Thong Nhat Park, Hanoi

The Thong Nhat Park or United Park is a tranquil green space surrounded by bustling streets in Hanoi. Locals and visitors come to the park for jogging, strolls or to take a boat ride on the lake amidst serene natural surroundings in the middle of the city.

The Thong Nhat Park was a waste disposal area under French colonial rule. The area was cleared and the park was built in 1958. It was opened to the public in 1960. At the time of inauguration, Vietnam was divided into two countries. The name Thong Nhat meaning United was given to the park to express the desire of the people to unite the country that was divided as North and South Vietnam at the time. In 1980, the Park was called Lenin Park to commemorate the Russian revolutionary leader’s 110th birthday. Later, a park on Dien Bien Phu street was called Lenin Park and park was given the name Thong Nhat again.

Thong Nhat Park is an oasis of greenery and fresh air surrounded by the bustling Tran Nhan Dong, Le Duan, Dai Co Viet and Nguyen Dien Chieu streets. The park spans an area of 50 hectares and is on the bank of a 7 hectare lake called the Bay Mau Lake. Children will enjoy the driving carts, mirror house and the train ride. The Spring Flower Festival is held during the Tet or Full moon festival and stalls sell food and garments from all the regions of Vietnam.