Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden: A thorough guide for your upcoming visit

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is a brilliant destination if you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the hectic city life. And to make your visit to the zoo even more exciting, we will show you a bunch of exciting things to experience here.

1. Where is Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens?

• Location
  • Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is the biggest zoo in Vietnam and one of the oldest zoos in the world. This botanical garden and zoo was established in 1864.

• Opening hours: If you plan to visit the Saigon botanical garden, make sure you arrive within Saigon zoo opening hours:
  • 5 AM - 6:30 AM: The time frame for people who come to the zoo for exercising.
  • 7 AM - 6:30 PM: The time frame for visitors.

What is incredible is that the Saigon botanical garden is open all year round, including big holidays.

2. The history and significance of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden was commissioned in 1864 and has since become one of the oldest zoos and botanical gardens in Vietnam. It has played a crucial role in preserving and showcasing the region's diverse flora and fauna. 

Over the years, the zoo and botanical garden has gained recognition for its conservation efforts and educational initiatives. It has contributed significantly to the preservation of biodiversity and the promotion of environmental awareness.

Visitors to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden can explore a wide range of animal and plant species. 

• The zoo is home to a diverse array of animals, both indigenous and exotic, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to observe and learn about different species.
• The gardens boast a stunning collection of botanical wonders, including rare and exotic plants from various regions.

In addition, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden serves as a popular recreational destination for both locals and tourists. The tranquil atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, and educational exhibits make it an ideal place for family outings, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat within the bustling city. 

3. Updated Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens tickets 

3.1. Entrance fee

Saigon zoo and botanical garden entrance fee is fixed as shown:

• Children under 1 meter tall: Free
• Children from 1m - 1m3 tall: ~ $1.7/ticket
• Adults: ~$2.5/ticket

3.2. Game tickets

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

4.1. By motorcycle 

• 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

4.2. By 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

4.3. By bus  

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

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. Things to experience at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

5.1. Relax in a fresh green space

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.

5.2. Enjoy a short tour on a tramcar

When visiting the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, remember to take a short tour of one of the zoo's tramcars. 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.

5.3. Try many fantastic thrilling games

Apart from various rare animal species and indigenous plants, Saigon Zoo is also a perfect hub for thrilling game lovers.

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

5.4. 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.

5.5. Enjoy time with kids at the children's playground

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 children at the children's playground. 

To name a few games you may play with your kids: the ball pit, bumper car, bouncy castle, etc.

5.6. Watch art performances for free

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.

6. Other attractions near Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Besides Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, Ho Chi Minh City has many other gems awaiting you to discover. Here are three suggested attractions nearby:

• Independence Palace: Located just a short distance from the Saigon Zoo, the Independence Palace holds historical significance as the site marking the end of the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the preserved rooms and exhibits that offer insights into the country's past.
• War Remnants Museum: Another nearby attraction is the War Remnants Museum, which showcases the devastating effects of the Vietnam War. Through its thought-provoking exhibitions, the museum provides a glimpse into the war's impact on the Vietnamese people and serves as a reminder of the importance of peace.
• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral: A short walk away from the zoo, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a stunning architectural gem. Built during the French colonial period, its grandeur and beautiful stained glass windows make it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Other notable destinations are Landmark 81 Vietnam and Jade Emperor Pagoda.  

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