The Ho Nuoc Ngot Cultural Park, spanning approximately 20 hectares and located on Hung Vuong Street, was built over 50 years ago.

The park features two lakes, which occupy about 30% of its total area, alongside an exhibition center, an outdoor recreation zone, and mature trees. It was once a prominent venue for major cultural events in the former Soc Trang province, and now for Can Tho City.

Ho Nuoc Ngot (the large lake), with its lush green space and clear blue water, was once considered the "green lung" of the former Soc Trang province and an important ecological, cultural, and entertainment destination. Within the park is Tinh Tam Lake (the smaller lake), modeled after the Tinh Tam Lake in Hue's Imperial City, featuring distinctive imperial architecture. In 1983, Soc Trang manually excavated the larger lake (pictured above), initially intended as a sedimentation basin to filter water before it was sent to Soc Trang City's domestic water treatment plant.

A section of the large lake's embankment is damaged, with collapsed slopes and peeling tiles, posing a potential hazard to visitors. In 2002, the Ho Nuoc Ngot area was transformed into a cultural park for Soc Trang province, featuring upgrades like Tinh Tam Lake renovation, new embankments, ornamental trees, fish farming, lighting, and an exhibition hall. However, for the past three years, the facility has not received regular repairs or operations, leading to the deterioration of many components.

Damaged composite pedal swan boats, once used by visitors to the lake, are gathered next to a tree trunk.

The exhibition and fair area, spanning thousands of square meters, lies deserted due to prolonged disuse. A security guard at the site stated that no events have been held there for a long time. Daily, only a few people come in the mornings for exercise or walks, while some students and young people visit the remaining active cafes in the afternoon. Inside the exhibition halls, tiled floors are broken, peeling, and buckled in many places. Walls are stained and dusty in some areas, and many glass window panes are broken, with rusted iron frames.

The children's play area, spanning thousands of square meters near the main gate, appears abandoned for a long time, severely damaged, and overgrown with weeds.

The children's play area in the park is damaged and covered in moss. Many play structures are left outdoors, overgrown with weeds. An official from Can Tho City's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated that the Ho Nuoc Ngot Cultural Park is a significant cultural and community facility for the city's residents. However, due to recent organizational restructuring and efforts to consolidate the management model, operations at the park have been stagnant and ineffective, resulting in the deterioration of many facilities.

The outdoor stage, opposite the exhibition and fair building, has been deserted for a long time, showing signs of deterioration. The fountain in the center of the Ho Nuoc Ngot area has been inactive for years, with many of its components broken.

Late last year, over 40 mature mahogany, rain, and eucalyptus trees in the park were reportedly cut down and transported elsewhere. The case has been referred to Can Tho City Police for investigation.

Ticket booths are gathered in a corner, covered in rust.

Currently, the Can Tho City People's Committee has decided to establish the City Investment - Trade and Tourism Promotion Center. This new entity will be responsible for taking over, managing, utilizing, and operating the Ho Nuoc Ngot Cultural Park in the coming period.

Immediately, the Can Tho City People's Committee has also allocated 1.2 billion VND for the management, protection, and maintenance of this area. The aim is to preserve the landscape, gradually address deteriorating facilities, ensure property safety, and enhance urban aesthetics.

An Binh