Khao Kheow Open Zoo Pattaya Review 2026: Tickets & Family Fun

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Are you looking for a fantastic day out in Pattaya, something truly unique? If you're traveling with kids, or even if it's just adults who love getting up close with wildlife, Khao Kheow Open Zoo is an absolute must-visit.

I recently explored this incredible open zoo, and I'm here to share all the details, from my personal experience to the best ways to snag your tickets. Read on before you book!

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is an innovative open-concept zoo in the eastern region of Thailand, developed as a natural conservation center. With the Thai Queen's third daughter actively involved in its biodiversity preservation projects, the zoo is dedicated to maintaining a natural environment for its inhabitants.

Spanning over 650 acres and home to approximately 8,000 animals across 300 species, this expansive zoo is located about a 40-50 minute drive (roughly 25-30 miles) from downtown Pattaya. Unlike traditional zoos, animals here live in environments that closely mimic their natural habitats, and visitors can enjoy interactive feeding experiences. It's a top Pattaya attraction, perfect for family vacations and equally enjoyable for adults.

Booking your tickets online in advance is generally cheaper than buying them at the gate. Prices can also vary between different platforms, so it's worth comparing before you commit!

Tour packages typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, with prices varying based on the number of people and vehicle type. If transportation is a concern, booking a tour can be a convenient option.

⚠️ Please note that standard admission tickets do NOT include cart rental fees. You'll need to leave a valid ID (such as your passport or driver's license) as collateral when renting a cart, so make sure to bring one!

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is divided into two main areas: the Green Zone (Zone 1) and the Pink Zone (Zone 2).

Green Zone (Zone 1)

You can explore this zone by cart or your own vehicle. It's home to a wide array of animals including giraffes, deer, birds, hippos, and kangaroos. Most of the major shows, like the Elephant Show and Penguin Parade, also take place in the Green Zone. There's so much to see here that you could easily spend a fulfilling day just in this area.

Pink Zone (Zone 2)

Access to this zone is restricted to carts only; private vehicles are not allowed. This is where you'll get to see majestic predators like tigers and lions up close. The zoo is incredibly vast, so navigating it without a cart would be a challenge. I highly recommend renting one!

Planning your route around the showtimes will help you make the most of your visit. Don't forget to grab a map and the show schedule from the ticket counter when you enter.

As I headed to rent a cart, I immediately noticed monkeys hanging out in the trees without any enclosures. It's truly an open zoo where animals roam freely!

We rented a cart for two hours and started our exploration. Remember, you'll need to leave an ID as collateral, so have it ready.

Right after we set off, we spotted deer! They didn't run away at all, just curiously watched us.

For animals that offer feeding experiences, you'll need to purchase food from the staff selling it. Make sure to have some Thai Baht (THB) on hand!

We went right up to feed them, and they came over immediately without hesitation. They were incredibly cute!

Since I only had two hours with the cart, I focused on visiting my favorite animals. We even passed by a tiger – though this one was, understandably, in an enclosure. 😂

Giraffe feeding was also available, so I hopped off the cart to give them some sturdy, branch-like food.

Watching the giraffe take the food with its long tongue was much closer than I expected. It grabbed the food so quickly that one of the thorns pricked my hand and drew a little blood!

In the bird zone, we had to go inside to see the birds. It felt like stepping into a jungle; the birds were just flying around freely, which was a bit intimidating!

Many tourists gathered for the shows. I recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before the parade starts to secure a good spot.

The Penguin Parade was genuinely adorable! You can see the penguins waddling in a line up close and even participate in a feeding experience.

After the parade, the feeding experience begins. If you're on a family trip, your kids will especially love this part.

Even as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed the direct feeding experience. Most reviews for Khao Kheow Open Zoo highly praise the Penguin Parade.

We also saw hippos and kangaroos. The zoo is genuinely massive; honestly, we missed many animals. My goal was to see as much as possible within two hours, so we focused on the major areas.

As we drove around in our cart, we passed flocks of cranes freely roaming by the roadside and even horses grazing without enclosures.

This is the true charm of an open zoo – those unexpected moments when you suddenly encounter animals without any barriers. It's absolutely amazing!

The Elephant Show is also not to be missed. Crowds gather as showtime approaches. I arrived exactly 10 minutes beforehand and managed to snag a front-row seat.

It was my first time seeing an elephant swim so close up, and the kids absolutely loved it!

Our two hours were almost up, and we made it back to return the cart just in time. After dropping it off, we grabbed some snacks from the zoo's convenience store before heading back.

• Located about 40-50 minutes (approx. 25-30 miles) from downtown Pattaya by Grab. Public transport is inconvenient, so Grab is highly recommended.

• The zoo is very large, so cart rental is essential. Remember to bring your passport or other valid ID.

• Upon entry, pick up a zoo map and show schedule from the ticket counter.

• Animal feed bags cost around 100 THB each, available for purchase on-site.

• Infants under 35 inches (89 cm) enter for free.

• It gets hot! Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must.

• Lemur feeding is only available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

In a nutshell, here's what Khao Kheow Open Zoo offers:

It's Pattaya's premier open-concept zoo, allowing you to encounter animals living freely in natural environments.

From the Elephant Show and Penguin Parade to giraffe feeding, it’s a full-day adventure perfect for families and adults alike.

For the best deal, book your admission tickets in advance through Trip.com, which offered the lowest price among the three platforms I checked.

🔽 Find the lowest prices for Khao Kheow Open Zoo here 🔽

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