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In the early days of the new year, as the pace of life in Saigon slows down after the New Year's Eve celebrations, the Saigon riverside park becomes the center of attention with a vibrant expanse of yellow stretching along the walkways. Hundreds of sunflowers bloom simultaneously, forming continuous strips of flowers running along the riverbank, creating a rare, spacious, and poetic atmosphere in the heart of the bustling city.
Hundreds of sunflowers are in full bloom along the Saigon River.
There's no need to venture far from the city center or the suburbs; Saigon residents can simply visit a riverside park to find a true "spring field." The plump sunflowers, with their bright yellow petals reaching towards the sun, evoke a feeling of warmth and optimism, perfectly embodying the spirit of a flower considered a symbol of faith and forward-looking thinking.
Sunflowers - a familiar symbol of Thu Duc.
Sunflowers, a flower deeply associated with the former Thu Duc City, were frequently planted along the parks bordering the Saigon River as a scenic highlight. Every Lunar New Year, the stretches of yellow flowers would appear, becoming a familiar sign of the arrival of a new season.
Sunflowers have long been a common sight in Thu Duc every spring.
The sunflower garden at Saigon's riverside park has been around for many years, attracting large crowds of people to visit and take photos every year. This year, its appeal has been amplified by social media. Visiting the garden on the afternoon of January 6th, 2026, Thu Ha, a student studying in Saigon, shared: “This year, the sunflower field in Nghe An is very 'hot' on social media. Since I couldn't go to Nghe An, I came here to take pictures with the sunflowers to keep up with the trend, even though it's a bit late,” Ha said, adjusting her camera angle in front of the vibrant yellow flowers. Such small stories clearly reflect how public spaces are gradually becoming an integral part of the spiritual life of urban dwellers.
As the afternoon progresses, with the sun's gentler rays and a cool breeze from the Saigon River, the park becomes even more crowded. Not only on weekends, but even on weekday afternoons, the flower garden attracts a large number of young people who come to take photos and have fun. For many, it's not just a check-in spot, but also a place to "change the scenery" after a stressful day of work or study. A leisurely afternoon stroll amidst the golden sunflowers, with the tranquil river flowing in the distance, is enough to dispel some of the daily fatigue.
Taking a stroll among the flowerbeds is like a "temporary therapy" amidst the daily grind.
According to observations, the flowerbeds are meticulously cared for, regularly watered to maintain their freshness and prolong their blooming period. As a result, for about a week now, the garden has retained its vibrant yellow color. Under the setting sun, the sunflowers seem to be covered in a layer of shimmering honey, reflecting onto the river in front, making it an ideal destination for strolls, relaxation, and capturing memorable moments at the beginning of the year.
The garden has been carefully tended, and the flowers have been in full bloom for the past week.
When nature engages in dialogue with the city.
What makes the sunflower garden at Saigon's riverside park so captivating is the backdrop. The vibrant yellow flowers stand out against the backdrop of iconic city landmarks such as Bitexco Tower, Landmark 81, and Ba Son Bridge. The contrast between the gentle nature and the towering skyscrapers creates a "Saigon signature," where modernity and romance coexist in one frame.
The Saigon Riverfront Park, stretching from Ba Son Bridge to the Saigon River Tunnel, was inaugurated at the end of 2023. With an area of approximately 20 hectares, a length of about 600 meters, and a total investment of nearly 90 billion VND from socialized funding, the park quickly became a familiar destination for city residents. Besides the sunflower field, it also features a community activity area, a multi-purpose court, a riverside walking path, and many open spaces for recreation and sports.
The skyscrapers – symbols of Ho Chi Minh City – become the backdrop for the flower garden.
Over time, amenities such as cafes and docks have gradually been completed, enriching the experience for visitors to the park. More than just a place to admire seasonal flowers, the Saigon riverside park is gradually becoming a "common living room" of the city – a place where people can meet, relax, and enjoy nature right in the heart of the city. Its open, airy space, coupled with the fact that there is no entrance fee, has quickly made it a familiar meeting place for many.
Amidst the vibrant yellow of sunflowers in the early days of the year, Saigon's riverside park not only offers a beautiful photo opportunity but also serves as a reminder of the value of public green spaces.
