Thao Cam Vien (Zoo and Botanical Garden): The construction of the garden began in March 1864 under the charge of a French tropical botanist, J. B. Louis Pierre, and was completed in 1865 covering an area of 12 ha. In the same year, it was expanded by 8 ha. It was broadened by 13 ha to the other side of Thi Nghe Canal in 1924, bringing its total area to 33 ha. Thao Cam Vien houses rare animals, ornamental plants, including a famous collection of orchids and recreation areas for children and adults. There are thousands of trees and rare plant species from different parts in the region, as well as from Africa and America. The Zoo keeps hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Many of the cages are fairly spacious outdoor enclosures for tigers, monkeys, lions, deer, apes, crocodiles, pythons, snakes, hippos...