Elephant mother and child
1 / 10

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo

4.4
·3k reviews·Tambon Chai Mongkhon, Thailand

A sprawling 218-acre zoo in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, featuring African animals, a reptile house, and beautiful gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Mornings

Cooler temps, active animals

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Elephant mother and child

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo

Best Time

Early Mornings

Cooler temps, active animals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sprawling 218-acre zoo in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, featuring African animals, a reptile house, and beautiful gardens.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"Amazing zoo, definitely one of must see and visit if you’re nearby. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Rent a Golf Cart or Bike

The zoo is large! Renting a golf cart or bike makes exploring much easier and more enjoyable. :motorized_bicycle:

🦒 Feed the Giraffes

A unique experience! Giraffes are more likely to approach if you have food. :food:, :giraffe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

African Savannah

African Savannah

African Zone

Witness majestic African elephants and giraffes up close. Feeding the giraffes is a unique and memorable experience!

InstagramReddit
Reptile House

Reptile House

Reptile House

Explore a fascinating collection of snakes, lizards, and other fascinating reptiles. A must-see for creature enthusiasts.

Instagram
Bird Aviary Walkway

Bird Aviary Walkway

Bird Exhibit

Walk through a lush aviary where colorful birds fly freely at head height. An incredible photo opportunity with a magical green aura.

Reddit
Seal and Penguin Show

Seal and Penguin Show

Show Arena

Enjoy entertaining shows featuring seals and penguins. Duck feeding is also a popular activity for visitors.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo can get quite warm. Plan your visit for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday sun and larger crowds. Renting a golf cart or bike is highly recommended for exploring the expansive grounds comfortably. Reddit

Allocate Ample Time

This 218-acre zoo is beautifully designed like a garden with a vast collection of animals. Most visitors suggest dedicating at least 3 hours to fully explore and enjoy the exhibits, shows, and feeding opportunities. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early Mornings
Why
Cooler temps, active animals
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, golden hour
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Nakhon ratchasima นครราชสีมา top 6 city of Thailand Gdp : 13.5B 🏙️🇹🇭#Thailand #fyp #korat #nakhonratchasima
@evthingaboutcty
8.2K likes • 114K views

🚗 Rent a Golf Cart or Bike

The zoo is large! Renting a golf cart or bike makes exploring much easier and more enjoyable. Reddit :motorized_bicycle:

🦒 Feed the Giraffes

A unique experience! Giraffes are more likely to approach if you have food. Reddit :food:, :giraffe:

✨ Thailand's Most Colorful Temples Will Leave You Speechless! 1. Purple Temple - Wat Klang Khlong Watthana, Ayutthaya 💜 2. Elephant Temple - Wat Ban Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima 🐘 3. Blue Temple - Wat Rong Suea Ten, Chiang Rai 💙 4. Wat Huay Sai Khao, Chiang Rai ❤️ 5. Wat Petch Suwan, Phetchaburi 🐲 Which one is your favorite? Comment below! ⬇️ #bluetemple #chiangrai #thaitemple #thailand #amazingthaila...
@twotravelingsmiles
6.8K likes • 105.3K views
ทำความรู้จักช้างแอฟริกา 🐘 #zoo101 #แอดมินที่ป่วนสัตว์ทุกคนในสวนสัตว์ #อินฟลูเอนเซอร์สายสวนสัตว์ที่มีลูกเพจมากกว่าหนึ่งหมื่นคน #แอดซูพาทัวร์ #ช้างแอฟริกา #africanelephant #koratzoo #Nakhonratchasimazoo #สวนสัตว์นครราชสีมา
zoo101thailand
14 likes • 224 views

📸 Bring Your Camera

Plenty of photo ops, especially in the bird aviary and with free-roaming deer. Reddit :camerawithflash:

💧 Stay Hydrated

It can get hot. Bring plenty of water or purchase it inside. Reddit :droplet:

#morning ride#Nakhon Ratchasima zoo
ondesign
0 likes • 65 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Rent a Golf Cart or Bike

The zoo is large! Renting a golf cart or bike makes exploring much easier and more enjoyable. Reddit :motorized_bicycle:

🦒 Feed the Giraffes

A unique experience! Giraffes are more likely to approach if you have food. Reddit :food:, :giraffe:

📸 Bring Your Camera

Plenty of photo ops, especially in the bird aviary and with free-roaming deer. Reddit :camerawithflash:

💧 Stay Hydrated

It can get hot. Bring plenty of water or purchase it inside. Reddit :droplet:

⏰ Allow 3+ Hours

Don't rush! You'll need ample time to see all the animals and shows. Reddit :clock1:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo is praised as an amazing and clean facility, offering a unique experience with a wide variety of animals in a beautifully designed garden setting. Visitors highlight the convenience of renting golf carts or bikes for exploration and recommend allocating ample time to enjoy the shows and feeding opportunities. While some note it can be more expensive for tourists, the overall sentiment is positive, with many expressing a desire to return.

"Lots of parking spaces and plenty of ways to get around inside — trams, bicycles, and golf carts are all available.
They have the only African elephants in Thailand, which is really cool!
All the animals look healthy. Great place to spend a day! 🐘🌳"

Natcha T.

"Amazing zoo, definitely one of must see and visit if you’re nearby. 15 min drive from center of Korat. Unique experience to feed a Giraffe. But she was not so much in 🍃 she came after she saw 🍌. You will stay in memories for ever. Keep up with great work you do."

Luka Mitrovic

"Nice and Clean place. We rent a golf cart to explorer the place which really convenient for us, due to we can stop wherever to see and to take the photos of the animals. We love this place very much of course we will return to visit this place again. The kids really enjoy this place."

Panisa Wood

What People Like

Amazing animal collection
Beautiful garden design
Giraffe feeding experience

What People Dislike

Can be expensive for tourists
Limited AC buildings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo is located about a 15-minute drive from the center of Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima city). You can reach it by car, taxi, or local songthaew. Many visitors rent a car or use ride-sharing apps for convenience. Reddit

Yes, ample parking is available at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot. :car:

Local songthaews (shared taxis) operate in Nakhon Ratchasima and can take you towards the zoo. It's best to ask your accommodation or a local for the most convenient route. :bus:

The zoo is located in Nakhon Ratchasima city, which is a significant distance from Pak Chong. Travel time by car can be over an hour. TikTok

While the zoo is a primary attraction, the city of Nakhon Ratchasima itself offers other points of interest, including Wat Ban Rai (Elephant Temple) TikTok and various markets like Saveone Market.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The zoo is typically open daily from morning until late afternoon. It's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially for specific show times. TikTok

Admission prices can vary, and some sources suggest it might be more expensive for tourists. It's best to check the current ticket prices upon arrival or on their official channels. Reddit

Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets at the zoo's entrance. :ticket:

Specific discount information is not readily available online. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter upon your visit. :moneywithwings:

The most straightforward way to book tickets is to purchase them directly at the entrance of Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo on the day of your visit. :credit_card:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors rave about the African Savannah animals like giraffes and elephants.InstagramReddit Don't miss the reptile house,Instagram the bird aviary,Reddit and the seal and penguin shows.Reddit Free-roaming deer are also a highlight. Reddit

Yes, the zoo offers popular seal and penguin shows, as well as duck feeding sessions. Giraffe feeding is also a unique experience. Check the schedule upon arrival for showtimes. Reddit

The zoo is quite large, so renting a golf cart or a bicycle is highly recommended for easier navigation and to cover more ground comfortably. InstagramReddit

The bird aviary with its green-tinted walkway and free-flying birds offers stunning photo opportunities.Reddit Feeding the giraffes Reddit and observing the free-roaming deer are also great for capturing memorable shots. :camerawithflash:

Absolutely! Children particularly enjoy the animal encounters, shows, and the overall experience of exploring the zoo. Renting a golf cart can make it easier for little ones. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are food stalls and dining areas within the zoo offering various Thai dishes and snacks. TikTok

You can find typical Thai street food and meals. Some visitors mention homemade Thai food being available. TikTok

Prices are generally reasonable, similar to other tourist attractions in Thailand. TikTok

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the zoo's policy on outside food and beverages. Bringing water is always a good idea. :water_wave:

Vegetarian and vegan options might be limited, but you can usually find fruit and some vegetable-based dishes at Thai food stalls. :leafy_green:

📸 📸 Photography

The bird aviary with its unique green lighting and free-flying birds is a prime spot.Reddit Feeding the giraffes Reddit and observing the deer Reddit also offer great photo opportunities. The African Savannah is visually striking. Instagram

Yes, photography of the animals is generally permitted. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or instructions from zoo staff. :camerawithflash:

The lighting can vary. Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer, more flattering light. The bird aviary has a distinct green-tinted natural light. Reddit

Drones are typically not allowed in zoos to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to assume drones are prohibited unless explicitly stated otherwise. :noentrysign:

A telephoto lens is useful for capturing animals from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive enclosures and the bird aviary. Reddit :camera:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. Children will be thrilled by the diverse animal collection, especially the African elephants and giraffes.Instagram The seal and penguin shows are always a hit, providing entertainment and educational value. Reddit Renting a golf cart is highly recommended to make navigating the large zoo easier and more comfortable for little ones, preventing meltdowns from too much walking. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity for animal feeding sessions, like the ducks or giraffes, which offer a hands-on experience that kids will love. Reddit+1 The zoo's design as a garden also adds to the pleasant atmosphere for a family outing. Pack plenty of snacks and water, or enjoy the food options available within the park. :family_ww: :stroller:

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo offers unique visual experiences. The bird aviary is a must-visit, with its distinctive green lighting and the chance to capture colorful birds in flight at eye level – a truly magical setting. Reddit The African Savannah provides opportunities for dramatic shots of elephants and giraffes, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. InstagramReddit

Consider bringing a telephoto lens for capturing animal details from a distance and a wide-angle lens for the expansive enclosures and the immersive aviary. Reddit The free-roaming deer and giraffe feeding sessions also present excellent opportunities for engaging wildlife photography. Reddit+1 Remember to check the zoo's schedule for shows and feeding times to plan your photographic excursions effectively. :camerawithflash: :bird:

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers

If you prefer to explore on foot, Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo offers a beautiful garden-like setting. However, given its 218-acre size, renting a bicycle is an excellent way to cover more ground and maintain an active pace without overexertion. Reddit This allows you to easily move between the diverse animal exhibits, from the African Savannah to the reptile house. Instagram

Plan for at least 3-4 hours to truly appreciate the zoo's collection and any scheduled shows or feeding times. Reddit The zoo is well-maintained, and the walking paths are pleasant, but be prepared for the heat by staying hydrated and taking breaks in shaded areas. Reddit The free-roaming deer add an unexpected element to your exploration. :runner: :bicycle:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Zoo: Getting Around

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo spans an impressive 218 acres, making comfortable exploration key. Many visitors highly recommend renting a golf cart or bicycle to navigate the grounds efficiently. This allows you to cover more distance without tiring out, especially in the heat. Reddit Renting these vehicles is particularly beneficial for families with young children or those who want to maximize their time seeing the diverse animal collection. Instagram

While walking is an option, be prepared for significant distances between exhibits. The zoo is designed like a beautiful garden, so even the walking paths offer scenic views. However, for a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed, the rental options are a worthwhile investment. Reddit Remember to check the availability of these rentals upon arrival, as they can be popular, especially during peak times. :motorized_bicycle: :car:

Animal Encounters and Shows

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo offers several engaging animal encounters and shows that are a highlight for many visitors. The giraffe feeding experience is frequently mentioned as a unique and memorable activity, with giraffes often approaching eagerly for treats. InstagramReddit The zoo also hosts popular seal and penguin shows, which are entertaining for all ages. Reddit

Beyond scheduled shows, the zoo features duck feeding in its ponds and allows visitors to observe free-roaming deer within certain areas, adding an element of surprise and interaction. Reddit The bird aviary is another standout, offering a chance to walk among colorful birds as they fly freely at head height, creating a magical and photogenic environment. Reddit These interactive elements significantly enhance the visitor experience, making it more than just a passive observation of animals. :giraffe: :penguin: :duck:

Photography Opportunities

For photography enthusiasts, Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo presents a wealth of opportunities. The bird aviary is a particular gem, with its unique green-tinted walkway and the chance to capture vibrant birds in flight at eye level. Reddit The natural light filtering through the canopy creates a surreal atmosphere perfect for stunning shots. Reddit

Beyond the aviary, the African Savannah provides dramatic backdrops for capturing elephants and giraffes. Instagram The free-roaming deer offer candid moments, and the giraffe feeding sessions are prime opportunities for close-up shots. Reddit+1 Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural lighting, avoiding harsh midday sun and creating a softer, more appealing photographic quality. Reddit Remember to bring a versatile lens, perhaps a telephoto for animal details and a wide-angle for the expansive enclosures and the unique aviary experience. :camerawithflash: :bird:

You may also like