Guides & Tips

Zoos in Vietnam: Best Wildlife Parks for Travelers and Families

HoangAn

3 min. to read

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering which zoos in Vietnam are truly worth your time, especially large and immersive wildlife parks in Vietnam? Many travelers worry about animal welfare, confusing locations, or wasting a travel day. In this guide, I will help you discover the best zoos in Vietnam, explain what to expect, and show how to include them naturally in your Vietnam journey.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Zoos in Vietnam focus on animal welfare and offer immersive wildlife experiences, attracting more international travelers.
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc stands out as the largest safari-style zoo, providing a unique open-zoo experience.
Dai Nam Zoo and Thao Cam Vien Sai Gon offer affordable options for those near Ho Chi Minh City, each with its own charm.
When visiting zoos in Vietnam, plan for cooler mornings, avoid weekends, and consider ethical practices surrounding animal welfare.
Overall, Vietnam’s zoos enrich travel itineraries with educational and family-friendly experiences, blending nature with culture.

1. Why Zoos in Vietnam Are Attracting More International Travelers

Zoos in Vietnam have changed significantly in recent years. Instead of small cages and short walking routes, many modern parks now focus on open spaces, animal welfare, and visitor education. This shift makes wildlife experiences more meaningful and comfortable for international travelers.

Another key reason is flexibility. Many zoos in Vietnam follow a safari-style concept, where visitors stay inside vehicles while animals move freely outside. These wildlife parks in Vietnam feel more natural and immersive, which appeals to families, couples, and travelers who prefer a slower travel pace.

2. Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc – The Largest Safari-Style Zoo in Vietnam

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is often the first name travelers mention when searching for zoos in Vietnam. It is also the most developed safari-style experience among all wildlife parks in Vietnam.

The park follows an open-zoo model. Visitors stay inside a safari bus while animals move freely outside. This design creates a safer, more natural environment for both animals and guests.

2.1 Ticket Cost and Practical Information

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is more expensive than city zoos, but the experience fully matches the price.

Entrance fee: Around 30-40 USD per adult
Children ticket: Discounted, depending on height
Time needed: 4-5 hours for a relaxed visit

Tickets are easy to buy online or at the entrance. Morning visits are usually cooler and less crowded.

2.2 How to Get There

The safari is located in the northern part of Phu Quoc Island.

From Phu Quoc International Airport: 45-60 minutes by taxi
From Duong Dong town: Around 40 minutes
Many hotels offer shuttle services or private transfers

Road conditions are good, so travel feels smooth and comfortable.

2.3 How to Include Vinpearl Safari in Your Vietnam Itinerary

Vinpearl Safari works best as part of a southern or island-focused journey. You can include it after exploring Ho Chi Minh City or the Mekong Delta, then fly to Phu Quoc for beach time and wildlife experiences.

This combination fits perfectly into a South Vietnam tour or a relaxed island extension at the end of a longer trip. Because the safari takes half a day, travelers often pair it with nearby beaches or sunset dining on the same day.

3. Dai Nam Zoo Binh Duong – A Large Zoo Near Ho Chi Minh City

Dai Nam Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Vietnam near Ho Chi Minh City. It attracts travelers who want a short wildlife experience without leaving the southern region.

The zoo offers wide paths, open spaces, and simple exhibits. While it is not a full safari park, it still feels spacious compared to many city zoos.

3.1 Ticket Cost and Practical Information

Dai Nam Zoo is very affordable and suits travelers on a flexible budget.

Entrance fee: Around 4-6 USD per adult
Children ticket: Lower price
Time needed: 2-3 hours

Food stalls and rest areas are available inside the complex.

3.2 How to Get There

Dai Nam Zoo is located in Binh Duong Province.

From Ho Chi Minh City center: 1-1.5 hours by car
Taxi or private car is the easiest option
Tour buses are also available on weekends

Because of its location, this zoo is easy to visit as a short day trip.

3.3 How to Include Dai Nam Zoo in Your Vietnam Itinerary

Dai Nam Zoo fits well into a southern Vietnam plan. Travelers often visit it after city sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City or before continuing to the Mekong Delta.

It works well as a lighter activity for families or travelers who want a slower day. This stop can be added naturally to a Vietnam classic tour experience that includes culture, food, and leisure.

4. Thao Cam Vien Sai Gon – A Historic Zoo in the City Center

Thao Cam Vien Sai Gon is one of the oldest zoos in Vietnam. Unlike modern wildlife parks in Vietnam, this zoo focuses more on education and history. It is located right in the city center, which makes it easy to visit without extra travel time.

4.1 Ticket Cost and Practical Information

This zoo is one of the cheapest wildlife attractions in Vietnam. It is suitable for a short, relaxed visit rather than a full-day experience.

Entrance fee: Around 2 USD per adult
Children ticket: Very low cost
Time needed: 1.-2 hours

4.2 How to Get There

Thao Cam Vien Sai Gon is very easy to reach. No special transport planning is required.

Located in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Accessible by taxi, ride-hailing apps, or walking
Close to other landmarks like museums and riverside parks

4.3 How to Include Thao Cam Vien in Your Vietnam Itinerary

This zoo works best as a casual stop during city exploration. You can visit it between museums, markets, or cafes in Ho Chi Minh City.

It fits travelers who want to understand local daily life rather than focus only on wildlife. It can be included easily in a Ho Chi Minh City city tour or as part of a broader Vietnam North to South tour.

5. Wildlife Parks in Vietnam vs Traditional Zoos: What Should You Choose?

Wildlife parks in Vietnam offer a different experience compared to classic zoos. Choosing the right option depends on your travel style.

Feature	Wildlife Parks in Vietnam	Traditional Zoos
Animal space	Large open areas	Smaller enclosures
Visitor experience	Safari-style, immersive	Walking paths
Best for	Families, photographers	Short city visits
Travel time	Often outside cities	Inside cities

If you want deeper interaction and memorable photos, wildlife parks in Vietnam are usually the better choice.

6. When Is the Best Time to Visit Zoos in Vietnam?

The best time to visit zoos in Vietnam is during the dry season. Animals are more active, and walking feels more comfortable.

Recommended visiting tips:

Go early in the morning for cooler weather
Avoid weekends if you prefer fewer crowds
Bring sunscreen, hats, and water

If you visit southern wildlife parks in Vietnam, dry season from December to April is ideal.

7. Ethical Considerations When Visiting Zoos in Vietnam

Ethical concerns are important when choosing zoos in Vietnam, especially for international travelers. Not all wildlife parks in Vietnam follow the same standards. Responsible zoos focus on animal welfare, education, and conservation rather than entertainment.

Signs of ethical zoos in Vietnam include:

Large enclosures that allow natural movement
Clear information about species and conservation efforts
No forced animal performances or stressful interactions

“When choosing zoos in Vietnam, travelers should prioritize large wildlife parks with open spaces. These parks offer better animal welfare and create a more meaningful experience for visitors.”
– Mrs. Emma Nguyen, Tour Operator Manager with over 12 years of experience at Sun Getaways Travel

8. Practical Tips for Visiting Zoos in Vietnam

A little preparation can make your visit to zoos in Vietnam much more enjoyable, especially at large wildlife parks in Vietnam.

Visit zoos in Vietnam early in the morning to enjoy cooler weather and see animals when they are more active.
Choose safari-style wildlife parks in Vietnam if you prefer open spaces and a more natural experience.
Wear light clothing, comfortable shoes, and bring sunscreen, water, and a hat for long walks.
Always follow park rules and avoid feeding or disturbing animals to support ethical tourism.
Check transport options in advance, as many large zoos are located outside city centers.
Plan at least half a day for your visit to avoid rushing and fully enjoy the experience.

For safari-style zoos in Vietnam, always follow staff instructions. This ensures safety and respects animal space.

📌 If you are unsure which zoos in Vietnam fit best with your route, Sun Getaways Travel can help you design a smooth itinerary that balances wildlife, culture, and relaxation. Contact us today!

9. FAQs about Zoos in Vietnam

1. Are zoos in Vietnam suitable for ethical travelers?

Yes, many large wildlife parks in Vietnam focus on conservation, education, and animal welfare, especially safari-style parks.

2. Can I visit wildlife parks in Vietnam without a guide?

Yes, most parks are easy to visit independently, but guided tours help with transport and time management.

3. Are zoos in Vietnam good for photography?

Safari-style zoos in Vietnam are excellent for photography because animals live in open, natural settings.

4. How long should I spend at a zoo in Vietnam?

Most visitors spend 3-5 hours, which fits well into a half-day or full-day plan.

5. Can zoos be included in luxury or classic Vietnam tours?

Absolutely. Zoos in Vietnam fit naturally into both luxury travel and classic multi-region itineraries.

10. Final Thoughts

Zoos in Vietnam offer more than simple animal viewing, especially modern wildlife parks in Vietnam with safari-style design. When chosen carefully, they add educational value, family-friendly moments, and a different perspective on Vietnam’s nature. These experiences blend well with cultural sites, beaches, and food journeys across the country.

At Sun Getaways Travel, we help travelers include zoos in Vietnam in the most natural and meaningful way. Whether you want a relaxed family trip or a full Vietnam exploration, our team will design the right balance for you. Contact us today and let Vietnam surprise you.