The story
Founded by the French in 1864, Thao Cam Vien combines botanical gardens of centuries-old trees with a zoo of elephants, giraffes, and big cats. The grounds adjoin the History Museum at the gate, making an easy combined visit.
For 160 years this has been where Saigon families spend Sunday — ancient trees, shady lawns, and a modest zoo. Come less for the animals than for the gardens and the slice of local life.
Local tips
Enter early, do the gardens first, and add the Museum of Vietnamese History just inside the same gate.
Say it in Vietnamese
“Em chụp ảnh được không ạ?”
May I take a photo?Plan your visit
Opening hours
- Monday
- 07:00–18:30
- Tuesday
- 07:00–18:30
- Wednesday
- 07:00–18:30
- Thursday (today)
- 07:00–18:30
- Friday
- 07:00–18:30
- Saturday
- 07:00–18:30
- Sunday
- 07:00–18:30
Getting there
10 minutes by Grab bike from the Opera House; the main gate is on Nguyen Binh Khiem.
Open in Google Maps →Where this comes from
Research lead
Listed from local research and not yet checked in person. Share what you find in the VietnamGo app so we can confirm it.
- Google Maps listing · Traveler reviews · 2026
