Two visitors pose for a photo together with a tiger in the open zoo.

Tran Dang Trung, manager of the safari park, said it had taken two years to develop the open zoo at a cost of VND50 billion. Animals are allowed more space than in a regular zoo while the encounter between humans and animals will also be closer. To protect visitors, deep spaces and various safety methods have been carefully applied.

The zoo is open every day until 9 p.m. and admission is VND20,000 for adults and VND15,000 for children.

The Lac Canh Dai Nam Van Hien project, which opened last month after nearly ten years’ construction, has become the largest-ever tourism area in Vietnam. Located in Thu Dau Mot Town, about 40km northwest of HCMC, the sprawling complex includes man-made lakes, rivers and mountains as well as a wide range of recreational facilities.

The company has invested VND1,800 billion, or some US$110 million, in the first phase of the project. Facilities now available include a 9-hectare temple area, a square, food and game areas, and the open zoo.

Upon arriving at the complex visitors first see the Dai Nam Van Hien Temple, one of the most important structures in the park.

The temple contains historical exhibits and is used as a place of worship. Exhibits of Vietnam’s various dynasties are also on display there.

The project also includes 4,500 hotel rooms of different ratings, areas featuring the miniature landmarks of Vietnam and the world, and an area showcasing pottery of Binh Duong.

Entrance to the complex in the first stage will be VND30,000 for adults and VND20,000 for children. Visitors can buy tickets for every game, or buy a package at a cost of VND120,000 for all the games in the complex.

The company will develop the second phase within three years with a total investment of VND1,200 billion or more than US$73 million.

(Source: SGT