By aussiematesvietnam Hanoi Botanical Garden: A Hidden Oasis in Vietnam’s Buzzing Capital
G’day mates! Aussie Mates here, coming at you from the chaotic streets of Hanoi where I’ve been calling home for nearly two decades now. Tracy and I have spent countless weekends exploring every nook and cranny of this magnificent city, and let me tell you, sometimes you need a proper break from the constant beeping of motorbikes and the hustle and bustle that makes Hanoi, well, Hanoi.
That’s where the Hanoi Botanical Garden comes in – a proper green sanctuary smack-bang in the middle of the urban jungle. After nearly 20 years living here, this little patch of nature still remains one of our favourite spots to escape when the city chaos gets a bit too much.
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A Bit of History Behind the Garden
The Botanical Garden (or Bach Thao Park as the locals call it) isn’t just any old park – it’s got some serious history behind it. Established by the French colonists back in 1890, it was originally designed to research and cultivate plants from all over Vietnam and abroad. In fact, the name “Bach Thao” translates to “hundreds of plants,” which is spot on if you ask me.
Walking through here, Tracy always reminds me that we’re strolling through over 130 years of history. The French originally modelled it after the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, wanting to create a piece of France in their Indochina colony. After Vietnam gained independence, the garden became a beloved public space for Hanoians and tourists alike.
Located near the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, it spans about 10 hectares – not the biggest botanical garden you’ll find, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm and tranquillity.
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What You’ll Find Inside
One thing I love about bringing our visiting Aussie mates here is watching their faces light up when they see the incredible diversity of plants. The garden houses over 100 species of trees and plants from across Vietnam and other tropical regions. Some of these beauties are well over a century old!
The garden is divided into different sections, each with its own character. You’ve got:
- A lush tropical section with palms and exotic flowers
- A medicinal plant area (Tracy’s favourite, as she’s always been into natural remedies)
- An ornamental garden with carefully manicured displays
- Several serene lotus ponds that are absolutely magnificent in summer
There’s a decent-sized lake in the middle where you can spot locals fishing or practicing tai chi in the early mornings. Around the lake, you’ll find plenty of benches under the shade of enormous trees – perfect for a mid-exploration rest when the Vietnamese heat gets a bit too intense.
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The Wildlife Experience
While it’s no Australian bushland, the garden has its fair share of wildlife. Tracy and I often come early in the morning just to hear the orchestra of birds – a stark contrast to the honking horns outside the garden walls.
There’s a small section that serves as a mini-zoo, though it’s nothing compared to what you’d find back home in Australia. You might spot some monkeys, deer, and various bird species. It’s fairly basic as far as animal enclosures go, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
What really steals the show are the butterflies and dragonflies that dance around the flowering plants. If you’re a keen photographer, you can get some ripper shots here without the crowds you’d find at other Hanoi attractions.
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Best Times to Visit
After almost two decades of living in Hanoi, I’ve learned a thing or two about timing your visits to avoid both crowds and the punishing heat. Here’s my insider tip: head there early morning (around 6-7 AM) when the locals are doing their exercises. The light is magical, the temperature is bearable, and there’s something special about watching Hanoi wake up in such a peaceful setting.
If you’re not an early riser (no judgment here, mates), late afternoons around 4-5 PM are also lovely. The golden hour light filtering through the ancient trees creates a scene that even this old bloke finds romantic – just ask Tracy!
Avoid midday if possible, especially during summer months (May to August) when the humidity can make you feel like you’re walking through soup. And fair dinkum, nobody needs that on their holiday!
A Local’s Guide to Enjoying the Garden
Over the years, Tracy and I have developed our own little ritual when visiting the Botanical Garden. Here’s how we recommend experiencing it:
- Pack a thermos of tea or coffee and some banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) for a makeshift picnic
- Bring a good book or just your thoughts – this is one of the few places in Hanoi quiet enough to hear yourself think
- Wear comfortable shoes as some of the paths can be uneven
- Don’t forget the mozzie repellent, especially during rainy season
- Bring a camera – there are some cracking photo opportunities
The entrance fee is ridiculously cheap by Australian standards – around 10,000 VND (about 60 cents Australian). It’s open daily from around 6 AM to 9 PM, though I’d recommend double-checking as hours can sometimes change with little notice – classic Vietnam!
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Beyond the Plants: Cultural Significance
What makes this garden special isn’t just the greenery; it’s how it fits into Hanoi’s cultural fabric. On weekends, you’ll see young couples taking pre-wedding photos among the flowers, grandparents teaching little ones about different plants, and artists sketching the landscape.
During Tet (Vietnamese New Year), the garden transforms with festive decorations and special flower displays. If you’re lucky enough to be in Hanoi during this time, it’s absolutely worth a visit to see how the garden becomes part of the celebration.
Tracy and I have celebrated many anniversaries with a simple stroll through these gardens. There’s something about this place that keeps drawing us back, even after all these years in Vietnam.
The Perfect Starting Point for Exploring Hanoi
One of the best things about the Botanical Garden is its location. After you’ve had your nature fix, you’re just a short walk from many of Hanoi’s must-see attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, the Presidential Palace, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.
If you’re a first-timer to Hanoi, I reckon starting your day at the gardens gives you a peaceful introduction to the city before diving into the more hectic attractions. Trust this old Aussie who’s been around the block a few times – your nerves will thank you for easing into Hanoi’s intensity!
Final Thoughts
In a city that never seems to stop moving, the Hanoi Botanical Garden offers a much-needed pause button. It might not have the wow factor of Halong Bay or the historical significance of the Temple of Literature, but it offers something equally valuable – a genuine glimpse into everyday Hanoi life and a moment of peace in an otherwise chaotic city.
Tracy and I have brought countless friends and family here over our 20 years in Vietnam, and everyone leaves with the same impression – surprised that such tranquility can exist in the heart of one of Southeast Asia’s busiest capitals.
So if you’re planning a trip to Northern Vietnam, pencil in a couple of hours for this green oasis. Take it from this longtime expat – sometimes the least “touristy” attractions end up being the most memorable parts of your journey.
Until next time, mates