Located about 40 kilometres from Da Lat’s city centre in Lạc Dương district, ZooDoo is an Australian-style open zoo, and a radical departure from the traditional, often cramped zoos found elsewhere. It operates on a philosophy of animal welfare and human-nature connection that feels both modern and deeply heartwarming.
The Drive: Into the Pine Forest
The journey to ZooDoo is part of the experience. As you leave the bustle of Da Lat and head toward Nha Trang on the QL27C highway, the scenery shifts into endless rolling hills of silver pine and mist-covered valleys. The air gets noticeably crisper, and the roadside stops offer some of the best high-altitude coffee views in the region.
While the 40 to 50-minute drive might seem daunting, it acts as a necessary buffer, ensuring the zoo remains a quiet sanctuary rather than a crowded city attraction. For those without their own transport, the ZooDoo Bus (shuttle service) is a lifesaver, picking up visitors from spots like Big C (Go!) Da Lat for a small fee.
If you’re travelling by scooter or motorbike, remember to bring some extra layers and a rain jacket. Da Lat itself is rather cold in comparison to the likes of Saigon, particularly when the wind is blowing brisk air into your skin, and you can absolutely feel the drop in temperature as you reach the pine forests. Because you’re up so high, there is also a high chance of light rain, so anticipate awesome drizzle on your way.
An “Open Zoo” Concept: Respect First
ZooDoo operates on a tour-based entry system, and you cannot simply wander the grounds at will. Instead, visitors join small groups led by a dedicated “Zookeeper” guide. Tours depart hourly between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and booking in advance is essential—especially on weekends—as they strictly limit daily visitor numbers to prevent the animals from becoming stressed.
This structure creates an intimate, educational atmosphere. The guides aren’t just there to lead the way; they teach you how to approach each species, where they like to be scratched, and the correct way to offer food. It feels less like a spectator sport and more like an invited guest entering someone’s home.
Meet the “Stars” of the Forest
The animal residents at ZooDoo are chosen for their gentle temperaments and are often species you wouldn’t expect to find in Vietnam.
Before you enter, you’ll be offered the chance to buy either a small cup of animal feed or a basket with 8 cups. If you return your cups and basket by the end of the tour, you’ll be offered a refund.
Keep in mind, not all the animals eat what is in your cup, and you will be provided special food for certain animals. However, you can still end up offering too much of your food too soon, so here’s a quick guide to consider which animals you want to spend your food on in the order we visited them.
- Raccoons – Feed (Fruit pieces only)
- Rabbits – Feed (Grass Pieces Only)
- Hamsters – Feed (Grass Pieces Only)
- Deer – (All Food)
- Capybara – No Feed (Special Food)
- Birds – No Feed (Special Food)
- Horses – Feed (All Food)
- Alpaca – Feed ( All Food, but would only eat fruit)
There are other animals during the trip (Monkeys, Turkeys, Lemurs, and more), but none can be offered food.
The Alpacas and Horses
The Alpacas are advertised as one of the main events being left until last. With their fluffy coats and perpetually curious expressions, they trot right up to visitors, but be warned, if you don’t have much food to offer, you might be rewarded with a spit to the face. Alongside them are some Shetland Ponies who might be a bit rough with one another to get your food, so make sure you have it placed on an open hand rather than with your fingers protruding as they snatch it up.
The Australian Influence: Wallabies
In keeping with its Australian roots, ZooDoo is home to several wallabies. Unlike larger, wilder cousins, these are habituated to humans. The guides show you how to sit quietly and let them approach you—a lesson in patience that is particularly rewarding for children.
The Tiny and the Unusual
The “zen masters” of the animal kingdom are often found chilling near the water or slowly navigating the grass, completely unfazed by the presence of humans. These odd species of giant rodent are immensely popular with the local Vietnamese children, as you can find capybara merchandise of almost anything in the country these days.
The Racoons are the first stop of the tour, and these little guys are surprisingly gentle and incredibly dexterous. Watching them use their paws to inspect food is a highlight of the tour.
There is a small Meerkat exhibit behind a glass window, where you can see them lounging with their bellies to the sun, or digging into their play pits.
Beyond the Tour: Zoodoo Café and Camping
After the 80–90 minute walking tour, most visitors gravitate toward the ZooDoo Café. It’s a beautifully designed wooden structure with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the valley. The menu is simple, but the tranquillity is unmatched. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for an hour just watching the clouds roll over the pines.
There is also a small Cat and Dog Café on the grounds, offering you a chance to feed some species of cats and some Corgis. Keep in mind, though, that the cats will try their best to be the first to get your food, which often ends up with a few claws stuck into your skin.
For those who want to fully immerse themselves, ZooDoo Camping offers an overnight experience. They provide the tents, sleeping bags, and even a campfire setup. Waking up to the sound of exotic bird calls and the smell of pine needles is perhaps the most “Da Lat” experience one can have.
Know Before You Go (2026 Practicalities)
Ticket Prices: As of early 2026, tickets are approximately 150,000 VND for adults and 75,000 VND for children (90cm–1.2m). Children under 90cm are free.
Booking: Use their official Facebook page or website to book your slot at least 2–3 days in advance. If you just show up, you might be waiting hours for an open slot.
Animal Feed: You can buy additional feeding cups for around 10,000 VND. It’s worth getting a couple—you’ll be the most popular person in the paddock.
Weather: Even if it’s sunny in Da Lat city, Lạc Dương can be chilly and prone to sudden light rain. Bring a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes, as the paths are dirt and gravel.
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Trek?
ZooDoo is a masterclass in how modern tourism can be ethical, educational, and undeniably cute. It lacks the “performative” flashy shows of larger theme parks, opting instead for quiet moments of connection.
If you are a solo traveller looking for peace, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family wanting to teach children about kindness to animals, ZooDoo is a mandatory stop. It is a place that asks you to slow down, lower your voice, and simply enjoy the presence of other living things.
