Last updated October 2024 | Words and photos by Luke Digweed

Luke Digweed is a staff writer for Vietnam Coracle. He has been living in Vietnam since 2011, mostly in Huế but also in Đà Nẵng & Sài Gòn. While living in Huế, he ran the Huế Grit Tour & co-organized events & small concerts between 2017-2020. His most recent ongoing project is Festivals of Vietnam which documents ceremonies, rituals & processions around the country….read more about Luke

Escape the heat and clamour of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) by visiting one of its many open-air public swimming pools. A frenetic, face-paced tropical metropolis of 10 million people, average daily temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City hover around 30°C with 80%-90% humidity. In conditions such as these, everyone needs a way to cool down. If you’re a traveller or resident of Ho Chi Minh City and not lucky enough to be staying somewhere with a pool, there are dozens of decent, inexpensive public swimming pools where you can cool off, swim some laps or lounge by the water. In this guide, I have listed and reviewed 14 public swimming pools across the city.

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14 SWIMMING POOLS

Escape the Heat at these Open-Air Public Pools

On this page I’ve listed, reviewed and mapped 14 public pools in Ho Chi Minh City. For each pool I’ve included specific information, such as opening times, ticket prices, addresses, cleanliness, pool size and regulations. Apart from a few notable exceptions, changing rooms are fairly basic, but water quality is pretty good (although it can vary from season to season depending on rainfall, because all the pools are outdoors). Avoid weekends and holidays, as the pools can get very crowded during these times. The biggest obstacle to enjoying these public pools is the convoluted system of opening hours: make sure you check the times carefully in this guide before visiting. (Note: on weekends, some pools only sell tickets for one-hour slots: if you arrive halfway through a session, you may have to wait until the next one begins). Another annoyance is swimwear regulations: some pools only allow men to wear tight-fitting ‘speedos’ (no swimming shorts). Click a pool from the list below to read my full review, and if you like this guide, please donate.

CONTENTS:

Map

1. Sala Pool

2. Phú Thọ Pool

3. Văn Thánh Pool

4. Rạch Miễu Pool

5. Yết Kiêu Pool

6. Lam Sơn Pool

7. Vân Đồn Pool

8. Lao Động Pool

9. Sky Garden Pool

10. Nguyễn Tri Phương Pool

11. Đại Đồng Pool

12. Lan Anh Pool

13. Kỳ Đồng Pool

14. Cộng Hòa Pool

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MAP:

14 Public Swimming Pools, Ho Chi Minh City

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1. Sala Pool:

• Address: 17 Hoàng Thế Thiện, Thủ Thiêm, District 2 [MAP]
• Open: Monday: 13:00–21:00 | Tuesday–Sunday: 6:00–21:00
• Price: Adult: 80,000vnđ | Child: 40,000vnđ

Opened in 2018, Sala Swimming Pool is part of a luxury residential complex in the new Thủ Thiêm area. While the pool is fantastic, finding it can be tricky. You need to purchase your ticket at the Sales Gallery at 74 Nguyễn Cơ Thạch, and the entrance is discreetly hidden. After getting your ticket, head to the southern corner of the premises and show it to the security booth to gain access. (Management at Sala Swimming Pool were keen to emphasise the current ticket purchasing process is temporary and will change in the future for the convenience of customers.) Inside, you’ll find a clean, well-maintained pool surrounded by tennis courts, a football pitch and a running track. The bunker-like changing rooms, complete with nice showers, are located at either end of the pool. With no shading, the middle of the day can get quite hot, but the surrounding hedges provide privacy. The ticket price is higher than most pools in this guide, but the quality makes it well worth the extra expense.

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2. Phú Thọ Pool:

• Address: 215A Lý Thường Kiệt, District 11 [MAP]
• Open: Weekdays: 5:30-11:30, 13:30-18:30 | Weekends: 5:30-12:00, 13:00-19:00
• Price: 35,000vnđ

Phú Thọ Pool is a fair distance from downtown Ho Chi Minh City but it’s close to Chợ Lớn (Chinatown). This huge pool is often empty during weekday afternoons: arrive for the 13:30 session and you may have this clean, calm pool to yourself. The Olympic-sized pool is divided into lanes and overshadowed by a large spectators’ stadium. If you can access the stands, you’ll see remnants of the old Phú Thọ racecourse behind the pool. Some serious Vietnamese swimmers practice here. If you’re lucky, you can watch and learn from them. The changing rooms are old and smelly, but the entrance fee is cheap. Note that only tight-fitting swimwear is accepted. There’s also a kids’ pool and a medium-sized pool available.

Images of Phú Thọ Pool

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3. Văn Thánh Pool:

• Address: 48/10 Điện Biên Phủ, Bình Thạnh District [MAP]
• Open: daily: 6:00-7:00
• Price: Weekdays: 70,000vnđ | Weekends: 80,000vnđ

This pool is about as close as you can get to a resort-style pool in Ho Chi Minh City without staying at a luxury hotel or paying high non-guest fees. Văn Thánh pool is part of a large tourist park. Located behind tennis courts and surrounded by lush trees, the kidney-shaped pool is (just about) big enough for laps, with a shallow end for kids. The changing rooms and showers are very good. The poolside café and wooden loungers add to the resort-like feel. This is a true refuge from city’s noise, where birdsong replaces motorbike horns. It’s a favorite pool among foreign residents for its relaxed atmosphere. While quiet during the day, the pool fills up in the afternoon as nearby residents come after school or work.

Images of Văn Thánh Pool

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4. Rạch Miễu Pool:

• Address: 1 Hoa Phượng, Phú Nhuận District [MAP]
• Open: Tuesday to Sunday: 5:30-6:30, 7:00-8:00, 8:30-9:30, 13:30-14:30, 15:00-16:00, 16:30-17:30, 18:00-19:00 (closed Monday)
• Price: Adult: 30,000vnđ | Child: 20,000vnđ

Located on the rooftop of a large sports complex, Rạch Miễu is an excellent outdoor pool. It boasts an Olympic-sized 50-metre pool and a 25-metre shallow pool for kids. There are several lanes for lap swimming, with one lane reserved for women. The pool offers fantastic views over the Thị Nghè Channel and downtown Ho Chi Minh City. However, there is no shade or seating area. The pool is closed at lunchtime, so there’s no quiet time for a swim. Both pools can get crowded early in the morning and during the afternoon session at 13:30. The best time to swim is around 8:30, an hour before the morning session ends. Tight-fitting swimwear is mandatory. Photography is forbidden and the changing rooms are adequate. Note that the pool is closed on Mondays.

Images of Rạch Miễu Pool

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5. Yết Kiêu Pool:

• Address: 1 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, District 1 [MAP]
• Open: Weekdays: 5:30-7:00, 7:30-9:00, 11:00-13:00, 16:00-18:00, 18:00-19:30 | Weekends: 5:30-7:00, 7:30-9:00, 11:00-13:00, 14:00-15:00, 15:00-16:00, 16:00-17:00, 17:00-18:00, 18:00-19:30
• Price: Weekdays: 35,000vnđ | Weekends: 40,000vnđ

Yết Kiêu is a fantastic place to swim. There are three pools. The 50-metre and 25-metre swimming pools are divided into lanes. The third is a children’s pool. The people who come to Yết Kiêu are serious about swimming, making it a great place for laps. The changing rooms and showers are quite good. Both pools are shaded by large white canvas sails. The ticket price is affordable and the water quality is decent. However, due to the limited opening hours, most swimmers crowd in during lunchtime, leading to a fair amount of traffic in each lane.

Images of Yết Kiêu Pool

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6. Lam Sơn Pool:

• Address: 242 Trần Bình Trọng, District 5 [MAP]
• Open: Tuesday to Sunday: 6:00-11:30, 13:30-15:30, 15:40-18:30 (closed Monday)
• Price: Adult: 35,000vnđ | Child: 30,000vnđ

Lam Sơn pool is big, quiet, local and affordable. The main pool, located on the 2^nd floor, is an Olympic-sized 50-metre giant. There’s also a 25-metre pool and a shallow children’s pool on the ground floor. Architecturally unique, the rooftop pool features a water tower and an adjacent spectator stand. The red plastic seats around the pools add a charmingly retro feel. The Olympic pool’s water is clean, with at least six swimming lanes, including a women’s-only lane. Weekdays are very quiet, but weekends can get busy, especially with children. Unfortunately, the changing rooms and showers are grubby; changing poolside is a better option. Note that the pool is closed on Mondays.

Images of Lam Sơn Pool

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7. Vân Đồn Pool:

• Address: 122 Khánh Hội, District 4 [MAP]
• Open: Tuesday to Friday: 5:30–11:00, 15:00–18:00 | Weekends: 5:30–10:00, 14:00–15:30, 16:00–19:00 (closed Monday)
• Price: 30,000vnđ

Vân Đồn Pool, much like Rạch Miễu, is located on the rooftop of a sports complex. It shares the same quirky regulations and somewhat grumpy staff. Men are required to wear tight-fitting swim shorts or ‘speedos’. Unlike Rạch Miễu, Vân Đồn is much quieter, especially during the early afternoon sessions. The changing rooms and showers are reasonably clean, and the entry fee is affordable. There’s plenty of space around the Olympic-sized pool to lay out in the sun, though the poolside floors tend to be a bit dirty. Vân Đồn is a decent option if you’re looking for a quieter spot for laps. Note that the pool is closed on Mondays.

Images of Vân Đồn Pool

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8. Lao Động Pool:

• Address: 55B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, District 1 [MAP]
• Open: Daily: 6:00–19:00 (under renovation at the time of research)
• Price: 25,000vnđ

Located in the heart of central Ho Chi Minh City, Lao Động Pool couldn’t be in a better position, surrounded by the giant tropical trees of Tao Đàn Park and overlooked by the former French colonial Cercle Sportif clubhouse. This should be an excellent pool, but there’s something sad and even seedy about this once grand facility. The ticket booth feels like entering a prison and the changing rooms are quite rundown. The pool is large, but water quality is poor. There’s only one lane divider and it doesn’t reach the end of the pool, forcing swimmers to make a 180-degree turn. The pool is surrounded by a grand colonnade, a reminder of its former glory. Though not terrible, it, like many old buildings in the city, feels like it’s awaiting demolition. However, the pool was closed at the time of research for (much needed) renovations. It should have reopened by the time you read this and, who knows, perhaps it will be much-improved. Definitely worth checking out.

Images of Lao Động Pool

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9. Sky Garden Pool:

• Address: 2 Phạm Văn Nghị, District 7 [MAP]
• Open: Daily 5:30–19:00
• Price: Adult: 90,000vnđ | Child: 70,000vnđ

Located in District 7, Sky Garden Swimming Pool is part of an apartment complex but is open to the public. The entrance fee is on the higher side, but the amenities and upkeep reflect the price. The main pool is 20 meters long, with marked lanes for lap swimming, and there’s a smaller attached pool for children. It’s an ideal setup for parents who want to swim while keeping an eye on their kids. The water quality is good and the surrounding furniture offers a comfortable space to relax. However, the pool is not as serene as others due to some traffic noise from a nearby road. Still, it remains a pleasant and reliable choice for a day of swimming.

Images of Sky Garden Pool

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10. Nguyễn Tri Phương Pool:

• Address: 27 Đồng Nai, District 10 [MAP]
• Open: Tuesday to Friday: 05:15–07:30, 07:40–09:00, 09:10–10:30, 14:00–15:20, 15:30–16:30, 16:40–17:50, 18:00–19:00 | Weekends: 05:15–07:30, 07:40–08:50, 09:00–10:00, 10:00–11:00, 14:00–15:20, 15:30–16:30, 16:40–17:50, 18:00–19:00 (closed Monday)
• Price: Adults: 30,000vnđ | Child: 25,000vnđ

Nguyễn Tri Phương Swimming Pool features three pools, catering to various types of swimmers. The largest is a 50-meter pool, perfect for serious lap swimmers. There’s a medium-sized pool for more casual swimmers and a separate children’s pool. The facility, located on a rooftop, doesn’t offer much of a view compared to some of the city’s other rooftop pools, but it’s pleasant enough. While the conditions are a bit worn, all the facilities remain functional. The pool is best for those who prioritize swimming over lounging, as there’s little shade and minimal space for relaxation. The crowd tends to be friendly, with many regulars who take their swimming routines seriously. Note that the pool is closed on Mondays.

Images of Nguyễn Tri Phương Pool

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11. Đại Đồng Pool:

• Address: 25A Nơ Trang Long, Bình Thạnh District [MAP]
• Open: Tuesday to Friday: 5:30–11:45, 13:00–18:30 | Weekends: 5:30–12:15, 13:00–19:00 (closed Monday)
• Price: 30,000vnđ

Đại Đồng is another rooftop pool, similar to Rạch Miễu. While the pool was founded in 1975, the second-floor pool was built in 2010. Entrance is affordable, and though the changing rooms and showers are basic, they get the job done. The open-air pool is of good quality. The main pool is an unusual square shape, with each side measuring 20 meters and a depth of 2 meters. Lanes are divided for swimming, with some reserved for women. There’s also a small pool for children. The water quality is decent, though there’s minimal shade, especially by the small pool. Women can wear any swimwear, including bikinis (except in white), but men must wear tight-fitting swim shorts or ‘speedos’. Note that the pool is closed on Mondays.

Images of Đại Đồng Pool

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12. Lan Anh Pool:

• Address: 291 Cách Mạng Tháng Tám, District 10 [MAP]
• Open: Daily: 6:00–19:00 (closed Mondays)
• Price: Tuesday to Friday: 45,000vnđ | Weekends: 60,000vnđ

Lan Anh is a resort-style pool surrounded by deck chairs. It’s designed more for lounging in the sun and dipping into the water than for serious swimming. The facility refers to itself as a ‘country club’ in English, and its amenities, such as a German beer restaurant and tennis courts, reflect this. A rather basic food and drink menu is available poolside. Lan Anh was once a popular hangout for foreign residents, but with the rise of private swimming pools, its popularity has waned. It’s most relaxing on weekday lunchtimes, but the pool gets busy as soon as kids aren’t in school. Changing rooms and showers are functional, though not impressive. Given the price, my recommendation is to choose Văn Thánh Swimming Pool over Lan Anh if you’re looking for a pool to lounge by. Note that the pool is closed on Mondays.

Images of Lan Anh Pool

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13. Kỳ Đồng Pool:

• Address: 40 Kỳ Đồng, District 3 [MAP]
• Open: Saturday to Thursday: 6:00–17:50 (closed Fridays)
• Price: Adult: 25,000vnđ | Child: 20,000vnđ

Kỳ Đồng is a community pool nestled in a District 3 neighborhood. The main pool is only 25 meters long – half the size of the Olympic pools in this list. However, with an entrance fee of just 25,000vnđ, it’s one of the cheapest pools around and also one of the quietest during the middle of the day. Additionally, the pool is open all day without breaks. From Monday to Thursday, between 11:00 and 14:00, the pool is often nearly empty. There are a couple of lanes for swimming laps, along with a women’s-only lane and a learner’s lane. The kids’ pool is a good size, very shallow, and features a couple of small slides. Any swimming attire is accepted. Try to avoid weekends and late afternoons on weekdays when it gets crowded with families and loud music is played over speakers. Tickets outside of summer grant users unlimited use of the pool. During summer, tickets are sold in hourly sessions, which start on the hour and last 50 minutes. Showers and changing rooms are very basic. Cafes surround the swimming pool and sell drinks with seating areas available. Note that the pool is closed on Fridays.

Images of Kỳ Đồng Pool

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14. Cộng Hòa Pool:

• Address: 364 Cách Mạng Tháng Tám, Tân Bình District [MAP]
• Open: Daily: 5:30–19:00
• Price: Adult: 25,000vnđ | Child: 20,000vnđ

Cộng Hòa Swimming Pool is an unexpected find on a busy main road, located near the top of Cách Mạng Tháng Tám, one of city’s busiest thoroughfares. The two pools are both just under 25 meters in length. It’s one of the cheaper pools, and this is reflected in its aging facilities. The changing rooms and showers, though a bit grimy, function well. Swimming during midday is peaceful and relaxing. The pool is not particularly attractive, with lots of concrete, peeling plaster and bare walls, but it suffices for a community pool if you live nearby. There’s some confusion about what can and can’t be worn in the pool. Women can wear any swimwear, but men must wear swim shorts made of appropriate fabric. The lifeguards say sports shorts are fine, but board shorts are not.

Images of Cộng Hòa Pool

*Disclosure: Vietnam Coracle content is always free and independent. Luke has written this guide because he wants to: he likes these pools and he wants readers to know about them. For more details, see the Disclosure & Disclaimer statements and my About Page

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