EXPLORE SAIGON ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDEN: A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY AND NATURE

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, also called Thao Cam Vien, is a must-see location in Ho Chi Minh City that artfully blends history, environment, and culture. This well-known site, one of the oldest zoos in the world, provides an enthralling look into Vietnam’s rich history and breathtaking scenery. For citizens, visitors from other countries, and notably families traveling with children, it is one of the city’s most poignant and humorous destinations. I’ll show you everything you should know about this fascinating destination.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, which is one of the most common attractions that you must visit

1. History

Governor Pierre Paul De La Grandière established the Botanical Garden for the first time in 1864. Since its founding, it has provided shelter to hundreds of animals and plants. This zoo is the oldest zoo in Vietnam and one of the oldest in the world. It changed throughout time to become a fully functional zoo and botanical garden, reflecting the shifting interests and priorities of the era. After 156 years, the Zoo presently contains over 2,000 individuals in more than 350 varieties of decorative flowers and trees, in addition to over 125 animal species. The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is an excellent location for learning about flora and animals while spending time in the great outdoors. Besides, visitors can also discover more about Vietnamese history at the Nhan Huong Tea Shop and Hung King Temple.

2. Location and how to go

Address: No. 2, Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM Daily

Prices:

  • Children under 1m tall: Free
  • Children between 1m and 1m3: 40.000 VND (1.6 USD)
  • Adult and children whose height is 1m4 above: 60.000 VND (2.4 USD)

How to go:

  • Taxi or Grab: It is conveniently located near the majority of the city. You just need to provide the driver with the address, and you’ll arrive quickly. Besides, you can book a Grab car from the Grab app to transport there.
  • Motorbike: A well-liked choice among visitors and locals alike. There is parking at the entrance. Ticket for the parking lot is around 5.000 to 10.000 VND.
  • Bus: Numerous city buses, such as routes 30 and 33, pass close to the zoo. For precise times, consult your local schedule.

3. Highlights of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden

3.1. Botanical Garden

The garden is dedicated to a wide variety of flora and covers an area of more than 20 hectares. Botany fans will find themselves in Nirvana, with exotic trees and flowers beside luxuriant tropical flora. You may not overlook the magnificent collection of centuries-old trees and orchids.

3.2. Animals

There are more than 100 different species of animals, including tigers, elephants, bears, and a variety of rare birds, kept in the zoo. It’s a great location to get up close and personal with wildlife and discover more about animal conservation initiatives. The entertaining primates and the magnificent elephant enclosure are highlights.

Visit the 65-year-old elephant at the zoo

Admire the rare tiger species

One of the eight oldest zoos in the world, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden boasts plenty of both plant and animal life

Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is a valuable piece of its historical and cultural legacy.

Additionally, visitors can try their hand at catching the gibbons’ food with three complementary servings

The deer at the Zoo are quite shy with strangers but are friendly with the animal caretakers here.

3.3. Beautiful scenery at the zoo

Strolling around the Zoo are countless places to take virtual photos.

Breathtaking view of this zoo

If you are visiting Ho Chi Minh during the Lunar New Year holidays, you can check in at the brilliant Sunflower garden

With the angles here, you can bring home some satisfactory photos

3.4. Games Zone

You can experience a large sky wheel, an electric bumper car, a merry-go-round, and other electronic games. However, each game will have a ticket price depending on the type, please consider this before buying.

Visitors have the opportunity to experience many exciting games.

Play area for children

If you want to see the whole zoo, join this vertical swing game right away.

Experience the thrilling game

3.5. Hung King Temple

The Hung King Temple, which is situated within the zoo and botanical gardens, served as a memorial to the Vietnamese troops who perished in the Great War of 1914–1918 and is now a site of worship for the Hung Kings. At the Museum of Vietnamese History, housed within, visitors can peruse thousands of important papers and artifacts from the French colonial era, shedding light on Vietnam’s illuminating history.

Hung King Temple is nearly a hundred years old

3.6. Quan Nhan Huong

The Nhan Huong Tea Shop, also known as Quan Nhan Huong, is a historical site that was vital to the fight against American imperialism (1963–1975).

Huong Nhan Quan, the secret base of the special forces in the middle of the Zoo

4. Essential Tips for Visitors

  • Weekends and Vietnamese holidays saw more people in the zoo and botanical gardens. These days, locals typically bring their families to this location instead of going to work.
  • What to bring: A hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are advised. Bring water as well so you can stay hydrated while exploring the expansive grounds.
  • Food and Beverage: The zoo has a few food vendors and drink stations, but if you intend to stay for a few hours, you might want to pack a picnic or some snacks.
  • Avoid feeding the animals.
  • Throw garbage in the right place.

I hope you visit the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden in Saigon, this is one of the best places that you will not miss on your trip.