Jan - 27 - 2026
Right in front of the Independence Palace, April 30th Park in Ho Chi Minh City is a small but meaningful green space located right in the heart of the city. More than just a public park, it’s a place where Saigon’s history, youth culture, and everyday local life naturally blend. A steady flow of worshippers visits the temple beginning in the twelfth lunar month. They continue through the end of the second lunar month to perform repayment rituals, pray for lasting prosperity, and seek blessings for the year ahead. In this GTrip guide, you’ll discover the park’s background, its unique sidewalk coffee culture, nearby street snacks, and practical tips to help you enjoy April 30th Park like a local.
Overview of April 30th Park in Ho Chi Minh City
- Address: 6 Le Duan Street, Saigon Ward (formerly District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: All day
- Entrance fee: Free
- Best time to visit: Early morning
April 30th Park (30/4 Park) is an essential stop on any Ho Chi Minh City itinerary. It’s a wide, open space that acts as a green lung for the bustling city center, connecting two of its most famous historical landmarks. It is less of a manicured garden and more of a lively public square shaded by a canopy of towering tropical trees, making it a beloved gathering spot for people from all walks of life.
April 30 Park is a central green space in Ho Chi Minh City, linking major landmarks and serving as a lively, tree-shaded gathering place for locals and visitors
History and highlights of April 30th Park
To fully appreciate April 30th Park, it’s important to understand both its historical background and the elements that shape its atmosphere today. These elements, rooted in symbolism and everyday local life, collectively shape the park’s distinctive identity in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
The history of the park
Before becoming the public space it is today, April 30 Park was originally part of the front grounds of the Independence Palace. At the time, it was a large open space bordered by major central streets, functioning as an architectural buffer between residential areas and the administrative complex. After reunification in 1975, the area was redeveloped into a public park to support urban renewal and community spaces.
Over the years, April 30 Park has been carefully maintained and gradually upgraded to enhance its greenery and overall appearance. In 2014, the park underwent a major renovation with an investment of approximately VND 23 billion, focusing on improving walkways, flower beds, and the general landscape. Most recently, in May 2025, dozens of landscaping workers planted new flowers and refreshed the grounds to welcome tourists and prepare for the upcoming festival season.
Throughout its development, the park has twice witnessed significant historical events of both the city and the nation. For Saigon residents, April 30 Park represents a shared urban memory, embracing early-morning sidewalk coffee culture as well as moments of relaxation, social interaction, and community life. With its prime location and long historical presence, the park has become an integral part of daily life for many generations, hosting cultural events and festivals.
April 30 Park has evolved from the former forecourt of the Independence Palace into a historic public park, shaped by urban renewal, cultural events
The highlight
The most striking highlight of April 30th Park is its incredible atmosphere. It’s a living, breathing social hub. The physical space is defined by its sprawling, ancient trees, whose vast branches interlace to create a dense canopy of shade, a welcome reprieve from Saigon’s tropical heat. Beneath this natural umbrella, the park buzzes with energy. The park is a place filled with the sounds of chatter, laughter, and the whir of passing motorbikes on Le Duan Street.
Its strategic location is its other superpower. Nestled perfectly between the historic Notre Dame Cathedral and the imposing Independence Palace, the park forms a "green axis" of major landmarks. This makes it an unmissable and convenient stopping point for tourists. But the true highlight is witnessing the vibrant local culture firsthand. The park is a favorite haunt for university students and young Saigonese, creating a youthful, dynamic, and incredibly welcoming energy that is the true essence of modern Ho Chi Minh City.
April 30 Park is known for its shaded, lively atmosphere and central location, making it a vibrant hub of local life in Ho Chi Minh City
Things to do in April 30th Park
April 30th Park may look simple at first glance, but it offers plenty of ways to experience local life in Saigon. You can relax under the trees while joining in everyday social rituals, these are the best things to do in the park like a local.
Enjoy fresh air and catch up with friends
In a city as fast-paced as Saigon, April 30th Park offers a precious opportunity to simply slow down. One of the best things to do here is exactly what the locals do: find a comfortable spot under the trees and just be. This is the city's unofficial outdoor living room. You’ll see groups of friends gathered in circles, chatting animatedly about their day. You’ll spot university students with textbooks spread out, taking advantage of the cool shade to study. Office workers often escape their air-conditioned cubicles for a quick lunch break on a park bench.
It’s a fantastic place for people-watching. Observe couples on first dates, families playing with their children, and elderly residents enjoying a stroll. The simple act of sitting here connects you to the daily rhythm of Saigonese life in a way that visiting a museum cannot. It’s a free, authentic, and deeply relaxing experience that allows you to escape the traffic and noise, breathe in some relatively fresh air, and feel like a part of the community.
Experience “ca phe bet” - Saigon’s unique sidewalk coffee culture
If there's one experience that defines April 30th Park, it's ca phe bet, a perfect example of Saigon sidewalk coffee culture. The term literally translates to "ground-sitting coffee", and it's a quintessential Saigon cultural phenomenon you absolutely must try. Don't look for a fancy cafe with tables and chairs, the entire park is the cafe! As evening approaches, dozens of vendors will appear, either on foot or with small carts. You simply flag one down, place your order, and they’ll hand you a delicious, freshly made drink.
The classic order is ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk), the lifeblood of Vietnam. It's strong, sweet, and perfectly refreshing. The vendor will often provide you with a piece of newspaper or a small piece of cardboard to sit on, or you can find a spot on the low concrete ledges. The experience is about more than just the coffee, it's about the social ritual. You sit among hundreds of other people, sipping your drink, chatting, and watching the world go by.
Sidewalk at April 30 Park is a must-try Saigon experience, where visitors sit on the ground to enjoy iced coffee and soak in the city’s vibrant social atmosphere
Enjoy street snacks and local food around the park
In the evening, April 30 Park becomes a lively street food hub that perfectly complements the relaxed sidewalk atmosphere. As the sun sets, mobile vendors begin to gather, filling the area with tempting aromas and a wide selection of affordable local snacks. Popular choices include banh trang nuong, often called Vietnamese pizza, xoai lac with its tangy and spicy green mango slices, ca vien chien served hot on skewers, along with grilled meat sticks and other quick bites. Visitors can simply choose what looks appealing, pay a small amount, and enjoy an informal picnic while soaking in the park’s vibrant nighttime energy.
How to get to April 30th Park?
Thanks to its prime location in the heart of former District 1, a visit to this Le Duan Street park is incredibly easy to incorporate into your sightseeing day. Here are the best ways to get there.
By motorbike
Riding a motorbike is the quintessential Saigon experience. If you've rented one, navigating to April 30th Park is straightforward. The wide, tree-lined boulevards around the park are a joy to drive on compared to some of the city's narrower alleys.
- From Ben Thanh Market: This is a very short and scenic ride, taking only about 5 - 10 minutes. Head down Le Loi Street, turn left onto Pasteur, and then right onto Le Duan. The park will be on your left. The total distance is less than 2 km.
- From other districts: Your best friend is a navigation app. Simply type "Cong vien 30 thang 4" or "April 30th Park" into Google Maps for the most accurate and efficient route.
By rental app
For ultimate convenience and to avoid navigating traffic or parking, using a ride-hailing app is your best bet. This is a very popular and affordable method for both locals and tourists in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Popular apps: Download Grab, XanhSM, or Be. These are the top three ride-hailing services in Vietnam.
- How it works: Simply enter "April 30th Park" as your destination. You can choose between a motorbike taxi (cheaper and faster in traffic) or a car (more comfortable and air-conditioned). The price is fixed upfront, so there's no need to haggle. It's a hassle-free and reliable option.
By bus
Taking the public bus is a very local and budget-friendly way to reach the park. Several routes stop nearby. Look for the bus stop right next to the park on Pasteur Street or across from the Independence Palace.
- Bus No. 03 (Ben Thanh ↔ Thanh Loc): This route is very convenient for tourists as it passes through the central Ben Thanh bus station and other parts of former District 1.
- Bus No. 19 (Mien Dong Bus Station ↔ Vietnam National University): A great option if you're coming from the Binh Thanh district or the eastern part of the city.
- Bus No. 45 (Mien Dong Bus Station ↔ District 8 Bus Station): This route crisscrosses the city, stopping conveniently near the park.
Several public bus routes stop near April 30 Park on Pasteur Street, making it an affordable and convenient option for getting there
Nearby attractions to April 30th Park in Ho Chi Minh City
The park's incredible location makes it the perfect hub for a day of exploring Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic French colonial and historical landmarks. All of these are just a few steps away!
- Independence Palace (Reunification Palace): Located directly across Le Duan Street from the park, this is where the Vietnam War ended. A visit here is a fascinating journey back to the 1960s and 70s.
- Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon: Standing majestically at the other end of the park, this stunning red-brick cathedral is a symbol of the city, built by French colonists in the late 19th century.
- Saigon Central Post Office: Right beside the cathedral, this is a magnificent architectural masterpiece designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm. It's still a functioning post office, so you can send a postcard home from a piece of history.
- Nguyen Van Binh Book Street: Tucked alongside the Post Office, this charming, pedestrian-only street is lined with bookshops and lovely little cafes. It’s a peaceful oasis for book lovers and a great place to find unique souvenirs.
April 30 Park sits at the heart of major attractions like Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
Practical tips for visiting April 30th Park
To make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible, keep these friendly insider tips from GTrip in mind.
- Protect your belongings: While April 30th Park is generally very safe, it is a crowded public space. Like in any big city, it's wise to be mindful of your valuables. Keep your phone, wallet, and camera secure, especially in the evening when it’s most packed.
- Bring small cash: The coffee and snack vendors are a cash-only economy. Make sure you have small denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND) with you, like 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 notes, to make transactions easy.
- Stay hydrated: Saigon is hot and humid year-round. While you can easily buy drinks in the park, it’s always a good idea to carry a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated, especially if you're walking around during the day.
- Be a tidy traveler: The park is a beloved local space. After enjoying your coffee and snacks, please gather your trash (newspapers, plastic cups, etc.) and dispose of it in one of the many bins located around the park. Let's help keep it beautiful!
- Wear sunscreen: The tree canopy provides a lot of shade, but the Vietnamese sun is strong. If you're visiting during the day, applying sunscreen is a must to protect your skin.
FAQs about April 30th Park
Here are quick answers to some of the most common questions visitors have.
1. Where can I park near April 30th Park?
Yes, parking is available nearby. The most convenient options are the official paid parking basements:
- Diamond Plaza: A large shopping mall across the street with a spacious underground parking area.
- Youth Cultural House (Nha Van hoa Thanh nien): Located next to the park, this complex has a large parking lot for motorbikes. There are also some designated street parking spots along the surrounding roads, but they fill up quickly.
2. Is there an entrance fee for April 30th Park?
No, there is absolutely no entrance fee to enter April 30th Park. It is a public space and completely free for everyone to enjoy, 24 hours a day. This is one of the best free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!
3. Are there any attractions near April 30th Park?
Yes, the park is surrounded by some of the city's most famous attractions, all within easy walking distance. These include:
- Independence Palace
- Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
- Saigon Central Post Office
- Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
- Diamond Plaza
With free 24-hour access, nearby parking options, and walking-distance landmarks is an easy and convenient stop for visitors
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April 30th Park is a living snapshot of Saigonese life. It's where history, culture, and daily life intersect under the shade of ancient trees. If you come for a peaceful morning walk, an afternoon of people-watching, or an evening immersed in the buzzing atmosphere of the sidewalk, you'll leave with a appreciation for this incredible city. It’s a place to relax your feet after a long day of sightseeing and to connect with the warm, youthful spirit of Saigon. We hope this GTrip guide helps you discover and enjoy every moment at this wonderful Ho Chi Minh City gem.
