Sunday in the city

By: Michelle Nyguen – Vietnam country director

Normally a weekend in Vietnam for people is Saturday afternoon and Sunday all day. Most Vietnamese living in the cities don’t have gardens as we know them in the West. If an outside area exists at home it would normally be a rooftop garden or a small courtyard, so public park areas are very important and come alive in the early mornings, evenings and at weekends.

I have a rooftop garden at home and likewise enjoy the parks whenever possible. Last Sunday my family went to Van Thanh, a quick taxi ride (about 2km) from the centre of Saigon. You can hire huts here that come with a BBQ and basic wooden bed, great if you are planning a relaxing/social day with more space away from home. There is also a swimming pool, entertainment for children and plenty of different types of places to have a drink and eat, whether you prefer next to the lake or around the well-tended garden areas.

This is one of the few public places in the city where you are allowed to walk and play on the grass, but putting down a picnic blanket is not allowed. We love playing football and frisbee here. Our eldest child always insists on going over the monkey bridge near the pond and both our children take a lot of pleasure in joining other children feeding the fish at the lakeside pier.

There is something for everyone here whether you are a couple seeking a romantic evening meal, friends looking to catch up, or a family wanting to treasure time together. I would recommend a visit if you are here in Saigon and want to escape the hustle and bustle for a short while. Note that if you want to see and join in with people doing dance/exercise classes then you will need to choose a different location to visit.

Address: Van Thanh Tourist Area (near Saigon Bridge), 48/10 Dien Bien Phu St., Binh Thanh Dist.