GIAM GARDEN

The remaining land area of Van Lake was officially returned to Van Mieu in 1940 and named Giam Garden, after Quoc Tu Giam — the name of the educational institution at that time. Back then, Giam Garden was surrounded by low-rise houses and shaded greenery.

The Director of the French School of the Far East (École française d'Extrême-Orient – EFEO) formally proposed a restoration plan for Giam Garden and the surrounding lake area, emphasizing that the landscape should harmonize with the wells and spatial character of Quoc Tu Giam. However, the colonial administration did not approve the proposal, except for allowing the restoration of Van Lake through funding provided by the EFEO.

From that period until before 1980, Giam Garden was used for inappropriate purposes and even became a marketplace for a time.

In 1994, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, including Van Lake and Giam Garden, was officially recognized as a protected historical and cultural relic site. Nevertheless, the lakeside area continued to face encroachment, affecting the overall landscape of the heritage complex. Restoration and renovation projects for Giam Garden began in 1996 and were completed in 2004.

Located in the western area of Giam Garden within Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the Octagonal Pavilion (Nha Bat Giac) is an architectural structure distinguished by its graceful form and harmonious integration with the surrounding greenery, lake, and ecological landscape of the site. Built around 2000, the pavilion provides visitors with a resting place and serves as a venue for cultural and educational activities within the heritage complex.

The pavilion features an octagonal layout with layered roofs and eight elegantly curved corners characteristic of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Its red-tiled roof, wooden structure, and slender columns create an atmosphere that is both ancient and closely connected to nature. The open design on all sides allows natural light and fresh air to flow through, offering visitors a peaceful and relaxing experience.

Although modest in scale, the Octagonal Pavilion contributes a soft and poetic architectural highlight to Giam Garden — a tranquil green space within Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam. Today, it has become a favored stop for visitors and a vibrant venue for cultural exchanges and heritage activities.