Khonkaen Zoo

📍 Location of Khonkaen Zoo 🚘 Directions to Khonkaen Zoo

About Khonkaen Zoo

The Khonkaen Zoo, located in the northern part of the city, is a popular destination for families, particularly those with young children. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, all of which appear to be well cared for. Visitors are encouraged to take a cart ride around the zoo, as it is situated on a hill, providing a unique perspective of the animal enclosures. However, some visitors have suggested that the Chiang Mai Zoo may be a more appealing option.

The Khonkaen Zoo is not just a zoo, but also a waterpark. It is situated in Khoa Suan Kwang, approximately 50 km from Khon Kaen city. The zoo is considered to be quite impressive for Thailand, with the animals generally having ample space. Visitors have the option to explore the zoo on foot, by tour car, or by renting a golf cart. There are also animal shows at certain times, which can be particularly entertaining for young children. The ticket price includes access to a large swimming pool, providing a relaxing way to end a day of exploring.

The zoo is constantly growing and evolving, with construction and improvements being made regularly. Visitors have the option to take a guided bus tour, or to rent a golf cart for a more personalized experience. The golf cart rental is 300 baht per hour, and most visitors find that two hours is sufficient to see everything. The zoo also offers a seal show, although not all visitors choose to stay for this.

However, not all aspects of the zoo are met with approval. Some visitors have expressed concern about the conditions in which some of the animals are kept. The birds are able to fly freely, but other animals such as giraffes, zebras, lions, and tigers are kept behind fences. Some visitors have found this to be distressing, particularly when observing the behavior of the tigers.

The zoo has received mixed feedback regarding the appropriateness of the animal enclosures. Some appear to be suitable, while others, such as those for the leopard cats and raccoons, have been described as depressing. The zoo appears to prioritize visitor satisfaction over animal conservation, with a large number of deer and promotional posters featuring animals that are not actually present at the zoo. The water park has also received mixed reviews, with some visitors reporting safety concerns.

Despite these concerns, many visitors have enjoyed their day at the zoo, finding it to be good value for money. The bird enclosures are particularly impressive, with some of the largest cages ever seen by visitors. The swimming pool is also a big hit, with large slides for added fun. However, some visitors have expressed concern about the lack of animal carers and the conditions in which some of the animals are kept.

The entrance fee for the zoo and water park is 100THB for adults, 150THB for foreigners, and 50THB for cars. Visitors can explore the zoo either by golf cart or by a group vehicle provided by the zoo. The golf cart can be rented for 300THB per hour. The zoo also provides a tram-like vehicle for 20THB per person. This vehicle allows visitors to get off at certain animal cages and take their time exploring, with the option to catch the next vehicle at no extra charge. After visiting the zoo, visitors can head to the water park, which is included in the ticket price. However, visitors are not allowed to wear their own sandals or shoes in the water park, and must rent a locker for 20THB to store them. The water park also requires visitors to wear a headcap in the pool, which must be brought from home.