Bach Thao Park - Hanoi Botanical Garden

Bach Thao Park, officially known as Hanoi Botanical Garden, continues to be regarded as the green lung of Hanoi, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's bustling atmosphere. Established over a century ago, the park is situated on Hoang Hoa Tham Street, just a stone's throw from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square. The name Bach Thao translates to "hundreds of trees," which aptly reflects its rich biodiversity.

Highlight

In recent years, Hanoi Botanical Garden has focused on preserving its lush landscape though its overall area has been reduced from 33 hectares to approximately 17 hectares in order to prioritize the conservation of valuable plant species. This includes not only native flora but also imported species from various regions including the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.

Visitors to Bach Thao Park can immerse themselves in an impressive variety of vegetation, such as towering canopies, banyan trees, palms, and tropical orchids. This diverse array makes the park not just a serene escape but also a significant spot for botany enthusiasts and researchers eager to observe and study rare plant species.

For locals, Hanoi Botanical Garden is one of the few remaining green spaces that significantly enhances the urban environment. Upon entering the park, visitors can escape the noise and dust of the city, replaced instead by the refreshing breeze and melodious chirps of birds.

Photo: @thaiyen

What to do

Bach Thao Park is not just a passage through nature; it offers unique opportunities for people-watching. The garden is a popular spot for locals who come to exercise, where one can see senior citizens jogging or couples cycling and running during the early morning or late afternoon.

On weekends and public holidays, many families and groups of friends flock to the park for picnics, nestled in the heart of the city. The lush surroundings also provide a picturesque backdrop, making it a favored location for wedding photo shoots.

Photo: @abso.f.lutely

How to get there

Traveling from Hanoi's Old Quarter, it takes about 10 minutes to reach Bach Thao Park by taxi or motorbike taxi. Additionally, you might choose to walk along Hoang Hoa Tham Street to explore nearby attractions or stroll down Phan Dinh Phung Street to enjoy the refreshing natural environment.

Photo: @phu.tc

The park welcomes guests daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with no entrance fee. If you're arriving by vehicle, a nominal parking fee of approximately VND 5,000 to VND 15,000 applies, depending on the vehicle type.

When to go

Any time is a good time to visit Bach Thao Park for a breath of fresh air and tranquility. Whether you're planning a picnic on the weekend or seeking a serene escape during the hotter summer months, the park is always inviting!

Photo: @trontronnnnn

How to get there

Conveniently located behind the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and close to West Lake, travelers can reach the botanical garden in less than 5 minutes by taxi from Sword Lake or Hanoi's Old Quarter, and a short walk from West Lake will also take you there easily.

For those driving, the best route is along Hang Dao and Hang Ngang Streets; turn left at Hang Dau Street, continue on Quy Thanh Street, and finally take a left onto Hoang Hoa Tham Street until you arrive at Bach Thao Park/Hanoi Botanical Garden on your left.

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