Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

trungydang · CC BY 3.0

A zoo and botanical garden open since 1864 — among the oldest still running anywhere.

The gardens opened in 1864, only a few years after the French arrived in Saigon, which puts them among the oldest continuously operating zoos in the world. The name is accurate: this is both a zoo and a botanical garden, and it is the botanical half that most people walk past — rows of century-old trees, trunks several arm-spans around, shading the paths completely. The grounds also hold the Museum of Vietnamese History and a temple to the Hung Kings. For families with young children this is the easiest place in District 1 to give a whole morning to.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens?

Morning, year-round

How much does it cost to visit Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens?

60,000d (indicative — check at the counter)

How long do you need at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens?

2 - 3 hours

What are the opening hours of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens?

07:00 - 18:00

Did you know

The gardens opened in 1864 and are among the oldest continuously operating zoos in the world.
The site is both a zoo and a botanical garden, with many trees over a century old.
The Museum of Vietnamese History stands within the grounds.
A temple to the Hung Kings is also inside the grounds.

Travel tips

The History Museum charges separately but sits right by the gate, so it pairs easily.
Go in the morning: afternoons are hot and most animals move into the shade to rest.

Source: https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%E1%BA%A3o_C%E1%BA%A7m_Vi%C3%AAn_S%C3%A0i_G%C3%B2n

Updated: 2026-08-16