Saigon Zoo

Discover one of Ho Chi Minh City’s 🌿 greenest icons — the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, also known locally as Thảo Cầm Viên Sài Gòn:

Easily walkable from nearby landmarks like the Independence Palace or Ben Thanh Market.

Not the best zoo you'll ever see because the place looks neglected. It's so quiet and only few people come here. But for me, it's what's making it different. The place is open to bring snacks and drinks inside and you can actually spend time here picnic if you want to have a different vibe. There are still so many animals to see.

The butterfly garden was not as much. The botanical garden was not good too.

And the place is so huge that you need at least 3 hours to see all the animals.

Overall it's still good.

There are canteens inside too so you don't have to worry if you didn't bring any water or drinks with you. The place has playground too.

• Open Daily: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM; early access from 5:00 AM for joggers and exercise fans .
• Admission Rates:
• Children under 1 m: Free
• Visitors 1.0–1.3 m tall: 40,000 VND
• Visitors over 1.3 m: 60,000 VND (~₱160–₱240)

🌱 What to See & Do
• Stroll through shaded walkways amid lush botanical gardens and towering trees—an urban nature escape .
• Say hi to elephants, giraffes, big cats, and rare species like the Vietnamese crested argus pheasant being bred in captivity—an achievement unique to this zoo .
• Enjoy kid-friendly rides and activities, plus free art or music shows held on weekends .
• Explore Hùng King Temple and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, both located inside zoo grounds .