi.

5. NGHIA DO PARK

This is regarded to be the 50th anniversary of the liberation day of the capital city. With a total area of nearly 47 thousand square meters, Nghia Do park is considered the green lung of the West of the Capital, with flower gardens, emerald green trees, a winding path around the romantic lake, picturesque scenery, fresh environment and airy and calm space. The park has become an ideal place to engage in outdoor activities, relax, exercise, and it also acts as entertainment areas for children.

The park is surrounded by Nguyen Van Huyen – Nguyen Khanh Toan – Chua Ha – To Hieu streets of Cau Giay district. On coming here, you can get into the park by 2 gates located on To Hieu Street or one on Nguyen Van Huyen Street.

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Dich Vong ward, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi.

6. CAU GIAY PARK

Cau Giay park is also known as Yen Hoa park, which is the park with an area of 6540 m2 including green trees planted systematically from the very beginning in order to create a cool and clean campus for the park.

The park is divided into three main areas: a children’s playing area, a sports area and a lake; in addition, there is a square where the residents living around could take a walk. This is really an suited destination for visitors who wish to have a place of  relaxation, releasing stress, having some fun and recharging their batteries.

Address: Thanh Thai, Dich Vong ward, Cau Giay Dist. Hanoi

7. LENIN PARK

Lenin Park Hanoi was built on Chi Lang flower garden (Canh Nong flower garden) and it acts as a symbol of the vigorous vitality of the Vietnamese people. This was originally a lake who name was Ho Voi (Elephant Lake) because in the old days, this used to be place where the soldiers showered for elephants.

In 1982, Vietnamese Government built Lenin monument in Chi Lang flower garden and then, on August 20, 1985, a 5.2m high bronze statue of Lenin was placed on a 2.7m high marble pedestal facing the Dien Bien Phu street.
On October 7, 2003, Chi Lang flower garden was named after Lenin park.
Currently, Lenin park has an area of about 17,000m², is a place with spacious space in the heart of Hanoi capital.

Address: Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh Dist. Hanoi.

8. INDIRA GANDHI PARK

Indira Park is located just opposite the National Cinema Center. It sounds strange because the park takes the name of India’s first female Prime Minister – Indira Gandhi to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation day of Hanoi capital. The statue turns to the North, and its main gate is on Lang Ha Street looking spectacular and solemn.

This park embraces Thanh Cong lake, whose water was purified and filtereclean. This lake also has a magnificent fountain  with greenery system forming clean playing areas and beautiful scenery.
Address: 16B Lang Ha, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

Source: WhatsupVietnam.com