Suoi Tien Theme Park

The basics

Like a 21st-century version of Singapore’s Haw Par Mansion, Suoi Tien Theme Park delves deep into the world of Buddhist belief—including a grim descent through the painful punishments demons inflict on different types of sinners in Buddhist hell. Two separate houses of horror up the gore quotient even more, but the overall effect of the lakes, gardens, and colorful sculptures is surprisingly peaceful. Photographers will love the surreal impact of Buddha-themed slides, the elephant-tusk avenue, the giant rotating frog, and more.

Things to know before you go

• The name “Suối Tiên” means “Fairy Stream”, but the park has no connection to the Fairy Stream in Mui Ne.
• Tickets for Suoi Tien Theme Park are affordably priced. Book a combo ticket that includes all attractions rather than buying individually.
• Kids under 3 feet 3 inches (1 meter) go free, while kids under 4 feet 7 inches (1.4 meters) enjoy discounted rates.
• The landscaped grounds are wheelchair-accessible, but rides and the water park are not.

How to get there

Suoi Tien Theme Park sits in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 9, about a 10-mile (16-kilometer) drive northeast of the historic center. Catch bus 19 from Ben Thanh Market or book a driver for a more comfortable and less crowded ride. As and when the city’s long-awaited metro opens, Suoi Tien will be the terminus of line 1.

When to get there

Suối Tiên is open from early morning until late afternoon daily. For people-watching, visit on a weekend; for a quieter experience, come mid-week during the Vietnamese school vacations. The park gets very crowded around Tet (Lunar New Year).

Vietnam’s Best Theme Parks

Whether you’re traveling with kids or treating your inner child, Vietnam has plenty of weird and wonderful theme parks. Try Sun World near the famous Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, held up by giant hands; ride a cable car over the ocean to Vinpearl Land Nha Trang; or opt for more conventional water parks, such as Hanoi’s Ho Tay Water Park or Ho Chi Minh City’s Dam Sen Water Park.

What’s there to do at Suoi Tien Theme Park?

Suoi Tien Theme Park offers a hard-to-believe range of attractions and activities: Visitors can choose between classic theme-park rides, creepy horror houses, live entertainment and music, a zoo and aquarium, a massive water park with slides and wave pools, and even landscaped gardens adorned with elaborate Buddhist sculptures and temples.

How do I get to Suoi Tien Theme Park from downtown Ho Chi Minh City?

Reach Suoi Tien Theme Park from downtown Ho Chi Minh City by taking a taxi (stick to reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh), a rideshare like Grab, or a private car or motorbike. The park is approximately 12 miles (20 kilometers) northeast of the city center, and the journey typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

How long should I spend at Suoi Tien Theme Park?

The time you’ll want to spend at Suoi Tien Theme Park depends on your interests and the attractions you wish to experience. A full day is needed to explore the park thoroughly and enjoy all it has to offer—that said, most foreign visitors come simply to take in the park’s bizarre vibes.

When’s the best time to visit Suoi Tien Theme Park?

The best time to visit Suoi Tien Theme Park is on weekdays outside holidays. Additionally, consider visiting during the rainier months of the year (May to November) to get a less-crowded experience. If you visit on a hot, dry day—most days in Ho Chi Minh City—be prepared for crowds in the waterpark.

Is Suoi Tien Theme Park worth visiting?

Whether or not Suoi Tien Theme Park is worth visiting is a matter of personal preference. Many foreign visitors describe the park as bizarre at best, with its religious-themed and non-trademarked attractions, never mind the unethical living conditions for the animals in the zoo and “Crocodile Kingdom.” But for the curious, there’s certainly a lot to do here.

What’s at Suoi Tien Theme Park for adults?

While many adults can enjoy roller coasters and water slides, those looking for attractions easier on the stomach have many options, like wandering the park’s Buddhist temples and gardens, enjoying live music and cultural entertainment, eating theme-park snacks, and getting sufficiently spooked in one (or several) of the park’s houses of horrors.