Spend a few hours exploring the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest continuously operating zoos in the world, established in 1864. Located in District 1, it offers a green oasis amidst the city bustle. The zoo houses a diverse collection of animals, including primates, reptiles, birds, and big cats, while the botanical gardens feature numerous plant species, including orchids and bonsai.

While perhaps not as modern as some international zoos, the Ho Chi Minh City zoo provides pleasant grounds for walking, paddle boating on the lake, and offers good family activities HCMC. It's a piece of living history right in the city center.