Khao Kheow Open Zoo - a couple of giraffe standing next to each other
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Khao Kheow Open Zoo

4.4
·22k reviews·Tambon Bang Phra, Thailand

Experience a safari-like adventure at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, home to diverse animals in spacious, natural habitats. Meet Moo Deng and enjoy interactive ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Khao Kheow Open Zoo - a couple of giraffe standing next to each other

Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience a safari-like adventure at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, home to diverse animals in spacious, natural habitats. Meet Moo Deng and enjoy interactive feeding sessions!

4.4
(22k reviews)

"The undisputed star of the zoo is Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus, who completely stole the show!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Golf Cart Rental is Key

Rent a golf cart to cover the vast park comfortably. Essential for seeing most of the zoo!

🐒 Beware of Mischievous Monkeys

Keep food and drinks secure; monkeys are known to snatch items. They can be aggressive!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 23,191 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Moo Deng the Pygmy Hippo

Moo Deng the Pygmy Hippo

Meet the internet-famous baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng! A guaranteed smile-inducer for all ages.

Safari-Style Exploration

Safari-Style Exploration

Experience animals in spacious, natural habitats. It feels like a true safari adventure, not a typical zoo.

Giraffe & Elephant Encounters

Giraffe & Elephant Encounters

Get up close for feeding sessions with giraffes or witness the unique elephant bath show. Interactive and memorable!

Capybara Charm

Capybara Charm

These gentle giants are incredibly charming and a joy to observe. Don't miss their delightful presence.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat & Crowds

Visit Khao Kheow Open Zoo early to avoid the midday sun and larger crowds. Renting a golf cart is highly recommended for comfortable exploration of this expansive park. Arrive before opening to maximize your time and see animals at their most active.

Moo Deng & Monkey Smarts

Don't miss Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippo! Be mindful of the free-roaming monkeys; they are known to snatch food and drinks, so keep valuables secure. Pre-booking tickets can streamline entry, especially during peak times.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, early afternoon
Why
See animal shows & feedings
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer people
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

18.5 hours was worth it for moo deng barricade!!!! #moodeng #traveltok #traveltiktok #bangkokthailand #khaokheowopenzoo #moodenghippo
@1989vinyl
1.3M likes • 10M views

🚗 Golf Cart Rental is Key

Rent a golf cart to cover the vast park comfortably. Essential for seeing most of the zoo! Reddit

🐒 Beware of Mischievous Monkeys

Keep food and drinks secure; monkeys are known to snatch items. They can be aggressive! Reddit

On July 10, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand's Chon Buri province welcomed a female pygmy hippopotamus. As is the zoo's common practice, it held a naming contest for the newborn baby hippo. On the poll, people were given the option to choose from three names: Moo Deng, which means bouncy pork in Thai, Moo Dang(red pork) and Moo Sub, (minced pork). The poll, which was held on Facebook, gained m...
@kassycho
352.5K likes • 2.6M views
Khao Kheow Open Zoo, a hidden gem in Pattaya, offers a unique experience with over 8,000 animal species and habitats for more than 300. Rent a golf cart to explore the vast grounds quickly. Interact with animals, feed them, and learn about their fascinating habits. Watch captivating animal shows showcasing unique behaviors. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a family seeking an educational outi...
onelifetravelwow
2.3K likes • 183.1K views

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Pre-booking tickets can save time. Check in at a small grey shack before the main entrance. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The park is large and can get hot. Reddit

Unbothered, moisturised, living her best life…😌🥰 By now, you’ve probably heard of Thailand’s newest icon, Moo Deng! This chunky little pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo has captured hearts across the globe. TikTok - @khamoo.andthegang #GoThaiBeFree #QueenMooDeng #CuteAnimals #AnimalLovers #BestLife #ThailandAdventures
gothaibefree
180.3K likes • 2.3M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Golf Cart Rental is Key

Rent a golf cart to cover the vast park comfortably. Essential for seeing most of the zoo! Reddit

🐒 Beware of Mischievous Monkeys

Keep food and drinks secure; monkeys are known to snatch items. They can be aggressive! Reddit

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Pre-booking tickets can save time. Check in at a small grey shack before the main entrance. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The park is large and can get hot. Reddit

🦛 Don't Miss Moo Deng!

The star attraction! This baby pygmy hippo is a must-see for an unforgettable experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(22k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the spacious, natural habitats and the impressive variety of healthy animals at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The chance to get up close with creatures like Moo Deng the pygmy hippo and the charming capybaras is a major highlight. While the park is vast and requires significant walking or a golf cart rental, the overall experience is highly praised for its immersive safari-like feel and friendly staff.

"Went on a Tuesday. Reached there at 12:30 PM. It was quite empty. However it took us a while to find our where to rent the golf carts. Keep 7/11 on your right and take a left Uturn until you see the tricycle rentals. A couple of minutes walk and you'll see the golf cart rentals.

We thought that 3-4 hours would be more than enough but it wasn't as we like to sleep in during our travels. The park is much bigger than we anticipated. We finished about 60-65 % withing 3.5 hours. One of the loveliest semi open zoos I have been to.
Important notes:

- leave nothing in the golf cart as the monkeys may take them. Especially food and drinks. (they took my donut and spilled my coffee) and can be aggressive too

- if you buy tickets online check in with the staff at the small Grey shack/building about 3 mins walk before the main entrance.

-"

hamad Bahrouh

"I was so impressed by my visit to the zoo. The care the animals receive is obvious—they all looked so healthy and vibrant. Every staff member I met was welcoming and friendly, which made the experience even better. The undisputed star of the zoo is Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus, who completely stole the show! Don't miss the capybaras either; they are just as charming. I highly recommend hiring a golf cart; it's the perfect way to explore the entire park comfortably"

Chermin Nithithanaruengsin

"The open concept of the zoo allows the animals to roam in spacious, natural habitats, which makes the visit feel more like a safari adventure than a typical zoo trip. The variety of animals is impressive, from majestic big cats to playful primates and beautiful birds. You can get up close and personal with some of the animals, which is a fantastic experience, especially for kids.

One of the highlights was feeding the giraffes and watching the elephants enjoy their baths. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about caring for the animals. They provide insightful information during feeding times and shows, which adds an educational touch to the visit."

Bruno

What People Like

Spacious natural habitats
Healthy, vibrant animals
Moo Deng the hippo

What People Dislike

Park is very large
Monkeys can be aggressive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most practical way to visit Khao Kheow Open Zoo from Bangkok is by car or taxi, which takes about 1.5-2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Chonburi and then a local taxi or songthaew to the zoo. Solo travelers might find booking a private tour or a shared minivan more convenient. Reddit

While direct public transport is limited, you can take a bus to Chonburi and then a local taxi. For a more seamless experience, consider ride-sharing apps or pre-arranged transport from your accommodation. Reddit

The zoo is very large, so renting a golf cart is highly recommended for comfortable exploration. They also offer a tram bus system for getting around. Reddit

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is located in Chonburi Province, Thailand, approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Reddit

Yes, you can drive your own car to Khao Kheow Open Zoo. There is ample parking available. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but it's advisable to check the official website or book in advance for potential discounts. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo ticket price is generally affordable for the experience offered. Reddit

You can purchase Khao Kheow Open Zoo tickets online in advance for convenience or at the ticket counter just before the main entrance. Reddit

While general admission tickets are standard, inquire about any package deals or special access tickets that might be available, especially if you plan on participating in feeding sessions. Reddit

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is typically open daily from morning until late afternoon. It's best to check their official website for the most current operating hours. Reddit

Booking Khao Kheow Open Zoo tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to ensure smooth entry and potentially secure better pricing. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The undisputed star is Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo! Other highlights include capybaras, giraffes, elephants, and various big cats and primates. The open concept allows for unique viewing opportunities. Reddit

Yes, there are scheduled animal feeding sessions, including for giraffes and elephants, which are very popular. Check the zoo's schedule upon arrival for timings. Reddit

The open zoo concept means animals roam in spacious, naturalistic habitats, allowing visitors to feel like they are on a safari. Many animals are free-roaming within designated areas. Reddit

Absolutely! Kids love the close encounters with animals, feeding sessions, and the general safari-like atmosphere. Renting a golf cart makes it easier for little legs. Reddit

Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and plenty of water. Keep snacks and drinks secured to avoid attracting monkeys. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are food stalls and restaurants within Khao Kheow Open Zoo offering various Thai dishes and snacks. You can also bring your own food, but be mindful of the monkeys. Reddit

You can find typical Thai cuisine, including rice dishes, noodles, and snacks. There are also options for drinks and ice cream. Reddit

Bringing your own food is generally allowed, but it's crucial to keep it well-sealed and away from free-roaming animals, especially the monkeys, who are notorious for snatching food. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The open habitats offer great opportunities for naturalistic animal shots. Feeding sessions, especially with giraffes, and the charming capybaras are also popular photo subjects. The golden hour light in the late afternoon can be magical. Reddit

The open concept allows for closer views than traditional zoos, making photography easier. However, animals are in natural settings, so patience is key. A zoom lens can be beneficial. Reddit

There are no specific mentions of drone usage policies online, but it's generally advisable to avoid flying drones in wildlife parks to prevent disturbing the animals. Always check with zoo management if unsure. Reddit

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