Parkrun Ho Chi Minh City: Free 5km Runs at Tao Dan Park

Parkrun events now operate at two established sites in Ho Chi Minh City, with the first Saturday morning start at Tao Dan Park drawing 178 runners on 4 July.

City residents face longer stretches of heat and humidity this season, pushing more people toward early-morning group runs that finish before 8am. Local health data shows adult participation in organised outdoor activity climbed from 42,000 registered users in 2024 to 61,500 by mid-2026, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Sports Department.

Established routes in central districts

Tao Dan Park in District 1 hosts the longest-running local parkrun, with a 5km loop that begins at the main gate on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and circles the central lawn twice before finishing near the chess tables. Runners share the paths with cyclists heading toward the Saigon River embankment. A second event launched in April at 23 September Park, where participants start near the statue on Pham Ngu Lao Street and follow a flat course that crosses into the adjacent green strip along Cach Mang Thang 8 Boulevard. Both locations provide free timing chips collected at a volunteer table 30 minutes before the 7am gun.

Attendance records kept by the volunteer coordinators show Tao Dan Park events average 165 finishers each week, while the newer 23 September Park site reached 92 participants on its most recent run. No entry fee applies at either location, though runners must register once through the national parkrun portal to receive a barcode. FV Hospital staff run a free hydration station at the Tao Dan finish line on the first Saturday of each month.

Preparing for your first run

Arrive 20 minutes early to collect a barcode and hear the safety briefing. Wear light clothing and carry a small bottle of water, as temperatures already reach 31 degrees by start time. Runners with existing conditions should check with a physician at FV Hospital or a neighbourhood clinic before attempting the full distance. After the run, many participants continue to nearby street-food stalls on Nguyen Trai Street for pho or fresh juices. Check the parkrun Vietnam Facebook page each Thursday for any last-minute route changes due to maintenance work in the parks.