Khao Kheow Open Zoo is a place where the trip can feel less like a quick zoo visit and more like a day out in a vast wildlife park. You can see giraffes and zebras in the African Savanna, visit the Cats Complex, and get close to animals during feeding activities.
I like two things about this tour: the private hotel transfers spare you the hassle of arranging a ride back, and the zoo gives you room to set your own pace. Rent a golf cart if you want to cover more ground without wearing yourself out.
The trade-off is that this is mainly a ride to the zoo, not a guided tour. The driver may help with tickets and transport, but you explore on your own, and golf carts, meals, parking, and some other costs are extra.
- The key things to know before you go
- A wildlife park built for a full day
- The private ride from Pattaya or Bangkok
- Entering the Pink and Green zones
- Feeding times, shows, and animal encounters
- What the price covers, and what it does not
- A good fit for families, with a little planning
- Should you book this Khao Kheow day trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- Where does the tour depart from?
- Is admission to Khao Kheow Open Zoo included?
- Is there a tour guide?
- Is a golf cart included?
- Are meals and drinks included?
- Is parking included?
- Can I see the zoo shows during the visit?
- What is the group size?
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The key things to know before you go
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8 / 8- The zoo is enormous: It spans more than 2,000 acres, so plan your route rather than expecting to see everything on foot.
- You choose your pace: The private vehicle gives you flexibility, but there is no included tour guide inside the zoo.
- A cart can change the day: Golf cart rental is not included, but it can save time and energy in the Green Zone.
- The Pink Zone is part of the drive: The package includes a drive through it, though how much time you spend there depends on the day’s plan.
- The ride back is arranged: Hotel pickup and return transfers are included for the Pattaya package. Confirm pickup details carefully if booking from Bangkok.
- Bring cash: Food, beverages, cart or tram rental, parking, and personal expenses are not included.
A wildlife park built for a full day
Khao Kheow Open Zoo sits in Si Racha, Chon Buri Province, within the Khao Kheow-Khao Chom Puo Wildlife Sanctuary. The zoo covers more than 2,000 acres and is used to breed endangered species. It is also Thailand’s first zoo to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or WAZA.
The scale is the main point. More than 8,000 animals and over 300 species live across the grounds, and the open-concept design aims to give animals more natural surroundings than a row of small, traditional enclosures. You may see animals roaming through their areas, and there are opportunities to feed some of them yourself.
That open setting also means distances. A casual stroll will not take you across the whole zoo, especially in hot weather. People often find that the Green Zone is spread out, and some attractions are a long walk from others. Think of the golf cart not as a luxury, but as a practical way to make the size manageable.
The park has themed areas that help you decide what matters most. The African Savanna includes zebras, rhinos, and giraffes. The Cats Complex is where you can see lions and tigers, while the colorful aviary offers a change of pace. There is also a one-acre deer park, and animal presentations and feeding sessions add structure to a day that could otherwise become a long, unplanned wander.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Si Racha.
The private ride from Pattaya or Bangkok
The tour is sold as a private day trip for groups of two to nine people. The Pattaya option starts at $39.65 per person, while the Bangkok option starts at $68.45. Prices can change, so treat those as starting rates rather than a promise of the final cost.
A private transfer is particularly useful because Khao Kheow is outside the main city areas. From Pattaya, the drive is roughly an hour according to one account, though traffic and the pickup point can affect the timing. From Bangkok, expect a longer drive and allow for traffic on the way back. One trip ran into several hours of evening congestion, which is a good reason not to plan a tight dinner booking after the tour.
The advertised schedule runs from an 8:00 a.m. departure to a 5:00 p.m. return, with the zoo visit listed from about 10:00 a.m. The exact timing can shift with traffic and weather. Some people have arranged an earlier start, which can help you reach the zoo before the heat and make a head start on popular areas. Confirm any change with the operator rather than assuming it is automatic.
The package includes round-trip hotel transfers, fuel, a basic English-speaking driver, admission for non-Thai residents, and a drive through the Pink Zone. Pattaya hotel pickup and drop-off are specified for the Pattaya package. Extra charges may apply for certain pickup areas, including Na Jomtien and parts of Chon Buri, Sattahip, and U-Tapao. Check your exact address and any surcharge before booking.
Driver experiences vary. Some drivers help exchange e-tickets, arrange entry, suggest which zone to visit first, or wait while you explore. Others provide little information about the zoo or speak limited English. The service is not a guided tour, so use a translation app if needed and make your own plan for the day. A driver named Aimee and another named Airry have been singled out for kind, punctual service, but you should not expect a particular driver.
Entering the Pink and Green zones
The zoo experience is commonly split between the Pink Zone and the Green Zone. The package includes a drive through the Pink Zone, where your driver may take you through the area and stop so you can see animals. Confirm the day’s arrangement with your driver, since the tour does not promise a set route or a guide.
The Green Zone is where many people spend much of their time. It has a tram, which is an extra cost, and golf carts are available to rent. Some visitors prefer to use the tram and walk between stops; others value the freedom to stop whenever they like in a cart. The tram is described as operating in the Green Zone, while golf carts are often recommended for getting around the park. Availability, rules, and prices can vary, so check at the entrance.
A golf cart is especially helpful if you have children, want to reach the more distant areas, or are visiting on a hot day. Rental is not included in this tour. The cost cited by people on site has varied, including around 500 to 600 baht for two hours, so check the current rate and terms when you arrive. If you do not rent one, pace yourself and focus on the areas you most want to see.
There can be a wait for carts, particularly at busy times. Arriving early may improve your chances of getting one without a long queue. If you plan to rent, ask your driver about the order of zones before setting off. One group lost time by visiting the Pink Zone first, then waiting for a cart in the Green Zone. A sensible plan is to settle the cart question early, then decide whether you want to use the driver’s vehicle for the Pink Zone.
Feeding times, shows, and animal encounters
Feeding presentations and animal encounters are among the most appealing parts of the day. The zoo also has a flying parade show, and schedules can include events such as a penguin parade or elephant presentation. Times change, so check the zoo’s schedule when you arrive. Do not build your whole day around a show you have not confirmed.
The chance to feed animals brings you closer than simply passing by an enclosure, but follow the zoo’s rules and staff instructions. Keep an eye on your belongings around monkeys. They roam in some areas and may grab food or loose items, so keep snacks packed away and watch children closely.
A popular animal can draw crowds, and there is no guarantee you will see it active. The pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng has been a major draw, but animals rest, hide, or feed on their own schedule. You may arrive to find a much-anticipated animal asleep or out of clear view. That is part of visiting a living collection, not a stage show.
Weather changes what you see. In the heat, animals may rest in the shade, and you may find walking between areas tiring. Cooler months, especially December and January, can make a long day more comfortable. Bring water, sun protection, and mosquito repellent. The grounds have refreshment stalls and toilets, but meals and drinks are your own expense.
What the price covers, and what it does not
At the starting price, this tour’s value is mostly in the private transport and the convenience of having a return ride arranged. That matters more if you are staying in Pattaya or Bangkok and do not want to negotiate separate transfers or search for a ride back from the zoo. The private format also gives you more control over how long you spend at each zone than a fixed group outing might.
The price does not include everything you need for a full day. Cart and tram rental, food, drinks, parking, tips, personal purchases, insurance, and the Night Safari are excluded. Parking has been reported at 80 baht, paid separately. Carry cash for these expenses: people have found that much of the zoo operates on cash, and the ATM near the entrance may not always have funds.
The entrance admission is listed as included for non-Thai residents. Check the conditions for your own ticket and package before travel, and ask about any extra charges for your pickup area or a child seat. Any add-ons are best clarified before the driver arrives.
For two people, compare the private-tour price with the cost and convenience of arranging your own transport. One person found a ride-hailing option could work out cheaper, while others valued the certainty of a driver waiting for them. From Bangkok, the long return drive makes that waiting arrangement especially useful. From Pattaya, the decision may come down to how much you value door-to-door service and a flexible schedule.
A good fit for families, with a little planning
This outing suits families and small groups who want a full day among animals and prefer not to manage transport themselves. Children can enjoy feeding opportunities and presentations, while adults can split the day between themed areas and animal viewing. The large grounds give you room to explore, but they also make a cart worth considering if you have young children or do not want a lot of walking.
Independent-minded visitors will also be comfortable here. You do not need a guide to enjoy the zoo, but you should be ready to check show times, navigate between zones, and ask your driver clear questions about the pickup point and return plan. Save the driver’s contact details before you leave the vehicle.
The tour’s terms say the activity is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, asthma, pregnant women, people with disabilities, older adults, or infants. The terms also say infants and children must be counted in the passenger headcount. If any of those conditions apply, check with the operator before booking rather than assuming the trip is suitable.
Should you book this Khao Kheow day trip?
Book it if you want a full day at a large zoo and value having a private ride to and from your hotel. The strongest reason to choose it is convenience: you can explore at your own pace without needing to arrange a return car from the zoo. The animal encounters, open areas, and themed zones give families and wildlife fans plenty to plan around.
Skip it if you want a guided tour with detailed explanations, expect every extra cost to be included, or prefer a compact attraction you can see on foot in a few hours. Before you go, confirm your pickup address, clarify any area surcharges, bring cash, and decide whether to rent a golf cart. Those few checks can make the difference between a relaxed zoo day and a long, hot walk with an uncertain ride home.
Day Tour Khao Kheaw Open Zoo From Pattaya or Bangkok by TTD GLOBAL
“Although expensive, this trip worked out well with efficient booking and transfers. The driver was good but we were disappointed that he did not go…”
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The schedule lists departure at 8:00 a.m. and return at 5:00 p.m., with arrival at the zoo around 10:00 a.m. Traffic and weather can change the timing.
Where does the tour depart from?
There are private day tour options from Pattaya and Bangkok. Hotel pickup and drop-off are specified for the Pattaya package. Confirm the exact pickup details for your selected option.
Is admission to Khao Kheow Open Zoo included?
Admission is listed as included for non-Thai residents. Check the terms of your selected package if you need to confirm how admission applies to your group.
Is there a tour guide?
No tour guide is included. The package provides a basic English-speaking driver, but you explore the zoo independently.
Is a golf cart included?
No. Golf cart rental is an extra cost. A tram is also available in the Green Zone for an additional fee.
Are meals and drinks included?
No. Meals and beverages are not included. The zoo has refreshment places, but you should budget for food and drinks separately.
Is parking included?
No. Parking is excluded. An 80-baht parking charge has been reported, so bring extra cash.
Can I see the zoo shows during the visit?
The zoo has presentations and shows, but their times can change. Check the schedule on site and plan your route around the current timetable.
What is the group size?
The activity requires at least two participants and accepts groups of two to nine people. Infants and children must be included in the passenger headcount.