Hanoi Zoo (Thu Le Park): A Green Destination in the Heart of the Capital

Hanoi Zoo, known to all Hanoians as the cherished Thu Le Park, is far more than just a collection of animal enclosures. For generations, it has served as a beloved "green lung" for the capital, a place deeply intertwined with the childhood memories of its residents. It's a world where the laughter of children blends with the calls of exotic birds, and where shaded pathways offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets. This vast green space is a destination for family outings, a center for wildlife education, and a living piece of Hanoi's history. This comprehensive guide by GTrip will walk you through everything you need to know for a fun and fulfilling visit.

Essential information before visiting Hanoi Zoo

To help you plan the perfect day out, here is all the essential information you'll need at a glance. We've gathered the most up-to-date details on location, ticket prices, and operating hours.

• Address: No. 1 Buoi Street, Thu Le, Ba Dinh Ward, Hanoi.
• Hanoi Zoo entrance ticket prices (Latest update as of May 20, 2024):
  • Visitors over 1.3 meters tall: 50,000 VND / person
  • Visitors from 1.0 to 1.3 meters tall: 30,000 VND / person
  • Visitors under 1.0 meter tall: Free
• Opening hours: The zoo is open daily.
  • Summer (April 15 - October 15): 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Winter (October 16 - April 14): 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Contact number: (+84) 24 3766 4337
• Official website: hanoizoo.com

The park layout is thoughtfully designed around the large, meandering Thu Le Lake. Animal enclosures are generally grouped by species, making it easy to navigate. The area for hoofed mammals like deer and elephants is located near the main Buoi Street gate. Predators, including tigers and lions, are housed in a separate zone, while the primate section with various monkeys and apes occupies another corner. The bird and reptile exhibits are scattered throughout the park, often near the lakeside paths. You can find a detailed map on the official park website to plan your route.

Map of Hanoi Zoo

How to get to Hanoi Zoo

Located in the central Ba Dinh District, the zoo is easily accessible from all parts of the city.

• By private vehicle (car or motorbike): There are two main gates where you can enter and find parking for a small fee.
  • The main gate is on Buoi Street.
  • A side gate is located on Dao Tan Street.
• By bus: This is an affordable and convenient option, as many bus routes pass by the park.
  • To get to the Buoi Street gate, you can take buses No. 26 (from Mai Dong to My Dinh National Stadium) or No. 27 (from Giap Bat Bus Station to Nam Thang Long Bus Station).
  • For the Dao Tan Street gate, you can transfer at the University of Transport and Communications stop to buses like No. 12, 20, 25, 27, 28, 32, 34, 38, 49, 55, or 68.

Located in the central Ba Dinh District, the zoo is easily accessible from all parts of the city

History of Thu Le Park

The history of Thu Le Park is as rich and fascinating as the wildlife it houses. Its story stretches from ancient dynastic legends to a modern symbol of post-war development and conservation.

Origin of Thu Le Park

The park is situated on the historic land of Thu Le village, an area with records dating back to the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century. According to local lore, the area's unique topography, which featured a tear-drop-shaped lake, gave rise to its name. "Thu Le" translates to "holding a tear", a poetic name that evokes the ancient and legendary landscape upon which the modern park was built.

Construction and development

The park's modern chapter began on a highly symbolic date. Construction on the park began on May 19, 1975, to mark President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday. It was a monumental project undertaken by thousands of young volunteers who transformed a wild, swampy area into the 29-hectare park we see today. The Hanoi Zoo was officially established by government decision in 1976 and opened its gates to the public for the first time on May 19, 1977.

Development phases

From its humble beginnings with just 30 animal species, the zoo has grown significantly over the decades. In its early years, the zoo received many symbolic animal gifts, such as a pair of cranes from North Korean leader Kim Il Sung, pythons from General Vo Nguyen Giap, and a deer from Prime Minister Pham Van Dong. These gifts helped build the initial collection. Today, Hanoi Zoo is a proud member of the South East Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association (SEAZA) and collaborates with international conservation organizations. Housing hundreds of species, Hanoi Zoo serves as a key center for wildlife education and conservation in the capital. It is home to over 40 rare species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book, including Indochinese tigers, clouded leopards, and white-tailed pheasants. It remains a cherished "green lung" and a vital cultural site for Hanoi.

The history of Thu Le Park is as rich and fascinating as the wildlife it houses

What to see in Hanoi zoo?

Thu Le Park offers a wonderful mix of attractions, combining wildlife education with leisure and entertainment, making it the perfect destination for a full day of family fun.

Diverse animal world

The main attraction is, of course, the vast collection of animals from Vietnam and around the globe. The enclosures are spread out in different zones, allowing visitors to explore thematically.

• Bird & reptile zone: This area features a variety of colorful birds, including peacocks, pheasants, and parrots. The reptile house is home to different species of snakes, turtles, and lizards.
• Predator zone: Here you can see magnificent big cats like the Indochinese tiger, lions, and clouded leopards. This section is always a favorite among visitors who want to see these powerful animals up close.
• Hoofed mammals zone: This large area is home to herbivores such as elephants, zebras, various species of deer, and pygmy hippos.
• Primates zone: A lively and entertaining section where you can observe different species of monkeys, gibbons, and langurs swinging and playing in their enclosures.

Thu Le Park offers a wonderful mix of attractions, combining wildlife education with leisure and entertainment

Attractive entertainment areas

Beyond the animal exhibits, Hanoi Zoo offers several amusement areas perfect for keeping children entertained. There are classic rides and games that add an element of funfair excitement to the visit. Popular options include the carousel, a ball pit, and a toy train that circles a small track. The most iconic activity, however, is renting one of the pedal boats shaped like giant swans or ducks. Paddling around the calm waters of Thu Le Lake is a symbolic and relaxing experience, offering lovely views of the park from the water.

The most iconic activity is renting one of the pedal boats shaped like giant swans or ducks

Green spaces and Thu Le Lake

One of the park's greatest assets is its tranquil, green atmosphere. The grounds are filled with ancient trees, lush gardens, and shaded pathways that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can find plenty of benches to sit and relax, or you can find a quiet spot on the grass for a family picnic. This makes the zoo more than just a place to see animals; it's an urban oasis where you can escape the city's heat and noise.

One of the park's greatest assets is its tranquil, green atmosphere

Food & drink in Thu Le Park

When it comes to refreshments, you have a couple of convenient options. Throughout the park, you will find numerous small kiosks and on-site vendors selling a variety of snacks and drinks, such as ice cream, popcorn, soft drinks, and bottled water. For a more flexible and budget-friendly option, many families choose to bring their own food and drinks for a picnic. This is a great way to enjoy a full day at the park without interruption. If you do bring your own food, remember to help keep the park beautiful by cleaning up your area and disposing of trash in the provided bins.

Tips for visiting Hanoi Zoo

To ensure you have the most comfortable and enjoyable visit, here are a few friendly tips:

• Best time to visit: The animals are most active in the cooler parts of the day. Plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon to see them at their liveliest and to avoid the midday heat.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The park is vast, and you'll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must.
• Stay hydrated: Be sure to bring water or buy drinks from the vendors inside, especially on hot days.
• Child safety: The park can get crowded. Always supervise kids closely, especially near the lake and animal enclosures.
• Respect the animals: For the safety of both you and the animals, never feed animals with your own food. Do not tease them or make loud noises that could frighten them.
• Protect your belongings: Keep an eye on your personal items like phones, wallets, and cameras, particularly in crowded areas.

The animals are most active in the cooler parts of the day, so plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon

Hanoi Zoo is a timeless destination for residents and tourists alike. Especially for families with young children, it's an invaluable place to learn about wildlife, relax in a green space, and make unforgettable memories in the heart of the capital. With its blend of education, recreation, and conservation, the zoo continues to play an important role in the city’s cultural and natural landscape. A visit to Thu Le Park offers relaxation and a deeper appreciation of biodiversity and the importance of protecting it for future generations. You can book tours to explore Vietnam from Hanoi with GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency to explore more about this zoo.