Zoos in Thailand to Visit with Family and Kids

Opened in 1978, Khao Kheow Open Zoo is spread over a vast area of 2000 acres nestled inside the Khao Kheow Chom Puo Wildlife Sanctuary. With a spectacular backdrop of lofty hills covered with lush green rain forests, the zoo houses more than 300 species of animal with a total count of about 8000 animals.

Sea Life Bangkok is an underground aquarium located beneath the Siam Paragon mall in the heart of Bangkok. Sprawled over an area of 110,000 sq. ft., it is home to marine life retrieved from the remotest corners of the world. Several species of octopuses, sharks, crabs, penguins and fish reside here, among other marvellous secrets from the deep blue.

The Chiang Mai Zoo, spread across 200 acres, is one of the oldest zoos in northern Thailand. It houses animal species from all over the world, including ostriches, camels, flamingos, penguins, seals, sharks and even giant pandas. Exhibits are made to resemble the animals' natural habitats for their comfort. The zoo also has tunnel aquariums, some of which hold world records.

Opened to the public in the year 1923, the snake farm in Bangkok, part of the Thai Red Cross Institute (formerly the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute) has large pits and mesh enclosures to host its reptile residents. Also called “Suan Nguu”, the snake farm hosts a variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes. It’s the second oldest such snake farm in the world after a snake farm in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Home to a variety of rescued elephants, the Phuket Elephant Park provides its visitors with an opportunity to see these gentle creatures without handling them. Set in a national park, a half day tour of this sanctuary lets visitors watch elephants take mudbaths and forage amongst the green foliage, for a beautiful and heartwarming experience.

Phuket Aquarium in Cape Panwa is situated 40 kms away from the central Phuket City, near the Thai Navy's Third Area Naval Command Base. Established in 1983, Phuket Aquarium is a part of the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC), spread over 20 acres of prime waterfront property on Phuket's southeast coast.