Dec - 26 - 2025
September 23rd Park, known locally as Cong vien 23 thang 9, is a sprawling green artery that breathes life into the concrete heart of Ho Chi Minh City. More than just a quiet patch of grass, this park is a dynamic stage for daily life, a bustling hub for commerce, and a historical landmark all rolled into one. It’s where early morning joggers cross paths with backpackers starting their day, where students gather for a chat, and where the city's vibrant energy is on full display. With insights from GTrip, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know.
Overview of September 23rd Park in Ho Chi Minh City
- Location: Ben Thanh Ward (formerly part of Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City.
- Opening hours: Open 24/24
- Entrance fee: Free
- Best time to visit:
- Early morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Ideal for watching locals exercise, enjoy fresh air, and experience the park at its most peaceful.
- Late afternoon and evening (after 4:00 PM): The park becomes lively with social gatherings, street food vendors, and cooler, more comfortable temperatures.
September 23rd Park stretches between Le Lai and Pham Ngu Lao Streets and is conveniently positioned across from the famous Ben Thanh Market. It’s also just 3 km from Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This long, narrow green space serves as a vital “green lung” for the densely populated former District 1. Flanked by major thoroughfares, it separates the bustling backpacker area of Pham Ngu Lao from the commercial zones leading to Ben Thanh Market. This unique position makes it an essential crossroads for local life, commerce, and recreation, perfectly situated for anyone exploring the core of the city. Below are the key facts you need for your visit.
September 23rd Park is a long, narrow green space that serves as a vital “green lung” in the heart of former District 1
History of September 23rd Park
The ground beneath September 23rd Park holds a fascinating story that reflects the city's own transformation. For decades, this long strip of land was not a park at all, but the site of the original Saigon Railway Station (Ga Sai Gon), a grand terminal built by the French in the late 19th century. As the central hub of Vietnam's railway network, it was a symbol of colonial infrastructure and a bustling gateway to the city. For nearly a century, the sounds of train whistles and the clamor of travelers filled the air where trees and benches now stand.
Following the end of the Vietnam War and the country's reunification, plans were made to modernize the city's infrastructure. The old railway station was deemed too central for the growing metropolis, and during the 1980s, it was demolished and relocated to its current position in District 3. The newly vacant land was then repurposed into a public green space. Its name, "September 23rd Park", was chosen to commemorate a pivotal date in Vietnamese history. On September 23, 1945, just weeks after President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence, the Southern Resistance War against the re-imposing French forces began in Saigon. The park stands today as a living monument, honoring the start of that struggle for national sovereignty and transforming a symbol of colonial power into a space for the people.
September 23rd Park sits on the historic grounds of the former Saigon Railway Station, transforming from a colonial-era transport hub into a green space
Things to do in September 23rd Park
More than just a green space for a leisurely stroll, the park is a bustling center of activity with hidden gems both above and below ground. It offers a surprising variety of experiences, catering to foodies, shoppers, and culture seekers alike. Here’s what you can discover during your visit.
Exciting annual festivals and fairs
September 23rd Park is one of Ho Chi Minh City's premier venues for large-scale public events and cultural festivals. Its central location and expansive open area make it the perfect stage for celebrations that draw massive crowds of both locals and tourists. Throughout the year, the park's atmosphere transforms dramatically depending on the occasion. The park hosts numerous events throughout the year, like the Tet Flower Festival, international book fairs, and international food festivals.
The most famous of these is the Tet Flower Festival, held in the weeks leading up to the Lunar New Year. The park explodes into a symphony of color and fragrance as it becomes a massive market for auspicious plants and flowers, such as apricot blossoms, kumquat trees, and chrysanthemums. It’s a magical time to visit, offering incredible photo opportunities and a deep dive into Vietnam’s most important holiday traditions. You might also come across a lively food festival, a bustling book fair, or a trade show promoting regional products. These events transform the park into a vibrant marketplace of colors, sounds, and tastes, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience contemporary local culture in full swing.
Tet Flower Festival at September 23rd Park fills with many colors of flowers
Asiana Food Town - A haven for food lovers
Beneath the green canopy of the park lies a modern, subterranean world dedicated to gastronomy: Asiana Food Town. This large, air-conditioned food court is a true haven for food lovers, offering a clean, comfortable, and affordable escape from the city's heat. It’s a fantastic introduction to the diverse flavors of the continent, all conveniently located in one place. As you descend the escalator, you're greeted by the tantalizing aromas of dozens of food stalls neatly arranged in a street-market style.
The variety is staggering. You can find a wide range of culinary delights, including Vietnamese classics like pho and banh xeo, savory Japanese sushi and ramen, sizzling Korean BBQ, and spicy Thai street food. The system is simple and efficient: you purchase a top-up card at the entrance, load it with money, and then use it to pay at any of the vendor stalls. This cashless system makes it easy to sample small dishes from multiple vendors. Asiana Food Town provides an incredible selection in a modern environment, making it a popular choice for families, students, and tourists. If you're a true foodie, don't miss our complete guide to street foods in Ho Chi Minh City.
Taka Plaza - A must-visit shopping destination
Adjacent to Asiana Food Town, also located in the park's underground complex, is Taka Plaza. This spot is an affordable shopping paradise that savvy locals and tourists flock to for great deals on fashion and accessories. While markets like Ben Thanh are famous for haggling, Taka Plaza offers a more relaxed shopping experience, with many items featuring fixed (and very reasonable) prices. It’s often described as an indoor, air-conditioned version of the popular Saigon Square.
Inside, you'll find a maze of stalls packed with a wide array of goods, primarily focused on fashion. The selection includes trendy clothing for men and women, shoes, sneakers, stylish handbags, wallets, and a variety of accessories like belts and sunglasses. Much of the merchandise consists of export surplus from major international brands, meaning you can often find high-quality items at a fraction of their original retail price. The comfortable, air-conditioned environment makes it a pleasant alternative to the often-sweltering outdoor markets. It’s the perfect place to update your travel wardrobe or hunt for souvenirs.
Taka Plaza offers shopping experience and also food journey
Enjoy the green and fresh environment
Beyond its underground attractions, the park’s primary role is to be a sanctuary of calm and a stage for local life. For visitors, one of the most rewarding things to do is simply to find a bench in the shade, relax, and watch the world go by. The park offers a candid, unfiltered glimpse into the daily routines of Saigonese people from all walks of life. Visiting in the late afternoon (after 4 PM) allows you to experience the park as locals do, with many people exercising and socializing.
In the early mornings, the park is filled with seniors practicing tai chi in slow, graceful movements, while joggers and walkers make use of the long, straight paths. As the day progresses, you’ll see groups of friends and couples relaxing on the grass. In the late afternoon, the energy picks up again. You can witness intense and skillful games of da cau (foot shuttlecock), a traditional Vietnamese sport that’s captivating to watch. The park is also a well-known spot where university students gather to practice their English with foreigners. If you’re open to a conversation, you’ll likely be approached by friendly students eager for a chat, offering a wonderful opportunity for genuine cultural exchange.
How to get to September 23rd Park in Ho Chi Minh City
Thanks to its central location in former District 1, getting to the park is incredibly easy. Here are the most common options:
- By bus: The main Saigon Bus Station (Ben xe buyt Sai Gon) is conveniently located right at one end of September 23rd Park. This makes it a major hub for the city's public transportation network. Dozens of bus routes from all over the city terminate or pass through here, making it one of the most accessible spots in Ho Chi Minh City by public transport.
- By taxi or ride-hailing app: This is a fast and convenient option, especially if you are traveling with luggage or in the heat. Simply set your destination to "September 23rd Park" or "Cong vien 23 thang 9" on popular apps like Grab or XanhSM. Given the park's length, it’s helpful to specify which end you want to be dropped off at (e.g., "near Ben Thanh Market" or "near Pham Ngu Lao").
- On foot: If you're staying anywhere in the tourist heart of former District 1, the park is almost certainly within easy walking distance. It’s right next to the famous Pham Ngu Lao "backpacker street" and just a few minutes' walk from major hotels and landmarks around Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Boulevard.
Go to September 23rd Park in the early morning or late evening to enjoy the green and fresh environment
Nearby attractions around September 23rd Park
One of the best things about September 23rd Park is its strategic location, putting you within walking distance of several of Ho Chi Minh City's top attractions. You can easily combine a relaxing break in the park with a full day of sightseeing.
Ben Thanh Market
Located directly across the traffic circle from the park's eastern end, Ben Thanh Market is arguably Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic landmark. This bustling indoor market, with its distinctive clock tower, is a must-visit for any tourist. Inside, you'll find a dizzying array of goods. The stalls are packed with everything from Vietnamese silk and traditional ao dai to souvenirs, lacquerware, and local handicrafts. It’s also a fantastic place to sample local cuisine, with a dedicated section serving up classic dishes like com tam (broken rice) and a variety of noodle soups. Be prepared to bargain, as it’s all part of the experience.
Independence Palace
Just a 10-15 minute walk from the park, the Independence Palace (also known as the Reunification Palace) is a landmark steeped in modern Vietnamese history. This was the home and office of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The palace is most famous for the image of a North Vietnamese army tank crashing through its gates on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the war. Preserved as a 1960s time capsule, the site showcases war rooms, command bunkers, and lavish staterooms that reveal the era’s architecture and political history.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
A short 5-minute walk from the park, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is a cultural gem housed in one of the city’s most beautiful French colonial-era buildings. The stunning yellow-and-white mansion itself is worth the visit, with its beautiful tilework, stained glass, and grand staircase. Inside, the museum boasts a rich collection of Vietnamese art that showcases the nation's creative history. The exhibits feature a wide range of works, including ancient Champa and Funan artifacts, classical lacquer and silk paintings, and an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. The collection documents Vietnam's turbulent 20th-century history and vibrant present. It’s a peaceful and inspiring escape from the city buzz.
Independence Palace is a must-visit destination that is nearby September 23rd Park
Useful tips for your visit to September 23rd Park
To make the most of your time at this central hub, keep these practical tips in mind for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
- Be mindful of an evening visit: The park is lively and generally safe, but like any urban park in a major city, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure after dark. Stick to well-lit areas where other people are present.
- Engage with students: If you're open to a chat, don't be surprised if you are approached by friendly university students eager to practice their English. This is a common and welcome practice here. It's a wonderful way to have an authentic cultural exchange and get local recommendations.
- Stay hydrated: Ho Chi Minh City is famously hot and humid year-round. Always carry a water bottle. Alternatively, you can easily buy a refreshing coconut or sugarcane juice (nuoc mia) from one of the many mobile vendors stationed along the park's perimeter.
- Combine with other activities: The park’s best feature is its location. Use the park as a relaxing green break in between your visits to the more intense nearby attractions like Ben Thanh Market and the Independence Palace. It’s the perfect spot to rest your feet and recharge.
- Explore the underground: Don't forget that some of the park's main attractions are below ground. Make sure to look for the entrances to Asiana Food Town and Taka Plaza, as they offer a cool, air-conditioned respite with great food and shopping.
Remember the above practical tips to make the most of your visit to September 23rd Park
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September 23rd Park is far more than just a plot of land with trees. It is a dynamic, living cross-section of life in Ho Chi Minh City. It stands as a historical monument, a foodie paradise, a bargain shopper's dream, and a tranquil space for observing the city’s authentic rhythm. The park offers a unique blend of recreation and culture that caters to every type of traveler. You should be sure to add this essential location to your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary to connect with the city's true local energy. We at GTrip hope this guide helps you enjoy your visit to the fullest.
