Photo: Collected

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is a perfect spot in Ho Chi Minh City that accommodates thousands of exotic flora and fauna. Stroll through the lush gardens, observe wildlife, and enjoy fun-filled games with your family and friends!

1. Where is Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens?

Location

• Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Source: Collected

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is the biggest zoo in Vietnam and one of the oldest zoos in the world. This botanical garden and zoo was established in 1864.

Opening hours: If you plan to visit Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, make sure you arrive within Saigon Zoo opening hours:

• 5 AM - 6:30 AM: The time frame for people who come to the zoo for morning exercise.
• 7 AM - 6:30 PM: The time frame for visitors.

2. The history and significance of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens was commissioned in 1864 and has since become one of the oldest zoos and botanical gardens in Vietnam. It has played a crucial role in preserving and showcasing the region's diverse flora and fauna. 

Over the years, the zoo and botanical garden has gained recognition for its conservation efforts and educational initiatives. It has contributed significantly to the preservation of biodiversity and the promotion of environmental awareness.

Visitors to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden can explore a wide range of animal and plant species. 

• The zoo is home to a diverse array of animals, both indigenous and exotic, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to observe and learn about different species.
• The gardens boast a stunning collection of botanical wonders, including rare and exotic plants from various regions.

In addition, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden serves as a popular recreational destination for both locals and tourists. The tranquil atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, and educational exhibits make it an ideal place for family outings, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat within the bustling city. 

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, education, and providing a unique recreational experience for visitors (Source: Collected)

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is a brilliant destination if you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the hectic city life. And to make your visit to the zoo even more exciting, we will show you a bunch of exciting things to experience here.

1. Start your day early and arrive at the zoo when it opens at 7:00 am. This will give you plenty of time to explore the zoo and botanical gardens.

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens opens at 7:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm. Arriving early will give you plenty of time to explore the zoo and botanical gardens without feeling rushed. You can buy tickets at the entrance gate for VND 60,000 per person.

2. Begin your visit by exploring the animal conservation area. You'll see a wide variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, monkeys, and more.

The animal conservation area is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world. You'll see tigers, elephants, monkeys, and many other animals. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery. There are also feeding shows for some animals such as elephants and giraffes that you can attend.

Source: Collected

3. After you've finished exploring the animal conservation area, head over to the plant conservation area.

Here you'll find a wide variety of rare and valuable plants from all over the world.

The plant conservation area is home to many rare and valuable plants from all over the world. You'll see species of cacti, ferns, and plants that have been imported from Africa and other countries. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of nature. There are also guided tours available for visitors who want to learn more about the plants.

4. Take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch in the orchid garden. This is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.

The orchid garden is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of nature. It's a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or just to sit and enjoy the scenery. There are also food stalls available if you don't want to bring your own food.

Source: Collected

5. After lunch, head over to the amusement park area. Here you'll find rides and attractions for all ages.

The amusement park area is home to many rides and attractions for all ages. There are rides for children as well as adults, so everyone can have fun. Some popular rides include bumper cars, roller coasters, and water rides.

Source: Collected

6. End your day by exploring the rest of the botanical gardens. There are many beautiful plants and flowers to see, so take your time and enjoy the scenery.

The rest of the botanical gardens is home to many beautiful plants and flowers from all over the world. Take your time and enjoy the scenery as you explore this beautiful place. There are also benches available if you want to sit down and relax.

Reference: Vinpearl.com

Photo: Collected

Vietnam is a marvelous travel destination for all. Karst topography, stunning bays, thrilling caves, colorful markets, and sizzling nightlife are the fascinating elements that have made Vietnam a traveler’s paradise. And this paradise offers a plethora of things to do in Vietnam.

Before you get jumbled up completely, we have compiled a list of the most interesting things to do and see in Vietnam. From kayaking to cave crawling, and from hiking to shopping, the list is endless and all-embracing.

Scroll down to learn about all the super-fun things to do in Vietnam that will make the vacation awe-inspiring and invigorating.

1. Cruising and Kayaking in Halong Bay

Locally known as the ‘descending dragons’, the Halong Bay has plush green islands scattered all over. Apart from enjoying the charming beauty of the place, cruising in an antique Chinese junk and kayaking in the bay area are some of the thrilling things to do in Vietnam with friends.

2. Cruising in Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta presents an idyllic picture of rustic and scenic rural landscape of the country and is, certainly, one of most alluring tourist attractions in Vietnam. Cruising through this scenic deltaic creek is one of the popular and best things to do in South Vietnam. It is a perfect delight for travelers to sail in a traditional Vietnamese boat in the Mekong Delta.

3. Feast on Pho

Pho, a signature dish in Vietnam, is made up of rice noodles, broth, herbs, vegetables, and meat. To relish the most authentic and sumptuous taste, one must try Pho at famous restaurants in Vietnam.

4. Crawling through the Cu Chi Tunnel Network

Cu Chi is known for the spectacular underground tunnel network, built during the French and American War in 1940. This 250 km long tunnel web was constructed for communication purpose and consisted of hidden routes and trapped doors for a safe escape to the nearby rivers, streams, and canals. Many of the tunnels have now been expanded and opened for tourists. People can actually crawl through them and get a feel of the bygone days – how locals used to hide in such a choking set up.

5. Living with the historical exhibits in Hỏa Lò Prison

Ironically known as Hỏa Lò Prison, this is a heritage site where political prisoners were kept during American War. Also known as Hanoi Hilton, this is one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Vietnam. People visit Hilton prison to see various items related to Vietnamese struggle during the various wars. The prison-turned-museum is a delight for the photographers and history enthusiasts.

6. Enjoying the musical extravaganza at Saigon Opera House

For music lovers and enthusiasts, include an opera show at Saigon Opera House in the Vietnam tour itinerary. Built in 1897, this building was the former assembly house of South Vietnam. The building displays superb style of French Colonial design.

Visiting the Saigon Opera House and watching one of the mesmerizing shows of Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera are certainly among the best things to do in Vietnam.

7. Enjoying the sizzling nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City

Sizzling pubs, loud party music, DJ, bands, and sumptuous food sum up the nightlife scene of Ho Chi Minh City. From swanky pubs to cheap bars, the city offers something for people of all tastes & pocket sizes. Chilling out with wine & amazing music is among the fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

8. Hiking & cycling at Mai Chau: Relax, refresh, rejuvenate, repeat

Mai Chau is a scenic countryside, far away from the bustles of Hanoi. The verdant peaks, rolling paddy fields, traditional thatched roof houses, winding paths, and serenity of the surroundings attract people from all over the world. Hiking up to the hills for a marvellous view and cycling through the village are among the most fascinating things to do in Vietnam.

9. Shopping for the best of silk materials in Hoi An

Picturesque Hoi An is known globally for skillful tailors and silk weavers. Travelers visiting this coastal town can go for shopping silk products, such as dresses, cloth, and scarves. The narrow lanes and busy streets of Hoi An are lined with numerous local shops. The shopping scene is dominated by super talented tailors who are pro and extremely quick in stitching customized apparels, shirts, suits, and shoes at unbelievably reasonable price.

10. Crazy shopping till you drop

People exploring Vietnam can enjoy crazy shopping at various places for silk cloth, cosmetics, souvenirs, pearl, handicrafts, terracotta & ceramic items, and spices. Shopping for these items at the various tourist attractions is among the best things to do in Vietnam for a week vacation.

• Reaching Out in Hoi An: Local handmade decors and toys
• Lemongrass House in Nha Trang: Face masks, creams, and scrubs
• Nguyen Nga Centre: Bookmarks, hand painted card,s and apparels
• Phu Quoc Pearl: Pearls of every color
• Saigon Kitsch in Ho Chi Minh City: Coasters, lamps, coffee mugs, and wall hangings

How To Reach Vietnam

By Air
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) is the most important airport. Flights offered by major international airlines, such as AirAsia, Qantas, Air France, and Lufthansa, land here.

By Rail
Vietnam is well connected with China by rail network.

By Road
Vietnam has good road connectivity with neighbouring nations, namely Cambodia and Laos.

 

Source: TravelTriangle

Whatever you expect from Da Nang, you’re in for a surprise. Framed by mountains and embraced by the Han River and the East Sea, Da Nang is a rising star in the region. There’s a lot to take in.

The sandy sweep of My Khe beach — lined with new hotels, seafood halls, and fishing boats — leads the eye to where the statue of Linh Ung stands serenely overlooking the waves. The old city centre with its overflowing markets and hushed pagodas still functions, just a few streets away from hipster cafes and design boutiques. Just when you think it’s all breathless forward motion, a moment of local life peels back the paint to reveal Da Nang’s easy, laidback culture. Here’s how to nail your first visit. 

Hit the beach

Start by getting some sand in your toes. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to join or observe crowds of cheerful Vietnamese exercising and swimming in the soft sunlight at My Khe beach. At any time of day, you can test your balance with surfing, SUP and other watersports, or simply grab a lounger spread out — it’s up to you.

Pay a visit to Marble Mountains

Just before 7am is the perfect time to make your way up the sheer steps at Marble Mountains. This compelling collection of pagodas set atop a marble will welcome throngs of visitors later in the day, but still feels fresh and sacred at sunrise. Wander around photogenic pagodas, feel cool currents of air in ancient caves, and climb to the lookouts for panoramic views. 

TIP: If you enjoy visiting pagodas, you may like to make the 15-minute drive out to Linh Ung Pagoda, an enormous complex with a towering statue of Lady Buddha which is said to protect Da Nang from storms and bad weather. For a unique local experience, search for Tuong Quang Pagoda in town.

Go cafe-hopping in town

Every Vietnamese city has its favourite cafes. Some are for long, long catch-ups over cups of drip-filter coffee on the sidewalk, some are for long, long catch-ups over drip-filter coffee in a retro-chic setting, and some are for long, long catch-ups over artisanal coffee in cool industrial spaces. Check out Cafe Long, Nam House, and 43 Factory, for a sampler.

Soak up some culture at Cham Museum

Museum lovers, you’re in luck. The Cham Museum of Sculpture, one of the country’s top museums, claims a breezy spot along the western Han riverbank. You don’t have to be into archeology to appreciate the beauty of these stone pieces, sourced from former Champa sites in My Son, Tra Kieu, Dong Duong and Thap Mam. The original building, dating back to 1915 and expanded in the 1930s and 2002, is a work of art in itself. 

Sample Quang Nam specialties

We hope you come hungry (or ravenous) because Da Nang’s cuisine is a showcase of Central Vietnam’s top hits. Don’t miss a bowl of life-changing mì Quảng noodles in peanut and pork broth, savoury Hue dumplings such as bánh bèo and bánh nậm, and aromatic fish paddies and slurp-worthy noodles in bún chả cá.

TIP: Set in a beautiful green courtyard, Villa Ngon serves an excellent, all-you-can-eat menu of delicate Vietnamese dishes for lunch and dinner. 

Take a stroll down Bach Dang St.

Here’s a mini walking tour you can do yourself. Start from the junction of Bach Dang and the Han River Bridge just before sunset. Work your way along the water’s edge, passing some of the city’s most striking modern and colonial architecture, great souvenir shops, pavement cafes and marble sculptures on the way. After, treat yourself glass noodles with fresh crab for dinner at Madame Han.

Hoof it over Hai Van Pass

The name Hai Van translates into ‘ocean cloud’, so — surprise, surprise — you can expect a lot of ocean views and misty peaks on this 21km stretch of asphalt that climbs, twists and snakes its way over the mountains into Hue. At its highest point, Hai Van Pass reaches 496 metres above sea level. Motorbike is the ideal to take in the spectacular coastal scenery: jade seas, jungle-covered hills and rocky outcrops. Feeling adventurous? You can also cycle or ride the train. 

Try avocado ice-cream

Cho Bac My An is a small-ish market in Da Nang filled with tidy stalls piled high with fruits, vegetables, dry goods and more. Duck inside the market to locate one special avocado ice-cream (kem bơ) stall, loved by Da Nang’s youngsters for its creamy, cold coconut and avocado slush topped with jackfruit crisps. 

See the city's best bridges

Da Nang is sometimes called the ‘City of Bridges’, and its seven over-the-water structures are an iconic part of the city’s makeup. The striking yellow Dragon Bridge is the best known, however selfie enthusiasts may also like to strike a post on the Love Bridge: a wooden pier weighed with countless padlocks of every colour. Of course, the much-photographed Golden Hands Bridge tops them all, with its breathtaking views of Ba Na Mountains.

Sip sundowers at a rooftop bar

Da Nang has no shortage of breathtaking bars and swimming pools perched high above the beach and city skyline. After full day of exploring, a refreshing dip and well-mixed cocktail are a welcome tonic. After dark, the party continues at Da Nang’s craft beer bars, rooftop clubs, and sidewalk bia hois. If you need some inspiration, head over to 7 Bridges or The Top Bar at A La Carte Hotel.

Source: Vietnam Tourism

Across the world, Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its subtle flavors and ultra-fresh ingredients. Vietnamese sweets are not only a refreshing treat on a balmy day, but an adventure in texture and flavour. From puddings to pastries, here are 15 sweet snacks you must taste on your travels in Vietnam.

Chè Chuối

Those who are bananas for bananas will like this concoction of tapioca pearls, coconut cream and grilled bananas. This smooth, creamy pudding is easily found at cafes and street stalls.
Try it at: Lutulata Desserts & Drinks, 39 Hàng Cót, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Chè Trôi Nước

Eaten on special occasions, these mochi-esque rice flour balls have mung bean paste at the centre, and are drizzled with ginger syrup and sesame seeds. Served with a dash of coconut cream, each order will set you back about 15,000VND.
Try it at: Chè 'đợi', 48 Lý Chính Thắng, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City

Bò Bía Ngọt

An excellent snack, these rolls of thin rice paper contain a layer of nougat, coconut shreds and sesame seeds. Each bite of bò bia is light yet satisfying. You can buy it from bicycle vendors throughout Vietnam for 5,000VND a roll.

Bánh Chuối Chiên

Fried banana fritters are a popular street snack throughout the country. With a crispy exterior and soft gooey interior, these fritters can be found in alleyways and around markets for 5,000VND a piece.
Try it at: Public Market in Hội An

Chè Bắp

A mix of corn, coconut cream and tapioca pearls, this pudding is a creamy and nourishing dessert in winter months. Be sure to try in Hoi An where it’s made with fresh, locally grown corn.
Try it at: Quán Ăn Bến Tre, Xuyên Trung, Cẩm Nam, Hội An

Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm

Bold flavours and textures meet in this sticky rice pudding. A generous scoop of yoghurt is the star of this adventurous dessert, available in many cafes for about 35,000VND.
Try it at: Che Bobo Chacha, 92 Cửa Bắc, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Kẹo Lạc

Vietnamese peanut brittle is a scrumptious vegan treat. A sprinkling of sesame seeds adds extra crunch to each nibble. You’ll find this snack sold at transportation hubs and roadstalls across Vietnam.
Try it at: Transfer points nationwide (airports, bus stations and train stops)

Chè Sương Sa Hạt Lựu

Translated to, ‘rainbow dessert’, this chè is served in a tall glass showcasing each vibrant layer. Red kidney beans, pandan jellies, mung bean paste and more goodies are stacked together and topped with ice and thickened coconut cream.
Try it at: Nhà Hàng Ngon, 26 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Hoa Quả Dầm

This healthy snack brings together fresh mixed fruit, coconut cream and shaved ice. Anything fresh is invited to the party, including jackfruit, kiwi, watermelon, apple and even avocado! You can also add on pandan jellies or tapioca balls for more texture.
Try it at: Hoa Quả Dầm Hoa Béo, 17 Tô Tịch, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Kem Thái Dừa

The Vietnamese version of an ice-cream sundae, kem thái dừa is ice cream served in a coconut with any topping you can imagine (peanuts, jellies, caramel sauce, beans, biscuits, fresh fruit.) This trendy snack costs about 40,000VND plus extra for toppings.
Try it at: Kem Cong Truong, 10 Phạm Ngọc Thạch, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh City

Bánh Đa Kê

These sesame-encrusted rice crackers with mung bean, millet paste and sugar sprinkles are one hearty treat. It’s commonly sold on curbsides by bicycle vendors for 5,000 or 10,000VND.
Try it in: Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Chè Khúc Bạch

Mildly sweet and aromatic, with an intriguing balance of textures, this dessert can be considered a Vietnamese panna cotta. The custard comes in bite-sized pieces with lychees and almonds in a bowl of crushed ice.
Try it at: Quán Chè Hiển Khánh, 718 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh City

Caramen Hoa Quả

The Vietnamese version of creme caramel is topped with fresh fruit, jellies and a splash of coconut cream. This dessert is true decadence for just 20,000VND.
Try it at: Caramen Duong Hoa, 29 Hàng Than, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Bánh Su Kem

Who doesn’t love a cream puff? Easy to find at bakeries nationwide, this pastry ball is filled with smooth vanilla custard. A set of six of these fluffy bites will cost you about 10,000VND.
Try it at: Any local bakery in Vietnam

Kem Xôi

Green pandan-flavoured sticky rice meets coconut ice cream in this surprisingly perfect pairing. Both satisfying and refreshing on a hot day, be sure to try it when in Vietnam.
Try it at: Che 95, 95 Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Source: Vietnam Tourism