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Amid the vibrant rhythm of Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi Zoo remains a familiar green retreat by Thu Le Lake, where visitors can step away from the city’s busy streets and enjoy a setting closer to nature. With a wide variety of animals, tree-shaded pathways, and entertaining activities for families and children, the zoo is a pleasant choice for those looking to discover a greener, more relaxed side of Hanoi.

About Hanoi Zoo

Hanoi Zoo has been closely connected with the capital for half a century. In 1976, animals from the Hanoi Botanical Garden were relocated to the Thu Le Park area, gradually forming the Hanoi Zoo as it is known today.

source: hanoimoi.com

Conveniently located beside Thu Le Lake in the Giang Vo area, the zoo is easily accessible from central Hanoi. It is open daily, while some recreational activities may require separate fees. Visitors are therefore encouraged to check the operating hours and animal viewing times in advance for a more comfortable and well-planned visit.

source: googlemaps

Address: Thu Le Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Opening hours:
Summer: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Winter: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Animal viewing hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Admission fees:

• VND 30,000 per ticket for visitors under 1.3 metres tall
• VND 50,000 per ticket for visitors over 1.3 metres tall

Contact: vuonthuhanoi.com / 0902 160 005

Discover the Animal World at Hanoi Zoo

Walking along the shaded pathways of Hanoi Zoo, visitors can encounter everything from gentle deer and playful monkeys to larger animals such as elephants, lions, and tigers appearing among the greenery. Today, the zoo is home to nearly 600 individual animals representing almost 90 species, creating a miniature world of wildlife right in the heart of the city.

source: danviet.vn

Among them are several rare and remarkable species that often attract visitors’ attention. The white Bengal tiger, with its striking pale coat, is one of the zoo’s most impressive animals, alongside Indochinese tigers, peacocks, and a variety of other mammals and reptiles. Notably, Hanoi Zoo was also the first zoo in Vietnam to successfully breed Indochinese tigers in captivity. This makes it not only a familiar recreational destination for generations of Hanoi residents, but also a place associated with wildlife care, breeding, and conservation.

source: vtc

For children, a visit to the zoo becomes even more engaging when they can observe animal behaviour in real life rather than only seeing wildlife in books or on screens. During selected educational programmes, the zoo also organises activities such as preparing food for ostriches, learning about the characteristics of different species, and listening to guided explanations at animal enclosures.

source: GreenSM

After exploring the animal areas, visitors can also take a leisurely ride on one of the pedal boats across Thu Le Lake and enjoy the surrounding greenery from a different perspective. With calm water, tree-lined shores, and glimpses of the city in the distance, a few gentle laps around the lake offer a relaxing break from walking. On cooler mornings or around sunset, this can be an especially pleasant way to slow down and enjoy the fresh atmosphere of Thu Le Park.

A Few Tips for Visiting Hanoi Zoo

source: vinpearl

A visit to Hanoi Zoo often involves walking through several different areas, so comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing can make the experience much more enjoyable. When visiting the animal enclosures, guests should keep a safe distance from the barriers, avoid feeding animals unless instructed by zoo staff, and keep a close eye on young children throughout the visit.

Simple considerations such as keeping the area clean, avoiding excessive noise, and not teasing or disturbing the animals also help create a more comfortable environment for both visitors and wildlife.

In a city that is constantly on the move, Hanoi Zoo continues to preserve a rhythm of its own — slower, greener, and closer to nature. More than simply a place to observe animals, it is also a familiar destination for family outings, moments of discovery for curious children, or simply a peaceful afternoon beside Thu Le Lake.