Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden: Open Hours, Ticket Price

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden (Vietnamese: Thảo Cầm Viên Sài Gòn) is the biggest zoo in Vietnam and one of the oldest zoos in the world. This botanical garden and zoo was established in 1864, and is a perfect spot in Ho Chi Minh city that accommodates thousands of exotic flora and fauna. Stroll through the lush gardens, observe wildlife, and enjoy fun-filled games with your family and friends. This is a brilliant place if you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the hectic city life.

• Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city
• Opening Hours: Everyday and all year around
  • 5 AM - 6:30 AM: The time frame for exercising.
  • 7 AM - 6:30 PM: The time frame for visitors.
• Entrance Fee:
  • Children under 1.0 meter tall: Free of Charge
  • Children from 1.0m – 1.3m tall: ~ $1.7/ticket
  • Adults Price: ~$2.5/ticket/turn

1. History and Significance of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

On March 23, 1864, Rear Admiral Pierre-Paul de La Grandière signed a decree allowing the construction of the Botanical Garden in Saigon. Soon after, Louis Adolphe Germain, a veterinarian in the French army, was assigned the task of expanding 12 hectares on the wasteland northeast of Thi Nghe canal (French called Arrroyo d'Avalanche, after the war's name. Warships entered Thi Nghe canal to attack Gia Dinh citadel) to raise animals and nurse plants. In March of the following year (1865), some barns were built.

To turn this place into a place to cultivate animals and plants of the whole Indochina; both for display and to provide seedlings for the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle and to plant along the highways in Saigon; The Governor of Cochinchina, realizing the need for someone with more expertise, invited J. B. Louis Pierre, the plant care manager of Calcutta Botanical Garden (India), to become the director on March 28, 1865.

At the end of 1865, the Botanical Garden was expanded to 20 hectares. In 1924, the campus was merged with another 13 hectares on the north bank of Thi Nghe canal; a cast bridge over the canal to connect the two areas was completed in 1927. And in the same year, thanks to the advocacy of a French official in Japan, the Japanese government provided the Botanical Garden with about 900 strange plants.

On December 15, 1867, Governor De La Grandière issued Decree No. 183 to correct the organization and administration of the Botanical Garden, placing it under the management of the Saigon City Council, with a certain amount of money. 21,000 French francs/year, provided by the colonial budget.

On February 17, 1869, Vice Admiral G. Ohier, acting Governor of Cochinchina, signed Decree No. 33 establishing a Standing Committee, chaired by Philastre, to supervise expenditures at the Botanical Garden. At this time, the annual cost of the Botanical Garden was raised to 30,000 francs/year. Also according to the above decree, on France's National Day, July 14, 1869, the Botanical Garden was permanently open to the public.

1924 - 1927: Internal asphalt paved in the campus, built large and solid animal cages such as round cages for monkeys, tiger cages, etc. In 1956: Repaired, rebuilt and renamed Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden.

1984: New construction of many works such as: stone embankment along Thi Nghe canal, improvement of drainage system and bare electrical wiring, asphalt and concrete paving of internal roads, construction of fences along Nguyen Binh street Khiem...

1990: Many animal cages were renovated and expanded to suit the life of each animal species, increasing the total area of animal cages after 1975 from 8,500 square meters to 25,000 square meters in 2000.

2. Best Things to Do at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Up to now, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is nurturing more than 1,300 animals of 125 species, including many rare species such as: star pheasant, douc, yellow-cheeked gibbon, yellow deer, fire leopard, clouded leopard. .. There are also more than 2,500 trees with more than 900 species of plants preserved. And here is what you can do and see when visiting the zoo:

- Walking and Relax in a Fresh Green Garden: One of the top things you would love to experience when visiting Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is its relaxing and calming green space.

You can stroll down the paths surrounded by towering trees and marvel at the colorful blooms in the flower gardens. The peaceful atmosphere and the soothing sounds of birds singing create a serene environment for you to unwind. Whether you are taking a picnic on the lush green lawns or simply soaking up the sun, the experience of being surrounded by nature is just rejuvenating.

- Enjoying a Short Tramcar Tour in the Zoo: When visiting the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, remember to take a short tour of one of the zoo's tramcars or electric car to take you around the zoo.

The trams will take you through the beautiful gardens and allow you to see all the fantastic plants and animals from the comfort of your seat. The tour is easy and relaxing, and it's a great way to experience all the sights and sounds of the zoo without getting physically exhausted.

- Try many Fantastic Thrilling Games in the Zoo: Apart from various rare animal species and indigenous plants, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is also a perfect hub for thrilling game lovers.

From the relaxing experience from the fish massage and the spectacular view from the Ferris wheel to the exciting roller coaster for thrill-seekers, you can find them all at Saigon zoo.

- Observe various species of animals: If you plan to visit Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, clearly observing various animal species should be at the top of your to-do list.

The zoo is home to hundreds of species worldwide, including carnivores, mammals, reptiles, herbivores, birds, and many more. At 3 PM every day, there is also a demonstration of the carnivore animals' hunting skills, such as lions, Bengal tigers, and Indochinese tigers in the carnivore area.

- Enjoy time with kids at the children's playground: If you want to take your families on your visit to Ho Chi Minh city zoo? Then you would definitely love to spend quality time with your family, especially children at the children's playground.

To name a few games you may want to play with your kids:  space wheel, continuous ball house, the ball pit, bumper car, bouncy castle, etc. For sure you and your family will have really great time in the  Zoo and Botanical Garden,

- Watch the Free Art Performances at the Zoo: And last but not least, if you plan to go to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden on the weekends or big holidays, watching free art performances is a unique experience you won't want to miss out on.

The amusing performances at the zoo vary from cool magic shows and spectacular animal circuses to Vietnamese traditional dancing and singing.

3. Ticket Price for Games in Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Besides the Saigon zoo animals and plants, you may love to enjoy dozens of fun games at this amusement park. Here is a list of Saigon zoo and botanical gardens Ho Chi Minh tickets for all the games:

4. Specific directions to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

By motorcycle taxi:

• Directions: you can go to Ho Chi Minh Zoo and Botanical Garden by Nguyen Binh Khiem Street (main gate and side gate) or Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street (side gate)
• Parking lot: You can park your motorbike at any of the three gates
• Parking ticket: $0.13/manual motorbike; $0.17/automatic motorbike

By private car:

• Directions: if you plan to visit the Saigon zoo Vietnam by car, you must only get there by Nguyen Binh Khiem Street
• Parking lot: You must park your car at the side gate on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street
• Parking ticket: $1.3/one four-to-seven-seater vehicle; $1.7/one nine-to-sixteen-seater vehicle

By local public bus:

• Local Bus no. 5
  • Route: Cho Lon bus station - Ben Thanh bus station
  • Bus schedule: 5 AM – 5:50 PM
  • Frequency: 25 - 30 minutes/trip
  • Ticket price: $0.65/ticket
• Local Bus no. 14
  • Route: Mien Dong bus station - 3/2 Street - Mien Tay bus station
  • Bus schedule: 4 AM – 8 PM
  • Frequency: 7 - 12 minutes/trip
  • Ticket price: $0.25/ticket

5. Tourist Attractions near Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens:

Besides Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, Ho Chi Minh City has many other attractions awaiting you to discover. Here are three suggested attractions nearby: Reunification Palace (formerly  Independence Palace), War Remnants Museum, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office. You can also join Saigon Tours to learn more about history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Adventure Journey

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