Khao Kheow Open Zoo was first opened to the public in 1978 and covers a total area of 2000 acres, making this one of the largest tourist attractions within easy reach of Pattaya. like Nong Nooch Gardens, you can make a full day of it. The Open Zoo is located inside the Khao Kheow-Khao Chom Puo Wildlife Sanctuary which offers a magnificent natural backdrop of beautiful rainforest-covered hills.
About Khao Kheow Open Zoo
There are over 300 species of animals at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, including Hippos, Giraffes, Rhino, Elephant, Hyena, Tapir, Wilde Beasts, Snakes, Tigers, Lions, Flamingo and a whole lot more.
The animals are kept in their own separate compounds which are styled to represent the animal’s natural environment and allow easy viewing.
You can feed most of the animals; food can be bought from a long row of stalls on your right-hand side as you drive into Khao Kheow Zoo; you are advised not to feed the monkeys; these are roaming around freely in large packs, and are likely to get over boisterous.
Aside: if you’re looking for a unique “up close” experience with animals in Pattaya, try the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Pattaya.
You can choose to walk around, drive your own car around, hire one of the electric cars for 200 Thai Baht, or use the free open bus service. We chose to walk, but this was a bit tiring for the children. we did manage to get around and see almost everything except for the big cats.
Electric cars look like the best option for getting around, giving you total freedom and ease of use. When we were going around, the free buses seemed to be taken by the many coach parties that arrived at the zoo, and none offered to stop.
Public toilets are plentiful but take your own toilet paper. Refreshments are available at various places around Khao Kheow and there are 2 restaurants on the left side as you enter.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo Opening Times and Entry Prices
You can opening times, entry ticket prices, and show times on their website: https://khaokheow.zoothailand.org/en/index.php
Where is Khao Keow Zoo?
It’s north of Pattaya and takes around 50 minutes to get there by car. Use the map (below) to get directions.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sh7yfvf72y6dofyx9
Get Cheap Khao Kheow Zoo Entry Tickets
You can buy discounted entry tickets online for most of the popular attractions and activities in Thailand. If you’re interested in that, read this article on how to get cheap tickets to attractions in Pattaya.
Looking for more? Here are some of the very best things to do in Pattaya.