The Dai Nam Van Hien Tourism Park is surrounded by an imposing wall in the style of feudal Asia. Along it are statues of soldiers holding spears and shields with far-away looks as if they were on watch for enemies.

The park covers 711 hectares, of which 261 hectares of the first phase were completed last year while the second phase is under construction. With its man-made lakes, rivers and mountains you get the feeling of experiencing far away landscapes without spending days or weeks. There are a wide range of recreational activities that appeal to people of all ages. Replicas of the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Angkor Wat, Thailand’s Golden Pagoda and the Kremlin are also on display.

One of the towering works is Kim Dien, or Dai Nam Quoc Tu Temple, which features historical exhibits of Vietnam’s dynasties from Ngo to Nguyen. The temple is surrounded by a poetic moat called Bao Giang which rests under the shade of the green trees and is home to many kinds of fish.

The moat is lined on both sides with bonsai and flowers as well as recreational family facilities that include a circus, trains, a mirrored ‘laughing house’, a roller coaster and water slides. Adults can bathe in a warm stream or practice tai chi. These recreational zones are separated by yards of grass and small paths lined with colorful flowers. One kilometer from the recreation area is an artificial beach where tourists play in the waves as if on a real beach. The open zoo has over 800 types of animals including rare species such as the white lion, the rhino, the zebra and the giraffe.

Behind the temple is the artificial Bao Son Mountain Range which includes a sanctuary with many statues of Buddha in the peaceful fragrance of incense. The highlight of the range is a seven-story tower used to worship historical characters of Vietnam such as the 18 Hung Kings, President Ho Chi Minh, and heroes and martyrs who devoted their lives to build and defend the country.

Tourists can stay overnight at the park’s Dai Nam Hotel nestled along the wall.

Entrance tickets are VND40,000 but admission is free on Mondays and Tuesdays. To get to the park, catch a bus from Ben Thanh Station in HCMC’s District 1.

VietNamNet/SGT