A Day at Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most beloved green spaces, a place where history, wildlife, nature, and family experiences come together in the heart of the city. Whether you are visiting for a quiet morning walk, a full family day out, a school excursion, or simply to enjoy some greenery, there is more than enough here to fill an entire day.

Opening Hours and Admission

Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens is open every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays.

Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Last ticket sale: 5:30 PM

Admission

• Visitors 1.3 meters and above: 60,000 VND
• Visitors from 1 meter to under 1.3 meters: 40,000 VND
• Children under 1 meter when accompanied by an adult: Free

How to Buy Tickets

You can purchase tickets in two ways:

At the ticket counter
Tickets are sold at the entrance gates, where staff are available to assist. It is quick and convenient.

Online
Tickets can also be booked through the official website:
https://ticket.saigonzoo.net/pos010

Once payment is completed, a QR code will be sent to your email. At the automatic gate, simply open the email and scan the code to enter.

Important Notes for Online Tickets

• Each transaction generates one QR code
• If several tickets are purchased in one transaction, all visitors must enter together using that code
• If your group will arrive separately, it is best to make separate transactions
• Online tickets currently cannot be split or refunded
• Each QR code becomes invalid after it has been scanned once
• The QR code can also be forwarded to friends or family as a gift

Zoo Map

Getting There

Because the zoo is located in central Ho Chi Minh City, it is easy to reach by bus, Metro, motorbike, private car, or organized group transport.

Entrances

Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens has four entrances:

• Main Gate A: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street
• Gate B: Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, about 50 meters from the main gate toward Nguyen Huu Canh Street
• Gate C: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street
• Gate D: 1 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, near the foot of Thi Nghe Bridge

By Bus

Several city bus routes stop near the zoo, especially along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and around the Sofitel Plaza – Le Duan area. From there, it is only a short walk to the entrances.

Stops at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Gate

• Route 06: Cho Lon Bus Station – Nong Lam University
• Route 14: Mien Dong Bus Station – 3/2 Street – Mien Tay Bus Station
• Route 19: Ben Thanh – Linh Trung EPZ – National University
• Route 45: District 8 Bus Station – Ben Thanh – Mien Dong Bus Station
• Route 52: Ben Thanh – International University

Stops at Sofitel Plaza Area – Le Duan St.

• Route 18: Ben Thanh – Hiep Thanh Market
• Route 35: District 1 – District 2
• Route 50: Bach Khoa University – National University

From these bus stops, it is just a short walk to the gate.

By Metro

You can also take Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien).

• Nearest station: Ba Son Station
• Distance to the main gate: about 600 meters

From Ba Son Station, you can either walk or take a ride-hailing vehicle to the zoo.

Parking

• Motorbikes: Gates A, B, C, or D
• Cars (4–7 seats): Gates B, C, or D
• Vehicles with 16 seats or more: Gate B

Reference parking fees vary by vehicle type.

Zoo Train and Electric Cart Tours

If you would like to explore the zoo at a slower pace without too much walking, the zoo train and electric cart are excellent options.

Zoo Train

• Children under 0.8 meters: free
• Children from 0.8 meters to under 1.3 meters: 20,000 VND
• Visitors 1.3 meters and above: 30,000 VND

This is a simple and relaxing way to get a general overview of the zoo.

Private Electric Cart Tour

For visitors who prefer a more private experience:

• 150,000 VND per person
• Minimum: 6 tickets

This option is especially suitable for families with young children, elderly visitors, or anyone who would prefer a more comfortable ride.

VIP Electric Cart Tour

For a more memorable visit, the zoo also offers a VIP electric cart experience:

• 200,000 VND per person
• Minimum: 6 tickets

Guests can feed selected animals such as giraffes, raccoons, antelope, elephants, goats, sheep, and deer. At the end of the tour, each visitor also receives a small souvenir.

Where to Explore Inside the Zoo

A visit to Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens is not only about seeing animals. There are many corners of the grounds worth exploring, from scenic lakes and themed gardens to heritage spaces and family-friendly attractions.

Once you're inside the Zoo, besides watching the animals and strolling under the century-old trees, there are plenty of interesting spots to visit. Make sure to take notes—especially if you're a photography lover!

Tree Maze

It’s small but walking through it is instantly fun. Even if you get a little lost, you'll just end up laughing together—no one actually goes missing!

Butterfly Garden

Not only does it house a diverse collection of insects, but the Butterfly Garden is also a charming little green space. The garden inside is neatly arranged with soft lighting and plenty of greenery, creating a very pleasant atmosphere. Many visitors take a quick tour and then stay for... several more rounds of photos. Just find the right spot with good lighting, and you’ll have a beautiful photo to take home.

Reptile House

The Reptile House is home to "quiet residents" with a mysterious charm, such as pythons, snakes, crocodiles, monitors, and turtles. The space here is designed with curved corridors, red brick walls, and pale yellow pillars, creating a classic cinematic feel.

Walking along the hallway, the sunlight filtering through the roof slats onto the red brick floor is a beautiful sight. Without any complicated posing, you can get a perfect shot just by standing in the light. Besides observing the quiet animals, many visitors take advantage of the curved walls and yellow columns for photos. The space looks quite unique in pictures—vibe-wise, it's a mix of vintage and the distinct character of the Zoo.

The inner circular courtyard, featuring central greenery surrounded by curved walls, is also a favorite spot. Offering a mix of sun, shade, and natural greenery, this location feels both nostalgic and free-spirited. If you enjoy quiet spaces with a hint of mystery, the Reptile House is a must-visit.

Princess Castle – Hoofed Animal Area

The castle is located within the hoofed animal section. Its striking pink tone has made it a popular "check-in" spot for young people. For those who love a "girly" and feminine style, this is the ideal place for you!

Museum of Flora and Fauna

If you're curious to see what the "veteran residents" of the Zoo looked like, this is the place to go. The museum houses specimens of many species that once lived at the Zoo, serving both as an exhibit and a way for everyone to learn more about the animal kingdom.

You will also find Ngo Khong, the white tiger - a name many may have heard before. After passing away in 2025, he was preserved here so that those who loved him could still visit and remember him.

A little secret: The exterior wall of the museum is a very popular "Instagrammable" spot for local youth. Keep an eye out when you pass by; you might just get a great shot.

Lotus Lake

The Lotus Lake is one of the most beloved corners of the grounds. During the blooming season, the area becomes bright and vibrant. At other times of the year, it remains quiet and gentle, offering a spacious and airy view.

Many families choose to rest or picnic here because it is cool and wide. It's also a favorite spot for young people to take photos, especially for "Co Trang" (ancient costume) photoshoots or romantic, poetic concepts.

Nhan Huong Restaurant Historical Site

Located within the Zoo grounds, Nhan Huong Restaurant served as a secret base for the Saigon Rangers from 1963 to 1975. On the outside, it appeared to be just an ordinary refreshment stall. However, behind that facade, it was a place to hide officers, hold meetings, and relay information for many important battles. Mr. Nguyen Van Tung's family kept this secret for many years, right in the heart of turbulent Saigon.

In 2014, it was recognized as a City - level Historical Site. Today, the space has been restored with tables, chairs, a kitchen, a checkout counter, and guest models, recreating the scene of daily business intertwined with secret meetings.

While history books might only record this in a few short lines, standing in this space - looking at the old kitchen and the reenactments - helps one realize that famous historical campaigns could start from very ordinary places.

Today, Nhan Huong Restaurant is more than just a stop on your tour. It is living proof that amidst modern Saigon, there are still small corners preserving the faith, courage, and sacrifice of an entire generation.

Tiger Cage Historical Conservation Area

Heritage Trees

Everyone knows the Zoo has elephants, tigers, and giraffes. But not everyone notices the "residents" who have been here longer than many buildings in Saigon—some are even older than the Zoo itself!

The Zoo currently owns over 2,500 trees, including more than 700 ancient trees. Notably, 08 of them have been officially recognized as Vietnam Heritage Trees.

• The wide-canopy Senegal Mahogany (Xà cừ) provides shade for an entire area.

• The rare Burma Padauk (Giáng hương) features beautiful wood grains and a signature fragrance.

• The unique Tung tree preserves a rare gene pool.

Next time you visit, try looking up at the canopy. You might be standing under a "tree elder" nearly two centuries old. While photos with animals are cute, a photo with a Heritage Tree feels a bit more "authentic Saigon."

Ornamental Garden

This garden features various ornamental plants, flowers, and bonsai meticulously cared for by the staff every day. At first glance, it looks simple, but up close, you’ll see how elaborately each tree and leaf has been shaped. It’s an ideal spot for those who love nature photography and a fresh, pleasant atmosphere.

Flamingo Garden

If you love feathered friends and poetic scenery, the Flamingo Garden is a must-visit. The space feels like a fairy tale with shimmering lake water and lush greenery.

• The Stars: Pink-tinted Flamingos with their elegant curved necks and iconic one-legged stance.

• The Celebrities: White Swans swimming gracefully. Look out for the famous swan couple, Duong and Hao—many visitors come specifically to check-in with them.

• The Showstoppers: Indian Peacocks. During breeding season, the males fan out their 1.5m-long tails like giant shimmering fans.

• You can also spot vibrant Scarlet Ibises, Black Ibises with purple-tinted feathers, Ruddy Shelducks, and small, gentle Lesser Whistling Ducks.

Friendly Zoo

This is a special area where the distance between humans and animals is safely shortened. You don't just watch—you interact and learn.

• The "Peace Ambassadors": The Capybara quartet—Phu, Quy, Cat, and Tuong. They are famous for their "zen" expressions, even while eating.

• Guinea Pigs: Small, soft, and friendly—perfect for kids' first animal encounters.

• Meerkats: The "desert bodyguards" who stand tall on lookout duty.

• North American Squirrels: Intelligent "burrowing engineers" with a simulated tunnel system.

• Note: These friends have their own "work-rest schedule," so be sure to check their timetable before visiting!

Storytime with Zookeepers

Ever wondered about the "behind-the-scenes drama" of the animals or the funny situations the "foster parents" (zookeepers) go through? Through "Storytime with Zookeepers," staff share heartfelt and authentic stories about the animals' unpredictable personalities and strange habits. It’s a great way for families to learn about wildlife conservation in a much more memorable way than reading textbooks. Kids can also answer quiz questions to win small gifts!

"Idol Zoobiz" Parade

Beyond observing natural behaviors, you can join the festive atmosphere of the "Idol Zoobiz" Animal Parade.

• Schedule: Held periodically on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month.

• The Cast: Intelligent Macaws, graceful White Cockatoos, friendly goats and sheep, energetic geese, and even special guests like ponies or Sulcata tortoises.

It’s one of the most anticipated activities for families and children, so don't miss out if you visit on the right day!

Music and Weekend Entertainment

When visiting the Zoo, your experience goes beyond sightseeing and learning about animals; you can also enjoy free entertainment programs designed for the whole family.

Every Saturday and Sunday morning, the stage area comes alive with children's music performances, fun magic shows, and interactive clowns hosting quizzes with prizes. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with laughter and applause, not only creates beautiful memories for the little ones but also serves as a perfect way for adults to unwind after a tiring work week.

This is a favorite activity for many families, especially children. While waiting for the animal behavior demonstrations or before continuing your tour, you can stop here to relax and soak in the joyful ambiance.

Note: Please make sure to check the specific opening hours of each area to plan your visit accordingly.

Animal Behavior Presentations and Interaction Sessions

When mentioning the Zoo, we certainly can’t overlook the adorable "residents" here, can we?

But not everyone knows that beyond just watching the elephants leisurely flapping their ears, the hippos soaking in the pond, or the lazy feline "bosses" lounging in the sun, visitors also have the chance to learn more about the behaviors, reflexes, and care processes of each species. This is made possible through performance programs and interactions led by their "foster parents"

These are not just performances for entertainment; they are also training sessions, health checks, and environmental enrichment activities that help keep the animals healthy and active.

Here’s the current schedule so you don’t miss out on the action:

I. Animal Behavior Showcases
Catch these sessions to see our animals' natural instincts and health care routines in action!

• Bo & Ny (Elephants) – Elephant Enclosure

Training & Health Checks (teeth, feet, nails): 08:30 – 09:30 & 14:30 – 15:15 (Tue – Sat)

• Chuong & Tom (Elephants) – Elephant Enclosure

Health Checks & Ear Sampling: 09:00 – 09:30 (Sat & Sun)

• The Hippo Family – Main Hippo Tank

Dental Checks & Cleaning: 09:30 – 09:45 (Sat & Sun)

• Dzit (Pygmy Hippo) – Pygmy Hippo Enclosure

Dental Checks & Cleaning: 15:00 – 15:15 (Sat & Sun)

• Bengal Tigers (Yellow Tigers) – Tiger Enclosure

Climbing & Foraging Skills: 15:00 – 15:10 (Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun)

• White Tigers – White Tiger Enclosure

Hunting & Foraging Skills: 15:10 – 15:15 (Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun)

II. Interactive Animal Experiences

• Yellow-cheeked Gibbon: 09:00 – 09:15 (Daily) – Gibbon Island
• Peacocks: 09:30 – 09:45 (Sat & Sun) – Flamingo Garden
• Raccoons: 10:00 – 10:30 (Sat & Sun) – The Octagon Hut
• Bo (Rhinoceros): 14:00 – 14:15 (Sat & Sun) – Rhino Enclosure
• Crocodiles: 14:00 – 14:15 (Sat & Sun) – Crocodile Garden
• Giraffes: 14:30 – 14:45 (Sat & Sun) – Nguyen Binh Khiem Gate area
• Pygmy Goats & Sheep: 09:30 – 14:30 (Sat & Sun)
• Sika Deer & Eld’s Deer: 09:30 – 14:30 (Sat & Sun)
• Xam Tiger (New Tiger Area near the Unicorn House): Tug-of-War with a Tiger! 14:00 – 14:10 (1st & 3rd Saturday of the month)

Each time slot is more than just a performance - it’s a chance to see our "residents" in a whole new light: active, agile, and full of personality. Those flapping elephant ears? That’s trained reflex. Those powerful tiger leaps? That’s pure instinct being awakened.

Don't just walk by! Plan your route around these times. Sometimes the best part of your trip isn't just the scenery—it’s the eye contact with a giraffe, the roar of a tiger, or the splash of a hippo that makes your visit truly unforgettable.

 

FUELING UP FOR THE ADVENTURE

Exploring 17 hectares on foot is no joke—you’ll need plenty of energy! Inside the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, there are various food stalls catering to every need, from full meals and snacks to relaxing coffee spots.

Here is the list of locations where you can stop by to "recharge":

1. Main Dining & Snack Areas (Open Mon – Sun)

• Giraffe Restaurant: Enjoy your meal while watching the giraffes nearby.

• Stage Kiosk (Quầy Sân khấu)

• Chimpanzee Kiosk (Quầy Hắc tinh tinh)

• Lotus Lake Kiosk (Quầy Hồ Sen): Features a romantic lakeside view with lotus leaves. During lotus season, it looks like a "fairyland." There’s a Gibbon Island in the middle where you can sometimes hear the golden-cheeked gibbons singing.

• Swan Kiosk (Quầy Thiên nga): Located on the hill near the octagonal enclosure. If you love a "chill" vibe like Da Lat, this is a must-visit.

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 16:30 (Monday – Sunday) Menu: Familiar, family-friendly dishes:

✔ Breakfast

✔ Lunch sets (Cơm trưa)

✔ Ice cream

✔ Steamed buns (Bánh bao) & Fish balls

✔ Soft drinks & Bottled water

If you’re spending the whole day here or need a comfortable place to sit and have lunch, these are the spots for you.

2. Crafted Beverages (For the "chill" team)

If you're craving a refreshing fruit soda, fresh juice, or a signature Vietnamese iced milk coffee, stop by:

• Zoo Coffee (Gate B): Can be accessed from the street; opens early at 06:00.

• Vui Coffee (Behind Gate A ticket booth): > Psst: Opposite Vui Coffee is the Souvenir Shop. If you want a small gift "branded" by the Zoo, don't forget to check it out. They have "idol" photocard sets (animal cards), notebooks, plushies, and more.

• Butterfly Garden Kiosk: Located behind the Butterfly Garden.

               - Opening Hours: 08:00 – 16:30 (Monday – Sunday)

                - The perfect choice for those who want to stroll around with a cold drink in hand.

3. Mobile Kiosks

These mobile food and drink carts operate during:

• Weekends

• Public Holidays & Tet

The Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers more than just wildlife and greenery; it has plenty of spots for you to rest, enjoy a meal, and recharge to continue your full-day journey of discovery.

WHAT TO DO AT SAIGON ZOO?
After exploring and taking "countless" photos, don't forget to stop by the Amusement Area so the kids (and adults too!) can burn off some energy and have some fun!

The amusement park at Saigon Zoo is thoughtfully designed with activities for all age groups.

For Preschoolers:
Gentle, safe, and colorful rides such as:

• Animal Spring Riders (Thú nhún)
• Mini Electric Cars
• Kid’s Fishing

This is a perfect area for little ones to play comfortably and get used to entertainment spaces in a fresh, green environment.

For Primary Schoolers
For the slightly older kids, these rides offer a bit more excitement while remaining age-appropriate:

• The Airplane Ride
• The Carousel
• The Flying Cloud

Fun for Adults Too!
The amusement area isn't just for toddlers. There are plenty of options for teenagers and adults to "shift their mood" after a long walk through the gardens.

For Thrill-Seekers: Try the Crazy Wave. As the seats swing, lift, and tilt to the rhythm, you’ll feel like you’re tossing on giant ocean waves. The mix of laughter and cheers creates an incredibly vibrant atmosphere.

High-Altitude Challenge: Want to experience soaring high and then a split-second free fall? The Drop Tower – Space Discovery will take you up to an impressive height amidst the greenery of the zoo before a sudden "drop." It’s a short experience, but definitely enough to get your heart racing.

Classic Fun: If you prefer something lighthearted and full of laughs, the Bumper Cars are always a crowd favorite. Grab the wheel, accelerate, and bump your way around—it's simple but always packed with visitors.

In addition, Saigon Zoo offers many other games ranging from light physical activities to more intense thrills. Whether you are visiting with family or friends, or just looking for a bit of "stress relief" amidst nature, the amusement area has something for everyone to make your day complete.

Zoo Home Pet – Boarding, Grooming, and Care for Your Pets

To help protect the animals at Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, pets are not allowed inside the main zoo grounds. However, Zoo Home Pet offers a convenient boarding service, so pet owners can enjoy their visit without worry.

Visitors can leave their pets in the boarding area, explore the zoo at their own pace, and return to pick them up afterward. It is a simple and practical solution that keeps both the zoo animals and visiting pets safe and comfortable.

Zoo Home Pet also provides grooming services for pets that need a little extra care. Bathing, drying, brushing, trimming, ear cleaning, nail care, and light finishing touches are all carried out with products suited to each pet’s coat and skin type, helping them feel clean, fresh, and comfortable.

In short, it is a convenient arrangement: a relaxing day out for you, and a full care session for your pet, all in one place. And for fans of Mika, the orange cat from the bear enclosure, this is also a fun place to stop by.