The central monument was designed by architects Nguyen Ky and Thuong Van Duc in 1967.
The turtle sculptures were originally intended to hold a map of Vietnam on their backs, symbolizing the nation's unity.
The location was previously the site of a smaller water feature constructed during the French colonial period.
The site is often referred to locally as Ho Con Rua, which literally translates to Turtle Lake.
It is surrounded by several prominent buildings, including the former headquarters of the Saigon University Faculty of Law.
Turtle Pond, officially known as Cong Truong Quoc Te, is a roundabout centered around a circular water feature featuring concrete turtle sculptures. Originally built in 1967, the pond served as a symbol of the South Vietnamese government. It is situated at the intersection of Pham Ngoc Thach and Vo Van Tan streets in District 3. The area is a prominent hub for local youth, street food culture, and outdoor social gatherings. The architecture reflects mid-century modern design principles adapted to the local tropical climate. It functions as a public plaza rather than a traditional park, serving as a landmark for navigation and a popular evening hangout spot. The site remains a focal point for city residents, especially students from nearby educational institutions.
From the pedestrian sidewalk looking toward the pond with the turtle monument centered against the backdrop of local architecture.
Bring a portable seat or use a nearby plastic stool to fully embrace the street-side social experience.
The area gets extremely busy after dark; visit during the late afternoon to observe the transition from traffic hub to social space.
Explore the surrounding streets to find high concentrations of local coffee shops and snack vendors.
Do not attempt to swim in or climb onto the central water feature as it is a protected heritage site.
