Next to the excitement of life, somewhere in the middle city always lies a few spots with nice breeze, peaceful for those that love nature. Here, you can freely experience many outdoor activities such as bicycle riding, picnic, sight seeing, take pictures and eat. Let’s find and try 5 activity immediately for those that love nature that we recommended in this article!

Walking around Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Botanical Garden is the largest plant and animal conservation park in the city. Not only sightseeing, locals also come here to avoid the sweltering heat in the summer. Inside the cool park, there are thousands of trees, cacti, bonsai, orchids and green grass on an area of ​​20hectares. In particular, this place is the common home of many rare species of birds, reptiles and animals of wild origin or imported from all over the world. The ideal time to visit the park is around 8, 9 am or after 14 pm. If you are skilled in photography, every corner of the park is a beautiful corner, thanks to the natural green background and ancient features on each architecture here. In addition to feeding animals, taking photos, you can also buy tickets with children to experience many games at the outdoor area at the back gate on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street. 

Botanical Garden, 2B Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

Opening hours (from Monday to Sunday and public holidays):

• 5:00 – 6:30: Open for individuals to participate in nutrition and exercise.

• 7:00 - 18:30: Open for visitors.

Picnic in Van Thanh tourist area

2km from the city center, the peaceful Van Thanh tourist area is a place that you and your loved ones cannot ignore if you want to have a picnic. On the banks of the windy lake, under the cool shade of coconut trees, there is a green lawn interspersed with wooden huts containing about 5 to 10 people. This place is a great space for family parties, friends and relatives to eat, drink and chat intimately. If you have not prepared food for going picnic, you can join the famous 3-region cuisine buffet at the central restaurant area. There are hundreds of dishes and drinks of the three regions of the North - Central - South as well as other European - Asian dishes to serve both foreign diners. Weekends are the time when the tourist area is busiest, in addition to enjoying the food, you can try your hand at fishing, playing tennis, swimming or taking pictures with the scenery of lotus ponds and lawns, wooden bridge or impressive Landmark 81 building in the distance. 

Van Thanh tourist area, 48/10 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District.

Opening hours (from Monday to Sunday and public holidays): 7:30 – 21:00.

Enjoying ornamental birds at Tao Dan Park

At the gate on Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, Tao Dan Park is a rendezvous for bird local-enthusiasts on weekend mornings. Here, there are all kinds of precious birds such as robins, warblers, canaries, nightingales, hornbills, barn birds,... They have beautiful songs, smooth plumage, harmonious and unique colors. The time you should come here is in the early morning, around 6 or 7 o'clock, while enjoying the ornamental birds, sipping a cup of coffee, listening to the artists tell stories around the wonderful and interesting pet bird.

Tao Dan Park, Truong Dinh Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1.

Opening hours (Saturday and Sunday every week): 5:00 – 11:00.

Boat trip on Nhieu Loc canal

Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal is associated with the ups and downs of the city's history, from the time when the French army went down Thi Nghe canal and attacked Gia Dinh citadel to the Southern resistance. Today, you can take a boat ride on a section of Nhieu Loc canal, sip coffee and watch art performances. Every day, District 1 boat station welcomes guests to cruise the inner city river distance of more than 4 km on many different types of boats. On the boat, there are many sets of tables and chairs along the sides, very comfortable and convenient whether you are traveling in a couple or in a large group. Before departing, you'll be introduced to a varied drink menu at the wharf cafe. The boat leaves the wharf is also the time when artists perform some art shows, such as Don ca tai tu, acoustic band, violin solo, harmonica or magic depending on the day. The street scene along the canal is bustling with hustling, the most interesting thing is to see Phap Hoa Pagoda and Candaransi Pagoda towering with unique architecture, reflecting in the green canal. Besides, you also shouldn't miss the boat trip to see the city at sunset. In the evening, on the boat, there are prepared flowers for you to drop down to pray for health and peace. This creates a shimmering, fanciful image.

Marina District 1: Hoang Sa Park, opposite house number 01 Hoang Sa Street, Dakao Ward, District 1.

Marina District 3: Hoang Sa Park, opposite house number 671 Hoang Sa Street, Ward 7, District 3.

Opening hours (from Monday to Sunday and public holidays and New Year): 8:00 - 23:00.

Cycling through Vam Sat mangrove forest

From the city center, via Binh Khanh ferry, you run another 35km to reach Vam Sat mangrove forest in Can Gio. Cycling a mountain bike on the trail through the mangrove forest will be very interesting if you are a nature lover. This place has fresh air, vibrant birdsong, and green trees on both sides. When cycling, you will occasionally encounter long-tailed monkeys that are bold and mild, not afraid of people. Deep inside is Dam Sau, there are a few dozen Siamese and Hoa Ca crocodiles that are isolated and carefully fenced.