This water park is situated on Hoa Binh in Ward 3 of District 11 which is not actually that far out from the main business area of District 1. A short ride through District 3 and 10 and the park looms large in front of you. This is a popular place and can get very busy, particularly at weekends, when coach parties arrive from all over the south of the country.
It’s a kind of a cross between a fun theme park and a scenic lake surrounded by things to do. As such it works really well and is a lovely place to spend a morning or afternoon depending on the weather. I think a full day here would start to wear a bit thin, but for 4 or 5 hours it is good fun.
The waterslides and rides are good and always enjoyed by younger visitors, whilst a walk round the beautiful lake makes for a very pleasant hour or so. The atmosphere here is one of tranquility rather than the raucous atmosphere of a Disney park. Vietnamese people tend to be more reserved than in the west, though that is not to say they don’t enjoy themselves, there is much laughter to be heard here.
Some small activities can be quite fun. Watching a man balancing with ease on a bamboo pole, then seeing the locals trying and failing to emulate him, can be extremely entertaining. There are plenty of places to catch a cooling drink or get something to eat. The whole ethos is one of family fun and relaxation.
Don’t expect the huge glitzy showmanship of an American theme park; that is simply not the Asian way. Here it is more of a simpler, fun place where kids can be kids and adults can too!
Dam Sen Water Park is a must for anyone spending more than just a few days in Vietnam’s largest city.