HCM CITY – Locals of all ages in HCM City spent part of their time during the New Year’s holiday at amusement parks in the city.

Thảo Cầm Viên (Sài Gòn Zoo and Botanical Garden) in District 1 were among the most popular destinations.

Between December 30 and 31, thousands of parents brought their children to the zoo to enjoy many green activities, according to the managers at the Botanical Garden.

As many as 35,000 people arrived at the garden during this period.

The Suối Tiên Cultural Amusement Park in District 9, though not located in the city centre, also drew many visitors, mostly from neighbouring provinces such as Đồng Nai, Bình Dương, and Bình Phước.

Between December 29 and 30, the park welcomed an additional 20,000 arrivals. The number was expected to rise on New Year’s Day, Huỳnh Hồng Tuấn, deputy general manager of the park, said.

To provide quality services during this peak period, Tuấn said the park had employed 1,500 people and collaborated with authorities to ensure safety and food hygiene.

Another popular site, Rin Rin Park in Hóc Môn District, which opened a few years ago, attracts visitors who are interested in koi fish, the star attraction at this Japanese-style park, and bonsai art.

Ngọc Quỳnh, who visited the park recently, said that entrance ticket was only VNĐ50,000 and was especially interesting to younger people.

In addition to familiar destinations, the new 18,000-sqm sunflower garden in Thủ Đức District’s Hiệp Bình Phước Ward is now a go-to spot for photographs. – VNS