Abandoned 'golden land' plots transformed into parks for Tet

Prime "golden land" plots, long vacant in central Ho Chi Minh City, have been transformed into temporary parks and Tet flower streets, drawing many residents for visits and recreation.

In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM), the plot at 135 Nguyen Hue, part of the Thuong Xa Tax project, is situated between three main roads: Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, and Pasteur. This area has been transformed into an open, vibrant green space with yellow hues, adjacent to the Nguyen Hue flower street.

A month ago, this location was an empty lot, often used for organizing events and as a parking area. The city's general policy is to convert such vacant plots into parks and flower gardens, providing recreational spaces for residents.

The renovated plot, now a park, attracts many residents who come to visit and take photos.

This site once housed a 9,000 square meter building, over 130 years old, which was demolished in 2016 to construct a commercial center linked to Metro line one. However, construction has not yet begun due to procedural issues.

The park's ground is paved with eye-catching decorative stone tiles. Many Binh Ngo Tet miniatures and benches are arranged to serve residents and tourists for strolling, relaxing, and taking souvenir photos. Walking around the park with her child, Ms. Nguyen Song Ngoc, from former district 2, shared that she was taking advantage of her free time before Tet to bring her child out to play: "The park here is beautiful and comfortable, my child also enjoys playing," Ms. Ngoc said.

Approximately 500 meters away, the land plot at 8-12 Le Duan, with four frontages, opposite the People's Committee (UBND) office of Saigon Ward, and adjacent to Diamond Plaza shopping center, near Notre Dame Cathedral, has also been renovated after a period of abandonment due to legal issues. Miniatures depicting horse-drawn carriages, straw, and Tet flowers are arranged in this area, creating a nostalgic, rustic atmosphere that attracts residents for enjoyment and appreciation.

Prominently located in Cho Quan Ward (former district 5) is the recently renovated park on Tran Phu - Tran Nhan Ton street.

This park is part of a nearly 31,000 square meter plot, strategically located with six surrounding roads: Tran Phu, Le Hong Phong, Hung Vuong, Nguyen Chi Thanh, Huynh Man Dat, and Tran Nhan Ton. In 2009, this site was allocated to the Vietnam National Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba) for the construction of high-rise buildings, a commercial center, and luxury apartments, but the project was halted due to violations.

Currently, part of the land has been renovated into a flower garden and park decorated with miniatures for Binh Ngo Tet 2026. A month ago, this area was overgrown with weeds, and the outside was fenced with corrugated iron roofs about 5 meters high.

Residents take check-in photos with the Binh Ngo Spring 2026 mascot at Cho Quan Ward Park.

In former district 3, the land plot at 8 Vo Van Tan, Xuan Hoa Ward, has also been converted into a park and opened over two weeks ago.

The aforementioned plot spans 14,400 square meters and is part of the Phan Dinh Phung Gymnasium project, located on four frontages: Pasteur, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, and Vo Van Tan. The project, with a total capital of 1,850 billion VND, is expected to be operational in 2028, but it has remained vacant for many years. In early January, the barriers were removed, and the site was transformed into a park and flower garden.

The park is carpeted with green grass, and ornamental plants and flowers are planted. Many horse models made from greenery are also arranged, creating highlights within the park.

Visitors take check-in photos in front of the park at 8 Vo Van Tan.

In addition to the aforementioned plots, several other locations, such as 2-4-6 Hai Ba Trung, 33 Nguyen Du, and 87 Cong Quynh, have also had their fences removed and been converted into parks and flower gardens for Tet.

According to Tran Luu Quang, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, the temporary repurposing of vacant land plots into parks and flower gardens for Binh Ngo Tet aims to increase green space and provide additional public recreational areas in the city center. The city is implementing this through a socialized approach; once legal procedures are complete, construction will proceed according to the master plan.