Hanoi Zoo

Hanoi Zoo, popularly known as the Thu Le Zoo as it is located within the Thu Le Park, is a lush green mass of land with a beautiful range of trees and flowers. The zoo consists of more than 600 animals of 100 different species like lions, tigers, leapords, elephantsa and hippos. There are many other activities in the park like boating in the lake, high speed train for kids, bubble houses and rollerblading.

Established in 1977, Hanoi Zoo in Thu Le Park, initially known as the Bach Thao Gardens, provides tourists a pleasant and amusing relief from the fast paced city life of Hanoi. Spread over a stretch of 29 hectares of sprawling land, it is an urban zoo with around 800 animals, a small lake with swan-shaped pedal boats, beautiful gardens for recreation and a fun park to entertain children.

The Hanoi Zoo consists of over 100 species of animals from across the world. It consists of more than 40 animal houses divided under five exhibition sections. There are animals of various sorts- the big cats, monkeys and reptiles. One will also find few rare species of animals preserved here, like the Indo-Chinese tigers, lions, hippos etc. The star attractions of the zoo are the native Vietnamese species like the Vietnam Pheasants, the Gibbons swinging and hanging from the dangling ropes and tyres, and Lam Nhi (the baby of the forest) ? a tiger rescued from being poached in the jungle.

One might notice here that the size of the cages is smaller than the ones we usually find in a zoo. That is because here the primary concern was to gather knowledge about the animals rather than caring for them. However, the conservation and breeding program that has been implemented aims at improving the conditions of the animals and has received positive results.

Ticket Prices at Hanoi Zoo

Adults: VND 10,000,
Children (Above 3 Feet): VND 5,000,
Chidlren (Below 3 Feet): No Entry Fee

How to Reach Hanoi Zoo

Thu Le Zoo is located in the Ba Dinh district of Hanoi, off the Buoi Road, close to the Voi Phuc Temple. One can take a short taxi trip or take bus numbers 55A and 55B to the Thu Le Park bus stop in order to reach the Hanoi Zoo.

Tips for Visiting Hanoi Zoo

• Summer afternoons are the best time to visit the zoo. That is the time when most of the animals come out for sunbathing. It is a treat to watch them up close, enjoying the sun, without having to face the scorching sun ourselves. The setting sun also provides a beautiful backdrop for boating and the children can enjoy their rides in the park without having to beat the heat.
• One also has souvenir shops around the place for shopping and taking back mementos from the place.

The Hanoi Zoo provides one with a wholesome experience of amusement, knowledge and fun coupled with tranquility and peace. It is an absolute delight for children who have various rides like the bubble house and rollerblade. For people who love photography, this place is a delight. The zoo is thus an absolute must for tourists looking for fun beyond the city life of Hanoi