Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden?
What makes it 76% Solo-Friendly: Cheap entry, wide paths, orchid garden, reptile house and tram fill 2-3 solo hours easily, but some dated cages and weekend crowds limit the sense of discovery.
Positives:
- Shaded trails: Centuries-old trees keep walkways cool even on hot days.
- Map availability: Free park maps at the entrance help you navigate exhibits easily.
- Interactive zones: Petting area and tram offer close-up animal encounters.
Challenges:
- Limited signage: Some animal labels and directions are only in Vietnamese.
- Heat & humidity: Open enclosures can feel hot; bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Weekend crowds: Key attractions like the reptile house fill up around noon on weekends.
What is Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden?
- A landmark zoological and botanical complex founded in 1865, ranking among Southeast Asia’s oldest public gardens and animal parks
- A 20-hectare landscape of curated tropical flora, featuring century-old banyan, orchid and fern collections under a canopy of mature shade trees
- A diversified animal reserve home to over 200 species, from African giraffes and camels to native Asian elephants, crocodiles and myriad bird species
What is so special about Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden for solo trip?
- Explore diverse animal exhibits at your own pace.
- Capture unique photos under century-old banyan trees.
- Rest and view the park on a vintage tram ride.
- Engage at petting zones and free weekend shows.
- Benefit from shaded paths and interactive experiences.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to walk exhibits, visit the reptile house, and ride the tram at a relaxed pace.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Self-guided photo walk:
Stroll shaded paths under century-old banyan trees and photograph giraffes, elephants, and historic park features.
Tip: Start at 8 AM for soft light and fewer visitors.
Reptile House visit:
Explore air-conditioned exhibits of snakes, turtles, and lizards without extra cost.
Tip: Check the feeding schedule posted outside each terrarium to catch live demos.
Vintage tram ride:
Ride the loop tram for a breezy overview of animal enclosures and botanical areas.
Tip: Buy your ticket at the Lê Duẩn entrance and sit on the right side for best views.
Goat & sheep feeding:
Hand-feed goats and sheep in the petting area with affordable grass bundles.
Tip: Purchase feed at the petting zone entrance for 1 000 VND per bundle.
Weekend art performances:
Watch free magic acts, dance shows, and animal “circus” near the main lawn on weekends.
Tip: Check the daily schedule board by the ticket booth upon arrival.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Arrive early: Entering at 8 AM helps avoid crowds and the hottest hours.
- Bring essentials: Carry a refillable water bottle; water stations are scattered around.
- Download map: Get the zoo map PDF online to plan your route before arrival.
Reviews of Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Chamroeun Sek
There are many kinds of animals in this zoo, and the entrance fee is also reasonable. In particular, there are French baboons, crocodiles, giant pandas, and many other species that we have never seen in person. You can see them on this phone. I spent an hour with my family to enjoy the animals, but I still haven't seen everything. You can spend more than an hour or half a day in this zoo to see al...
Real Walk TV
The entrance to the Saigon Zoo is very affordable, making it a nice option for a casual outing. The place has a really positive and lively atmosphere, filled with families, kids, and locals enjoying their day. It's quite a large area, so walking through it can take some time-especially under the hot weather-but it's worth it if you take your time and explore different sections. My favorite part w...
siva jeyan
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. I really enjoyed my time here. The area is full of green trees, colorful flowers, and many different kinds of animals. It’s a very nice place for walking, relaxing, and taking good photos. The garden is clean and well organized, and the staff take care of the area properly. The zoo has ...
Moetz
It’s been so long since the last time I visited this place, don’t remember exactly but this time when came back felt nostalgic as I revisited our generation childhood place. Families, friends, someone would like to spend splendid time alone also great choice to be here. Surrounded by the green, animals,…we’ll feel much better. I hope the zoo always there to be able to see how fast development of t...
ausnuthouse
It was a lovely overcast day, warm but not too hot. Most creatures were happy putting on a bit of a display. There were several school groups and several tourist, completely relaxed strolling through the zoo. Some enclosures were closed for maintenance or upgrade. We had a great time on the rides; the roller coaster is perfect for that little adrenaline kick you might need.
When is the best time to visit Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)?
Ho Chi Minh City’s rainy season (May–October) brings afternoon showers. Plan a morning visit to avoid downpours and midday heat.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entrance ticket | VND 60,000 |
| Tram ride | VND 40,000 |
| Goat feed | VND 1,000 |
| Bottle of water/snack | VND 20,000 |
| Total Estimated | VND 121,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Address: 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Phường Sài Gòn, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
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About Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+84 28 3829 1425Explore Popular Things to Do
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