Fences Down, Colors Up: Thong Nhat Park Glows at Midnight
- 9 Group
- May 4, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: May 10, 2025
Leaving Thong Nhat Park at 4 a.m. with an over-2-kilogram carp — many locals joyfully spent the night at the park after the fences were taken down.
Thống Nhất Park, covering an area of 50 hectares, is the largest park located in the inner city and is often referred to as the "green heart" of Hanoi. Over its 64 years of establishment and development since 1961, the park has become a familiar place for leisure and relaxation—a cherished part of the collective memory of the capital's residents. However, few people know that behind this friendly facade, when night falls and the streets grow quiet, Thống Nhất Park takes on a very different character.
Visiting the park during the night of April 26, 2025, our team of reporters encountered many strange occurrences and activities. First, upon riding our motorbikes through the main gate at 354A Lê Duẩn Street, we were charged a parking fee of 10,000 VND per motorbike—with the peculiar condition that we had to bring our motorbikes into the park ourselves. In other words, we were paying for a parking service that we had to perform ourselves, despite an official price list being printed and posted nearby with different information and rates.
As we continued our “tour” of the park from late at night until dawn, we witnessed scenes and activities quite different from those seen during the day. People casually rode motorbikes and bicycles directly into the park; some even slept right on the stone benches. Couples sat in dark corners, having “private conversations.”
A person sleeping on a stone bench (left) and a young couple (right) at Thống Nhất Park at 1 a.m (Photo credit: Newspresso)
In another area of the park, we came across several groups of young people hosting lively drinking parties that lasted for hours—from 11 p.m. until around 3 a.m. Remarkably, throughout our entire observation and information-gathering process, we did not see a single security guard present to supervise or remind people of any regulations. After the festivities ended, we found trash strewn around the trash bins in the vicinity.
Several groups gathering to eat and drink in Thống Nhất Park at 2 a.m (Photo credit: Newspresso)
Notably, a large number of men were sitting by the lakeside fishing. Through conversations with them, we learned that Thống Nhất Park at night has now become a popular spot favored by many fishing enthusiasts. They usually begin fishing in the evening and continue until dawn, fully equipped with all the necessary gear. It seems that their biggest catch of the night was a carp weighing nearly 2 kilograms.
After 4 a.m., before the sun had risen and before the park's official opening hours, groups of local residents began arriving for their morning exercises. People walked, jogged, and chatted energetically—signaling the rush of a new day about to begin.
When asked about security concerns in Thống Nhất Park at night, N.M.T. shared: “I often come to the park at night… Of course I feel a bit worried because the park is really big, and there's no management at night—it makes me nervous. So when I go for walks here at night, I usually choose areas that are well-lit and have more people around.”
Later, through further inquiry and an interview with Ms. N.T. A, a parking attendant who has worked there for 20 years, we learned that Thống Nhất Park officially opens daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Since the city implemented a plan to renovate and dismantle the fences surrounding the park, it has created a more open and accessible space for the public.
However, this change has also led to some unforeseen consequences. Ms. A shared: “The park covers a large area with few people around, and the security forces are too limited and weak, so maintaining security isn’t as easy as it used to be… it's hard to cover everything.” At night, the park frequently experiences issues such as theft, unauthorized fishing, sanitation problems, and even the stealing of metal parts or rare trees. “It’s generally quite complicated—we’ve seen a lot of troubling things working here,” she added.
As Hanoi expands its public spaces, the renovation of Thống Nhất Park—especially the removal of its fences—has given people a new way to connect with the park. Many now experience it differently, finding moments of peace and enjoyment. Whether it’s a late-night walk, a quiet chat, a lively gathering, or fishing by the lake, Thống Nhất Park remains a colorful part of Hanoi’s daily rhythm, both day and night. However, security and the transparency of parking management need more attention to keep the park safe and orderly as the city continues to grow.
Thống Nhất Park was built and inaugurated in 1961 through the voluntary labor of Hanoi’s residents. At that time, the war had not yet ended and the South had not been liberated. The name “Thống Nhất” (“Reunification”) embodied the hopes, longing, and aspirations of the people of Hanoi for a day when the country would be united. For a period, the park was renamed Lenin Park (1980–2003). After Chi Lăng Flower Garden was designated as Lenin Park, the original name "Thống Nhất Park" was reinstated. |
Would you like to visit Thống Nhất Park at midnight?
Yes. I find it very interesting.
No. I'm concerned about security issues.
I'm unsure.
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