Thao Cam Vien Park is located in Ho Chi Minh city center, which is a home of many animals and plants in the south of Vietnam. This is a must visit destination for tourists exploring an interesting place in Saigon. So, if you are planning to visit Ho Chi Minh, don't miss out on Saigon Zoo. 

Saigon zoo Overview

• Location: 02 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hour: 07.00 – 18.30 daily
• Tel: 028 3829 1425
• Entrance fee: Children: 30.000VND and Adults: 60.000 VND

Thao Cam Vien park was constructed on March 23rd, 1864. This park is known for its Saigon zoo or Botanical Garden. With the purpose of enhancing the the conservation of plants and animals and serve for scientists searching,  Governor-General of Indochina requested Mr. Louis Adolphe Germain, who is a veterinarian of the French army building the Saigon zoo, expanding 12ha of wasterland of Thi Nghe Canal in the north to grow plants and raise animals. 

In 1865, the zoo was formally opened and occupied 20ha. There are many kinds of species imported several countries such as India, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. 

Thao Cam Vien park

In 1896, Thao Cam Vien park had more than 509 animal species, including more 120 mammals, 344 birds and 45 reptiles. From 1924 to 1927, Saigon zoo expanded 13 ha on the northbank of Thi Nghe Canal and welcomed many other species. 

Besides, the zoo also invested to construct its campus such as King Hung temple, Blanchard de la Bross Museum. Saigon Zoo was changed to Thao Cam Vien park and Blanchard de la Bross Museum was named the National Museum of Saigon in 1956. 

The boy takes a photo at Saigon zoo

After April 30th, 1975, Saigon zoo has welcomed millions of tourists from all over the world each year. With its increasing number of visitors, Thao Cam Vien park has quickly renovated and upgraded the campus like improving the drainage system, building fences, expanding animal sheds ... 

The significance of Thao Cam Vien park

Today, Botanical gardens is the largest zoo in Vietnam with 1000 animals of 125 species, 260 species of woody plants, 33 kinds of cactus, 34 types of bonsai and many of these are on the red list.

Saigon zoo is one of the best parks to visit in Ho Chi Minh, attracting many local and international tourists. 

Thao Cam Vien was built to conserve the species of fauna and flora and educate the public to protect the environment. One of the most successful programs in Thao Cam Vien park is the one of breeding animals in captivity. 

Saigon zoo is the only zoo in the world that bred crested argus pheasant. Thao Cam Vien is the oldest historic and proud of Saigon's people. Expanding more than 150 years, this park is a vital role and brough Thao Cam Vien park a private distinct. 

What to do in Thao Cam Vien park? 

Enjoy the freshness of Saigon zoo. 

Coming to Thao Cam Vien zoo, you should immerse yourself in green space. Stroll along the paths surrounded by trees and see the beautiful and colorful flowers at flower gardens. 

The peaceful atmosphere and the soothing sounds of birds. You and your friends can take a picnic on the lush green lawns or soak up the sun at Thao Cam Vien park. 

Relax on the lawn of Thao Cam Vien park

Taking a short tour by a tramcar

Many tourists travel to the zoo that chose a tramcar to explore anything at Thao Cam Vien zoo without walking. You can go through the stunning gardens, seeing the plants and animals in the zoo. This is an interesting activity, allowing you to see all the sights and sounds of the zoo from your seat. 

Take the tram to visit the zoo

Take part in many fantastic games

After visiting many various rare animal species and indigenous plants, you can try some games here. 

Thao Cam Vien park has many thrilling games for tourists to explore . You can experience the ferris wheel to the roller coaster for thrill seekers that you can easily find at Saigon zoo. 

Besides, if you go with children, parents can spend time with children at the children's playground and play some games like ball pit, bumper car.. 

Seeing the species of animals

Visiting animal species is the top of your to do list when coming to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden. Thousands of species worldwide include carnivores, mammals, reptiles, herbivores, birds,.. to live at Thao Cam Vien park. If you visit the zoo at 3:00 pm, you will have see the carnivore animals's hunting skills including lions, Bengal tigers,... 

Tiger at Thao Cam Vien park

Flamingo at Thao Cam Vien park

 

Hippo at Thao Cam Vien park

 

See some art performance

On the weekends, Thao Cam Vien park has many free art performances. This is an interesting experience that you should enjoy. The art program vary from cool magic shows, animal circuses to Vietnamese traditional singing. 

How to get to Thao Cam Vien park? 

Thao Cam Vien park is situated on 02 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. So, tourists, you can approach the park by several ways such as motorbike, taxi, car, bus. Transfer by motorbike, you can get to Thao Cam Vien by two streets includes Nguyen Binh Khiem street, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street.

Getting to the zoo by bus, you can stop at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street and Nguyen Binh Khiem street, continuing walking about 5-10 minutes to the zoo. 

Besides, you can combine many famous spots such as Ben Thanh Market, Nha Rong Harbor, Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fines Arts and Independence Palace. Because these places are next to Thao Cam Vien park. Book a one day Ho Chi Minh city tour by car is the best choice for you. Tourists can enjoy and relax with car rental service, door to door pickup, strong air conditioning... 

Thao Cam Vien is a well-known historical construction in Ho Chi Minh with the specific natural and cultural values, creating a unique park. If you visit Ho Chi Minh city, you should spend a half day for Thao Cam Vien park. And if you need to a car, book free with us.