Is it worth going to Khao Kheow Zoo in Pattaya and what is interesting there?

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is definitely a must-visit if you are vacationing in Pattaya with children or simply love animals. This is not an ordinary zoo with cages, but a huge open safari park covering more than 2,000 acres, where over 8,000 animals of more than 300 species live in natural conditions. There is no feeling of a "prison for animals" here; instead, you have the opportunity to see elephants, giraffes, rhinos, flamingos, and many other animals almost as if in the wild.

The main star now is the pygmy hippo Moo Deng, because of whom crowds of tourists flock to the park. He lives in a regular enclosure, does not participate in shows, but you can watch him at any time. Since 2026, a new Hippo Village zone has even been opened for him, and fans can sign up for the "keeper for a day" program and personally take care of the little hippo.

Besides the hippo, the park hosts several shows – elephant bathing, a penguin parade, and a flying bird parade. They run 2–3 times a day; it is better to check the schedule at the entrance or in the article. A huge plus is that almost all animals can be fed by hand: food is sold on the premises from 30 baht. Children are absolutely delighted by this, and adults also get a lot of emotions.

If you are still in doubt, follow our example: we have visited many zoos, and Khao Kheow is definitely on the list of the best. The territory is well-maintained, the paths are asphalted, and you can walk with a stroller. The main thing is to bring water and hats, as there are not many shady places. And allocate at least half a day for the park, or better yet, a whole day including travel time.

We have told you in detail about the zoo, prices, and visiting tips in our big article Khao Kheow Zoo in Pattaya: a complete guide for independent travelers. We recommend reading it before your trip – it has all the current details for 2026.

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