Thu Le Park: Discover Hanoi's Green Oasis and Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled in the heart of Vietnam's bustling capital, Thu Le Park stands as a verdant sanctuary offering a perfect escape from the city's energetic rhythm. This beloved destination combines the tranquility of a lush park with the excitement of Hanoi Zoo, creating a unique recreational space that has captured the hearts of generations of locals and visitors alike. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly adventure, a peaceful retreat, or a glimpse into Hanoi's wildlife conservation efforts, Thu Le Park delivers a multifaceted experience that reflects the city's harmonious blend of nature, history, and leisure.

A Historical Gem in the Heart of Hanoi

Thu Le Park's story begins with its establishment shortly after a significant period in Vietnam's history. Construction commenced on May 19, 1975, and the park officially opened its doors to the public in 1976-1977. What makes this location particularly special is its historical foundation—it was built on the land of the ancient Thu Le Village, which dates back to the Ly Dynasty (11th century). This deep historical connection gives the park a cultural dimension that many modern recreational spaces lack.

Nature and nostalgia meet in Thu Le Park, one of Hanoi’s oldest green spaces. - Facebook Công viên Thủ Lệ

The name "Thu Le" carries poetic significance, derived from the distinctive oval shape of the large Linh Lang Lake within the park. Resembling a teardrop being held, the name evokes the meaning of "holding tears" or "embracing a teardrop." This poetic nomenclature reflects the Vietnamese tradition of finding beauty and meaning in natural landscapes.

Since its relatively rustic beginnings in the 1970s, Thu Le Park has evolved into a vital green space for Hanoi, often described as one of the city's "green lungs." Spanning approximately 29 hectares, with 6-8 hectares dedicated to water features, the park has developed into a harmonious landscape that provides fresh air and natural beauty amid urban surroundings.

This sense of tradition is similar to the atmosphere found in the Duong Lam ancient village Hanoi, another heritage-rich destination where time seems to slow, and stories of the past come alive. Both places offer a chance to step away from Hanoi's urban pace and embrace a more reflective, meaningful experience.

Planning Your Visit: Essential Information

Location and Getting There

Thu Le Park enjoys a prime central location in Hanoi, making it easily accessible from most parts of the city:

• Address: Buoi Street, Thu Le Ward (or Ngoc Khanh), Ba Dinh District, Hanoi (sometimes listed as 1 Buoi Street).

• Distance from city center: Only about 5km west or northwest of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

• Strategic position: The park sits at the junction of major roads including Kim Ma, Cau Giay, Lang Road, and Buoi Street, making it a significant transit point.

Visitors can access the park through three main entrances:

1. The gate on Buoi Street

2. The gate on Nguyen Van Ngoc Street (near Daewoo Hotel)

3. The gate on the Kim Ma - Cau Giay axis (near Voi Phuc Temple, opposite the University of Transport and Communications)

Transportation options:

• Public buses: The most economical and convenient option as the park is near the Cau Giay transit station. Numerous bus routes pass through this area, including lines 09, 25, 27, 28, 32, 34, 38, 49, 55A, and 55B. Simply alight at the Cau Giay station or stops near the park gates and walk a short distance.

• Ride-hailing services/Taxis: Applications like Grab, Be, or traditional taxis offer a quick option, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.

• Personal vehicles: Whether by car, motorbike, or bicycle, the park is easily reachable using online maps. Parking is available with varying fees: approximately 3,000 VND for bicycles, 5,000 VND for motorbikes, 30,000 VND for cars under 9 seats, and 35,000 VND for larger vehicles. 

More than just a park, Thu Le is a peaceful memory for many Hanoi families. - Facebook Công viên Thủ Lệ

Opening Hours and Ideal Visiting Times

While official opening hours may vary slightly depending on the source, the standard visiting hours appear to be from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Some sources mention earlier opening times at 7:00 AM or earlier closing times at 5:00 or 5:30 PM (potentially changing with seasons). Interestingly, there's also a very early time slot (5:00 - 6:30 AM) reserved specifically for exercise enthusiasts.

For the best experience, consider these timing recommendations:

• Weekdays are ideal for avoiding crowds.

• Spring (March-April) and autumn (August-November) offer the most pleasant weather.

• Summer afternoons may show more active animals (sunbathing), though temperatures can be quite hot.

• If visiting on weekends or holidays, arrive early to avoid ticket queues and enjoy more comfortable exploration space.

Entrance Fees and Activity Costs

Entrance fees: While there may be some variation in reported prices, the most current and likely admission fees are:

• Adults (over 1.3m height): 50,000 VND

• Children (1.3m or under): 30,000 VND

It's important to note that the entrance fee only covers admission to the park and zoo. Additional activities within the park require separate payments. Some popular attractions and their approximate costs include:

• Swan pedal boats: 30,000 VND per boat/hour

• Water balls: 20,000 VND per person/turn

• Bumper cars, train rides: 30,000 VND per turn

• Children's carousel: 20,000 VND per turn

• Other games and activities: ranging from 10,000 to 60,000 VND

This à la carte pricing structure means that the actual cost of a visit, especially for families wanting to participate in multiple activities, can be significantly higher than the initial entrance fee. Budgeting accordingly is advisable.

Contact Information

For the most up-to-date information or specific inquiries:

• Management Board: 024 3834 7395 / 024 3766 0707

• Tour service hotline (for groups, students): 0981.851.651

• Customer service: 0902 160 005

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: www.hanoizoo.com

A favorite weekend spot, Thu Le Park blends greenery, wildlife and relaxation. - Facebook Đỗ Trần Thuý Vy

Exploring Thu Le Park: Attractions and Activities

The Heart of the Park: Hanoi Zoo

Undoubtedly the main attraction of Thu Le Park, Hanoi Zoo represents the largest zoo in Northern Vietnam and offers a diverse collection of wildlife:

Diverse wildlife collection: The zoo houses approximately 600-800 animal specimens representing over 100 different species from around the world. This diversity includes about 35 mammal species, 50 bird species, 5 reptile and amphibian species, and more than 40 marine fish species.

Highlight rare and significant species: The zoo plays an important role in conservation, maintaining about 40 animal species listed in Vietnam's Red Book. Notable species include:

• Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti)

• Leopard (Panthera pardus)

• Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

• White-tailed Pheasant

• White-crested Edward's Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi)

• Asian Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus)

• Japanese Crane

• Blue and Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)

Alongside these endangered species are popular favorites such as elephants, lions, hippos, giraffes, ostriches, monkeys, and crocodiles.

The zoo also preserves animals with historical and diplomatic significance, including:

• A pair of pythons gifted by General Vo Nguyen Giap

• Japanese cranes gifted by North Korean leader Kim Il-sung to President Ho Chi Minh in 1960

• Vientiane deer from Prime Minister Pham Van Dong

• Binturong and crocodiles from the Truong Son Command

Educational value: Beyond mere exhibition, the zoo functions as a vibrant hands-on learning environment. Detailed information boards and QR codes positioned at enclosures help visitors, particularly children, learn about the characteristics, habitats, and conservation status of various animal species.

Animal welfare and recent developments: Hanoi Zoo is undergoing a gradual transformation to improve animal living conditions. In partnership with NGOs like Animals Asia, the zoo has made key changes—removing elephant chains (2015), ending animal circus shows (2016), and introducing enrichment tools like climbing frames and toys for various species.

A notable recent event was the birth of its first baby hippo, “Ma Nam,” named through a public contest. The zoo also takes seasonal care seriously, adding winter protection measures (January 2024).

Despite progress, some enclosures still fall short of modern standards, and the ethics of captivity remain debated. Hanoi Zoo's evolution highlights its effort to balance public engagement, education, and conservation with growing welfare expectations.

Children's Play Area: Joy for Little Ones

Always bustling with activity, this area is a primary reason many families choose Thu Le Park for weekend outings:

Diverse attractions for children include:

• Gentle thrill rides: Electric trains, carousels (possibly wooden horse carousels or small cabin-style merry-go-rounds), and kid-sized roller coasters.

• Interactive, creative activities: Statue painting and sand art are popular activities that allow children to express their creativity.

• Active play options: Ball pits and bouncy animals provide energetic play spaces.

• Unique experiences: Haunted houses and mirror mazes create curiosity and excitement; 5D and 6D movie areas offer modern technology experiences and more intense sensations.

• Animal interactions: Some sources mention opportunities for children to play with or feed rabbits and monkeys (possibly requiring supervision or taking place in designated areas).

From zoo animals to lakeside strolls, Thu Le Park is Hanoi’s nature-filled retreat. - Facebook Công viên Thủ Lệ 

Summer Cooling: Water Recreation

The large lake area (Thu Le Lake or Linh Lang Lake) serves as the center for water-based recreation activities, particularly appealing during hot summer days:

Swan pedal boats: A classic and romantic activity suitable for couples and families to relax together, enjoy the lake views, and experience the cool atmosphere. The approximate cost is 30,000 VND per hour.

Water balls: A more active and challenging game where players enter giant inflated balls and attempt to move on the water surface. The approximate cost is 20,000 VND per person per turn.

Green Tranquility: Relaxation in Nature

Beyond the play areas and zoo, Thu Le Park offers a valuable green space in the urban landscape, serving as a "soul healing" spot and a "green lung" for the city:

Fresh environment: With its expansive lake, lush green lawns, walking paths, and shade-giving ancient trees, the park provides a pleasant atmosphere, separate from the noise and bustle of the streets.

Relaxation amenities: Numerous stone benches are positioned along walkways and around the lake, creating ideal spots to rest, chat, or simply sit and observe the scenery after a stroll.

Cultural connection: The presence of Voi Phuc Temple, an important historical monument, within or adjacent to the park grounds creates a unique intersection of natural space, entertainment, and cultural heritage. This enriches the visitor experience, allowing for the combination of park and zoo visits with learning about Hanoi's history and culture at a single location.

The peaceful surroundings evoke a calm that mirrors the gentle vibe of Hoan Kiem Lake and the cultural charm of sites like the Turtle Tower Vietnam.

The Visitor Experience: Reviews, Updates, and Tips

Latest News and Developments

• Highlight events: In late 2024 to early 2025, the birth of the first baby hippopotamus at Hanoi Zoo, named "Ma Nam" through a contest, received significant media attention and community interest. This positive sign of breeding activity and public engagement has brought renewed attention to the facility.

• Animal care: The zoo demonstrates proactive animal care, exemplified by implementing cold-protection measures (nutritional supplements, heating, enclosure sheltering) during low winter temperatures (recorded in January 2024).

• Welfare improvement background: Looking back, steps such as removing elephant chains (2015) and closing the animal circus (2016) mark important milestones in animal welfare improvement efforts, showing changing awareness and actions by management.

• Potential future: There is information about plans to build a new zoo in Hanoi (Me Tri - Trung Van Urban Area). While detailed information is limited, this may suggest potential changes to the role of or investment in the current Thu Le facility. Recent news indicates the zoo is working to modernize and engage with the public, but the plan for a new zoo also raises questions about long-term development direction and investment levels for the Thu Le facility in the future.

General Feedback and Experiences

While specific reviews from platforms like TripAdvisor aren't available in the reference materials, general sentiments indicate that Thu Le Park is widely recognized as a popular, familiar destination, especially favored by families and locals for weekend outings. The park is highly regarded for its cool green spaces, relaxing atmosphere, and the combination of the zoo with entertainment attractions.

Some critical observations have been noted, primarily related to the condition of some animal enclosures that may be aging or less than ideal. There are also comments about restrooms not being well-maintained. Crowding during weekends and holidays is another aspect visitors should anticipate.

Thu Le Park offers a peaceful getaway with shady trees and family-friendly fun. - Facebook Công viên Thủ Lệ

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

Based on information and feedback, here are some tips for the best experience at Thu Le Park:

• Timing planning: Arrive early on weekends or holidays to avoid crowds and ticket lines. Consider visiting on weekdays for a quieter environment.

• Personal items preparation: Bring water and light snacks, as prices within the park may be higher than outside. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Prepare sun protection (sunscreen, hats, umbrellas) and small fans if visiting in summer.

• Follow regulations: Respect park rules, especially in the zoo area: do not feed animals without permission, do not tease or touch animals, do not climb over barriers. Maintain cleanliness and avoid littering.

• Child safety: Always keep an eye on accompanying children, especially when the park is crowded, to prevent them from getting lost.

These recommendations, particularly regarding bringing food/drinks and arriving early on peak days, suggest visitors should prepare to manage additional costs and deal with crowds, helping make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

Why Visit Thu Le Park?

Thu Le Park, serving as both Hanoi Zoo and a tranquil public park, has long been a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. Its key attraction is the zoo, home to various rare animals—some with historical significance. Complementing this are a vibrant children's play area, serene pedal boat rides on the lake, and lush, tree-shaded paths perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Set on the historic grounds of ancient Thu Le Village and near Voi Phuc Temple, the park also carries notable cultural value. It’s ideal for family outings, curious young minds, nature lovers, and couples seeking a scenic date spot. More than just a tourist stop, it offers a glimpse into daily life and cherished memories of generations of Hanoians. Pair it with a visit to the Duong Lam ancient village Hanoi for a day steeped in history, or enjoy a warm bowl of Bun thang Hanoi after exploring to complete your experience with local flavor.

While improvements to some enclosures are still needed and the park can get crowded on weekends, Thu Le remains a unique blend of learning, leisure, and nature—right in the heart of Hanoi.

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