Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Overview

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest zoos in the world, established in 1864 by French naturalist Louis Pierre. 20 hectares of zoological and botanical collections.

Highlights

• Botanical Collection: Over 2,000 tree specimens including rare Vietnamese hardwoods and a 150-year-old ficus.
• Vietnamese Wildlife: Endemic species including pygmy slow lorises and Indochinese tigers.
• Hung Kings Temple: Built in 1926, an important Vietnamese heritage site within the grounds.

History

Founded in 1864, making it the eighth oldest zoo in the world.

Visitor Tips

• Morning Visit: Animals are most active in cooler morning hours.
• Combine: Adjacent to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.