3 February Park, Hue

The 3 February Park is located on the Perfume River near to the south side of the Troung Tien Bridge in Hue city centre.

The 3 February Park is open all day every day and admission is free. A popular night market sets up in the evenings around the park.

About the 3 February Park

The 3 February Park commemorates the events of the 3rd February 1968. The joint forces of the Viet Cong and the People’s Army of Vietnam launched simultaneous attacks on cities, towns and larger villages in South Vietnam on the 30th January 1968 in a military operation known as the Tet Offensive as it coincided with the Tet Holiday which is celebrated across Vietnam.

The bloodiest fighting of the Tet Offensive is generally considered to have taken place in the Battle of Hue, and the bloodiest day of that battle is generally considered to be the 3rd February 1968. By the end of the Battle of Hue between 3,000 and 9,000 soldiers (the majority from the Communist forces) are estimated to have died along with 5,000 civilians. Much of Hue was left in ruins following the battle, including the historically important Imperial Citadel.

Subtle and poignant reminders of the brutality and absurdity of war are contained in the sculptures in  3 February Park. Many of the sculptures show harrowing images of people in uncomfortable positions, including one of a lady being pulled by hands from below as though being pulled into hell.

The disturbing sculptures aside, the 3 February Park is a pleasant place enjoyed by local people. The park is a great place to sit and watch the river under the shades of trees.

The 3 February Park is also the place to come to arrange a ride on boat along the Perfume River. Dragon Boat operators park their tour boats in front of the park vying for custom.

A more pleasant feature of the 3 February Park is the topiary. Bushes have been trained and trimmed into a variety of shapes.

Heading south from the 3 February Park and under the bridge, there is a pleasant 2 km walk along the riverfront nearly to Hue Railway Station which we recommend doing at first light, around 06:30 in the morning. Local people come to the riverfront to exercise and stroll by the Perfume River before the heat of the day starts and the tourists arrive to visit the Imperial Citadel and the Imperial Tombs for which Hue is most famous. The early morning in Hue belongs to the locals.

Location of the 3 February Park

The 3 February Park is 2.1 km walking distance from Hue Railway Station.