Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, also known as Thao Cam Vien in Ho Chi Minh City, has long been a fascinating tourist destination for animal lovers. With various activities ranging from animal visits to recreational areas in a fresh and cool environment, this place has become an indispensable choice for tourism in District 1.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in District 1 was established on June 23, 1984, under the name “Bach Thao Garden” initiated and built by Rear Admiral Pierre-Paul de La Grandière with the purpose of nurturing various animals and plants. However, the park was renamed in 1956 as it is known today after renovations. Over the course of more than 150 years, the zoo has become the 8th oldest in the world in terms of longevity.
Where is Botanical Garden located?
The park is located at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. In fact, the zoo has three entrances: a main entrance on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street (Unity Gate), a secondary entrance also on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street (Nguyen Du Gate), and another entrance on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street (Thi Nghe Gate).
How to get to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
Since the zoo is located in the city center, you can easily get there. You can use private vehicles such as motorcycles and cars, or take a bus.
If you choose to take a bus, you can refer to the following bus routes that go to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens: 05, 06, 12, 14, 19, 42, 52, 61-6.
Getting to the zoo by private vehicle:
For motorcycles, there are parking lots at two entrances: Thi Nghe Gate and the Unity Gate on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street.
- Parking fee for bicycles: 2,000 VND/bike
- Parking fee for motorcycles (scooters): 3,000 VND/bike
- Parking fee for motorbikes (automatic scooters): 4,000 VND/bike
For car visitors, there is a car parking lot at the Nguyen Du secondary gate on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street. However, you need to park your car and walk to the ticket booth.
- For 4 to 7-seater cars: 30,000 VND/car
- For 9 to 16-seater tourist cars: 40,000 VND/car
- For cars with more than 16 seats: 50,000 VND/car
This location is also close to other famous tourist spots in Saigon, such as Nguyen Van Binh Book Street (1.1km), Independence Palace (1.5km), Le Van Tam Park (1.1km), Jade Emperor Pagoda in District 1 (2.2km), and Nguyen Hue Walking Street (2.4km), as well as Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica.
Some regulations for visiting the zoo
Ticket prices at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens: The ticket prices vary depending on the height of the visitors:
- Free admission for children under 1m tall when accompanied by family.
- For visitors with a height from 1m to under 1m3, the ticket price is 30,000 VND/person.
- For visitors with a height of 1m3 and above, the ticket price is 50,000 VND/person.
There are different ticket prices for group visitors and students participating in educational programs at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Please contact the phone number: (028) 3910 0885 to collaborate and work with the education center of the zoo.
Additionally, you can hire a tour guide for groups of over 20 people at a price of 100,000 VND
Opening hours of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
From 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM: The tourist area in Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is open for local residents to practice wellness and exercise. From 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM: The zoo is open for visitors to explore the zoo and engage in recreational activities. The zoo serves visitors from Monday to Sunday, including holidays and festivals.
What is there to enjoy at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
Despite being located in the heart of Saigon, the atmosphere here is quite fresh with the sound of birds and abundant greenery and flowers.
Until now, the zoo is home to over 1,300 animals belonging to 125 species, including many rare species such as star tortoises, gibbons, golden-cheeked gibbons, golden deer, clouded leopards, and leopards. There are also over 2,500 trees with more than 900 preserved plant species. Additionally, the place also serves educational, conservation, and research purposes
The area of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in District 1 covers up to 12 hectares. Therefore, the zoo offers a train or electric vehicle rental program for visitors to explore the entire area. You can purchase tickets near the entrance gate on Le Duan Street. Upon arrival, you will experience a refreshing atmosphere despite being in the middle of the city, with the sound of birds and various animals blending together, making it feel like a miniature natural forest.
Exploring Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
This area is divided into two sections: the children’s zoo and the wild animal zoo. Children’s zoo: It houses gentle animals such as baby goats, lambs, giraffes, and more. Children can feed these animals with plants such as leaves, grass, carrots, etc., through openings in the fences. Additionally, this area is filled with the joyful singing of birds like bulbuls, nightingales, magpies, sparrows, and phoenixes. At 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, this area opens for free to allow children to come in, observe, and play with these friendly animals
Wild animal zoo: It is famous for its Bengal tigers, Indochinese tigers, lions, and each enclosure houses a rare species such as zebras, bears, elephants, etc. Particularly, if you visit at 3:00 PM, you can witness the wild animals moving around, leaping up to grab their food when the staff hangs it up. Additionally, to maintain the hunting behavior of these wild animals, every Tuesday, the staff releases live rabbits into their enclosures.
Art performances at Thao Cam Vien, District 1
During your visit to this place, you will have the opportunity to experience two free art performance programs as follows: Elephant Show: It takes place from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. However, during the Tet holiday, there will be an additional show from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Variety Show: Featuring music, circus acts, magic tricks, and more, this show will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Additionally, on Sundays, there will be an extra show from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Amusement area at Thao Cam Vien, Ho Chi Minh City
This area provides games for all ages and is located near the Nguyen Thi Minh Khai gate. It is divided into two sections: Rose Garden (Children’s Play Area) and Thrill Zone.
- Rose Garden: With prices starting from 10,000 VND, there are 19 games available for children, including bouncing animals, fishing, toy cars, airplanes, octopus rides, and more.
- Thrill Zone: With prices starting from 20,000 VND, there are 5 games available for ages 14 and above, such as high-speed roller coasters, sky exploration, and more.
- Opening hours: From 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
Important notes for visiting Thao Cam Vien
To have a perfect visit to the largest zoo in Saigon, remember the following tips:
- Bring water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized as the zoo is quite spacious.
- Apply insect repellent to prevent insect bites.
- Wear comfortable sports shoes, moisture-wicking clothing, and hats or caps, especially for families with young children
Tee Cafe
This small yet cozy cafe exudes a warm and tranquil atmosphere. Despite its simple and delicate decoration, it possesses a unique charm. It offers a variety of beverages such as coffee, chocolate, matcha, each with the distinct flavor of the cafe, and at affordable prices.
- Address: 1st Floor, 136 Nguyen Van Thu, Da Kao Ward, District 1
- Price: From 20,000 VND per cup
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Ocean Palace – Chinese Cuisine: Located near Thao Cam Vien Saigon, this restaurant is famous for its authentic Beijing roasted meat, roasted pigeon, steamed buns, and other traditional dishes. The restaurant features a spacious and airy design with a simple white tone and contemporary Chinese decor, creating an open and elegant ambiance. There is also a VIP area available for larger groups.
- Address: 2 Le Duan Street, District 1
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM and 4:45 PM – 10:30 PM
- Price: From 150,000 VND per dish
Thao Cam Vien TP HCM is an amazing tourist destination for families and young people to visit and explore the wildlife. We wish you a pleasant and enjoyable trip
