Khao Kheow Open Zoo Ticket

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is less a tidy stroll past cages than a vast, open-concept wildlife park where you can drive between animal areas and, at some stops, feed animals up close. The scale is part of the appeal, but it also changes how you should plan your visit.

I like two things here: the chance to see animals in roomy outdoor settings, and the freedom a golf cart gives you to set your own pace. Feeding giraffes, watching elephants swim and spotting freely roaming wildlife can make the day feel more immediate than a standard zoo visit.

The trade-off is distance. The zoo is spread over a large area, the sun can be punishing, and admission does not include transport or a golf cart. Plan your route and budget for getting around, or you may spend more energy walking than watching animals.

Khao Kheow at a glance

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• Open-concept setting: More than 8,000 animals and over 300 species are spread across a large park in Si Racha.
• A golf cart changes the day: Rent one separately if you want to cover the grounds without a long walk.
• Feedings bring you close: Giraffes, deer, elephants and other animals may be available to feed, though interest and availability can vary.
• Allow time for favorite areas: The African Savanna, Cats Complex, aviary and deer park each have a different feel.
• Arrive early for cooler hours: The zoo opens daily at 8am, and early visits can mean more active animals and less heat.
• Check ticket rules before booking: This ticket is for non-Thai residents, is valid on the selected date and requires a physical-ticket exchange.

A sprawling zoo, not a quick stop

Khao Kheow Open Zoo sits in Bang Phra, Si Racha, in Chon Buri Province. It is often paired with a Pattaya trip, but it is outside Pattaya city, so getting there is a separate piece of planning. The admission ticket covers entry only. You arrange transport yourself and pay separately for a golf cart, animal feed or other personal expenses.

The zoo describes its work around conservation, research and education. Its open-concept design aims to give animals more space and let you see wildlife in a natural setting. That does not mean every animal roams freely: enclosures and barriers remain part of the park, and reports describe lions and tigers separated from visitors by wide moats.

The scale is both the main attraction and the main challenge. You could spend three to five hours here, but how much you see depends on your transport and priorities. A leisurely visit to a few areas is more realistic on foot than an attempt to cover the entire zoo.

Start early, then choose your route

The zoo is open every day from 8am to 5pm. I would aim for opening time, especially in warm weather. Early hours can make a noticeable difference: the air is cooler, and animals may be more active before the heat builds.

Before heading into the grounds, exchange your voucher for a physical ticket at the designated counter. The ticket collection point is by the entrance, but it may take a moment to spot, so look for the booth rather than assuming your digital voucher alone gets you through the gate. Once you leave the venue, re-entry is not allowed.

There is no single must-follow route in the information provided, and that is useful to know. You can focus on the zones and animals that matter most to you rather than racing between every advertised activity. Still, the park is large enough that it pays to decide early whether you want to prioritize big animals, feeding opportunities, the aviary or shows.

The African Savanna and the Cats Complex

The African Savanna is a natural first stop if you want the classic open-plains animals. Zebras, rhinos and giraffes are among the species named for this area. Seeing them across a broader habitat can feel less like inspecting a row of exhibits and more like watching animals use space.

Giraffe feeding is a particular draw for families. It offers a close encounter that children often remember, though you should not count on every feeding opportunity working exactly as hoped. Animals can be full or uninterested, especially later in the day. Buying feed does not guarantee an animal will take it.

The Cats Complex brings lions and tigers into the day’s itinerary. The park’s open feel can be striking here, but it should not be confused with being physically among the cats. Wide moats or other barriers separate visitors from dangerous animals. Keep to marked areas and follow staff instructions.

Elephants are another highlight, with elephant swimming among the experiences described at the zoo. The chance to see an elephant in water is unusual and memorable, particularly for children. Shows and feeding times can shape your route, but no full schedule is provided here. Check the day’s timings on arrival rather than assuming you can catch every presentation.

The aviary, deer park and close encounters

The colorful aviary offers a change of pace from the large outdoor animal areas. It is one of the park’s most appealing stops if you want to slow down and look closely at birds rather than cover ground. Give it enough time to enjoy the setting instead of treating it as a quick pass-through.

The one-acre deer park is designed for a more direct encounter, and the zoo’s advertised activities include feeding and touching animals. The deer and giraffes may not always be hungry, so keep expectations flexible. These interactions are best treated as a chance, not a promise.

Lemurs and penguins also feature among the close-up animal experiences described at the zoo. The penguin parade is one of its named attractions, and penguin feeding is another possibility. The climate is hot for much of the year, so if animal welfare matters to you, pay attention to the conditions and presentation you observe rather than assuming every encounter will feel right for you.

The zoo also advertises nocturnal wildlife after dark. Regular opening hours are 8am to 5pm, so do not assume that a standard daytime ticket includes an evening visit. Check directly for any special after-dark program before building your plans around it.

Why a golf cart is worth considering

A golf cart is not included with admission, but for many visitors it is the practical key to seeing more of the park. The grounds are too large for most people to cover comfortably on foot, especially in the heat. Reviews place cart rental around 500 to 550 baht for two hours, though rates and availability may change. Confirm the current price and rental period on arrival.

Two hours may feel short if you want to stop often, see both main zones and catch several shows. Some visitors rent for longer, while others focus on the green zone, where many of the animals are located. If you have limited time, decide what you most want to see before setting off. A cart helps you move quickly, but it does not make the distances disappear.

Cart availability can be a pinch point. Larger vehicles may be limited, and a family or group could find that the size they want is not available. Arriving early improves your chances of getting a cart before demand builds. If you do not rent one, a tram or park shuttle may be an alternative, but allow patience for waiting and stops.

A cart also brings you closer to the park’s less controlled side. Monkeys roam freely in some areas, and they can approach people or vehicles, sometimes suddenly. Keep food and drinks secure, do not try to touch or feed wild monkeys, and move away calmly if one comes close. This is not a place to leave snacks on a seat while you admire the view.

Ticket value, transport and timing

At a starting price of $9.39, the ticket can be good value for a full morning or afternoon among a wide range of animals. The price is for admission, not an all-in day out. Add transport to Si Racha, a cart if you need one, and any optional food or animal feed before deciding what the visit will cost your group.

The ticket is for non-Thai residents and applies only on the date selected. Children up to 94cm tall enter free. Children at 135cm and above pay the adult rate, so check heights carefully when choosing tickets. The supplied rules do not state the ticket price for children between those heights, so confirm the correct option before booking.

Khao Kheow is far enough from Pattaya that transport deserves attention. The listed directions are for drivers, via Sriracha-Nong Yai Bu 38, Route 3702 and Chor Chor. 4036 to Bang Phra. Taxi arrangements can be challenging, so do not assume you can decide how to get back at the last minute. The admission ticket does not include transport.

Food is available inside the park, including food stalls and a 7-Eleven. That helps if you are staying for several hours, though heat can shorten a visit and affect how much you want to walk. Carry water, use shade when you can, and avoid trying to cram every exhibit into the hottest part of the day.

Who will enjoy the visit most

This zoo works especially well for families with children who like animals and can handle a long outing. The chance to feed selected animals, see elephants swim and travel through the park by golf cart gives the day variety. Children who are tired of walking may find the cart as exciting as the exhibits.

It also suits independent visitors who want to set their own pace and choose their own stops. The admission ticket is straightforward, and same-day purchase is available. But this is not a guided tour with transport bundled in, so you need to manage the route, ticket exchange and journey to the zoo yourself.

You may be less satisfied if you want a compact, walkable attraction or a tightly scheduled show itinerary. The park’s size can make it hard to attend every show, and some signs may be unclear, particularly in less familiar areas. Animal activity is not guaranteed either. In hot weather, some animals may be resting, and feeding is not assured.

Should you book Khao Kheow Open Zoo?

Book if you want a large, hands-on zoo day and are willing to plan around the distances. I would go early, rent a golf cart if the cost fits your budget, and choose a few priority stops instead of racing to see everything. The open setting, feeding opportunities and varied animal areas make the admission worthwhile for many families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Think twice if transport from Pattaya is not sorted, if you are uncomfortable around free-roaming monkeys, or if you expect the ticket to cover the cart and other activities. The admission price is modest, but the best version of this visit may involve extra spending and careful timing. Go for the animals and open setting, not for a quick, effortless stroll.

FAQ

How long should I plan to spend at Khao Kheow Open Zoo?

Plan on about three to five hours for a visit. The grounds are large, so the time you need depends on which zones and shows you choose.

What are the zoo’s opening hours?

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Is a golf cart included with the admission ticket?

No. The ticket includes admission only. Golf-cart rental is extra, and transport to the zoo is not included.

Can Thai passport holders use this ticket offer?

No. This offer is not available to Thai passport holders.

Do children need a ticket?

Children 94cm tall or below enter free. Children 135cm tall and above are charged the adult rate.

Can I leave the zoo and come back later?

No. Re-entry is not allowed after you leave the venue.