
The Vietnamese language features a rich vocabulary for animals
1. How to say animals in Vietnamese? – Top 100 popular names
Vietnam is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, reflecting its varied ecosystems, from lush forests and mountains to vibrant coasts and rivers. In the following sections, we provide an A-to-Z list of animals in Vietnamese, helping you easily identify them while exploring zoos or their natural habitats.
1.1. From A to E
| Animals in English | Animals in Vietnamese |
| Ant | Kiến |
| Alligator | Cá sấu mõm ngắn |
| Antelope | Linh dương |
| Asian elephant | Voi châu Á |
| Bat | Dơi |
| Bear | Gấu |
| Butterfly | Bướm |
| Camel | Lạc đà |
| Cat | Mèo |
| Cheetah | Báo săn |
| Chicken | Gà |
| Cow | Bò |
| Crab | Cua |
| Crocodile | Cá sấu |
| Crow | Quạ |
| Deer | Hươu |
| Dog | Chó |
| Dolphin | Cá heo |
| Duck | Vịt |
| Eagle | Đại bàng |
| Eel | Lươn |

Knowing Vietnamese animal names will make your visits to wildlife sanctuaries and parks more interesting (Source: Collected)
1.2. From F to J
| Animals in English | Animals in Vietnamese |
| Falcon | Chim ưng |
| Ferret | Chồn sương |
| Fish | Cá |
| Flamingo | Hồng hạc |
| Fox | Cáo |
| Frog | Ếch |
| Gazelle | Linh dương hươu |
| Gecko | Tắc kè |
| Giraffe | Hươu cao cổ |
| Goat | Dê |
| Goldfish | Cá vàng |
| Goose | Ngỗng |
| Gorilla | Khỉ đột |
| Hedgehog | Nhím |
| Hippo (Hippopotamus) | Hà mã |
| Horse | Ngựa |
| Hummingbird | Chim ruồi |
| Hyena | Linh cẩu |
| Jaguar | Báo đốm |
| Jellyfish | Sứa |
1.3. From K to O
| Animals in English | Animals in Vietnamese |
| Kangaroo | Chuột túi |
| Kingfisher | Chim bói cá |
| Koala | Gấu túi |
| Lemur | Vượn cáo đuôi vòng |
| Leopard | Báo hoa mai |
| Lion | Sư tử |
| Lizard | Thằn lằn |
| Llama | Lạc đà không bướu |
| Lobster | Tôm hùm |
| Manatee | Lợn biển |
| Mantis Shrimp | Tôm tít / bề bề |
| Mongoose | Cầy mangut |
| Monkey | Khỉ |
| Mouse | Chuột |
| Octopus | Bạch tuộc |
| Orangutan | Đười ươi |
| Orca | Cá voi sát thủ |
| Ostrich | Đà điểu |
| Otter | Rái cá |
| Owl | Cú |
| Oyster | Hàu |

Many Vietnamese names are inspired by nature, linking animals to their habitats (Source: Collected)
1.4. From P to T
| Animals in English | Animals in Vietnamese |
| Panda | Gấu trúc |
| Parrot | Vẹt |
| Peacock | Chim công (trống) |
| Pelican | Bồ nông |
| Penguin | Chim cánh cụt |
| Pig | Lợn |
| Polar bear | Gấu trắng Bắc Cực |
| Rabbit | Thỏ |
| Raccoon | Gấu mèo |
| Rattlesnakes | Rắn đuôi chuông |
| Rhinoceros | Tê giác |
| Salmon | Cá hồi |
| Seahorse | Cá ngựa |
| Seal | Hải cẩu |
| Shark | Cá mập |
| Sheep | Cừu |
| Snake | Rắn |
| Squid | Mực |
| Swan | Thiên nga |
| Tiger | Hổ |
| Turtle | Rùa |
1.5. From U to Z
| Animals in English | Animals in Vietnamese |
| Urchin | Nhím biển |
| Vampire bat | Dơi quỷ |
| Vervet | Khỉ vervet |
| Vole | Chuột đồng |
| Vulture | Kền kền |
| Wallaby | Chuột túi Wallaby |
| Wasps | Ong bắp cày |
| Weasel | Chồn |
| Whale | Cá voi |
| White Bengal Tiger | Hổ Bengal trắng |
| White Rhino | Tê giác trắng |
| Wolf | Chó sói |
| Woodpecker | Chim gõ kiến |
| Yabby | Tôm hùm đất |
| Yellowjacket | Ong bắp cày |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Cá ngừ vây vàng |
| Zebra | Ngựa vằn |
| Zebu | Bò Zebu |

Common animals like cats and dogs have simple names, while exotic species often have longer, descriptive names (Source: Collected)
Read more about wildlife in Vietnam: Notable species and nature reserves for animal lovers
2. Frequently asked questions about animals in Vietnamese
2.1. Which word is used to name animals in Vietnamese?
In Vietnamese, Vietnam’s animals are typically referred to with the prefix “con,” which precedes the animal’s name.
For example, how to say dog in Vietnamese? They would say “con chó.” How to say cat in Vietnamese? It would be “con mèo.” Similarly, other common animals in Vietnam are referred to as “con gà” for chicken, “con heo” (or “con lợn”) for pig, “con bò” for cow, “con cá” for fish, and “con ngựa” for horse.
2.2. What are the names of 4 holy animals in Vietnamese?
In Vietnam’s culture, the four sacred animals—the Dragon (Long or Rồng), Unicorn (Ly or Kỳ lân), Tortoise (Quy or Rùa), and Phoenix (Phụng or Phượng)—are mythological beings that embody essential virtues and aspirations. Each of these animals holds significant meanings and symbolizes different aspects of life.
- Dragon (Rồng) symbolizes freedom, strength, and prosperity, representing human aspirations to overcome limitations.
- Unicorn (Kỳ lân) signifies peace and good luck and serves as a guardian of sacred spaces.
- Tortoise (Rùa) embodies longevity and resilience, symbolizing patience in overcoming challenges.
- Phoenix (Phượng hoàng) represents grace, harmony, and happiness, especially in love.

Four holy animals in Vietnam hold significant spiritual meanings (Source: Collected)
2.3. What are the names of zodiac animals in Vietnamese?
In Vietnamese culture, the 12 zodiac animals function as Vietnamese animal symbols of the lunar calendar, each embodying distinct personality traits and characteristics for those born under their respective signs. Below are the 12 animals along with their corresponding qualities:
- Rat (Tý): Intelligent, quick-witted, and resilient
- Buffalo (Sửu): Diligent, patient, and reliable
- Tiger (Dần): Powerful, brave, and confident
- Cat (Mão): Sensitive, graceful, and tactful
- Dragon (Thìn): Ambitious, powerful, and creative
- Snake (Tỵ): Mysterious, wise, and insightful
- Horse (Ngọ): Energetic, indecisive, and free-spirited
- Goat (Mùi): Kind-hearted, delicate, and peaceful
- Monkey (Thân): Clever, agile, and humorous
- Rooster (Dậu): Hardworking, organized, and disciplined
- Dog (Tuất): Loyal, trustworthy, and loving
- Pig (Hợi): Honest, generous, and joyful
Animals also serve as metaphors for various human behaviors and characteristics. Below are some common Vietnamese idioms and phrases that incorporate animal imagery, along with their meanings:
- “Chó cắn áo rách” (A dog bites a torn shirt) refers to experiencing further difficulties or misfortunes after already facing hardship.
- “Như cá gặp nước” (Like a fish in water) refers to being in a favorable situation or environment where one can thrive.
- “Một con ngựa đau cả tàu bỏ cỏ” (When a horse falls sick, the whole herd stops grazing) highlights the interconnectedness of a group, where one member’s trouble affects all.
- “Chim có tổ, người có tông” (Birds have nests, people have roots) emphasizes the importance of family and heritage.
- “Mèo mù vớ cá rán” (A blind cat catches fried fish) refers to someone who unexpectedly finds success despite a lack of skill.
- “Cá chậu, chim lồng” (Fish in a basin, birds in a cage) describes someone trapped or longing for freedom.
- “Ngựa quen đường cũ” (A horse familiar with its path) refers to individuals who cannot change their old habits and continue to repeat their flaws.
- “Cá không ăn muối cá ươn” (Fish that aren’t brined will go bad) emphasizes the importance of listening to and following the guidance of parents.
- “Giấu như mèo giấu cứt” (Hide like a cat hides its poop) refers to someone who goes to great lengths to hide something.
- “Đắt như tôm tươi” (As expensive as fresh shrimp) indicates something is highly sought after and sells quickly at a high price.
- “Trâu bò húc nhau, ruồi muỗi chết” (When bulls and cows gore, the flies die) refers to unfortunate incidents occurring to innocent parties during conflicts involving others.
- “Chó tha đi, mèo tha lại” (The dog carries away, the cat brings back) describes something of little value that is discarded or ignored by everyone.

Many Vietnamese idioms and expressions incorporate animal names (Source: Collected)
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3. Where to see animals in Vietnam?
Vietnam travel offers a wealth of opportunities for tourists to observe diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore national parks and zoos, where they can experience the country’s rich biodiversity and learn about various animal species in their natural habitats or protected environments.
3.1. National parks and zoos
The S-shaped country boasts a variety of national parks and zoos, providing excellent opportunities to explore nature and discover what animals live in Vietnam. Vietnam national parks like Phu Quoc National Park, Bach Ma National Park, Cuc Phuong National Park, Pu Mat National Park, Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, and Cat Ba National Park showcase the country’s rich biodiversity, allowing tourists to observe wildlife in their natural habitats.
Additionally, major cities feature notable zoos in Vietnam, such as Thu Le Park in Hanoi, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Ho Chi Minh City, and Dai Nam Zoo in Binh Duong, offering educational experiences for families and wildlife enthusiasts to appreciate Vietnam’s incredible wildlife.
3.2. Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc on Phu Quoc Island is the top destination for observing wild animals in Vietnamese habitats. The park showcases thousands of creatures from hundreds of species, all in habitats that closely mimic their natural environments.
Visitors can embark on a safari truck for an up-close view, enjoy captivating animal shows, and interact with various species. Families will love the kid’s zoo, where kids can interact and learn about cute animals. For a thrilling experience, the Phu Quoc night safari immerses guests in the vibrant sounds and sights of the wilderness after dark.

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest wildlife care and conservation park
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A visit to the nearby VinWonders Phu Quoc is highly recommended after exploring the diverse wildlife at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc. Visitors can marvel at fascinating marine life at the Sea Shell, one of the world’s largest aquariums, enjoy the stunning Once Show, and partake in various exciting recreational activities and games suitable for all ages.

The vibrant underwater world at the Sea Shell, VinWonders Phu Quoc
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3.3. River Safari Nam Hoi An
River Safari at VinWonders Nam Hoi An offers a captivating experience for observing rare animals in Vietnam, featuring over 500 animals from around 50 species. Visitors can enjoy a 15-minute boat ride through various zones of Vinpearl River Safari Nam Hoi An that mimic natural habitats.
In the Herbivores area, visitors can encounter exotic species like twisted-horn and Arabian antelopes. The Waterfowl area is a haven for bird enthusiasts, showcasing species such as swans and flamingos. The Primates area allows for playful interactions with black-and-white ruffed lemurs, and the Carnivores area provides an up-close view of Bengal tigers. Finally, the Parrot’s House offers vibrant encounters with colorful parrots.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An features the first river safari in Vietnam
For a more immersive travel experience in Hoi An, don’t miss out on the other exciting zones within VinWonders Nam Hoi An. From thrilling rides and cultural shows to a traditional craft village, these areas offer a perfect blend of adventure, entertainment, and cultural discovery that will enrich your visit.

Embrace Vietnam heritage with a visit to VinWonders Nam Hoi An
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3.4. King’s Garden at VinWonders Nha Trang
King’s Garden in VinWonders Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island is a must-visit destination that immerses visitors in the world of rare and exotic animals in Vietnam. The vibrant bird zone is a highlight, showcasing nearly 30 bird species, creating a colorful display that fascinates bird lovers. Guests can interact with friendly giraffes and admire the elegance of flamingos.
The garden also features impressive hippos lounging in deep pools and Bengal tigers, offering a rare chance to observe these majestic creatures. Additionally, the bird performances, with 10 unique shows, ensure an engaging and memorable visit for all.

King’s Garden offers a close approach to wild, exotic animals
After exploring King’s Garden at VinWonders Nha Trang, visitors should take the time to discover other attractions on the VinWonders Nha Trang map. With various entertainment options and experiences available—from the world-class Tata Show to Splash Bay, the country’s largest floating bay—there’s something for everyone to enjoy, ensuring a memorable Nha Trang trip for all.

A plethora of exciting experiences await at VinWonders Nha Trang
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The diverse wildlife in Vietnam, from majestic tigers to playful monkeys, is reflected in the unique names assigned to these animals in Vietnamese. By exploring Vietnam’s wildlife through travel, visitors can connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of its ecosystems, creating lasting memories of their adventures.
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