Vietnam is an S-shaped nation located on the eastern edge of the Indochinese peninsula.
It consists of more than 1,600 islands and inlets along its 2,800-mile coast.
Vietnam is surrounded by the Beibu Gulf and the South China Sea and shares its northern and western borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia.
Vietnam was founded upon its independence from China on February 1, 939 AD.
The 21st century saw the country’s political and geographical division into a north and a south.
However, communist forces seized control and unified the country in 1975.
Its modern name is the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
While Vietnam is officially an atheist state, most residents embrace one of three main religions; Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
The ancient customs of spirit worship and ancestor veneration are also a part of daily life.
Vietnam supports two distinct climate zones, tropical and temperate.
Additionally, the coastal nature of the country’s eastern edge combines to create a unique and plentiful animal kingdom.
This unique climate contributes to the numerous zoos and aquariums celebrating these fantastic animals.
Contents
11 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Vietnam
1. National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam
Located in Nha Trang, the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam researches and protects the diversity of the area’s marine life.
This two-story building holds rare examples and skeletal remains, all housed in an elegant 1920s French colonial building.
The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, with a minimal admission fee.
The first floor is dedicated to local fish, turtles, and sea horses.
The second floor contains a complete whale skeleton, preserved animals, and an exhibit highlighting the area’s fishing and boating history.
2. Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens are located in the southeastern part of Ho Chi Minh City along the banks of the Song Sai Gon river.
Established by French colonists, this is an older traditional-styled zoo housing roughly 550 animals, including elephants, Indochinese tigers, camels, leopards, and rare pheasants.
Saigon Zoo is considered the world’s eighth-oldest zoo.
Another aspect of the conservatory is the Botanical Garden.
It contains over 260 plant species separated into unique species-centric zones such as the cacti or bonsai.
There are also roughly 20 different orchid types.
And finally, the gardens contain almost 2000 trees and numerous Koi ponds combined for a serene setting.
Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Admission covers the zoo and the botanical gardens daily from dawn to dusk.
3. Vinpearl Safari
Vinpearl Safari is located on the northwestern corner of Phu Quoc Island.
The island can be accessed by air or from the mainland Ha Ten ferry.
Well-known and recommended, this open habitat zoo houses endangered and rare species.
Park visitors will see rhinoceros, Marmoset monkies, big cats, zebra, and giraffes as a tram bus tours the park.
A unique feature of Vinpearl, held each weekend, is the night safari when more nocturnal inhabitants roam the area.
4. Vinpearl Zoo
All housed in one complex on Phu Quoc Island, the Vinpearl Zoo compliments the Vinpearl Safari and contains numerous enclosures and dedicated bird and reptilian buildings.
Children have a separate zoo for a more intimate look at the birds and smaller animals.
Each day, the handlers at the zoo share center stage with monkeys and parakeets for a daily Animal Show.
An onsite restaurant and a snack store are open daily for a snack or upscale meal.
5. Bao Son Paradise
Bao Son Paradise is a tourist complex consisting of four separate areas.
In addition to a Vietnamese cooking section and culture village, there is a dedicated section with a zoo and aquarium.
The Bao Son Zoo and Aquarium holds over 2,000 fish species.
The animal enclosures are small and well belove eye level.
Several fountains and replica world buildings are scattered throughout the park, including the Effiel Tower and the Taj Mahal.
After enjoying the zoo, take an hour or so for the theme park.
6. Dai Nam Zoo
Dai Nam Zoo sits north of Ho-Chi-Minh in central Vietnam and covers roughly 31 acres.
It is designed as a safari-style open-air zoo and is a fun-filled attraction perfect for solo travelers or the whole family.
Dai Nam Zoo sits within the Dai Nam Amusement Park.
The zoo and theme park are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Dai Nam Zoo is a favorite spot for bird lovers, with over 75 bird species.
There is also a dedicated reptile house, while elephants, giraffes, and white rhinoceros roam freely throughout the open-air enclosures.
Asian tigers have a separate space, as do squirrel monkeys and foxes.
7. Thu Le Zoo Hanoi
The Thu Le Zoo Hanoi is a peaceful environment in northern Hanoi on Lake Thu Le.
It features roughly 800 animals from 90 different species.
The individual enclosures include big cats, small monkeys, and large and small reptiles.
Asian horses, a few elephants, and white peacocks are also part of the animal menagerie.
The Zoo park also contains a small amusement park and an ornamental garden.
The lake can be explored on peddle boats or the hiking and biking paths that circumvent the area.
8. Monkey Island
Can Gio Island, known as Monkey Island, is located south of Ho Chi Minh City in Halong Bay.
An archipelago-like group of islands and inlets that combine to form a 300-square-mile nature preserve.
The only way to visit the island is by boat. Numerous charters and tours from Long Phu regularly visit the island.
UNESCO has recognized Monkey Island as a distinct biosphere, and the site is home to hundreds of monkeys and several species of crocodiles.
The area is covered with watery coconut forests and mangroves.
A raised wooden and bamboo walking path meanders through the woods.
Or visitors can opt for a boat tour of the rivers and lagoons.
9. Vinke & Vinpearl Aquarium
The Vinke & Vinpearl Aquarium in Times City is an extraordinary aquarium dedicated to educating and preserving marine animals.
There are separate freshwater and saltwater fish tanks.
The main aquarium has a walk-through glass tunnel where visitors can see Koi fish, sharks, manta rays, and crustaceans.
The aquarium also has a list of daily and weekly performances on stage and underwater to delight children of all ages.
One of the most popular events is the Feeding Shows.
Open daily from 10 AM until 10 PM.
There is ample time to see everything the Vinke & Vinpearl Aquarium offers.
The Vinke & Vinpearl Aquarium has a giant arcade with over 200 video and table games.
Larger rides, such as bumper cars, are onsite.
And a learn-through-play area for younger children encourages their interest in science.
10. Tri Nguyen Aquarium
Located near the coast of Nha Trang, on Hon Mieu Island, this marine museum is a unique gem among Vietnam’s zoo enclosures and aquariums.
The site is constructed to look like a giant three-masted sailing ship on Tri Nguyen Fish Lake.
Aquarium designers created natural barriers to allow the ocean to replenish the lake’s water supply.
The fish are housed in three distinct sections – carnivorous, ornamental, and fish in the food chain.
These areas also highlight the incredible diversity of marine life, including sea turtles.
Each of the eight floors of the Tri Nguyen Aquarium has a unique focus.
The first floor is for an indoor and outdoor fish lake.
While the second-floor houses shops and the third restaurants.
The ambiance of the great sailing ship is completed with cannon on the ship’s expansive deck.
The area is also a great vantage point for panoramic island and sea views.
Open daily from 6 AM until 9 PM.
The Tri Nguyen Aquarium is consistently busy throughout the week.
11. Eco Paradise Dolce Vita
Located in Nha Trang, the Eco Paradise Dolce Vita is one of Indonesia‘s unique natural experiences.
It is a combination zoo experience and resort where visitors can observe and learn about area animals and marine life in a safe setting.
This educational experience is combined with a resort-style pool and a natural garden.
Great for the entire family, boat rides along the river and coast.
For outdoor enthusiasts, it is possible to rent an ATV for a compound tour or take a brisk hike along the walking paths that are all part of the Dolce Vita.
11 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Vietnam – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam | Số 1, Cầu Đá, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa 650000, Vietnam |
| Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens | 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam |
| Vinpearl Safari | Bãi Dài, Gành Dầu, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang 922200, Vietnam |
| Vinpearl Zoo | Bãi Dài, Gành Dầu, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang 922200, Vietnam |
| Bao Son Paradise | Km5+200, Đ. Lê Trọng Tấn, An Khánh, Hoài Đức, Hà Nội, Vietnam |
| Dai Nam Zoo | 2JXG+G42, Tân Định, Bến Cát, Bình Dương 823480, Vietnam |
| Thu Le Zoo Hanoi | Đ. Bưởi, Thủ Lệ, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam |
| Monkey Island | Cat Ba, Nha Trang, Vietnam |
| Vinke & Vinpearl Aquarium | 458 P. Minh Khai, Thanh Lương, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam |
| Tri Nguyen Aquarium | Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam |
| Eco Paradise Dolce Vita | Nha Trang, Vietnam |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vietnam located?
The small, S-shaped country of Vietnam sits on the eastern edge of the Indochina peninsula.
It has a long land border to the north, west, and south.
And the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean sit to the east.
What language is spoken in Vietnam?
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam.
It is the primary language of 85% of the population.
English is not taught as a second language, and although some in the larger cities speak English, most residents in rural Vietnam and the older generations do not know the language.
French, especially among older adults, is still spoken.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
The rainy season, known as the monsoon season, is typical during the summer from May to October. Visiting Vietnam between November and April will avoid the rains.
However, the best time to visit Vietnam is spring, from March to April, and autumn, from September to November.
These are considered the peak seasons when the weather is warm and sunny.
Which European country colonized Vietnam?
In 1877, the French formed the colony of French Indochina.
This collective colony included Tonkin, Annam (Viet Nam), Cochin-China, and Cambodia. Laos was added in 1893.
Midway through World War II, Japanese troops seized and successfully occupied Vietnam, ending Indochina.
