A Jungle in the Midlle of the City - Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens | HO CHI MINH CITY 🇻🇳

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​As of 2025, the fees for the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Ho Chi Minh City are as follows:
Children under 1 meter in height: Free
Children between 1 meter and under 1.3 meters: 40,000 VND/ person
Visitors 1.3 meters and above: 60,000 VND/ person
Game tickets: The zoo offers various games and activities, with ticket prices ranging from 10,000 VND to 50,000 VND/game
Parking fees: Parking fees depending ranging from 3,000 - 50,000 VND/vehicle, depending on type and size

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most beloved attractions. This destination offers a refreshing escape from the city's fast-paced life. In the article, we will discover the perfect blend of nature, education, and leisure in this place.

The History of Zoo and Botanical Gardens Ho Chi Minh
Established in 1865, the Zoo and Botanical Gardens is among the oldest zoological parks in the world and one of the most significant green spaces in Saigon. Originally founded by the French during the colonial period, it has evolved into a major conservation and recreational area, rich in both biodiversity and cultural heritage. If you're curious about what to do in ho chi minh vietnam , the Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers a perfect blend of biodiversity, history, and conservation efforts.

Colonial foundations
The zoo was founded in 1864 by French botanist Jean Baptiste Louis Pierre, who was commissioned by the colonial government to develop a botanical garden in what was then called Saigon. His goal was to create a space for research, plant acclimatization, and recreation. Under his leadership, the garden became a center for the cultivation and study of tropical plants. Today, it houses over 1,800 trees and plants of 260 species, including rare orchids, cacti, and bonsais.

By 1865, the area expanded to include exotic animals, and the combination of zoo and botanical garden officially became one of the earliest of its kind in the world. At the time, it was part of a broader French effort to introduce Western-style public institutions into Indochina.

In its early years, the botanical garden served as a hub for scientific research in botany and agriculture. Many plant species from around Southeast Asia and the French colonies were brought here for study and cultivation.

The zoo itself was modest at first but gradually expanded to include native and foreign animals, becoming a valuable educational resource for locals and foreigners alike.

Today, the Zoo and Botanical Gardens is not just a tourist destination but also a center for conservation, environmental education, and animal welfare. The zoo is home to approximately 590 animals representing 125 species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. It participates in regional conservation programs and has developed partnerships with other zoological institutions.

Despite being in the heart of one of Vietnam’s busiest cities, the garden continues to serve as a green lung — a peaceful refuge where history, nature, and urban life coexist.