Khao Kheow Open Zoo: An Unforgettable Family Day Trip
Explore Khao Kheow Open Zoo, a unique, open-concept wildlife park near Bangkok. Enjoy immersive animal feeding and golf cart adventures, perfect for families!
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Explore Khao Kheow Open Zoo, a unique, open-concept wildlife park near Bangkok. Enjoy immersive animal feeding and golf cart adventures, perfect for families!
After moving to Samut Prakan, a friend living in Bang Na suggested a weekend outing with the kids to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi. It was my first time visiting, and honestly, I wasn't thrilled.
I've always been a bit wary of animals, and the thought of seeing them confined in small enclosures usually keeps me away from zoos.
But this first visit, accompanying the kids, truly changed my perspective. The zoo was far more expansive than I imagined, with animals roaming freely in vast, natural habitats rather than traditional cages.
It felt less like 'viewing' and more like 'observing' them in their element. This immersive experience was so impactful that when my animal-loving younger brother visited Thailand a couple of years later (in 2026), I knew exactly where to take him.
📌 Essential Information
Category | Details |
Location | |
Operating Hours | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Admission Fee | Adults 350 Baht, Children 120 Baht (Additional parking fee if driving in) |
Golf Cart Rental | 2-4 Seater for 2 hours: 500 Baht (additional fees for exceeding time) |
Travel Time | From Bangkok: approx. 1.5 hours / From Pattaya: approx. 50 minutes - 1 hour |
Important Note | Do not touch your eyes with your hands inside the zoo / Wash or sanitize your hands frequently |
Parking Tip
There are parking lots both outside and inside the main entrance. Given the zoo's sheer size and Thailand's often warm weather, I highly recommend driving your vehicle straight in after paying the entrance fee and parking inside. This will save you a lot of walking and energy!
Why We Chose a Golf Cart
During my first visit, we opted for the internal tram that loops around the zoo.
While convenient for getting around the basic route, it didn't allow us to control our pace or linger where we wanted.
That's why, for my second trip, I decided on a golf cart.
It costs 500 Baht for a 2-4 seater for two hours.
While it's an additional expense, the freedom it offers is absolutely worth it. You can stop at any animal exhibit that catches your eye, move on when you're ready, and even backtrack if you wish.
A crucial tip: arrive early! We got there right at opening and rented a cart immediately with no wait. However, by the time we were leaving, there was a long line at the rental counter.
If you plan on using a golf cart, an early morning visit right when the zoo opens is a must.


Experience Highlights
The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the 'feeding experience.'
Imagine elephants, giraffes, and rhinos coming right up to your golf cart to munch on treats you offer them! It's a completely different experience from just observing animals from a distance.
My brother, a true animal enthusiast, absolutely loved this interactive element.
The zoo also hosts various timed programs, like the adorable Penguin Parade and Elephant Swimming. To catch these, make sure to check the show schedule online before your visit or grab a pamphlet right after you arrive to plan your route effectively.
⚠️ Important Health & Safety Advisory
Given the close contact with animals, hand hygiene is paramount.
- It's essential to frequently wash or sanitize your hands, especially after feeding animals.
- And definitely avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
My brother, who was with me, developed eye inflammation the day after our zoo visit.
I, on the other hand, was in the same environment and even drove the golf cart, but by consciously avoiding touching my eyes, I had no issues.
Since it can be challenging to find places to wash your hands frequently throughout the zoo, I strongly recommend bringing your own wet wipes or hand sanitizer for peace of mind.
What We Loved
- Vast, open spaces allow animals to roam freely and naturally, unlike traditional zoos.
- Highly immersive animal feeding experiences bring you closer to the wildlife.
- Exceptional freedom to explore at your own pace with a golf cart.
- Perfectly designed for families with children, offering engaging activities for all ages.
Things to Consider
- Additional costs beyond admission (golf cart rental, animal feed, snacks, etc.) can add up.
- Golf cart rentals can have long wait times, especially in the afternoon.
- Walking extensively in the hot weather can be quite tiring.
Who Will Love This Zoo?
- Families looking for hands-on, interactive experiences with their kids.
- Those who prefer comfortable exploration by vehicle over extensive walking.
- Anyone eager to get up close and personal with animals and enjoy direct interaction.
📝 Quick Takeaway
An open-concept, experience-driven zoo where choosing your mode of transport truly transforms your adventure.
Looking to snag tickets at a 20% discount?
![카오 키여우 개방 동물원 티켓 할인, 운영 시간, 후기 [2026] | Trip.com](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Frmrjnibxulbdixuqguwc.supabase.co%2Fstorage%2Fv1%2Fobject%2Fpublic%2Fpost-content%2Fimported-naver%2Fimage-1786017295839-1786017295839-3b5080c7.jpg&w=1080&q=75)
Khao Kheow Open Zoo Ticket Discount, Operating Hours, Reviews [2026] | Trip.com3ha.in
The adult admission fee for Khao Kheow Open Zoo is 350 baht, and the child admission fee is 120 baht. A 2-4 person cart rental costs 500 baht for 2 hours, with additional charges for exceeding the time limit.
It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to Khao Kheow Open Zoo from Bangkok. From Pattaya, it takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour.
To reduce the waiting time for golf cart rentals, it is recommended to visit early in the morning, right when the zoo opens. When we finished our visit and were leaving, there was a long queue in front of the cart rental office.
After animal feeding experiences, it is necessary to frequently wipe or wash your hands, and you should avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands. As handwashing facilities might be limited on-site, it is safer to bring your own wet wipes or hand sanitizer.

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