January
26.9°C ~ 80°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
A historic green space featuring a diverse collection of animals and tropical plants
- Location
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Time needed
- 2 – 3 hours
- Entry fee
- 60,000 VND
- Best months
- Dec – Apr
Overview
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a expansive park located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, famous for being one of the oldest zoos in the world still in operation. The site serves as a major green lung for the city, housing hundreds of species of mammals, birds, and reptiles alongside a vast array of tropical trees and flowering plants.
Visitors can walk through shaded paths that connect the animal enclosures to the botanical sections, which include a dedicated orchid garden and a cactus collection. A notable feature for those exploring the grounds is the large, ornate gate at the main entrance, which reflects the site’s colonial-era origins. The park provides a quiet environment for families and those looking to escape the traffic of the surrounding urban streets. It remains a popular destination for residents during weekends and public holidays.
Highlights
- Observe over 100 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles
- Walk through the botanical gardens featuring rare tropical plants
- Visit the historical museum located within the park grounds
- Explore the orchid garden and bonsai collection
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily 7:00 – 17:30 Rides and games are charged separately |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | 60,000 VND for adults; 40,000 VND for children 1 – 1 |
| Time needed | 2 – 3 hours |
| Best time of day | Early morning |
| Good for | Families, photographers, nature enthusiasts |
| Accessibility | The park features flat, paved paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, though some areas have minor slopes. |
| Facilities | Toilets, cafe, souvenir shop, parking, benches |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go. Last checked: Nov 2026.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City by month.
February
27.6°C ~ 82°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
28.6°C ~ 83°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
29.3°C ~ 85°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
28.8°C ~ 84°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
27.7°C ~ 82°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
26.9°C ~ 80°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
26.7°C ~ 80°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
26.8°C ~ 80°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
26.5°C ~ 80°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Tips before you go
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the midday heat
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water
- Avoid visiting during the rainy months of May through October
- Carry cash in VND for entrance tickets and small purchases
How to get there
- From Ho Chi Minh City centre
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located 2 km from the city centre. The easiest way to reach the entrance is by taxi or ride-hailing app, which costs approximately 50,000 VND ($1.90) from District 1. Alternatively, local buses stop nearby. Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City can be heavy, so allow extra travel time during peak hours.
- Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
2 km from the city centre
More attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
FAQs
How much time is needed for a visit to the saigon zoo?
Visitors typically need 2 to 3 hours to explore the saigon zoo and botanical gardens. This duration allows enough time to walk the shaded paths, observe the animal enclosures, and view the plant collections without rushing through the expansive grounds in District 1.
What is the entrance fee for the saigon zoo?
The entrance fee for the saigon zoo is 60,000 VND (about $2.30) for adults and 40,000 VND (about $1.60) for children between 1 m and 1.3 m. Rides and internal games require separate tickets, and visitors should carry cash in VND for small purchases at the gates.
When is the best time of year to visit the saigon zoo?
The zoo is open all year, and the best time to go is in the morning, when the animals are most active and the air is cooler. Heavy afternoon rain is common from May to October, so bring a light poncho.
Is the saigon zoo accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
The saigon zoo features flat, paved paths that are generally suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. However, visitors should note that certain sections of the botanical grounds contain minor slopes, so some pushing effort might be required in those specific areas.
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