A trip to the zoo is always a good alternative to the air-conditioned shopping malls and kids’ amusement parks. As well as getting a close-up view of the animals, the zoo can also be a rewarding way to see Thai families enjoying their spare time at the weekends.

In Thailand, there are five public zoos, operated under the supervision of the Zoological Department (Tel +66 2 282-7111-3). They include Dusit Zoo in Bangkok, Khao Khieo Open Zoo in Chonburi, Chiang Mai Zoo, Songkhla Zoo and Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. Usually the public zoos under the Zoological Department have very low admission fees; only 30 baht for adults and 5 baht for children. However, there are some other remarkable zoos that are better known among tourists. Most are operated by private companies and are usually better-managed and more commercialized, with strong promotional activities and shows.

Zoos specializing in crocodiles, elephants, tigers, snakes, ostrich, birds or dolphin shows are a few examples. The most popular privately-owned zoos in Thailand include the world’s largest Crocodile Farm and Zoo in Samut Prakan province, Sampran Elephant Ground and Zoo in Nakhon Pathom, Sri Racha Tiger Park in Chonburi and Oasis Sea World in Chantaburi. For travelers looking for an alternative zoo experience, a visit to Safari World is highly recommended. Located in a suburb of Bangkok, it is the largest and best managed open zoo in Thailand. It is the only zoo where you can see different kinds of wild animals roaming freely in a quasi-natural environment. It’s probably the only place where you can see herds of giraffe, lions, zebras and wild bears in Thailand, probably many more than you would ever see on a safari in Africa