Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Zoo in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jean-Marie Hullot

The Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape from the city's vibrant streets. As one of the oldest zoos and botanical gardens in the world, founded in 1865, it holds a special place in the city's cultural and historical landscape. The gardens make a beautiful addition to many walking tours of Ho Chi Minh City thanks to their central location in District 1 and their proximity to the History Museum and the Saigon River.

Covering more than 20 hectares, this green oasis is home to hundreds of animal species, a vast botanical collection, shaded pathways, temples, and landscaped ponds. Its atmosphere feels worlds away from the busy streets outside, making it a favourite retreat for both locals and visitors.

History and Significance of the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Things to See and Do in the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
How to Get to the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Practical Tips for Visiting the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Where to Stay close to the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Is the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Nearby Attractions to the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden

History and Significance of the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden

Established in 1865 by French botanist Jean Baptiste Louis Pierre, the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the oldest zoological gardens still in operation. It began as a botanical research centre, serving as an important site for the study of plant diversity in the region during the French colonial era.

Over time it expanded to include animal exhibits, cultural landmarks, and educational facilities. Today, the zoo and garden continue their original mission by participating in conservation efforts and hosting programs that highlight Vietnam’s incredible biodiversity. Its long history makes it not only an entertainment venue but also a living museum that connects past and present.

Things to See and Do in the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden

Animal lovers can observe more than a hundred species, including Asian elephants, Malayan sun bears, gibbons, hippos, reptiles, and colourful birds. The zoo also shelters a number of rare or endangered species found in Southeast Asia, offering visitors a chance to learn about local conservation challenges.

The botanical garden is equally captivating, featuring towering palm trees, ancient bonsai, vibrant orchid houses, and a large cactus garden showcasing desert flora from around the world. Shaded walking paths weave through lotus ponds, banyan trees, and landscaped flowerbeds, making it an ideal place to stroll or relax.

Cultural highlights include the Hung Kings Temple, which pays tribute to Vietnam’s legendary founders, and a small museum displaying artifacts related to the zoo’s history. Families can also enjoy amusement rides, shaded picnic areas, and occasional cultural performances and educational programs.

How to Get to the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden

Most visitors arrive in Ho Chi Minh City via Tan Son Nhat International Airport before taking a taxi or shuttle to District 1, where the zoo is located beside the History Museum. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on Booking.com.

Those arriving by train at Saigon Railway Station can reach the zoo within 15 minutes by taxi or public bus. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Arriving by car is straightforward, with access via Nguyen Binh Khiem Street and dedicated parking areas near the main entrance.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden

Entrance fee: Affordable ticket required
Opening hours: Usually 7:00-18:30
Official website: Not available
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours depending on interest
Bring water: Shade is plentiful, but the weather can be warm
Photography: Excellent opportunities in both the zoo and garden
Family-friendly: Amusement rides and wide open spaces for children
Accessibility: Some paths may be uneven for wheelchairs or strollers
Nearby sights: History Museum, Saigon Riverfront, and the Botanical Gardens area

Where to Stay close to the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden

A convenient option is InterContinental Saigon, offering excellent access to the zoo and nearby attractions. Another good choice is Sofitel Saigon Plaza, known for its comfort and walkable location.

Is the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden Worth Visiting?

Yes. Its blend of wildlife exhibits, lush botanical landscapes, cultural landmarks, and long history makes it one of the most rewarding green spaces in the city. Families, photographers, and nature enthusiasts will especially enjoy it.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (33,870)

Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens at 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm in District 1 is a large, leafy city escape where visitors can stroll well-signed paths through botanical gardens and see a range of animals including giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers, monkeys and birds; guests praise the peaceful, well-maintained gardens, reasonable entry cost and family-friendly atmosphere, noting larger mammals often have spacious, thoughtfully laid-out enclosures, while some reviewers feel certain animal areas—particularly some bird enclosures—look cramped and in need of improvement.

Tia

a week ago

"We were overall happy with our visit to Saigon Zoo. The grounds are easy to navigate, with well-labelled walkways and clear signage to the differentanimal enclosures, which made getting around straightforward and relaxed. Many of the larger animals appeared to have fairly spacious enclosures. The giraffes, elephants, and lions in particular seemed to have room to move, and those areas felt thoughtfully laid out. That said, some of the bird enclosures were harder to see. A few of the spaces for the various bird species felt quite small, with limited room for flying or roaming. It was a little sad to observe, as some of the birds appeared inactive and low in energy, which stood out compared to the rest of the zoo. Overall, the zoo seems to be doing better with the care and wellbeing of many of its animals, but a review and improvement of certain enclosures, especially for the birds, would make a meaningful difference. A good experience overall, with some areas that could still be improved...."

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siva jeyan

2 months ago

"Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. I really enjoyed my time here. Thearea is full of green trees, colorful flowers, and many different kinds of animals. It’s a very nice place for walking, relaxing, and taking good photos. The garden is clean and well organized, and the staff take care of the area properly. The zoo has many interesting animals like elephants, tigers, giraffes, monkeys, and birds. It’s also a good educational place for children and families to learn about nature and wildlife. The botanical garden part is amazing too, with many tropical plants and flowers. You can sit in the shade, enjoy the calm environment, and feel fresh air even inside the busy city. The entrance ticket price is 60,000 VND, which is very reasonable and totally worth the experience. There are also some food stalls and drink shops inside if you want to rest or eat something. I really liked the peaceful atmosphere and friendly staff service. This is one of the oldest zoos in Asia, and it still keeps a natural and historic charm. I highly recommend visiting Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens when you come to Ho Chi Minh City. It’s truly the green heart of the city...."

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Bảo Võ Trọng Hoàng

a month ago

"5 Stars: A Historical Oasis in the Heart of Saigo "Thảo Cầm Viên Sài Gòn (Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens) is a wonderful escape from the cityhustle. It's not just a zoo; it's a massive, historical green space that offers a blend of natural beauty and history. The grounds are beautifully maintained, making it a perfect spot for families, couples, or anyone looking for a relaxed afternoon walk. It's one of the oldest zoos in the world, and you can certainly feel that sense of heritage as you explore. While the animal exhibits vary, the real charm lies in the sheer size and tranquility of the botanical gardens. It’s a vital green lung for the city. Highly recommended for a low-key day out in District 1."..."

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FAQs for Visiting the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden

Yes, it is one of the most family-friendly attractions in the city, offering playgrounds, rides, and shaded picnic areas.

The zoo is engaged in conservation and continues to improve enclosures, though conditions vary by species.

Yes, picnicking is common, though vendors also sell snacks and drinks inside.

Nearby Attractions to the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden

The Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)!

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