Khao Kheow Open Zoo
A huge open zoo in Si Racha, about an hour from Pattaya, with over 8,000 animals, Moo Deng the pygmy hippo, and grounds big enough that you'll want a golf cart.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–17:00
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Finding your way around Khao Kheow Open Zoo
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Getting there and around
- The zoo is in Si Racha district, Chonburi, about 45 minutes to an hour from central Pattaya and 1.5 to 2 hours from central Bangkok by road.
- Inside, electric golf carts rent at ฿500 for the first two hours (four seats) or ฿700 (six seats), plus ฿50 insurance.
- The zoo's tram costs ฿35 for adults and ฿25 for children under 135 cm. Seniors and disabled visitors ride free.
Details
- Phone
- +66 38 318 444
- Website
- www.kkopenzoo.com
Full opening hours
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Why go, and how to do it well
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Asia, about 800 hectares of forested hills in Si Racha with more than 8,000 animals from over 300 species. It's in Chonburi province, not Bangkok, about 45 minutes to an hour from Pattaya and 1.5 to 2 hours from central Bangkok, so it's a full day out from either. It's also home to Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo born in 2024 who became an internet star, and her enclosure still draws a crowd.
Plan around the size. Walking it takes most of a day and still covers only part of it, so rent an electric golf cart at the entrance, ฿500 for the first two hours for a four-seater or ฿700 for six seats, plus ฿50 insurance. The cheaper way round is the zoo's tram, ฿35 for adults and ฿25 for children. Pick up a map at the gate.
The open layout means big enclosures and close encounters, from feeding the deer and giraffes to the walk-through aviary, the African savanna and the big-cat complex. The shows are included in the ticket. The penguin parade runs at 10:00 and 14:00 and the elephant swimming show at 11:00 and 14:30 on weekdays, with extra sessions on weekends and holidays. Times shift, so check the board at the gate.
If you're choosing between this and Safari World, Safari World is in Bangkok itself and built around a drive-through park and stage shows. Khao Kheow is further out, bigger and greener, and better if you'd rather move around at your own pace.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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Reviews from Google
I am very happy with the visit to the zoo! Had a leisure walk around and we took almost 7+ hrs (walking) First, tickets, foreigners are at bht350 each adult. If you didn't reserve tickets in advance, buy from a counter prior to entry. The gate staff will be happy to guide your driver if you go by grab. Lots of parking spaces. Take a picture of your ticket just in case. Collect a map of the place to help guide your around. Look out for the show time of the day. Why I truly like this place and areas that may not be to some visitor's expectation: 1. Great open zoo as it's called! Watch the animals at close distance and some without barriers like the deers. 2. Buy food for animals at 30 or 50 BHT depending on types which is really amazing especially for children. 3. Must go: the savannah area! 4. Must go: see Moo Deng! ;) 5. Lots of different species, huge variety, quantity for some species are not many but really enjoyed the variety. 6. Love most: the nature and openness of the zoo. Really fantastic 7. The show may not be like showcase of animals skills but opportunities to feed and see and sometimes touch the animals up close. Really great experience still 8. The show of elephant relaxing is interesting as you can choose to go basement to watch the elephant enjoying inside the water 9. The zoo has many drinks and snacks and lunch places. Had a good coffee at The Hive, right next to the penguin show place. 10. Big space so consider renting the golf cart or electric cart if you need some help with saving leg muscles. The electric cart can only enter the green zone. The zoo has 2 zones, green and red. Green has more species. Red has more areas including training areas/stay and a great tiger village area. The red would require a little more walking as more slopes. The nice weather in Nov really helps with the enjoyment of the zoo. Staff are all very friendly and helpful! Consider bringing food for a little picnic while enjoying the place. But watch out for monkeys as they are freely roaming and may snatch your stuff!
We had such a fun day at Khao Kheow Open Zoo — it’s one of the best wildlife outings near Pattaya! The park is huge and beautifully set against lush hills, so it feels more like a nature adventure than just a zoo. There are tons of animal species to see (from giraffes and rhinos to elephants and lemurs), and numerous opportunities to get close — like feeding giraffes or deer — which made the visit really memorable.
We visited Khao Kheow Open Zoo as a family and had a day filled with mixed emotions. On the positive side, it was a great experience to see the animals in person, and the absolute highlight was getting to feed the lemurs an experience we truly enjoyed. We also got to see Moo Deng, who is still very cool to watch, though she is nearly fully grown now! The staff throughout the park were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which we really appreciated. However, I have to be honest about my concerns. Some parts of the park feel quite run-down and outdated. While some areas are spacious, other enclosures felt far too small for the animals, which left us with a bit of a heavy heart. I think it’s important to visit with a critical eye regarding animal welfare. Overall, it was a nice family outing, but there is definitely significant room for improvement in maintenance and habitat sizes
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 24,625 reviews on Google.
235, Tambon Bang Phra, Amphoe Si Racha, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20110, Thailand
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All within 3.1 km of Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

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Khao Kheow Open Zoo: Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Khao Kheow Open Zoo for foreigners?
฿350 for adults and ฿120 for children, and the price includes the shows. Golf carts and the tram cost extra.
Is Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Bangkok?
No. It's in Si Racha, Chonburi province, about 45 minutes to an hour from Pattaya and 1.5 to 2 hours from central Bangkok, so it's a day trip from either.
What's the difference between Khao Kheow Open Zoo and Safari World?
Safari World is in Bangkok and built around a drive-through safari park and stage shows. Khao Kheow is a government-run open zoo in the hills near Si Racha, much larger, with walk-through areas, feeding encounters and Moo Deng the pygmy hippo.
What time are the shows at Khao Kheow?
On weekdays the penguin parade runs at 10:00 and 14:00 and the elephant swimming show at 11:00 and 14:30. Weekends and holidays add a 15:30 penguin parade and a 12:30 elephant show. The zoo says times can change, so check at the gate.
Is Khao Kheow Open Zoo worth visiting?
Khao Kheow Open Zoo holds a 4.4★ rating from 24,625 Google reviews — a strong rating for activities & tours in Pattaya.
When is the best time to visit Khao Kheow Open Zoo?
The best months to visit Pattaya are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: September – October (wettest months).
Where is Khao Kheow Open Zoo located?
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is at 235, Tambon Bang Phra, Amphoe Si Racha, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20110, Thailand, in Pattaya. Getting around Pattaya: Baht buses (songthaews on fixed routes); Grab (widely available).
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