Turtle Lake Saigon is one of the most beloved spots in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of the bustling metropolis. Located at the crossroads of District 1 and District 3, it provides a perfect blend of relaxation, street food, and cultural significance.

1. About Turtle Lake Saigon

1.1. Location

Turtle Lake Saigon, officially known as the International Square, is located at the intersection of Pham Ngoc Thach, Tran Cao Van, and Vo Van Tan Streets in District 1 and District 3. This iconic attraction in Ho Chi Minh City holds a special place in the memories of many Saigonese.

Turtle Lake HCMC offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustle of the city

Situated just a short walk away from other major attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Post Office, Turtle Lake Saigon is also a convenient starting point for exploring the city.

1.2. History

The history of Turtle Lake Vietnam dates back to 1790, when it was the place in which stood Kham Khuyet Gate, an entrance to Bat Quai Citadel built by King Gia Long. After the Le Van Khoi rebellion (1833-1835), King Minh Mang destroyed the citadel and replaced it with Gia Dinh Citadel, leaving Kham Khuyet Gate outside the new citadel.

Over time, this area became an important road connecting the city to the river wharf, now known as Dong Khoi Street. Later, it was called Freedom Soldier Square before being renamed International Square in 1972. In 1976, an explosion destroyed the turtle monument. Still, the locals continued to call it Turtle Lake, a name that has stuck ever since.

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2. What is Turtle Lake Saigon famous for?

2.1. A mystical legend

Turtle Lake Saigon is associated with a legend regarding feng shui and Nguyen Van Thieu - president of the Southern Vietnamese government before the country was reunified. In 1967, a feng shui master claimed that the Independence Palace of Saigon sat on a dragon vein, with the dragon’s tail being at the Freedom Soldier Square. Since the tail symbolized instability, the master advised "pinning it down" to secure Thieu’s rule.

Following this belief, an octagonal lake was built in the area. Its design was inspired by the Bagua diagram, a feng shui symbol for protection. A bronze turtle monument was placed at its center, and a tall tower - resembling a sword or giant nail - was added to suppress the dragon’s movements.

Turtle Lake Saigon is known for its serene atmosphere

2.2. Green spaces

Turtle Lake Saigon is a popular gathering spot especially on weekends. Covering over 3,843m², the area includes a lake, a walking path, and green spaces. It attracts couples on dates, students unwinding after school, and elderly visitors seeking relaxation. Numerous surrounding cafes and restaurants add to its lively atmosphere. Its vibrant surroundings also make it a great spot for photography.

2.3. Plenty of street food

Turtle Lake Saigon is a street food paradise, offering a wide variety of delicious and affordable food in Ho Chi Minh City. Most dishes here cost only 10,000 - 30,000 VND, so it is a great spot to enjoy flavorful treats without breaking the bank. Some must-try specialties here include grilled rice paper, fried fish balls, grilled squash, quail egg cakes, mixed rice paper, fried noodles, fried sticky rice, and fried corn with shrimp.

3. Top places to visit near Turtle Lake Ho Chi Minh City

3.1. Famous attractions

Turtle Lake Saigon is a perfect starting point for exploring the city's attractions. Within a short walk, visitors can immerse themselves in history, culture, and architecture at:

War Remnants Museum (600 meters away): This museum offers a deep dive into Vietnam’s history, showcasing powerful exhibits about wartime and the country's resilience.
Saigon Central Post Office (650 meters away): For those fascinated by colonial-era architecture, this building blends European and Indochinese styles, offering a glimpse into the city's past.
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street (750 meters away): This charming pedestrian street is lined with numerous bookstores. It is a perfect place for book lovers to explore Vietnamese literature and enjoy a peaceful break.
Independence Palace (800 meters away): This site stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s reunification, allowing visitors to explore its historic halls and wartime artifacts.
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House (1.1 kilometer away): An architectural masterpiece, this opera house hosts opera, ballet, and theatrical performances, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s artistic scene.

There are many attractions near Turtle Lake Saigon

3.2. Coffee shops & bakeries

Turtle Lake Saigon is surrounded by a variety of cozy coffee shops and bakeries. They not only offer great treats but also provide perfect spots to take a break, snap a few photos, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

Here are some popular places to check out:

Phe La: 42 Tran Cao Van Street, District 1
Casa Cafe: 7 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 3
Cong Ca Phe: 8 Cong Truong Quoc Te Street, District 3
Soo Cafe: 10 Phan Ke Binh Street, District 1
Lagom Cafe: 87 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3
Bakes Saigon: 47B Tran Cao Van Street, District 1

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4. Essential guide for your visit

4.1. When to visit?

The best times to visit Turtle Lake Saigon are early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In the morning, the air is fresh and the atmosphere is quiet, making it perfect for a peaceful walk. In the afternoon, the sunset creates a romantic scene, and you will see many people enjoying the spaces here. By evening, the area is filled with street food stalls, so you can grab a bite while watching the lively streets.

The beautiful scenery at Turtle Lake Saigon makes it a favorite place for photographers

4.2. How to get there?

Turtle Lake Saigon is conveniently located in the heart of the city, so you can easily reach it using various transportation options:

Public bus: Several bus routes pass by this area, including route 05, 06, 14, and 52.
Motorbike: If you prefer to drive to Turtle Lake Saigon, you can use a digital map and search for directions.
Taxi: For a hassle-free, eco-friendly ride, you can use the service of Xanh SM. With a fleet of entirely electric vehicles, Xanh SM offers odorless, professional, and sustainable transportation in Ho Chi Minh City. You can easily book a ride with Xanh SM via their mobile app.

4.3. Extra tips

Here are some tips to ensure you have an enjoyable visit to Turtle Lake Saigon:

Keep your belongings safe: Always keep your personal belongings secure to avoid any mishaps or theft.
Keep the environment clean: Preserve the beauty of the area by disposing of trash properly.
Find a place to park: You can park at the office buildings across the lake on Pham Ngoc Thach Street or at the Youth Cultural House. Note that parking directly at the lake is not allowed and may result in being fined.

Turtle Lake Saigon is a wonderful spot where both locals and tourists can come together to enjoy the views, street food, and a sense of peace in the bustling city. Its central location and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite destination for anyone looking to experience a piece of Saigon's charm.

After exploring Turtle Lake Saigon, it is highly recommended that you visit Grand Park in Thu Duc City. This entertainment complex features a mix of exciting attractions such as the Tropical Island water park, the Dream Garden amusement park. Grand Park also offers a variety of shopping and dining experiences, including Park Avenue Commercial Street, the "Park-in-Mall" Shopping Center, and Broadway & Ginza Commercial Street.

The vibrant atmosphere at Grand Park, Thu Duc City

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Beyond Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers a wide array of other tourist destinations like Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long. In these destinations, staying at the hotels or resorts of Vinpearl will enhance the experience. Vinpearl offers a range of luxurious accommodations, from beachfront resorts to city-center hotels. Guests can also expect top-notch amenities including spa and fine dining.

In addition, you should not miss out on the entertainment complexes of VinWonders. From thrilling games and mesmerizing shows to dazzling parades and interactive activities, VinWonders is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.