Songkhla Zoo Thailand
Explore diverse wildlife from your car at Songkhla Zoo, featuring interactive animal encounters and scenic mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More animal shows
Songkhla Zoo Thailand
Best Time
More animal shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse wildlife from your car at Songkhla Zoo, featuring interactive animal encounters and scenic mountain views. 
"A fun, affordable drive-thru zoo experience with unique animal interactions, great for families. "
🚗 Bring Your Car or Rent
Explore the zoo easily by driving your own car or renting a buggy. Saves energy!
💰 Animal Feeding Extras
Feed some animals like penguins and sea lions for an extra fee. Worth it for the experience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drive-Thru Safari
Throughout the zoo
Explore diverse wildlife from the comfort of your vehicle. See animals up close without the long walks.
+1
Penguin Feeding
Penguin enclosure
A delightful experience where you can hand-feed penguins. A hit with visitors of all ages!
Sea Lion Interaction
Sea lion exhibit
Get a chance to 'fist bump' a sea lion! A unique and memorable animal encounter.
Tiger Encounters
Tiger enclosure
Witness tigers in their habitat, with some videos showing them climbing trees.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Drive-Thru Adventure
+1Timing is Key for Shows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bring Your Car or Rent
Explore the zoo easily by driving your own car or renting a buggy. Saves energy!
💰 Animal Feeding Extras
Feed some animals like penguins and sea lions for an extra fee. Worth it for the experience!
🗣️ Shows in Thai
Animal shows are fun but primarily in Thai. Enjoy the visual spectacle!
🗺️ Navigate with Maps
Maps are provided to help you navigate the zoo. Essential for a smooth visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bring Your Car or Rent
Explore the zoo easily by driving your own car or renting a buggy. Saves energy!
💰 Animal Feeding Extras
Feed some animals like penguins and sea lions for an extra fee. Worth it for the experience!
🗣️ Shows in Thai
Animal shows are fun but primarily in Thai. Enjoy the visual spectacle!
🗺️ Navigate with Maps
Maps are provided to help you navigate the zoo. Essential for a smooth visit.
☕ Mountain View Cafe
Stop by the Mountain View Cafe for great views and a break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Songkhla Zoo offers a unique drive-thru experience and interactive animal encounters, making it a fun outing for families and budget travelers. However, some visitors note concerns about the zoo's maintenance and animal welfare, with mixed reviews on its overall condition. +1
"Allow me to drive my own car with 10 Thai baths or rent bungee in the zoo. Quite interesting for me. Not many animals here but some animals are seldom."
Lim Swee Sian
"Nice and simple zoo. Fun time for kids. They loved the rino area. They had a few animal shows, but everything was in Thai so we didn’t understand anything. The zoo was comfortable as we could drive through. You can also rent a buggy. The Mountain View cafe is a great place to stop by for the views."
Nur Zahirah 'IbadurRahman
"The animals looks a bit neglected. The place is not well maintained but its cheap. To me its not really worth the time to visit. The place is huge, you can drive thru with your car. Its mot really a good place to watch animals cause the animals looks bored and neglected.
The animal shows is fun because the staff are good with the shows. Price is cheap so not much to expect. Haha."
Niiro Eve
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Songkhla Zoo is approximately a 30-minute drive from Hatyai. Many visitors opt to drive their own car or rent one to reach the zoo.
Information on direct public transport to Songkhla Zoo is limited. It's generally recommended to arrange private transport or a taxi from Hatyai for convenience.
Yes, you can drive your own car through most of the zoo. There are designated parking areas near animal enclosures.
While the zoo is located on a mountain, signage can sometimes be insufficient. Having a map or GPS is advisable.
The most popular way to explore Songkhla Zoo is by driving your own car or renting a buggy. This allows you to cover the large area comfortably.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary. One review mentioned 750 Baht for two foreigners in a car, while another noted it's generally cheap. It's best to check the official website or inquire upon arrival. +1
While specific discount information isn't readily available in reviews, the zoo is generally considered affordable, making it a fun outing for kids.
Songkhla Zoo is typically open daily. Some sources suggest it's open for feeding animals from 11 AM to 1 PM on certain days, and generally open for viewing on weekends and holidays.
Yes, you can rent a buggy to explore the zoo, which is a great option if you don't have your own vehicle.
Opinions are mixed. Some find it a fun and affordable experience, especially for kids, while others feel the animals are neglected and the infrastructure needs improvement. +1
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Songkhla Zoo houses a variety of animals, including penguins, sea lions, tigers, rhinos, and more. The drive-thru aspect allows for close viewing.
Yes, there are animal shows, but they are primarily conducted in Thai. Visitors can still enjoy the performances and the staff's interaction with the animals.
You can feed certain animals, such as penguins and sea lions, for an additional fee. This is a popular interactive experience.
Reviews are divided. Some describe the zoo as having deteriorating infrastructure and neglected animals, while others find it simple, fun, and well-maintained enough for a good visit. +1
Yes, many visitors find Songkhla Zoo to be a fun place for kids, with opportunities for animal feeding and viewing. The drive-thru option makes it easier for families.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive-thru sections offer unique perspectives of animals in their enclosures. Areas with interactive experiences like penguin feeding and sea lion encounters are also great for photos.
Yes, driving your own car allows you to stop near enclosures and get clear shots of the animals. Be mindful of any glass or barriers.
Tigers, sea lions, and penguins are popular subjects. The variety of animals in the drive-thru section provides many photographic opportunities.
Early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer lighting and more active animals. However, the drive-thru nature means you can photograph throughout the day.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be respectful of the animals and other visitors, and avoid flash photography directly at animals if it might disturb them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opportunities to feed animals like penguins and sea lions add an interactive element that kids will love. While shows are in Thai, the visual entertainment is still enjoyable. The zoo's affordability also makes it an attractive option for family outings.
🚗 Budget Travelers
The ability to use your own car to explore the zoo significantly cuts down on potential transportation costs within the park, making it an economical choice for seeing a variety of animals.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Focus on capturing interactions like penguin feeding or sea lion 'fist bumps' for dynamic content. The natural mountain backdrop can also add to the aesthetic of your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Songkhla Zoo: Your Guide to Exploration
+1Maps are provided to help visitors navigate the expansive grounds. While the zoo aims to showcase animals from around the globe, some reviews suggest that the infrastructure could be better maintained and that certain animals appear neglected. However, others find the zoo to be a simple yet fun experience, especially for families.
For those looking for a break or a scenic spot, the Mountain View Cafe offers a pleasant place to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Planning your visit around showtimes, even if they are in Thai, can add an extra layer of entertainment to your day.
Interactive Animal Encounters at Songkhla Zoo
+1Another unique interaction is the opportunity to 'fist bump' a sea lion. This playful engagement is a testament to the training and care provided by the zookeepers, as noted by some visitors who found the animals to be well-fed and trained.
Beyond these direct interactions, the zoo also features animal shows, including those with tigers. While the shows are predominantly in Thai, the visual spectacle and the zookeepers' engagement with the animals are still enjoyable.
Understanding the Visitor Experience: Reviews and Realities
Conversely, some reviews express disappointment regarding the condition of the zoo, citing deteriorating infrastructure, cleanliness issues, and concerns about animal welfare, with some animals appearing 'neglected' or 'sad'. Navigation can also be a challenge due to insufficient signage.
Despite these criticisms, the zoo's natural mountain setting is often mentioned positively. For those seeking a budget-friendly outing with a chance to see a variety of animals, Songkhla Zoo can still offer a worthwhile experience, especially if managed expectations regarding infrastructure and animal presentation.
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