Why go
Thảo Cầm Viên Sài Gòn, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, is one of the city’s oldest public places. It started life as a botanical garden in 1864 and opened its gates to the public in 1869.
The age shows in the best way: in the trees. Huge trunks and wide canopies shade most of the grounds, so the place feels more like a park with animals in it than a concrete zoo.
From our visit
Our editor, Pixer, went on an overcast October afternoon after rain. The first thing that stood out was how many different animals there are to see. We watched an elephant standing under a curtain of hanging branches, and two giraffes pulling leaves from a bundle hung up between them.
It is the kind of place that brings out the kid in you. Walking between the enclosures, it was easy to slow down and simply enjoy looking.
The grounds are better kept than we expected. Paths are tidy, there are benches under the big trees, and a long, vine-covered pergola walkway gives you a shaded route between sections.
Most visitors that day were families with children. If you want a calm, unhurried break from the traffic of the center, this works well, and it is especially easy with kids.
Getting there
The main gate is at 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm in Sài Gòn Ward, at the northeastern edge of the old District 1 core. Look for the green wrought-iron arch with “Thao Cam Vien Saigon” in large yellow letters.
From the Nguyen Hue walking street area, a Grab car or bike is a short ride. Walking is possible if you do not mind the traffic and the heat.
Tips for your visit
Give it two to three hours so you can stroll rather than rush. The paths are flat and mostly shaded, which helps on a hot day.
Light rain is not a reason to skip it. Bring a small umbrella or a poncho, as many visitors did on our wet afternoon.
Weekends and school holidays bring the most families. A weekday morning is the likeliest time for a quieter walk.
Opening hours and ticket prices can change, so check them before you set off.
Frequently asked questions
Is Saigon Zoo worth visiting?
For a relaxed few hours, yes. Our editor found a good variety of animals in grounds that are nicely kept, with huge old trees and shaded walkways, and called it a place to wander with a bit of childlike wonder.
Is it good for families with kids?
Very much so. On our visit most of the crowd was family groups, and the flat, shaded paths make it easy going with children.
How old is the zoo?
It began as a botanical garden in 1864 and opened to the public in 1869, which makes it one of the oldest zoos still operating anywhere.
Where is it and how do I get there?
The main gate is at 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm in Sài Gòn Ward, at the northeastern edge of the old District 1 core. A Grab or taxi from the Nguyen Hue area is a short ride.
Does rain spoil a visit?
Not much. We went on a wet, overcast afternoon, and the dense tree cover and covered pergola walkway kept most of the walk pleasant.
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This spot is Day 3 of our Ho Chi Minh City 3-day itinerary