Lush green turfs holding century old trees and young flowering plants paint the ideal picture of serenity, and a place for one to enjoy an afternoon.

With nature, that is.





Escape from the hustle and bustle in the city and into the gardens, which are littered with huge and aged trees standing in their might, rooted to their spots as they witness the changes of time.



These trees have grown to their mass sizes and towered over the entire gardens, as they stand among each other of their kind; seemingly reaching out to one another with their outstretched arms sprawling out in multiple directions. 

Spouting leaves on the end of their arms which appear to be flimsy yet are sturdy to hold even a child; the bulky shadows formed below, a result of their hovering silhouettes have given a shady overcast on the grassy carpet to shield man from the strong and harmful rays from the mighty sun overhead.

Cool shades amid hot and rising temperatures in reality and even blaring sounds of motorcycles and loud honking sounds seem fairly distant depict an atmosphere which sounds almost too good to be true.

But, it is.

There are only the sounds of nature which have taken over and mask the disturbances of reality, luring you to its green lair, promising an afternoon of fantasy as one immerses in the magical world of botanics and florals making the glossy lawn their permanent residence.

It is a place I could stay all day long.

It is easy to succumb to the temptations of nature.

From flowing leaves waving in their many forms and shapes, to the alluring beauty of the dainty flowery occupants in its midst, this is a place where fantasy seems indistinguishable from reality.

If one could understand the language of nature, I am sure you could hear the whispers of the trees as their leaves rustle in the soft breeze, if you only listen.





Dashes of colors tease playfully as they present themselves in the forms of dancing flowers, blushing in the sun yet cheeky with their soft giggles as they prance gracefully in the rays of the sunlight.
It is an enchanting sight.
One that will keep you mesmerized in their spellbinding charms.








Children seem to understand the voices from nature very well, as they run around, enjoying themselves and immersing themselves in this fantasy world of nature, catching glimpses of animals kept in their walled homes in the animal conservation area at the same time, and enjoying their rides at the little amusement park for their benefit.

They have not a care in the world as they are whisked away in the realm of the gardens.









The place seemed to be a world of its own altogether; breathing in its very own air and space.
Acting in its own character and diversity.
It is one which has defined its own personality.

A place to escape from the harsh temperatures and noise pollutions amid a hectic environment, there is none other but Mother Nature to thank for, with her presence made to life in this spot; which ironically, is right in the city.









A world of natural fantasy amidst reality, even binding history and culture together with the presence of a historical museum and even a memorial temple.

That world where one can get lost in nature's serenade and calming whispers.




Behold, the comforts of nature await, in the gardens.

The place where I spent an entire afternoon, whisked away by the charms of the cool breeze from the warmth of the residing trees and flirted with the seductive teasing of the beautiful flowers.

I was captive for several hours.



























Nature and hectic reality is only separated by the tall wrought iron gates painted in green with lettering of its name as its crown.

A place where fantasy can get very real.






All behind the tall green gates.

You have been warned.






Location:
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens 
Nguyen Binh Khiem Street in District 1, T.P. in Ho Chi Minh City 


There are two gates:
1.Main gate at Nguyen Binh Khiem Street (corner of Le Duan Street)
2. Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street

Opening Hours: 7am-7pm Daily

Admission Fees: VND50,000 (~MYR10)

Facts:
Established in 1865
Vietnam's largest zoo and botanical gardens
One of the world's eight oldest zoo

Places to visit:
1. Museum of Vietnamese History
2. The Hung Kings Temple
3. Zoo