Choosing the right time for a family
Morning or afternoon?
If you must pick one, pick the morning. It is cooler, less crowded and many animals are more active, so your child has more to see. Arriving around 8:00 am works well: enough time for breakfast at home and you avoid the harsh sun. The afternoon only suits you if your child has had a proper nap and you accept a shorter visit before the last entry time.
Weather and your child’s nap time
Saigon is hot at midday and rain can be unpredictable in the wet season, so check the forecast before the day. Your child’s nap time matters most. Work backwards from nap time so the visit ends before or around then.
What to prepare
Water, personal items and sun protection
A short and useful list: a bottle of water for each person, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen suitable for your child’s skin, tissues and wet wipes, a spare change of clothes, a bag for dirty items and some small change. Choose closed-toe shoes that are easy to walk in for both adults and children. A light long-sleeved top also helps against sun and insects.
Checking rules on food and strollers
Itinerary based on your child’s rest breaks
Follow your child’s rhythm, not the map. The grounds are large, so there is no need to see every area.
Arrive early and head to familiar large animals such as elephants, giraffes and tigers.
Take a 15-minute break under a tree with water and a light snack.
Leave while your child is still happy, before they are exhausted.
8:00–10:00 am: visit animal areas first and let your child linger at favorites.
10:00–11:00 am: rest in a shaded or dining area and drink water.
11:00 am–12:00 pm: visit the orchid or plant areas, then leave before the strongest sun.
Food and rest stops
Plan a rest spot rather than searching once your child is already tired. There are rest areas and places to eat inside, but menus, prices and weekend crowds are not confirmed by updated information. Easy-to-hold snacks such as cut fruit, soft biscuits or milk can help. For special dietary needs or allergies, prepare your child’s own food.
Safety when watching animals
- Hold your child’s hand or stay beside them near enclosures.
- Do not let children climb fences or reach into enclosures.
- Do not feed animals unless there is a designated, instructed feeding point.
- Wash hands after touching railings or animal contact areas.
- Do not shout or throw things into enclosures.
A trip the whole family remembers
A good trip is one where your child has happy memories and the adults still have energy. Go early, go slowly and accept that you will not see everything. For a rest in central Saigon afterwards, consider CityHouse NEST MK Urban Quarter and CityHouse TERA M.T.A Calmette. Check the route and room availability for your dates; the source does not provide measured travel times.
18A/13 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai · Saigon Ward
View rooms →
54 Calmette · Ben Thanh Ward
View rooms →Frequently asked questions
1. How do ticket prices apply to young children?
Tickets are based on height, not age. Measure your child and confirm the current height-based prices on the zoo’s official channel.
2. What should I bring when visiting with a child?
Water, a hat, sunscreen, wet wipes, spare clothes, light snacks and small change. Add a light top if needed.
3. What time of day is best for young children?
Morning is generally more comfortable. Avoid the harsh sun and plan around your child’s nap.
4. Can I bring food and a stroller?
The source does not confirm the current official rules. Check directly with the zoo or its gate staff before your visit.
5. How long should families with young children plan for?
About two hours for children who tire easily, or three to four hours for older children or the whole family. Stop while your child is still enjoying it.
