Long-tailed macaques and squirrels may greet you as we step into Hanoi Botanical Gardens. This isn’t just a park. It’s a living museum and a green lung in the heart of Hanoi.
Hanoi Botanical Gardens offers a tranquil escape. It is far removed from the city’s heavy traffic and crowded streets. Locals call it Bach Thao Park. Bach Thao means “hundreds of trees” in Vietnamese. This name reflects the garden’s incredible biodiversity.
The Hanoi Botanical Gardens was established in 1890 by the French. Back then, it was more than just a park. It was a sprawling 33-hectare estate surrounded by magnificent French villas. Over time, part of the Hanoi Botanical Gardens was used for the Ho Chi Minh Complex. The animals that lived here were moved to Thu Le Zoo and Saigon Botanical Garden. The park was reduced to just over 10 hectares.
But the essence of Hanoi Botanical Gardens remained. It became a place for the people of Hanoi to relax, exercise, and connect with nature. Today, the park is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day. Entrance is free, but there is a small parking fee for motorbikes and cars.
Here in the Hanoi Botanical Gardens, you will find a diverse collection of plants. There are endemic species from Vietnam and imported species from around the world. Wander through the trails and discover orchids, coconuts, palm trees, and banyan trees. The park has a pigeon area where visitors can feed the birds.
More than just plants live here in the Hanoi Botanical Gardens. The park also hosts many activities. Joggers use the trails, and people practice Tai Chi in the mornings. In summer, locals gather for picnics with permission. The bridges and hills are covered in colorful flowers.
The Hanoi Botanical Gardens isn’t just for tourists. It’s a part of daily life in Hanoi. People come here to sing, dance, and find peace. Wedding photoshoots often take place here. The green backdrop adds romance to the special moments.
You can reach Hanoi Botanical Gardens easily from the Old Quarter. A short taxi or motorbike ride will bring you here. If you prefer the bus, routes 14 and 45 will drop you nearby. There are two entrances. One is at 3 Hoang Hoa Tham Street. The other is at 2 Ngoc Ha Street.
While botanists might find the park more tranquil than scientifically diverse, it offers something special. It is a place to sit under majestic trees and watch the world go by. You can see children playing, groups playing games, and painters capturing the scenery. Despite the calm, the park is full of life.
Originally, the French designed the Hanoi Botanical Gardens to be much larger. However, it was reduced to make way for Ba Dinh Square. Despite its smaller size, the park remains well-kept. The mini-lake and pigeon island add to its charm.
Whether you want a calm walk or a place to read, the Hanoi Botanical Gardens offers a retreat. So take a deep breath. Let the green embrace you, and enjoy this peaceful escape.