What is Thong Nhat Park like?
Thong Nhat Park is one of the largest public parks in Hanoi, located just south of the French Quarter and centered around the wide Bay Mau Lake. From the outside, it’s surrounded by major roads, but once inside, you’ll find leafy paths, open lawns, shady groves, and the calming presence of water.
The park isn’t perfectly maintained—expect a few crumbling benches and some dated kids’ zones—but its slightly scruffy charm adds to the sense that it belongs to the people. It’s a genuine local park, not a manicured tourist spot.
Locals still often call it Lenin Park, its former name from 1980 to 2003. Today, that name officially refers to the much smaller park near the Hanoi Flag Tower. Thong Nhat Park, meanwhile, remains a central part of daily life in the capital.
In the early morning or late afternoon, it comes alive with joggers, badminton players, couples on benches, and kids running around or flying kites. It’s not a place you visit for dramatic sights—but if you’re curious about real, everyday Hanoi, this is a peaceful and authentic window into it.
A brief history of Thong Nhat Park
Thong Nhat Park was built in 1958, during the period when Vietnam was divided between North and South. Its name—“Thong Nhat,” meaning “unification”—reflected the aspirations of the North Vietnamese government for national reunification.
The park’s construction involved thousands of local volunteers, symbolizing socialist ideals of collective effort and civic pride. From 1980 to 2003, it was renamed Lenin Park in honor of the Soviet leader, before that name was reassigned to the smaller triangular park near the Flag Tower. Despite changes over time, many older Hanoians still see Thong Nhat Park as a meaningful public space with historical significance.
Highlights of Thong Nhat Park
Thong Nhat Park isn’t a major tourist attraction, but it offers a laid-back look at daily life in Hanoi. It’s a place for quiet walks, people-watching, and soaking in a bit of everyday local atmosphere. Here are some low-key but enjoyable things to see and do:
1. Bay Mau Lake and the Island
The heart of the park is Bay Mau Lake, with a walking path that loops around it (about 1.5 km). It’s not perfectly landscaped, but the lake brings a sense of calm, and the setting feels open and green. There’s a small, tree-covered island accessible by footbridge—scenic and peaceful, with a few benches if you want to stop and rest. A second island farther out isn’t open to visitors, but it adds to the overall relaxed feel of the lake’s layout.
2. Local Activities & Daily Life
Come in the early morning or late afternoon, and you’ll find the park full of energy. Locals jog, stretch, dance, or join group aerobics sessions on the plazas. Others play badminton, walk their dogs, or just chat with friends under the trees.
Open-air gym equipment is scattered throughout the park and gets plenty of use. On weekends, the vibe is even more social—families picnic on grassy spots, children fly kites or ride little toy cars, and young couples stroll hand-in-hand around the lake.
3. The Mirror House
This quirky building inside the park combines playful design with political symbolism. Often called the Mirror House or House of Mirrors, it’s covered in colorful mosaics and filled with mirrored hallways and curved corridors. A 2017 renovation added ceramic tile art representing the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands—part of Vietnam’s territorial identity. While it’s not a reason to come to the park by itself, it’s an interesting and unexpected little detour if you’re already walking nearby.
4. Uncle Ho and Uncle Ton Statue
Near the southern edge of the lake sits a statue of Ho Chi Minh and Ton Duc Thang, symbolic figures of unity between North and South Vietnam. It’s quietly tucked away, and most visitors pass by without noticing—but for those with an interest in Vietnam’s modern history, it’s worth a quick look. Like much of the park, it reflects a blend of political ideals and everyday simplicity.
5. Coffee at The Sipping Bar
Near the Dai Co Viet gate, you’ll find the Sipping Bar Waterfront Café, one of the only sit-down cafés inside a public park in Hanoi. The Sipping Bar offers shaded outdoor tables with a view over the water, along with coffee, smoothies, and a few light snacks. It’s nothing fancy, but the setting is relaxed and local. During a lap around the lake, it’s a pleasant place to pause and enjoy a slower side of Hanoi.
Visiting the park
Getting there
Thong Nhat Park is about 2 to 2.5 km from the Old Quarter, depending on the gate. You can walk, but it’s a bit far—especially if you also plan to stroll around the lake. For most travelers, it’s easier to go by Grab or taxi (either car or motorbike).
Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
There used to be an entrance fee and fixed hours, but the park is now free and accessible at any time. There are no longer visible ticket booths or staff checking for tickets. Most gates are open for easy access throughout the day.
Best time to visit
The biggest reason to visit Thong Nhat Park is to experience local life, and that’s best done early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These are the peak hours when the park fills with Hanoi residents walking their dogs, dancing, exercising, or enjoying a break from the traffic. It’s when the park feels most alive.
What’s nearby
There are no major tourist attractions right next to the park, but you’ll find plenty of nice cafés and good restaurants in the area, especially along Tran Nhan Tong and Le Duan streets. It’s a peaceful, everyday Hanoi neighborhood.
Also, if you’re coming from the Old Quarter, your route will pass through the French Quarter. While not directly next to the park, it’s easy to combine your visit with a stroll through this part of the city, known for its tree-lined boulevards, colonial buildings, and landmarks like the Hanoi Opera House.
Is Thong Nhat Park worth visiting?
Thong Nhat Park isn’t a must-see attraction in Hanoi — but it can still be worth your time, depending on what you’re looking for. Don’t expect an impressive landscaped park with standout architecture or dreamy scenery. It’s more of a practical, everyday public space: a large green area with a lake, walking paths, and a mix of peaceful corners and slightly run-down kids’ zones.
What makes it interesting is the glimpse into local life. Early mornings and late afternoons are full of activity — people walking dogs, couples chatting, friends dancing to music, seniors doing tai chi, and kids playing badminton or riding scooters. There’s very little traffic noise, making it one of the quieter open spaces in central Hanoi.
If you’re after iconic sights, this isn’t the place. But if you’re curious about Hanoi beyond the tourist checklist — or just want to relax in the shade without motorbikes rushing past — Thong Nhat Park can offer a refreshing break.
