Ho Chi Minh City Opens Free Outdoor Gyms in Public Parks

More than 85,000 people used the outdoor fitness stations at Tao Dan Park in the first six months of 2026, according to records from the District 1 parks office.

July heat and longer daylight hours have pushed residents toward shaded public circuits rather than indoor gyms that charge monthly fees. City health programs now promote these spots as part of routine wellness routines that complement the daily street food habits already common across neighborhoods.

Circuits drawing steady crowds

Tao Dan Park on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street offers pull-up bars, leg-press machines and parallel bars installed in 2022. Early morning sessions start at 5:30 a.m. when groups gather for circuit rotations that last 30 to 45 minutes. A few blocks away, the riverside path along Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 features a 1.8-kilometer loop with step-up platforms and resistance bands stations added last year. Cyclists and runners share the route with workers completing body-weight drills before 7 a.m. shifts.

Le Van Tam Park in District 3 added a second set of chest-press and rowing machines in March 2025 after resident requests. The equipment sits under mature trees that provide cover during midday hours. Both locations remain open 24 hours with no entry fees or registration required.

Usage patterns and next steps

A 2025 survey by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health recorded a 32 percent rise in daily park visits compared with 2023 figures. The same report listed average session lengths of 28 minutes at the free stations. Visitors are advised to arrive before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to avoid peak sun and to check equipment condition before use. Those with existing injuries should speak with a doctor at FV Hospital on Le Duan Street before starting new routines.