The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is the largest zoo in Vietnam. This incredible place is a haven for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, with over a thousand fascinating creatures and lush green spaces to explore.
What do you need to know before visiting Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
Location and Opening Hours
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Check the location and opening hours of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens before your visit | Source: dantri.com.vn
Opening Hours:
- Early Access (5:00 AM – 6:30 AM): The zoo opens early for joggers, walkers, and Tai Chi enthusiasts who want to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the main crowds arrive.
- Regular Hours (7:00 AM – 6:30 PM): The zoo officially welcomes all visitors, providing plenty of time to explore its diverse exhibits and gardens.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens combine nature and history
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, established in 1864, is one of the oldest zoos in the world and a key attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. It houses over 1,000 animal species, including tigers, monkeys, birds, and reptiles. The zoo features various zones for easy exploration and includes rare and endangered species such as the Indochinese tiger and the pygmy loris.
Experience the best of both worlds at Saigon Zoo, where lush gardens and captivating wildlife meet fascinating historical landmarks. | Source: Nhan Tran Danh.
The botanical gardens showcase a diverse collection on of over 2,000 plant species. Visitors can explore themed gardens, view an extensive bonsai collection, and enjoy vibrant orchid displays, offering a peaceful escape from the busy city.
How much does it cost to go to the Saigon Zoo?
Entrance Fee
Plan your budget with our guide to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens entrance fees | Source: muctim.tuoitre.vn
The entrance fees for the Saigon Zoo are as follows:
- Children under 1 meter: Free
- Children (height from 1 – 1.3 meters): 40,000 VND ~ $1.70 USD
- Adults: 60,000 VND ~ $2.50 USD
Game Tickets
In addition to exploring the vast array of animals and beautiful gardens, the zoo also hosts a variety of games and special events throughout the year. Here’s everything you need to know about getting game tickets and making the most of your visit.
How to Get to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
By Motorbike
If it’s your first time in Vietnam, it’s not advised to rent a motorbike due to the heavy traffic. Instead, consider booking a Grab, Xanh SM or Be would be more convenient. Joining a guided motorbike tour with a local guide who can navigate the city safely also offers a unique perspective.
- Directions:
- Main gate and side gate on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street
- Side gate on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street
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By Bus
There are many bus routes that go through the Zoo. You can choose to stop at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai gate or Le Duan Street, then walk to the main gate of the Zoo on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street. In Ho Chi Minh City, a single ticket costs 7,000 – 10,000VND.
Below are the bus routes that stop at Le Duan Street:
- Bus No.18: Ben Thanh – Hiep Thanh Market
- Bus No.35: District 1 – District 2 bus route
- Bus No.50: University of Technology – National University
Bus routes stopping at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai gate:
- Bus No.05: Cho Lon bus station – Bien Hoa bus station
- Bus No.06: Cho Lon bus station – Nong Lam University
- Bus No.14: Mien Dong Bus Station – 3/2 – Mien Tay Bus Station
- Bus No.19: Ben Thanh – Linh Trung Export Processing Zone – National University
- Bus No.52: Ben Thanh – International University
You can check the arrival timeline on the BusMap app (English support). For iOS: Download here. For Android: Download here.
Discover the bus routes and schedules to easily reach the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. | Source: vinwonders.com
For those who prefer public transport, Bus No.5 is a great option. It runs from Cho Lon bus station to Ben Thanh bus station, passing right by the zoo. The bus operates from 5 AM to 5:50 PM, with departures every 25 to 30 minutes.
Another option is Bus No.14, which travels between Mien Dong bus station and Mien Tay bus station, passing by 3/2 Street and the city zoo. This bus runs from 4 AM to 8 PM, with departures every 7 to 12 minutes. A ticket for this route is even cheaper, at just 25 cents.
Exciting activities you can’t miss at the Saigon Zoo
Map of The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
SAIGON ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS – Map designed by Egg & Cheese Team. | Source: Khanh Chieu Vo – Anne Q. Tran – Thuyen Nguyen
Get up close with fascinating wildlife
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens has designed natural habitats to closely resemble the animals’ native environments, allowing visitors to observe their behaviors up close. It features a variety of rare animals, including Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, sun bears, and yellow-cheeked gibbons.
- For kids: Playgrounds and petting areas.
- Feed the zoo: The zoo has a place where you can get a snack.
Create unforgettable memories with wildlife encounters at Saigon Zoo. | Source: Collected.
Additionally, the zoo hosts animal shows where visitors can watch elephants play football, monkeys perform acrobatic tricks, and birds display vibrant colors. For a more interactive experience, you can purchase food packs (~5,000VND) to feed certain animals like deer and elephants, which are especially popular with children.
>>> Read more: Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh with Family
Take a peaceful stroll through the serene Botanical Gardens
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers various themed gardens, including a rose Garden with colorful blooms, a cactus Garden featuring species from around the world, and an orchid garden with a wide range of exotic flowers.
- Taking photos: This is allowed. If publicized, please mention the zoo on your homepage.
Wander through lush greenery and discover exotic plants in the peaceful botanical gardens. | Source: saigonzoo.net
Visitors can also explore the bonsai collection, showcasing intricately shaped miniature trees cultivated over many years. The orchid display highlights hundreds of orchid species, including rare and striking varieties.
Performances at Saigon Zoo – What’s in the Zoo?
ZOO’S CHILDREN PLAYGROUND
- Implementation time: For Saturdays – Sundays and Holidays – Tet
- Location: Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens Children’s Zoo.
- Morning: from 09:00 – 11:00
- Afternoon: from 14:00 – 16:00
Children play with kind animals. | Source: Saigon Zoo.
FAUNA AND PLANTS MUSEUM
- Implementation time: For Saturdays – Sundays and Holidays
- Location: New specimen room area.
Specimen room area. | Source: Saigon Zoo.
SPECIAL MUSIC – CIRCUS – MAGIC SHOW
- Morning Music: For Saturdays – Sundays and holidays – Tet
- Morning: from 10:30 – 12:30: 02 shows
- On Sunday Afternoon: from 14:00 – 16:00: 01 show
- Location: Saigon Zoo and Botanical GardensMusic Stage.
Exciting shows for both children and parents. | Source: Znews.
CHILDREN’S WATER PLAYGROUND
- Implementation time: For Saturdays – Sundays and Holidays
- Location: Children’s water playground area.
Children Water Playground. | Source: Saigon Zoo.
CHILDREN CREATE WITH CLAY AND LEAVES
- Implementation time: For Saturdays – Sundays and Holidays – Tet
- Morning: from 09:00 – 11:30
- Afternoon: from 14:00 – 16:00
- Location: Area in front of the Museum of Flora and Fauna
Create with clay and leaves. | Source: Saigon Zoo.
TOUR PROGRAM OF QUAN NHAN HUONG HISTORICAL SITE
- Implementation time: For Saturdays – Sundays and Holidays
- Location: Old incense shop area.
Nhan Huong Historical Site – The place where Saigon Special Forces soldiers were hidden in the past on Independence Day, September 2nd. | Source: Bao Tin Tuc.
Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Saigon Zoo Adventure
Transform your visit to Saigon Zoo from a simple outing to an unforgettable experience with these insider tips:
1. Smart Planning
- Book tickets online to save time and money
- Check the weather forecast (rainy season alert!)
- Pack light clothing, sunscreen, hat, and a compact umbrella
2. Maximize Your Zoo Experience
- Arrive early (6:00-9:00 am) for:
- Cooler temperatures
- Less crowded paths
- More active animals
- Use the electric train for a fun, lazy tour
- Target morning or late afternoon for the best animal viewing
3. Visitor Etiquette
- Stay hydrated – bring a water bottle
- Feed animals ONLY with zoo-provided food
- Dispose of trash responsibly
- Respect animal habitats and zoo rules
- Grab a zoo map at the entrance to plan your perfect wildlife journey.
Must-See Spots Near Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden
Nearby the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, you can visit notable attractions like:
- Independence Palace: Located just 1 kilometer from the zoo, this historic site was once the presidential palace of South Vietnam. It played a significant role during the Vietnam War, and visitors can explore its rooms, see the tanks that famously crashed through its gates in 1975, and learn about this pivotal moment in history.
- Ben Thanh Market: About 3 kilometers from the zoo, this bustling market offers a wide range of goods, from souvenirs and clothing to fresh produce and local street food. It’s a great spot for shopping and experiencing the vibrant local culture.
Discovering these places by motorbike with a local guide is an exciting way to truly feel the vibrant energy of Saigon. Your guide will expertly handle the bustling traffic, take handy shortcuts, and ensure a safe, authentic journey. It’s a practical way to explore the city’s top attractions while getting a genuine glimpse into daily life here.
For an unforgettable experience, let our Kiss City Tour be your guide!
