Thao Cam Vien - Sai gon Zoo & Botanical Gardens: The "Green Lung" of the Beautiful City Named After Uncle Ho

In the heart of the bustling city, amidst crowded traffic and towering skyscrapers standing side by side, there is still a vast expanse of green peeking through. Known as the "green lung" of the city, Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens is an ideal destination to relax, breathe cleaner air, and is surely intertwined with the childhood memories of many people.

Brief History

Established on March 23, 1864, Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens ranks eighth among the oldest zoos in the world and stands as one of the oldest cultural and historical landmarks in Saigon.

Area: Currently spanning over 20 hectares. Initially, it was a wasteland of about 12 hectares, once used by the French as a breeding farm for Arabian horses or for growing Burmese rice (during the 1864 - 1975 period).

With over 160 years of history, Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens is not merely a sightseeing and tourist spot or a commercial business, but a journey of striving and effort to preserve the values of a long-standing cultural institution, environmental conservation, and life for many species of flora and fauna.

Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM every day of the year

E-ticket support contact number: 0941 088 599 or 0369 871 698

Ticket prices: Calculated based on height and unchanged during holidays.

•         From 1.3 meters and above: 60,000 VND

•         From 1 meter to under 1.3 meters: 40,000 VND

•         Under 1 meter accompanied by parents: Free admission

Apart from the above ticket categories, there are various other options such as monthly tickets, block tickets, and exercise tickets. Detailed information can be found on the Facebook page: Thao Cam Vian - Sai gon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, or by directly contacting the hotline.

The Common Home of More Than 2 Thousand Individuals

One of the main tourist attractions here is the diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna.

Regarding animals, there are currently over 120 species being cared for. Without having to travel far, just by visiting the Zoo, visitors can see rare animals listed in the Red Data Book with their own eyes, as well as representatives from continents across the globe such as Bengal tigers, African lions, Asian elephants, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, giraffes, leopards, zebras... along with herds of antelopes, birds, reptiles, and more. Each area is arranged appropriately according to the characteristics of each species, giving visitors a more realistic, close, and educational experience about each animal.

Regarding plants, the Zoo possesses over 350 diverse plant species. From tiny seedlings and lovely, vibrant flower bushes to centenarian trees such as ancient tamarind trees, padauk, hopea, mahogany, baobab, barringtonia... along with various species of bamboo, orchids, and ferns, all contributing to a rich ecosystem. They carry not only landscape value but also profound significance in research, conservation, and biodiversity education.

Entertainment and Recreation Space

Not only a place to explore the world of plants and animals, Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens is also an entertainment spot suitable for all ages. After visiting the animal enclosures and enjoying the lush green space, visitors can continue to experience many exciting activities arranged within the premises.

The game zone at the Zoo is quite diverse with many options for both children and adults, such as mini roller coasters, bumper cars, ferris wheels, children's trains, ball pits, spring riders, and many other physical games. This area is always bustling, especially on weekends and holidays, making the visit more lively.

An activity not to be missed is the animal behavior performance shows. Through performances by elephants, fur seals, birds, and some other animals, visitors will learn about their behaviors, learning abilities, as well as the care and training process by the staff. These shows integrate conservation knowledge, contributing to raising awareness of loving and protecting wildlife.

Besides, the Friendly Zoo program is an experience loved by many children. Here, visitors can get close to, observe, and directly interact with gentle animals like goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs... under the guidance of staff. Children also have the opportunity to feed, pet the animals, and learn about the habits of each species in a safe environment, creating experiences that are both fun and educational.

After hours of sightseeing and playing, visitors can rest on wide lawns under the cool shade of trees. Along the pathways, there are kiosks selling drinks, ice cream, and light snacks, along with many benches, making it very convenient to relax. Many families also choose to bring mats and food to organize small picnics, enjoying the fresh air and saving memorable moments with relatives and friends. It is the combination of nature, entertainment, and experiential activities that has helped the Zoo become a suitable destination for the whole family every weekend.

According to current youth trends, the Zoo is one of the ideal and most favorite destinations every holiday or weekend. Not only a place to stroll and enjoy the green space in the heart of the city, but it also continuously creates a buzz by catching up with social media trends. From beautiful check-in corners, adorable animal mascots and statues to seasonal activities, everything brings a sense of freshness, making many young people want to return multiple times. Each visit brings a new feeling, like experiencing a place filled with memories yet seeing something brand new. Coming to the Zoo, visitors can both sightsee, relax, and easily bring home impressive photos to keep memories.