What is Ly Thai To Park Like?
Name, Location & Atmosphere
Ly Thai To Park is also known as Ly Thai To Garden or Chi Linh Flower Garden—you’ll see all three names used around Hanoi. It’s located by Hoan Kiem Lake, at the corner of Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thach, Le Lai, and Ngo Quyen streets. There is also a Ly Thai To Park in Bac Ninh, which is in the king’s birthplace. The Hanoi park offers a peaceful yet lively space with tall trees, open paths, and a central square where locals gather to relax, dance, or take photos.
History of the site
This area was once home to Pho Giac Pagoda, which was relocated in 1886 during the French redesign of Hanoi’s center. The garden was first called Paul Bert, then Chi Linh, and later Indira Gandhi Park. In 2004, it was renovated and renamed Ly Thai To Park, marking Hanoi’s 1,000-year anniversary and honoring the king who moved the capital here.
Who was Ly Thai To?
Ly Thai To (also known as Ly Cong Uan) founded the Ly Dynasty and moved Vietnam’s capital to Hanoi in 1010. Legend says he saw a golden dragon rise from the Red River—an omen that inspired the name Thang Long, meaning “Rising Dragon.” Read our full guide to Ly Thai To for more on his life and legacy.
What to see at Ly Thai To Park
1. Ly Thai To Statue
The bronze statue of King Ly Thai To is the centerpiece of the park. It stands 9.5 meters tall, weighs 32 tons, and shows the king holding the edict to move the capital to Thang Long (Hanoi). The octagonal base symbolizes Hanoi’s ancient city gates, and the surrounding area features dragon carvings and traditional stone lanterns. Created by sculptor Vi Thi Hoa, the statue faces Hoan Kiem Lake and is often the backdrop for photos, national ceremonies, and cultural events.
2. Octagon House
Just behind the statue is the Octagon House, originally built by the French in 1901 as a small performance space. Its design blends French colonial architecture with Vietnamese details, such as a tiled roof and carved stone railings. With its distinctive eight-sided shape, it’s now used for public exhibitions, youth performances, and art events throughout the year.
3. Local Life & Activities
The park is more than a monument—it’s a space where local life plays out daily. In the early morning, it’s quiet and ideal for a stroll or lakeside coffee. In the evening and on weekends, it becomes lively with children playing, elderly groups dancing, and friends meeting up on benches. Occasional cultural shows and public events take place on the central square.
4. Toad (Diên Hong) Flower Garden & Fountain
Next to Ly Thai To Park is the Diên Hồng Flower Garden, often called the Toad Garden due to its fountain decorated with frog sculptures. Built in 1901, this is Hanoi’s oldest surviving fountain and hides a small tomb for Léon Jean Laurent Chavassieux, a former French governor. Although not officially part of the park, the shaded lawn, historic charm, and quiet corners make it a popular stop for photos, morning exercise, or simply enjoying a slower moment in the city. Some areas are a bit worn, but it still retains a nostalgic appeal.
What’s nearby Ly Thai To Park?
Ly Thai To Park is a great rest stop on a self-guided walking tour through central Hanoi. Its central location makes it easy to combine with nearby sights, shopping, and cultural spots. Here are some top places within a short walk:
- Hoan Kiem Lake – Walk the lakeside path, visit Turtle Tower, and enjoy the pedestrian zone on weekends.
- Ngoc Son Temple – A picturesque temple on a small island, reached by the iconic red bridge.
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theater – Catch a traditional water puppet show just across the street.
- Hanoi Opera House – Admire this grand French colonial building, or attend a performance.
- Trang Tien Plaza – Browse luxury shops and local brands at this nearby upscale mall.
- French Quarter – Explore elegant streets lined with colonial architecture, quiet cafés, and government buildings.
- Walking streets – On weekend evenings, nearby roads become car-free zones filled with music, games, and street life.
Is Ly Thai To Park worth visiting?
On its own, Ly Thai To Park isn’t a must-see. It’s a small, pleasant space, but not particularly impressive compared to Hanoi’s bigger cultural sites. However, if you’re already walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s absolutely worth a stop. The statue, garden, and lively square add local color to your stroll—and it combines well with nearby highlights like the French Quarter, Ngoc Son Temple, or a visit to the Water Puppet Theater.
