Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is not only a place for entertainment and preserving animals and plants, but also plays a role as a place to preserve the childhood of many generations. It is a famous tourist destination in Saigon, attracting a large number of visitors every day. Let’s explore the most outstanding features of this place through our following guide.
General information about Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden
Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Ticket price:
- Children under 1m: Free
- Guests from 1m – 1m3: 40,000 VND/ticket/person
- Guests over 1m3: 60,000 VND/ticket/person
Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden is the 8th oldest zoo in the world and the oldest in Vietnam. The zoo was approved by Admiral De La Grandière on March 23, 1864, and was then opened to the public on the French National Day, July 14, 1869. In 1992, the Zoo was recognized as a National Historical-Cultural Relic, affirming the cultural and historical value of this place.
After more than 130 years of existence, Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden has owned 590 animals of 125 species with many rare animals such as crested pheasants, douc langurs, yellow-cheeked gibbons, clouded leopards, etc. Moreover, the zoo also has an extremely cool green space, covered by nearly 2000 trees of 26 species, 23 species of domestic orchids, 33 species of cacti, 34 species of bonsai… and is still being added continuously. Although located in the center of Saigon, the air here is extremely fresh with the chirping of birds, and the sounds of animals… besides green trees, beautiful flowers play the role of conservation, education and research.
Saigon Zoo&Botanical Garden
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How to get to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most popular attractions, located in District 1. There are multiple transportation options depending on your preference and budget and here’s how you can get there:
- By taxi or ride-hailing apps: One of the most convenient ways to get to the zoo is by taxi. Choose reputable taxi companies such as Xanh SM, and Mai Linh, which are present throughout the city. Just tell the driver where you want to go and they will take you there. The cost depends on your starting point, ranging from 50,000 – 150,000 if you are in the city. You can also use ride-hailing apps such as Grab, and Bee, which are cheaper and easier to navigate.
- By bus: If you want a cheaper option, public buses are a good choice with fares ranging from only 5,000 to 10,000 VND. There are many buses that drop off near the zoo, such as buses 05, 06, D1, 14, … To choose the most suitable bus route, ask the hotel staff or use apps such as BusMap.
- By motorbike: Tourists who want a more private and flexible experience often rent a motorbike to explore the city. To get to the zoo, you can use search apps or maps, and then park near the zoo entrance for about 3,000 VND. However, you need to pay attention to traffic jams during rush hours.
Some transportation options to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden
What to do in Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden
Observe rare animals
The zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals of 125 species. In addition to native animals, it also houses many rare animals living in the natural environment. The zoo is divided into many areas such as: carnivores, reptiles, mammals, birds, small animals… Every 3 pm, come to the carnivore area to admire the wild hunting skills of lions, white Bengal tigers, and Indochinese tigers.
In particular, the Children’s Zoo is a favorite place for many families when children can feed baby goats, lambs… leaves through the gaps in the fence. Especially on Saturdays, Sundays (9:30 – 10:00) and holidays (10:00 – 10:30), the garden will be open for free for children to visit and play.
The zoo is home to many rare and endangered animals
Strolling around the zoo
Visiting the zoo, you will not only discover unique animals and plants but also enjoy the fresh air and quiet space on campus. There are more than 250 species of plants, from towering tropical trees to meticulously cared-for flower beds. One of the highlights is the orchid garden, where brilliant orchids bloom in a variety of colors and patterns, creating a beautiful display. Many families often come here to organize picnics, or simply walk around and breathe in the fresh air. Besides, you can also find stone benches and resting areas to relax after hours of sightseeing.
The fresh and green air of the zoo
Explore by tram around Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden
If you want to save energy but still be able to see the whole view of Saigon Zoo, you can consider buying train or tram tickets sold right at the gate of Le Duan Street. The open-top trains will slowly take us to every corner here, under the wide canopy to shade the sun and observe the animals.
Exploring the zoo by train is a favorite among families
Enjoy performances
At Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, there are free art performances such as art performances, circuses, and magic shows… taking place on the main stage on Saturday and Sunday. There are 2 regular performances:
- Elephant show at 9 am on Saturday and Sunday. During Tet, there will be an additional afternoon show at 2 pm in the elephant area.
- Music performances take place on the main stage at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, there will be an additional afternoon show at 4 pm.
The elephant show at Saigon Zoo
Experience a variety of thrilling games
To meet the entertainment and exploration needs of all ages, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden also exploits many adventure games such as bumper cars, roller coasters, hot air balloons… Ticket prices for each game are different but only range from 10,000 VND to 40,000 VND/ticket. Service hours are from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm on weekdays, including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
You can experience a variety of thrilling games
Other attractions near Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden
To make your journey to explore Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens more interesting, you can combine visiting nearby places. These attractions are just a short walk or drive from Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, making it easy for you to plan a day of exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural, historical, and entertainment destinations.
Saigon Central Post Office (1km away)
This is a unique architectural work combining European and Indochinese styles. The interior is luxuriously decorated with paintings, sculptures, and old telephone booths. Coming here, visitors can learn more about the city’s history and discover many special stamps.
Saigon Central Post Office
Notre Dame Cathedral (1.2km away)
This is a symbolic work of the French colonial period built in the 19th century. This is a prominent architectural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, attracting many visitors to check in, visit and experience the solemn religious space.
An aerial view of Notre Dame Cathedral
Independence Palace (1.5km away)
This is an important historical building in Ho Chi Minh City, associated with the milestone of national reunification. This place currently preserves many valuable documents about national history and has an exhibition area, restaurants, and cafes serving tourists.
Independence Palace – Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Hue Walking Street (1.8km away)
This is a vibrant destination, standing out with its open space, lots of trees and is where many fun activities, street art and unique culinary delights take place. This is a popular destination for many tourists and locals, especially in the evening when the street becomes extremely vibrant and bustling.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
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Ben Thanh Market (2.2km away)
This is an old and famous market in Saigon with more than 3,000 stalls from clothes, souvenirs to handicrafts. Besides shopping, the market is also a culinary paradise with street food and local specialties. In the evening, the streets surrounding the market transform into a vibrant night market, with more food options and a festive atmosphere.
Ben Thanh Market
Tips when visiting Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden
To have a perfect visit to one of the largest zoos in the world right here in Saigon, you need to note the following:
- Summer is the time when the Zoo attracts the most visitors because of the cool space. However, after Tet is the time when the flora here is most beautiful, extremely suitable for taking pictures and exploring. Therefore, depending on your preferences, you can choose the right time to visit.
- The zoo area is quite large, to visit and experience all the activities here, it takes up to 4 – 5 hours. Therefore, you should arrange a suitable schedule.
- While exploring the zoo, remember to respect the animals. Avoid feeding them, tapping on enclosures, or making loud noises, as this can disturb them. Follow all posted signs and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and animals.
- You should wear low-heeled shoes, sneakers, flat shoes or sandals when coming here for easy movement, to avoid foot pain. You can bring drinks and snacks when you come here but remember not to litter
Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden is a super interesting destination, attracting thousands of domestic and foreign tourists to visit every day. In the midst of crowded and noisy Saigon, it is difficult to find a place that has its own “quality.” Arrange your schedule and come explore the park with many attractive experiences.
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