10+ Best Green Spaces, Gardens & Parks in Hanoi Worth Visiting

Hanoi can be chaotic and noisy due to traffic, but there are also many green areas where you can relax and unwind. Some green spaces are located in the city center, such as Hoan Kiem Lake and Dien Hong Flower Garden, while others are larger and further away from tourist areas, like Yen So Park. Personally, I enjoy going to the park with friends and family on the weekends, for a walk or a run. Here is a list of the best green spaces, gardens, and parks in Hanoi that are worth your time and definitely worth a visit! And, if you are a big fan of nature, it’s best to spend a day in Ninh Binh, or even 4 or 5 days in Ha Giang.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by beautiful gardens, and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The lake is easily accessible from the Old Quarter and French Quarter. To experience the locals practicing tai chi, it is best to visit the lake around 6 a.m. The lake is also a great spot for sunset lovers.

Yen So Park

This park is one of the largest in the city, offering lots of room for outdoor activities. It’s about 12 km south of the busy city center, which makes it a great place to escape from the noise and crowds of the city. You can easily get there by taking a 30-minute taxi ride. Once you arrive, you’ll find a beautiful green landscape and plenty of recreational facilities. You can run, have a picnic, play sports, or take a walk on the paths. The park is perfect for families, athletes, and anyone who loves nature. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy nature without having to travel too far from the city.

Dien Hong Flower Garden

Dien Hong Flower Garden is a small garden located near the famous Hanoi Metropole Hotel in the French Quarter of Hanoi. It features some big trees and is a popular spot for locals to play badminton. You can visit this garden and play with the friendly locals.

Red River and Banana Islands

Red River and Banana Islands are located quite far away from the city center. This hidden part of town is truly amazing for nature lovers. You can walk here from the Long Bien Bridge using the small path for walkers in the middle of the bridge. If you can rent a bike, it is even easier (if you know how to drive in Hanoi!). There is also a secret outdoor swimming pool called Banana Islands pool in the middle, where my friends and I sometimes come for a fun picnic.

Botanical Gardens

This spacious park is home to a variety of plant species and is an excellent place to take a stroll and enjoy the scenery. Anchored by the Peace Memorial, the gardens offer 50 acres of trails, fields, and gardens, including many flowers, trees, and concrete sculptures. Two small lakes offer swan boats and fishing spots, and an island in the middle is popular for couples. There are also trails for runners and cyclists, fields for sports, and ample opportunities for bird watching. You can also visit the garden after seeing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and West Lake.

Thu Le Park

This park features a small zoo, a lake, and plenty of green space for relaxing and picnicking. I visited the park last week (September 2023) and noticed that there were many children present. The ticket prices are 40,000 VND for adults ($1.7) and 20,000 VND for children. However, it is worth noting that while I enjoyed the natural scenery, I felt very sad for the animals. They were living in very small spaces, especially the two elephants.

Lenin Park

Named after the Russian revolutionary, this park features a statue of Lenin and plenty of green space for outdoor activities. Many children are often seen playing on their skateboards here. The park is located in close proximity to the Military History Museum and Hanoi Train Street.

West Lake and Truc Bach Lake

This large lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a popular spot for boating and picnicking. It’s also the perfect spot for sunset lovers.

Thong Nhat Park

This park features a large lake, a playground, and plenty of green space for outdoor activities. The park is just about 20 minutes away from the Old Quarter and 10 minutes away from the French Quarter, making this an ideal place for a walk.

Ba Vi National Park and Son Tay ancient citadel

Located just outside of Hanoi, this national park is home to a variety of plant and animal species and is a great place for hiking and exploring. If you have one day, it is definitely recommended to visit. The best way to get there is to rent a motorbike from Hanoi. However, please check the weather first, as it can be a bit dangerous to visit when it rains.

These are just a few of the many green spaces, gardens, and parks in Hanoi that are worth visiting. Whether you’re looking to relax and enjoy the scenery or get some exercise and fresh air, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Furthermore, if you truly love nature and have some extra days, consider visiting Ninh Binh (for a day) and Ha Giang (for 4 to 5 days) as they are some of the best places to explore in Vietnam.