Located in Da Nhim, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province, along National Highway 27C, the scenic route connecting Da Lat with Nha Trang, ZooDoo Da Lat is a friendly zoo developed in an Australian-inspired style. Approximately 34 km northeast of central Da Lat, ZooDoo is nestled among the cool, green pine-covered hills of Da Nhim, creating a refreshing setting for visitors to experience nature and interact with animals.
The zoo is known for its interactive approach, allowing visitors to get close to and learn about animals under the guidance of trained staff. It is particularly suitable for families with children, animal lovers and travelers looking for a combination of nature, wildlife and educational experiences.
From an Australian Zoo Concept to ZooDoo Da Lat
ZooDoo was founded from the idea of a Vietnamese-Australian couple who wanted to introduce the interactive petting zoo concept, which is popular in Australia, to Vietnam.
The Da Nhim area was selected for its natural pine forests, hilly terrain and cool climate, creating an environment considered suitable for a wildlife-oriented attraction.
After a period of preparation, animal quarantine procedures and training based on a friendly approach to animal care, ZooDoo began operating around late 2016.
From the beginning, ZooDoo was designed not simply as a commercial zoo, but as an eco-educational attraction. Its goal is to help children and visitors understand animals, learn to interact with them gently and develop greater appreciation for nature.
Scheduled Tours and Interactive Animal Experiences
One of ZooDoo’s distinctive features is its scheduled tour system. Visitors do not simply enter the animal areas at any time. Instead, tours are organized at specific times to control visitor numbers, reduce stress on the animals and allow staff to guide guests during interactions.
Each group generally spends around 45-60 minutes inside the zoo, with commonly listed tour times including: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00
Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance, especially on weekends, public holidays and during peak travel periods. Once a tour reaches its designated capacity, additional visitors may not be accepted for that time slot.
Visitors are also expected to follow the zoo’s animal-interaction rules. Bringing outside food to feed the animals, shouting, chasing animals or making loud noises that may frighten them is not permitted.
Beyond the animal areas, the complex includes ZooDoo Cafe, a light refreshment area and camping or glamping facilities among the pine forests, with tents inspired by Australian-style camping.
Kangaroos, Alpacas and Other Friendly Animals
One of ZooDoo’s most appealing features is the opportunity to encounter animals that visitors may not normally see at traditional attractions.
Wallabies and Kangaroos are among the Australian animals associated with the zoo. Visitors can observe them moving around the grassy areas and, under staff supervision, approach them at close range.
Alpacas are another popular attraction. Their thick, soft coats and distinctive expressions make them particularly appealing to both children and adults.
The Pony area offers a gentler experience, especially for children who are learning how to interact with animals. Visitors may also encounter curly-coated sheep and miniature goats, which can be quite friendly when approached appropriately.
The bird area features South American parrots and colorful budgerigars. Visitors can observe the birds flying around and, under supervision, experience having them perch on their hands or shoulders while feeding.
ZooDoo also features Meerkats, known for their characteristic habit of standing upright while watching their surroundings, as well as Sulcata tortoises and giant tortoises moving slowly across the grass.
One of the most interactive activities is feeding the animals. Specialized feed can be purchased at the zoo, typically consisting of dry grains, small pieces of carrot and other food appropriate for different species. Visitors should only use food supplied by the zoo and follow staff instructions.
Opening Hours, Ticket Prices and Visitor Information
According to the provided reference information, ZooDoo welcomes visitors from approximately 08:30 to 16:30 daily, including weekends and public holidays.
Reference ticket prices include:
| Item | Reference Price |
|---|---|
| Adults from 1.2 m and above | Around VND 150,000 |
| Children from 0.9 m to under 1.2 m | Around VND 75,000 |
| Children under 0.9 m | Free |
| Animal feed | Around VND 10,000 per container |
Prices may vary depending on the time of visit.
ZooDoo also provides a ZooBus shuttle service between central Da Lat and the zoo. The reference return fare is approximately VND 80,000-100,000 per person, depending on the pickup location. Advance reservation is recommended.
Address: Sub-zone 94A, Da Nhim Commune, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, along National Highway 27C.
Reservation hotlines: 0997 111 199 – 0979 110 007
Information: Official ZooDoo Da Lat Facebook page.
Tips for Visiting ZooDoo
The journey from central Da Lat to ZooDoo is approximately 34 km, following the winding mountain roads of National Highway 27C. According to the provided information, the trip takes around 50-60 minutes by motorcycle or car.
If you have reserved a particular tour time, it is advisable to leave early and allow extra travel time. This is particularly important during weekends and peak periods, when tour capacity may fill quickly.
Because ZooDoo is located in a natural pine-forest and hillside setting, comfortable sports shoes or flat shoes with good traction are recommended. Mornings and late afternoons in Da Nhim can also feel colder than central Da Lat, so visitors should bring a warm jacket.
The National Highway 27C route also allows travelers to combine their ZooDoo visit with other destinations mentioned in the reference information, including Cau Dat Pine Hill, Thai Phien Flower Village, Linh Phuoc Pagoda in Trai Mat and high-tech strawberry farms.
ZooDoo offers a different way to experience Da Lat. Rather than simply viewing animals from a distance, visitors have the opportunity to observe, learn about and interact with animals in a cool pine-forest environment. The combination of nature, wildlife and educational experiences gives ZooDoo its distinctive character along the Da Lat-Nha Trang route.
