Visitors pose for a photo with a field of blooming sunflowers on the Thu Thiem riverside in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre
In the first days of 2026, blooming sunflowers have come into full view, quickly turning the area into a popular destination for residents and visitors.
Just over two years ago, the Thu Thiem side of the Saigon River was largely a neglected stretch of muddy embankments overgrown with reeds and wild vegetation.
The unkempt landscape stood in stark contrast to the city center across the river, directly affecting the overall urban scenery of Ho Chi Minh City, including Bach Dang Wharf and what was formerly District 1 on the opposite bank.
As such, the Thu Thiem riverside was comprehensively developed and upgraded to enhance urban aesthetics for public benefit.
The transformation reflected a coordinated effort to turn an overlooked riverside into a vibrant public space serving the community.
Sunflowers are in full bloom along the Saigon River bank park on the Thu Thiem side, creating a striking visual highlight in the early days of 2026. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre
Key developments include the riverside park, the Thu Thiem Riverstage creative cultural center and the Thu Thiem inland wharf system invested in by Daily – Saigon Waterbus Company, and a sunflower field financed by Khang Dien House Trading and Investment Joint Stock Company.
Located within the park grounds, the Thu Thiem creative cultural center stands out as a major architectural and cultural highlight.
The center is envisioned as a hub for creative cultural activities, exhibitions, and artistic performances.
The surrounding space is highly adaptable, functioning as a small public square or an open-air riverside stage.
In a relatively short period, the once overgrown alluvial flats have given way to expansive sunflower gardens, landscaped features, pedestrian pathways, lawns, and outdoor communal spaces.
As a result, the riverside park has become brighter, more spacious, and visually open, offering uninterrupted views across the river and reinforcing the sense of connection between the two banks of the city.
The Thu Thiem riverbank is now a regular gathering place for local residents and tourists who come to stroll, take photographs, relax, and participate in creative cultural events, music shows, and artistic performances that reflect the identity of a dynamic river city.
Over the past few days, the area has drawn particularly large crowds, with music events and art activities.
During major holidays and the Lunar New Year, the riverbank becomes one of the city’s most popular spots for watching fireworks.
Besides, the Thu Thiem area also remains closely linked to traditional cultural values.
On Saturday, the Ky Yen Festival opened at An Khanh Communal House, attracting local residents and visitors who came to offer incense and take part in long-standing folk rituals and belief-based ceremonies.
The Thu Thiem riverside park attracts large numbers of residents and visitors. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre
The green space along the Saigon River bank on the Thu Thiem side after more than two years of renovation and upgrading. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre
The blooming sunflowers have attracted young people and tourists. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre
Sunflowers are in full bloom, creating a vibrant scene along the Saigon River. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre
The area becomes livelier in the afternoon and evening with recreational zones and music performances. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre
The riverside park glows with lights in the evening, accompanied by numerous events. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre
The Thu Thiem Creative Cultural Center, located within the park, features an open and modern architectural design. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre
A panoramic view of the Thu Thiem riverside park along the Saigon River, as seen from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre
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