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From the old plot of land to the park between three streets.
At the intersection of three major roads, Ly Thai To, Hung Vuong, and Tran Binh Trong, near the Cong Hoa roundabout, a new park has been created on a plot of land approximately 4.3 hectares in size. Many years ago, this area was abandoned and isolated from the surrounding life by old fences and patches of overgrown vegetation.
The park is surrounded by many old, green trees.
The transformation began when the city decided to convert the entire plot of land into a public park. In just over three months of construction, what was once an open space between major thoroughfares was transformed into a green area with trees, walking paths, and a central plaza.
Stepping through the park gate from Ly Thai To Street, the view immediately opens up. Gently curving stone paths lead pedestrians through lawns, alongside clusters of tall, pre-existing trees. Several old trees have been preserved, their wide canopies creating a cool atmosphere even at midday.
The pink trumpet flowers in the park are in full bloom.
The walkways are designed to be quite open, not following a straight axis but gently curving through each area. From any direction, pedestrians can see the wide open space in the center – where the park's most distinctive architectural structure is located.
The teardrop-shaped square - a focal point in the center.
Deep within the park, the space opens up into a large circular plaza of approximately 1,800 m². The plaza's surface is lowered compared to the surrounding ground, creating a gentle depression. Steps are arranged in a circle leading down to the center, resembling ripples spreading from a drop of water onto a lake.
Right in the center stands a teardrop-shaped monument, approximately 6 meters tall, with a polished metal surface. During the day, the statue reflects the sky, the trees, and even the shadows of people passing by. Inside the teardrop is a heart shape – a detail that conveys a message of love, sharing, and community solidarity during the difficult times of the pandemic.
The heart-shaped symbol inside a teardrop and the inscriptions engraved on the surrounding circle.
Surrounding the square is a system of small fountains arranged in a circle. During the day, the water sprays gently and then falls into the drainage channels around the square. At night, when the lights are turned on, the water jets combine with the light to create shimmering rings of light around the statue.
The water droplet is always surrounded by a smoke effect, creating a unique landscape.
The stone steps around the square also became a resting place for many people. Some sat for just a few minutes before continuing their stroll, while others stayed longer to chat or admire the view. The space here thus always had a gentle movement: some people walked down into the square, others left, and the water continued its rhythmic spraying.
The area surrounding the square is crowded with people engaging in various activities.
New walkways, green spaces, and a new rhythm of life.
Around the central square, paved walkways lead visitors through the green spaces of the park. Benches are placed along the paths under the shade of large trees.
Notably, the park retains several old villas from the former site. These buildings are being renovated to become community spaces, art galleries, or service areas for visitors. The presence of these old structures means the park not only features new buildings but also carries traces of the land's history.
The ancient architectural structures have been restored and preserved to serve as focal points for the park.
In recent days, the hydrangea garden next to the square has attracted many people to stop by and take pictures. The meticulously cared-for flowerbeds are in full bloom with shades of purple, blue, and pink, stretching out in striking patches of color amidst the green space of the park.
Hydrangea flower carpets have become a popular check-in spot.
A new green space in city life.
Ly Thai To Park No. 1 was built in response to Ho Chi Minh City's shortage of large green spaces in the city center. The transformation of abandoned land into a park therefore holds significant meaning for urban life. More than just a place for strolling or relaxation, the park also contributes to creating a common gathering place for residents in the surrounding area.
The construction of parks brings green spaces to urban areas and provides additional places for people to stroll, rest, and relax.
Besides serving as a green space for the community, Ly Thai To Park No. 1 also contributes to commemorating the city's efforts in combating the pandemic. Many paving stones are placed along the walkways, bearing inscriptions expressing gratitude to doctors and nurses and acknowledging the solidarity and cooperation of the community in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the park includes an area displaying statistics, data, and information about the pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City and the entire country, helping visitors to see the overall picture of this difficult period. This design both reminds us of the losses and honors the spirit of solidarity and community awareness in fighting the pandemic.
Information boards about Ly Thai To Park and the COVID-19 pandemic.
From a once-neglected plot of land situated between three major streets, it has become a familiar stopping point for locals. And amidst the constant flow of traffic on the surrounding roads, the Water Droplet Park is like a breathing space in the city, a place to rest, remember, or perhaps just to slow down and breathe for a moment.
