Walking Street
Pattaya, Thailand
Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Pattaya
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Photo: Dean Croshere from Jomtien, Thailand, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia CommonsThe essentials in 10 seconds
- Ticket for foreigners
- About 350 baht for adults, 120 for children
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Hours
- Daily, roughly 8:00–17:00; last entry earlier
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Time on site
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A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 4 h
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Night safari
- Friday to Sunday from about 18:30 — separate ticket
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Getting around
- On foot, by shuttle tram or a rented golf cart
- Size
- About 800 ha — Asia's second-largest zoo
- Distances
- ≈ 49 km from central Pattaya, about an hour; ≈ 90 km from Bangkok
Key facts
≈ 800 hathe zoo's area — the second largest in Asia
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English Wikipedia> 8,000animals from more than 300 species
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English Wikipedia1974founded in the foothills of Khao Kheow mountain when Bangkok's Dusit Zoo ran out of room
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English Wikipedia1978the zoo opened to the public
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English WikipediaMoo Dengthe pygmy hippo born on 10 July 2024 — a worldwide internet meme
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English WikipediaSavannaha zone with zebras, giraffes, antelope and white rhinos; many can be fed
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English WikipediaGolf cartsvisitors tour by golf cart, car or on foot
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English Wikipedia≈ 49 kmby road from central Pattaya, about an hour
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OSRM routeTickets, hours and the night safari
According to 2026 guides, tickets for foreigners cost about 350 baht and 120 for children; some shows and the bird aviary are included. The zoo is open daily from about 8:00 to 17:00, with last entry earlier. The night safari runs Friday to Sunday from 18:30, with a separate ticket.
The zoo's official website is a web app without a public price list, so check prices at the ticket desk. The shuttle tram and golf cart rental cost extra; a golf cart is the most convenient way round — the grounds are huge.
What is Khao Kheow Open Zoo?
Khao Kheow is an open zoo run by the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, in the forested foothills of Khao Kheow mountain in Si Racha, about 50 km from Pattaya. It was founded in 1974, when Bangkok's Dusit Zoo ran out of space, and opened to visitors in 1978. Today it covers about 800 ha with more than 8,000 animals — the second-largest zoo in Asia.
Its hallmark is space: animals live in large enclosures and zones such as the 'African Savannah' with zebras, giraffes, antelope and rhinos, while visitors tour by golf cart, car or on foot. Its most famous resident is the pygmy hippo Moo Deng, born on 10 July 2024, who became a global sensation.
What to see
- Pygmy hippos — including Moo Deng.
- The African Savannah — zebras, giraffes, antelope, white rhinos.
- Giraffe feeding and feeding other animals (food sold on site).
- The bird aviary — a large walk-through.
- Animal shows on a schedule.
- The night safari — weekend evenings.
How to get to Khao Kheow
Step-by-step directions are below; the map shows where you arrive.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
More tips
- From central Pattaya it's about 49 km north on Highway 7 or Sukhumvit Road — around an hour by taxi or Bolt.
- From Bangkok it's about 90 km, 1–1.5 hours by car.
- On a tour from Pattaya — with transfer and ticket.
- There's no convenient public transport — arrange waiting time or a return ride with your driver.
- Park on site, then go by golf cart, tram or on foot.
How long do you need?
Allow a full day: 4–6 hours at the zoo plus about an hour's drive each way. Arrive at opening — the animals are more active in the morning and the heat isn't yet at its worst.
With children it's one of the best trips from Pattaya: giraffe feeding, hippos and spacious zones. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
Is Khao Kheow worth it?
Yes, especially with children: it's a huge zoo in the forest where animals have plenty of space, and the only place to see Moo Deng.
The YesGo take: it's a long way from Pattaya, and without a golf cart the heat wears you out. Views on animal shows in zoos are mixed — decide for yourself whether to watch them. If you can't spare a full day, pick something closer.
Before you go: checklist
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Pattaya nature and parks: compare and choose
Parks, gardens and nature spots in Pattaya rated by YesGo. Tap a column heading to sort.
| Pattaya Beach | 42 | 1 h 30 min | Free | 36.0 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jomtien Beach | 33 | 2 h | Free | 42.0 km |
| Wat Yansangwararam | 29 | 1 h | Free | 48.5 km |
| Ko Lan | 17 | 4 h | ferry ≈ 30 baht, speedboat ≈ 150–300 | 45.2 km |
| Khao Kheow Open Zooyou are here | 16 | 4 h | ≈ 350 baht, children ≈ 120 | — |
Pattaya with children
One day at Khao Kheow Zoo, another at Nong Nooch with its Dinosaur Valley, and evenings on Jomtien Beach. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.
- Khao Kheow Open Zooyou are here4 h · ≈ 350 baht, children ≈ 120
- 890 min walk from the previous stopNong Nooch Tropical Garden3 h · from ≈ 500 baht, packages with shows cost more
- 229 min walk from the previous stopJomtien Beach2 h · free
3 places · about 27 h 39 min with walks · 1119 min on foot in total
How to do it right
- A golf cart saves energy — the grounds are huge.
- Go to Moo Deng first — the queue builds later.
- Buy giraffe food only on site.
- Animals are more active in the morning.
- A second family day: Nong Nooch garden.
Questions
How much is entry to Khao Kheow Zoo?
About 350 baht for foreign adults and 120 for children (according to guides).
What are the zoo's opening hours?
Daily, roughly 8:00 to 17:00.
Can I see Moo Deng?
Yes, she lives at Khao Kheow; visit her enclosure in the morning.
How do I get there from Pattaya?
About 49 km — an hour by taxi, Bolt or on a tour.
Is there a night safari?
Yes, Friday to Sunday evenings, with a separate ticket.
Do I need a golf cart?
Not essential, but the grounds are huge — it's much easier with one.
How long do you need?
A full day including the drive.
How big is the zoo?
About 800 ha — Asia's second largest.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- English Wikipedia — Khao Kheow Open Zoo: area, animal numbers, history, zones, ways to get around; Moo Deng: date of birth
- 2026 travel guides (Thai Holiday Guide and others) — prices, hours, night safari (unofficial)
- OSM — coordinates; OSRM route — distances from Pattaya and Bangkok
- YesGo general facts for Thailand — payment, transport
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