Jan - 27 - 2026
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is more than just a destination. It's a living, breathing piece of Ho Chi Minh City's soul. As one of the oldest zoos in South East Asia, this sprawling urban oasis offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and family-friendly entertainment. Nestled right in the heart of the bustling metropolis, it provides a much-needed green escape for locals and travelers alike. If you're a nature lover eager to explore lush botanical collections, a history buff intrigued by its French colonial past, or a family looking for a fun-filled day, go to the zoo. In this ultimate GTrip guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your visit. You will know its location, ticket prices, must-see attractions, insider tips, and so much more, so you can have the perfect day exploring this beloved landmark.
Where is Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
Address:
- 02 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is conveniently located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, making it easily accessible from all major tourist areas. Its prime position in former District 1 means you can easily combine a visit with other famous city landmarks, creating a full day of exploration and discovery.
Updated ticket information for Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Planning your budget for a day at the zoo is straightforward. The park offers an affordable main entrance fee and a separate a la carte system for its various games and rides, allowing you to customize your experience.
Opening hours and ticket fee
The main entrance fee to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is based on height, making it an affordable outing for the whole family.
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM, seven days a week, including all public holidays
- Ticket prices (based on height):
- From 1.3 m and above: 60,000 VND (~$2.30)
- From 1.0 m to under 1.3 m: 40,000 VND (~$1.53)
- Under 1.0 m (accompanied by an adult): Free
For added convenience, you can pre-purchase your tickets online to skip the lines at the gate.
Tickets can be booked online via the official portal: saigonzoo.net
Admission fees
In addition to the main entrance fee, visitors can purchase separate tickets for a variety of games and rides inside the park. Here are the prices:
| Game | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Dart | $0.65/ticket |
| Spring rider | $0.43/ticket |
| Fish message | $0.86/ticket |
| Cloud swing | $0.86/ticket |
| Fishing | $0.86/ticket |
| Sandy games | $0.86/ticket |
| Ball pit | $0.86/ticket |
| Inflatable bouncy castle | $0.86/ticket |
| Hydraulic aircraft | $0.86/ticket |
| Trailer mounted portable ride | $0.86/ticket |
| Bouncy boat | $0.86/ticket |
| Queen train | $0.86/ticket |
| 7D movies (For people under 1m3) | $0.86/ticket |
| 7D movies (For people over 1m3) | $1.29/ticket |
| Flying carpet | $1.72/ticket |
| Bumper car | $1.72/ticket |
| Space exploration | $1.72/ticket |
| Ferris wheel | $1.72/ticket |
| Roller coaster | $1.72/ticket |
| Music express | $1.29/ticket |
| Aladin | $1.29/ticket |
| Bumper canoe | $1.29/ticket |
| Flying car | $1.29/ticket |
| Extensive ball pit | $1.29/ticket |
Prepare your ticket fee carefully at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
History and importance of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Established in 1864 by French botanist Jean Baptiste Louis Pierre, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest continuously operating zoos in the world. Originally founded to showcase the diverse flora and fauna of Southeast Asia, it quickly grew into a major center for conservation, research, and public education. The grounds are a living museum, with some trees dating back over a century, providing a serene canopy over the historic pathways.
Beyond its role as a recreational space, the zoo holds deep cultural importance for Saigonese residents. It has been a beloved spot for generations of families, a place for quiet reflection, and a venue for community events. Its enduring presence through decades of the city's turbulent history has cemented its status as an iconic and cherished institution. This represents both a connection to the past and a commitment to preserving nature for the future.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a cherished cultural landmark for generations of Saigonese
Things to do at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
With over 20 hectares of lush grounds, animal enclosures, and entertainment zones, there is a full day of activities waiting for you. Here are the top things to do on your visit.
Relax in the lush green surroundings
The moment you step inside, you leave the city's chaos behind. The "botanical garden" part of the name is no afterthought. The park is a spectacular arboretum boasting over 1,800 trees and 260 plant species, some of which are ancient and rare. Giant, century-old trees form a dense canopy, creating a cool and shaded environment that feels like a world away from the sun-baked streets of Saigon. Find a bench under a sprawling banyan tree, lay a blanket on one of the many manicured lawns, or simply wander along the tranquil, flower-lined pathways. It’s the perfect spot to read a book, have a picnic, or just disconnect and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this incredible urban oasis.
Step inside and the city fades away as towering century-old trees and diverse plant life create a cool, tranquil botanical oasis perfect for strolling, picnicking, or unwinding
Take a short ride on the tramcar
The zoo is vast, and exploring it all on foot can be tiring, especially on a hot day or with small children. The electric tramcar offers the perfect solution. This convenient service provides a guided tour around the entire park, allowing you to get a fantastic overview of the layout and see the main attractions without breaking a sweat. It’s a great way to orient yourself when you first arrive or to take a relaxing break in the middle of your visit. The gentle pace of the tram allows you to spot animals and beautiful garden sections you might otherwise miss, all while enjoying a cool breeze.
Try exciting and adventurous games
Beyond the animals and gardens, the zoo features a vibrant amusement area that promises fun for all ages. Younger children will be delighted with gentle rides like the spring rider, inflatable bouncy castles, and the ball pit. For those seeking a bit more excitement, there are classic fairground attractions that deliver a dose of adrenaline. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel for a bird's-eye view of the park, brace yourself for the twists and turns of the roller coaster, or have a laugh with friends and family in the bumper cars. With a wide variety of games and rides available, this section provides an energetic and playful contrast to the tranquility of the gardens.
A lively amusement zone adds an energetic twist to the zoo, with gentle rides for young children and classic fairground attractions like the Ferris wheel, roller coaster
Have fun at the playground
Specially designed for the youngest visitors, the children's playground is a safe and colorful space where kids can burn off some energy. Equipped with swings, slides, climbing frames, and other classic playground equipment, it's an ideal spot for parents to relax on a nearby bench while the children play. The area is thoughtfully located and provides a great break between animal-watching and exploring the gardens. This dedicated fun zone ensures that even the smallest members of the family have an area built just for them, making the zoo a truly family-friendly destination.
Discover diverse animal species
As Vietnam’s largest zoo, the park is home to an impressive collection of over 1,300 animals from more than 125 different species. The enclosures are spread throughout the grounds, allowing you to discover new creatures around every corner. You can spend hours watching the gentle giants at the elephant exhibit, admiring the majestic stride of Indochinese tigers, or observing the playful antics of various primate species. The zoo also plays a critical role in conserving rare and endangered species native to Vietnam, such as the white-cheeked gibbon and the Asian elephant. It offers a wonderful educational opportunity to learn about biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens highlights vital conservation efforts for rare native wildlife like the white-cheeked gibbon and Asian elephant
Enjoy free cultural performances
To enhance the visitor experience, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens often hosts free cultural and entertainment shows, particularly on weekends and public holidays. These performances add another layer of excitement to your day out. You might be treated to a captivating magic show that mesmerizes both children and adults, or enjoy live music performances that add a festive atmosphere to the park. These events are usually held in open areas or on dedicated stages, so be sure to check for any schedules or announcements upon your arrival. It's a wonderful, cost-free bonus that adds extra value and a touch of local culture to your visit.
Experience the Saigon Zoo Night Tour
For a truly unique and unforgettable experience, consider booking the Saigon Zoo Night Tour. This special program offers a rare opportunity to explore the zoo after the gates have closed to the public. Led by an expert guide, you will venture into the park as dusk falls and witness the fascinating behavior of nocturnal animals as they begin to stir. The atmosphere is completely different from a daytime visit, quieter, more mysterious, and deeply immersive. You’ll learn about the habits of these creatures and see the zoo in a whole new light. This behind-the-scenes tour is a must-do for avid animal lovers and anyone looking for an extraordinary adventure in the heart of the city.
The Saigon Zoo Night Tour lets you explore the park after hours with an expert guide, revealing the mysterious world of nocturnal animals in a quiet, immersive atmosphere
How to get to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Located right in the heart of former District 1, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is easy to reach using a variety of transportation options. Depending on your travel style and budget, you can get there by motorbike, car, or public bus.
Traveling by motorbike
Riding a motorbike is a popular and convenient way for locals and experienced travelers to get to the zoo. From the city center, simply navigate towards Nguyen Binh Khiem Street in former District 1. There are two main gates with ample motorbike parking: one on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street and another on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. Parking fees are very reasonable, making this a hassle-free option.
Traveling by car
For those traveling in a group or seeking comfort, a car is a great choice. Using a ride-hailing app like Grab is highly recommended, as it's affordable and eliminates the stress of navigating traffic and finding parking. Simply input "Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens" as your destination. If you are driving your own car, limited parking is available near the entrance on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street.
Traveling by bus
Ho Chi Minh City's public bus system is an extremely cost-effective way to reach the zoo. Several bus routes have stops located just a short walk from the entrance. Look for bus numbers that service the area, such as routes 06, 14, 19, or 45. Check a local bus app or Google Maps for the most up-to-date route information from your specific location to ensure a smooth journey.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is easy to reach using a variety of transportation options
Nearby attractions around Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (1.2km away, about a 17-minute walk): A stunning masterpiece of neo-Romanesque architecture and an iconic symbol of the city.
- Independence Palace (1.4km away, about a 20-minute walk): Also known as the Reunification Palace, this historic landmark is where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975.
- War Remnants Museum (1.9km away, about a 25-minute walk): A poignant museum that offers a sobering look into the realities of the Vietnam War through powerful photographic exhibits.
After exploring Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, you can visit Independence Palace for a historical experience
Useful tips for your visit
- Protect yourself from the sun: Saigon's heat can be intense. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen generously throughout the day.
- Wear comfortable footwear: The park is expansive, and you will be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are essential for a pleasant experience.
- Visit on a weekday: Like any popular attraction, the zoo can get very crowded on weekends and public holidays. A weekday visit offers a much more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
- Stay hydrated and pack snacks: While there are kiosks selling drinks and food, it’s always a good idea to bring your own bottle of water to refill and some light snacks to keep your energy up.
- Check the weather forecast: Ho Chi Minh City has a distinct rainy season (roughly May to November). A quick weather check can help you decide whether to pack a poncho or an umbrella.
Remember useful tips to have a good visit to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
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The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a true gem in Ho Chi Minh City's crown. It is a place where history, nature, and entertainment converge to create an experience that enchants visitors of all ages. The park offers a rich and varied day out. It's a testament to the city's commitment to preserving green space and natural heritage amidst rapid urbanization. Every visit offers a refreshing and memorable escape from the urban hustle. So on your next trip with GTrip, be sure to carve out a day for this historic landmark. It’s an essential Saigon experience you won’t want to miss.
