An amusement park that marries thrill rides and water slides with Vietnamese culture and Buddhist mythology? Expect larger-than-life and wildly colourful photo ops at the 105-hectare Suoi Tien (“fairy stream”) Theme Park. Resplendent in all its technicolour glory, the family-friendly destination features more than 150 cultural, historical, and spiritual attractions such as a witch forest and a Palace of Unicorns.

Note to parents: Do not be fooled by the whimsically named Palace of Unicorns. What you’ll get instead is a garish and gory journey through a Buddhist Hell, replete with torture scenes, such as humans getting ripped apart or boiled in vats. Do ensure that your children are old—and bold—enough for the experience.

One place for a happy family shot is at the theme park’s Bodhisattva Square. Here, you can pose with a beatific 22-metre granite Buddha statue perched atop a cheery globe. Don’t forget to include the water-spurting dragon in the foreground!

If you’re swimming at the water park, frame your shots against the distinctive backdrop of a man-made mountain featuring an ancient emperor’s head.

However, the theme park’s most iconic setting would be the Golden Unicorn Plaza (not to be confused with the Unicorn Palace). Featuring gargantuan eye-popping mythical unicorns of the oriental variety, this is an easy meeting spot should you and your loved ones decide to split up to explore the park separately. Go forth and let the creative photographer in you shine!

Travel Tip: So popular is this theme park with the locals that according to one visitor, the true meaning of hell awaits if you should visit on a Vietnamese public holiday! Choose your visiting days wisely if you are crowd-averse.

Get directions to Suoi Tien Theme Park

A historical attraction that even children will love? That’s the Cu Chi Tunnels, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from PARKROYAL Saigon.

During the Vietnam War (from 1955 to 1975), Communist guerrilla troops known as the Viet Cong built extensive tunnels to evade the people they were battling against—American and South Vietnamese forces. Beneath the Cu Chi district northwest of Ho Chi Minh City (known as Saigon during the war), the Viet Cong developed an extensive network of tunnels used for housing troops, transporting communications and supplies, and laying booby traps for the enemy.

Amazingly, these tunnels eventually grew to house the populations of entire villages. The tunnels were also equipped with other facilities necessary for daily living, including kitchens, schools, theatres, and hospitals.

With such a captivating history, this is an evocative attraction to visit. A favourite tourist shot here is also a challenge—can you fit into the entrance of the tunnels? That said, any photos that you capture here will certainly be memorable.

“On your journey, you will... experience what life may have been like for soldiers during the war,” says a satisfied visitor. “You will also gain insight into the persistence and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese as you crawl on all fours through these tiny underground tunnels and explore various rooms that served different purposes to those living inside.”

A parent recounts his children’s joy at visiting the tunnels: “At last, the kids could roam and climb, and gawk at the admirably barbaric traps used to catch enemy soldiers, while I pointed out ponds that were really bomb craters and told them about a war I was born too late to remember firsthand.”

Travel Tip: A good way to reach the tunnels is via a private car or minivan. Consider booking yours with Onetrip, or check with your hotel concierge for recommendations. Look for a day tour that includes breakfast, refreshments, and lunch, so that you can save your energy for exploring. If you prefer a DIY option, you can get directions on the official website.

Get directions to the Cu Chi Tunnels

Mother Nature has her wonderful healing properties. If your kids are dragging their feet, take a break from the streets and head to Tao Dan Park. Said to be the most popular park in Ho Chi Minh City, this urban sanctuary is possibly its largest public green space.

Here, you can observe the locals partaking in group activities such as mass tai chi, or nodding appreciatively at a lilting birdsong—this is a favourite gathering spot for bird owners.

For photography, the park’s plant sculptures (in the shape of dragons, tigers, and other beasts) are a good place to start. You can also visit the Monument to the Hung Kings, which is located within the park. This shrine is a tribute to the first kings of Vietnam, who ruled over parts of modern-day Vietnam from 2879 BC to 258 BC. Credited for resisting foreign invasions and gaining control over rival-occupied territory, these ancient rulers were also said to introduce rice-farming techniques to the country.

During your visit, look out for the elongated pond along the entrance to the shrine, where you can capture a beautiful reflection shot.

Travel Tip: The Vietnamese Lunar New Year (known as Tet or Tet Nguyen Dan) is actually a Chinese New Year celebration, which, going by the lunar calendar, usually takes place in January or February. During this time, Tao Dan Park plays host to the Spring Flowers Festival. This is when the park is at its liveliest—elaborate flower decorations, “live” events, and bazaars beckon guests from all over the city.

Get directions to Tao Dan Park

Wondering where to relax in Ho Chi Minh City, with kids in tow? Within the city centre, you can probably locate a Starbucks outlet (or three) without too much trouble. But if you’re on the lookout for more unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, here are two cafes to try.

For energetic kids who can’t sit still for long, take them to The Snap Cafe, hailed as a comfort zone for families thanks to its outdoor children’s playground, which is equipped with climbing frames on a sand pit.

Another family favourite is Pet Me, which guarantees guests a “squawking good time” while dining alongside parrots, lizards, and other critters.

“We are one of the first cafés with parrots in Saigon. We now have around 20 species of parrots originating from Asia, Africa, and America,” boasts cafe owner Le Anh Tai.

The parrots are not kept in cages; instead, they fly freely around the cafe for two hours each day, on a rotating “shift.” A dedicated employee tends to the parrots’ healthcare needs.

Customers also enjoy observing the cafe’s 14-year-old African spurred tortoise (or sulcata turtle), which spends its days roaming peacefully about the cafe grounds.

Travel Tip: As you shore up your energy reserves for your next adventure, don’t forget to snap some Instagrammable or Facebook-friendly pictures at these quirky hangouts!

Get directions to The Snap Cafe

Get directions to Pet Me

Need more travel advice for your family trip to Ho Chi Minh City? Read our Destination Insights, or view our room offers at PARKROYAL Saigon. You can also send us an enquiry here, and we’ll be in touch soon!