Come for a walk in Thu Le park – a relaxing, green haven of wildlife and family fun right in the heart of the city. Learn more about activities, entrance fees, how to get there, and more.
Thu Le park at a glance
Thu Le park, or else Hanoi Zoo, is a favorite place of locals and tourists in Hanoi. It is located in Ngoc Khanh Ward of Ba Dinh District, about 5 kilometers northwest of Hanoi Old Quarter. The establishment of the park dates back to May 1975. Occupying more than 29 hectares in total, the park is home to a 6-hectare beautiful lake.
Thu Le park Hanoi is a park that offers various sorts of attractions fitting for all ages: animal lovers can see the animals in the park, which include lions, tigers, elephants, bears, monkeys, and different bird species. It will also serve as a relaxing and recreational area because of the large green open space, perfect to have a picnic or just enjoy the scenery.
It provides families with children with entertainment such as amusement rides, the renting of swan boats, and so on. You can also enjoy delicious food and drinks sold by food stalls in the park.
Whatever the visitor’s preference may be, whether it is an interest in nature, families with or without children, or in search of serenity away from the chaos of the city, Thu Le park has something to offer for each of them.
The Updated Ticket Price of Thu Le park in 2024
Planning your visit to Thu Le park Hanoi? Here’s a breakdown of the current entrance fees:
Entrance Ticket to Thu Le park in Hanoi
Thu Le park is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter and from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM in summer. Entrance fees are 40,000 VND for adults, roughly $1.70 USD, and 20,000 VND for children, approximately $0.85 USD.
Attention to your booking, please note that the entrance fee does not include activity prices or entertaining games within the park. Therefore, the price for such services usually ranges from 20,000 VND to 60,000 VND, promising a lot of beautiful deals for an entertaining and comfortable visit to Thu Le park.
Service Prices in the Park
Aside from the entrance fee, you can also enjoy various optional activities for an additional cost:
- Swan boat: ₫30,000 VND/person/hour (approximately $1.30 USD)
- Water ball rolling: ₫20,000 VND/person (approximately $0.85 USD)
- Amusement rides (prices vary depending on the ride)
How to Travel to Thu Le park?
Because Thu Le park is at the heart of Hanoi, you can get there through several types of transportation. You may travel by:
Taxis and Motorbikes: Taxis or motorbikes would be the most convenient options to get there. Its two gates on Kim Ma Street and the other on Buoi Road are quite accessible via any of these modes of transportation.
Buses: You can catch buses if you are on a somewhat economical budget. The Cau Giay bus stop is relatively close to the park. You have to catch 09, 25, 27, 28, 32, 34, 38, or 49 number bus to come to this area. Thu Le park is 2 minutes away from the bus station by walking.
Private Vehicles: If you have a vehicle, then the location of the park is pretty easy to locate and reach by your means through Google Maps. You just have to type in the address of the Thu Le park and follow the directions shown.
What are the Highlights of Thu Le park?
Thu Le park Hanoi offers a brilliant experience to learn about different aspects of various themes. Its major highlights are described below:
1. The Zoo
A Diverse and Captivating Collection
The Thu Le park Zoo is indeed an animal haven that shelters more than 600 animals belonging to 100 species. The different varieties range from 50 species of birds and 40 species of saltwater fish to 35 species of mammals and 5 species of amphibian reptiles.
Preservation of the Endangered Species
One of the most salient features of the zoo is its policy on the conservation of endangered species. Forty species named in the Vietnam Red Book, a book containing rare and endangered fauna and flora in Vietnam, are taken care of amidst the five distinct exhibition sections of the zoo. This has made Thu Le park Hanoi the most extensive zoo in Northern Vietnam.
Notable Animal Species
The various species of interesting animals present in the zoo are:
- Carnivores that are of endangered species: Indo-Chinese tigers, Hoa Mai leopards, and the Clouded leopards
- Birds that are not commonly seen: Bulwer pheasants and the Japanese cranes
- Deer that are of rare breeds: Vieng Chan deer
- Mammals that not many come across: Binturong that is a kind of Asian bearcats, crocodiles
Historical and Diplomatic Importance
Some of the animals in the zoo have historical and diplomatic significance. These are:
- Present from General Vo Nguyen Giap: A pair of pythons that was gifted to him by the legendary Vietnamese general
- Gift of President Kim Il-sung: A pair of Japanese cranes bestowed on President Ho Chi Minh in 1960
- Gift from Prime Minister Pham Van Dong: Vieng Chan deer
- Gift from the Central Command of Truong Son Army: Binturong and crocodile
The Thu Le park Zoo gives an excellent chance to come across so many rare animals, their natural habitat, and the measures on conservation for endangered species.
2. Children’s Playground
The children’s playground in Thu Le park Hanoi is a colorful, lively area responding to the entertainment and amusement needs of a child. The playground hosts many various activities and games aiming to be one of the healthiest and most entertaining grounds for kids and parents alike.
Adventures for Thrill-Seekers
For the adrenaline junkies, the playground has the following:
- High-speed trains: Experience the thrill of speed as one whizzes around the park on small-size trains.
- House of Ghosts: A kooky ride through a haunted house with its welts and scares.
- 5D cinema: The multisensory experience comprised of a 5D movie with visual, auditory, and special effects.
Creative and Interactive Activities
Let your child’s creative juices flow with the following interactive activities:
- Statue Painting: Colorful statues spring into action when painted with imagination.
- Sand Painting: Sand Art is at its best for some beautiful designs with different colored sand in various textures.
Thu Le Children’s Park is an exciting place where children can have fun, learn, and remember. The playground contains a great variety of diverse views and activities that will surely keep children at work for hours on end.
3. The Water Games
While children have fun in the playground, adults also have their retreat of comfort and entertainment with the water game area at Thu Le park. The entire scene of the park is perfect for couples and families too that want to spend a leisurely and entertaining time.
Swan Boat Rides
- Scenic Views: Take in serene boat rides around the 6-hectare lake to savor the pretty sceneries and tranquil atmosphere.
- Romantic Getaway: Paddling together and catching up on the serenity of the surroundings will be some moments to treasure with your partner.
Water Ball Rolling
- Interactive Fun: An entertaining, involving activity in which both adults and children can participate.
- Quality Time: Spend quality time together as you roll into the water balls and enjoy each other’s company.
With three clear-cut zones, Thu Le park contains a little something for every different age group. Whether it’s animal encounters, family-friendly activities, or even just some peaceful retreat, this park has something it can offer to anyone.
Useful Tips to Note for Your Best Experience in Thu Le park
To ensure you have a memorable visit to Thu Le park, consider the following tips:
Timing Your Visit:
- Summer: Enjoy the best views and animal activity by visiting during the summer months when the animals come out to sunbathe.
- Weekends and Festivals: Arrive early, especially on weekends or during festivals, to avoid long queues and secure your tickets.
Preparation:
- Food and Drinks: Pack your own food and drinks to save money, as prices within the park can be higher.
- Essentials: Bring a mini-fan, sunscreen, an umbrella, and wet wipes to stay comfortable and protected during your visit.
Respecting the Park:
- Cleanliness: Always clean up after yourself and dispose of waste in designated areas to maintain the park’s cleanliness.
Hanoi offers not only Thu Le park for visitors but also Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Trang Tien Plaza, etc. Make sure to include these attractions in your Hanoi trip to make it more unforgettable.
However, if you want to experience the energetic Hanoi like a local, booking a guided tour from Lily’s Travel is highly suggested. Lily’s Travel is staffed by a young and enthusiastic team deeply passionate about crafting unique and meaningful journeys in travel. We focus on experiential, discovery, and community-oriented tourism. Lily’s Travel brings about the application of 4.0 technology with immersive 3D experiences to provide customers with the most realistic preview of their tours. Besides technological advancement, we also take care of the human side of the journey by deeply researching to advise and recommend with expertise.
With Thu Le park Hanoi, the tone of bleakness outside actually translates to an opposite inside scene: serenity for rest, learning, and family entertainment. Be it a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or an individual who intends to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Thu Le park is the place.
