Thailand

Exhibition of giraffes, birds' waltz, dolphins, and sea lions… Practical guide to Safari World, a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts staying in Bangkok.

Safari World, a zoo to visit

Are you planning a vacation in Thailand with a stay in Bangkok? About forty kilometers outside the capital, Safari World welcomes you with open arms. With 190 hectares of exhibition space, the zoo offers a unique experience alongside terrestrial and marine animals. Children will jump for joy at the sight of playful dolphins, elephants performing tricks, or orangutans challenging each other in a boxing ring. It's incredible to discover how intelligent and talented animals are! Regardless of your age, you'll enjoy meeting the ambassador species of the African Savannah. Marine biodiversity is also fully worth exploring. A magical day awaits you at Safari World during your stay in the City of Angels!

History of Safari World

The zoo's history began on February 17, 1988. Its total area then was 80 acres, approximately 195 hectares, plus 72 hectares reserved for birds. The success of the project exceeded expectations, leading to a major renovation in 1989 to expand the grounds. The zoo was equipped with a 200-hectare marine area. Since 1994, its name has changed to Safari World Public Company Limited. It is now one of the few entertainment parks listed on the Thailand Stock Exchange.

A few years ago, the zoo was embroiled in a serious controversy. Animal welfare organizations accused zoo officials of mistreating animals. The harshest criticisms concerned the training of orangutans and elephants, and the breeding of young lions and tigers in overly cramped cages.

Today: A must-see tourist attraction in Bangkok

Safari World is a full-scale zoo, the largest of its kind in Bangkok. Alongside brightly colored birds, numerous mammals, monkeys, and reptiles coexist in the zoo, not to mention freshwater and marine fish imported from all continents. Smiles, thrills, cries of wonder—Safari World is a prime sanctuary to enjoy an extraordinary animal experience or simply spend a day with family.

Things to see and do at Safari World

Safari World is divided into two distinct sections: Safari Park and Marine Park. You'll be delighted to observe marvelous specimens of the animal kingdom. The experience goes beyond mere observation. Touching, feeding a suncone, having a cockatoo or monkey on your shoulder, taking photos, studying a typical species, understanding its needs, watching it go about its daily activities… Safari World allows you to explore animals in every possible way.

Safari Park: Meeting animals from the African Savannah

The first section resembles a classic safari. Visitors drive through animal enclosures in their own vehicles.

Safari Park is home to a large herd of hoofed herbivores: black wildebeests, impalas, giraffes, gazelles, zebras, Cape buffaloes, camels, dromedaries, and many more. Your keen eyes will recognize these as ambassadors of African wildlife.

But that's not all. Impressive mammals like rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, black lions, Asian black bears, and American black bears will compete for your attention on this eight-kilometer route. The feeling of being in the middle of the savannah is almost perfect. The reproduction of the African bush is not just a facade; it was deemed necessary to acclimate animals transported from their original natural habitats.

Marine Park: Exhibition of fascinating marine creatures

More attractive is the Marine Park section, where aquatic animals take center stage. This is also where Mini World is located, housing aviaries for different bird species. One aviary reveals flamingos swimming in a muddy lake alongside Carolina ducks and Mandarin ducks. Another is inhabited by hundreds of sun conures, brightly colored parrots that will gently perch on one hand while you offer them food with the other. Yet another is populated by hornbills, arboreal birds with disproportionately curved bills.

Highlights of the Zoo

• English-speaking guides are available upon request.
• Secure booking is possible on the official website.
• There are two on-site restaurants offering delicious buffets. They can accommodate 1,700 and 800 guests, respectively.
• A souvenir shop offers a wide range of items: parrot-patterned caps, dolphin T-shirts, tiger candies, and authentic handicrafts.

Practical information

Prices and opening hours

Although Marine Park and Safari Park are part of the same complex, they do not open at the same times and do not apply the same entrance fees.

Safari Park is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closes half an hour later on weekends. Price: 600 baht (16.8 euros).

Marine Park is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closes one hour later on weekends. Price: 800 baht (22.4 €).

By purchasing a combined ticket, visitors can avail of a discount of 1,200 baht (33.6 €).

The best time to visit

It is advisable to choose dates in the winter, between December and February. The weather is pleasant and warm during this season, away from the scorching temperatures. It's better to visit the zoo during the week to avoid weekend tourist crowds.

How to get there?

Unfortunately, there are no direct buses or metro connections from Safari World to central Bangkok. The easiest way to get there is to hire a private car.

The good news for budget-conscious travelers is that it's possible to reach Safari World by combining public transport and a taxi. Head to the Sukhumvit bus terminal and take the next BTS to Mo Chit. From there, take bus lines 26 or 96 and get off at the Fashion Island Mall stop. Then simply hail a taxi to Safari World. Expect to pay around $5 for the total fare.

Nearby attractions to Safari World

Did the Safari World excursion leave you breathless? Not far from the zoo, other attractions await your visit:

• Dream World, a world-famous amusement park;
• Siam Park City;
• Chatuchak Market.