Vietnam's Bizarre Theme Park: The Weirdest Thing You'll See in Da Lat

Who would've thought that a pandemic could inspire a theme park? Well, in the heart of Vietnam, there's a peculiar attraction that does just that. It's a place where the surreal meets the serious, a place where laughter and contemplation intertwine: the COVID-19 Park.

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Vietnam's COVID-19 Theme Park

Located in the picturesque city of Da Lat, this unconventional theme park is part of the Tuyen Lam Lake National Tourist Complex. It's a place where the world's battle against the coronavirus pandemic is immortalised in a series of quirky and thought-provoking statues and installations.

Image credit: Timur Garifov | Unsplash

Strange attraction from serious to surreal

British traveller Ella Ribak had a rather unusual experience during her 2022 Southeast Asian adventure. She stumbled upon this unique park and was immediately captivated by its bizarre charm. As she wandered through the park's eerie landscape, she encountered a variety of COVID-themed sculptures, from googly-eyed pathogens to virus characters engaged in boxing matches.

A blend of humour and history

The park's entrance sets a somber tone, with a large steel clock adorned with symbols representing key pandemic milestones like hand-washing, social distancing, and vaccine development. However, as visitors delve deeper into the park, the mood shifts from solemn to surreal.

Image credit: Timur Garifov | Unsplash

One particularly striking scene depicts a human-sized pathogen with googly eyes locked in a jail cell. This unexpected touch of humour transforms the eerie experience into something strangely entertaining. Other whimsical displays include viruses being impaled by oversized vaccine syringes and even presiding over a courtroom in a parody of popular TV judge shows.

A bizarre tourist attraction

While some visitors, like Ella Ribak, found the park's humour appealing, local Vietnamese visitors seemed to approach the exhibits with a more solemn and reflective attitude. This contrast highlights the different cultural perspectives on the pandemic and the ways in which it has impacted people around the world.

A time capsule for the future

As news of the COVID-19 Park spread online, it sparked a lively debate. Some questioned the appropriateness of such a lighthearted approach to a serious global crisis. Others, however, saw the park as a unique historical artefact, a time capsule that captures the spirit of the pandemic era.

Image credit: Timur Garifov | Unsplash

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Whether the park is viewed as humorous, thought-provoking, or simply bizarre, it undeniably offers a unique perspective on one of the most significant events of our time. So, the next time you're planning a trip to Vietnam, be sure to add this unusual attraction to your itinerary.