Saigon Crocodile Village: A complete guide for visitors

Contents

1. About Saigon Crocodile Village

• Location: Group 6, Quarter 1, Thanh Loc Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Crocodile Village is located in District 12, just a 30-minute drive away from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. It is not really a village but rather a tourist site, originally Hoa Ca Crocodile Restaurant. Spanning 8,000m², it has a pond, a restaurant, a leather store, a crocodile processing area, an exhibition hall, and a mini park. 

Saigon Crocodile Village provides unique experiences for tourists (Source: Collected)

Here, visitors can enjoy crocodile fishing activities and have thrilling interactions with these fascinating reptiles. The on-site restaurant serves a variety of dishes made from crocodile meat, attracting food enthusiasts eager to explore exotic flavors. Beyond dining and entertainment, Saigon Crocodile Village is also a popular shopping spot. It offers an extensive collection of high-quality crocodile leather accessories, including handbags, wallets, and belts.

2. Opening hours, entrance fee & how to get there

• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
• Entrance fee: None; visitors only need to pay for dining and entertainment services if they choose to use them

Saigon Crocodile Village is approximately 14 kilometers away from District 1, making it easily accessible by motorbike, taxi, or bus. If you drive yourself, there will be quite some turns to make, so Google Maps will be your best friend. The best route is Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Nguyen Van Troi – Huynh Van Banh – Phan Dinh Phung – Nguyen Kiem – Nguyen Thai Son – Pham Ngu Lao – Nguyen Oanh – Ha Huy Giap – Provincial Road 29 – Thanh Loc 30 Road.

For those travelling by bus, take the bus no. 03 from the Opera House to Thanh Xuan Market. From there, it is a 900-meter walk to Hoa Ca Crocodile Farm in Saigon.

Check out these things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!

3. Things to do at Hoa Ca Crocodile Farm

3.1. Experience crocodile fishing

Visitors to Saigon Crocodile Village can try crocodile fishing for just 10,000 VND per rod. As soon as the bait is lowered, the crocodiles will gather around, creating an exciting scene as they compete for food. Although you will never truly catch a crocodile, the thrill of seeing these powerful creatures snap at the bait will create an unforgettable moment. Safety is a top priority for this activity, with steel barriers ensuring visitors can stand just inches away from the crocodiles, watching them lunge and bare their sharp teeth.

3.2. Learn about crocodiles

At Saigon Crocodile Village, visitors can explore the crocodile enclosures and discover interesting facts about their life cycle. You will learn about the crocodiles’ breeding age, the process of collecting and incubating eggs, and how young crocodiles are raised. Each breeding area is home to Siamese crocodiles of different ages, ranging from several decades old to juveniles around 1.5 years old.

Crocodile fishing at Hoa Ca Crocodile Farm (Source: Collected)

3.3. Discover how crocodile leather products are made

At the workshop, visitors can explore the entire process of transforming crocodile leather into finished products. Those with extra time can even observe the meticulous craftsmanship behind creating a crocodile leather handbag, starting from the very first stitch. The leather products on display are available in a wide price range, from a few hundred thousand VND to several millions.

3.4. Enjoy dishes made from crocodile meat

Hoa Ca Crocodile Restaurant has been a part of Saigon Crocodile Village since its establishment. Known for exceptional crocodile dishes, this restaurant offers a unique culinary experience. The menu is extensive, featuring a variety of preparations, from grilled and stir-fried to steamed and boiled. Whether visitors are looking for a light meal, a hearty dinner, or a large banquet, the restaurant caters to all preferences with carefully crafted recipes. The prices are affordable, with individual dishes ranging from 39,000 VND to 69,000 VND while hotpot options are available from 69,000 VND to 129,000 VND.

Crocodile dishes offer a unique culinary experience (Source: Collected)

3.5. Savor a cup of coffee

Hoa Ca Coffee offers a serene space designed with a Mekong Delta-inspired aesthetic, creating a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking relaxation. Its diverse menu includes a variety of beverages, from coffee and fruit juices to boba tea, all at budget-friendly prices starting at 20,000 VND.

4. Places to visit near Saigon Crocodile Village

Visitors to Saigon Crocodile Village in Ho Chi Minh City can also explore several nearby attractions, including:

• An Phu Dong War Zone Traditional House (3.7 kilometers away): This historical site commemorates An Phu Dong War Zone, an important revolutionary base during wartime. Visitors can learn about Vietnam’s history through exhibits that tell the story of the country’s struggle for independence.
• Khanh An Monastery (4.8 kilometers away): Inspired by Japanese and Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, Khanh An Monastery is a peaceful retreat with stunning wooden structures and intricate carvings. The tranquil ambiance and lush gardens make it an ideal place for spiritual reflection. 

Visit Khanh An Monastery after exploring Saigon Crocodile Village (Source: Collected)

*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

Saigon Crocodile Village offers a perfect mix of adventure, education, and relaxation, making it a must-see attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. From crocodile fishing to savoring delicious dishes and exploring high-quality leather products, every experience here is memorable. 

After exploring the unique experiences at Saigon Crocodile Village, visitors can continue their adventure at Grand Park in Thu Duc City. This vibrant entertainment complex offers a variety of thrilling attractions, making it an ideal spot for the fun. One of the highlights here is Fantasy on Ice, an ice rink perfect for both beginners and experienced skaters.

Grand Park is an entertaining paradise for all ages