Phuket Zoo
Phuket Zoo offers traditional animal shows and encounters, featuring crocodiles, elephants, and tigers. It's a classic zoo experience with mixed revie...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
More enjoyable for families
Phuket Zoo
Best Time
More enjoyable for families
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Phuket Zoo offers traditional animal shows and encounters, featuring crocodiles, elephants, and tigers. It's a classic zoo experience with mixed reviews on value and animal welfare.
"Expensive entry, but street agents offer much cheaper tickets for a traditional zoo experience."
🎯 Buy Tickets Outside
On-the-spot prices are high (1500 baht). Agents outside sell tickets for much less (200-300 baht).
⏰ Allow 2-3 Hours
The zoo is relatively small; most visitors spend a few hours exploring the exhibits and shows.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crocodile Show
Crocodile Arena
Witness brave handlers interact with large, powerful crocodiles in a thrilling, albeit risky, display.
Elephant Show
Elephant Arena
See elephants perform tricks like spinning hoops and kicking balls, a classic zoo entertainment.
Tiger Photo Opportunity
Tiger Enclosure
Get a photo with a tiger, though some reviews suggest the animals appear docile or drugged.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: It's Not a Modern Sanctuary
Ticket Price & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Tickets Outside
On-the-spot prices are high (1500 baht). Agents outside sell tickets for much less (200-300 baht).
⏰ Allow 2-3 Hours
The zoo is relatively small; most visitors spend a few hours exploring the exhibits and shows.
📸 Photo Packages
Check if photo opportunities with animals are included in your ticket price to avoid extra charges.
🐒 Monkey Performance
This show is often cited as a miss by visitors; manage expectations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Tickets Outside
On-the-spot prices are high (1500 baht). Agents outside sell tickets for much less (200-300 baht).
⏰ Allow 2-3 Hours
The zoo is relatively small; most visitors spend a few hours exploring the exhibits and shows.
📸 Photo Packages
Check if photo opportunities with animals are included in your ticket price to avoid extra charges.
🐒 Monkey Performance
This show is often cited as a miss by visitors; manage expectations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Phuket Zoo offers traditional animal shows and encounters, but reviews are polarized. While some families find it entertaining and a good value with discounted tickets, many criticize the high entry price, dated enclosures, and ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and performances.
"Pre warned is pre armed..
This is an average animal collection and entertainment venue.
With an expensive entry price.
Ignoring the animal liberation stuff and the usual hype, it's a collection of caged or restricted animals that are used to entertain the public.
By Asian and Thailand standards it's not fantastic.
But no cruelty is used that I saw.
The web, including Trip Advisor says 500 baht entry fee.
Its 1,500 for adults.
Its 1,200 for children.
This now includes photos when you enter and the right to take photos of some of the exhibit animals.
The performing monkey (singular) is worth a miss.
The crocodile show will one day take and arm or head off.
Some huge angry crocodiles here.
The elephant show is two animals that spin hoops and kick a ball.
Plus take currency notes off you at the end with their trunk.
The tiger photo opportunity is also very lame..
Real tiger, just appeared very docile.
About two to three hours tops.
BTW Thais or anyone who lives here with a thai license and address can get in for 100 baht.. yes that's right."
David Allen
"Not a well looked after zoo. I understand why with so many other live animal attractions nearby. It needs some serious refurbishment. It's not cheap either at 1500 BAHT per entry ticket. Has a couple of live shows which were ok."
Iain Littlejohn
"Appalling. Sad. Miserable. Animal suffering on display.
This Zoo bought me to tears. HELL ON EARTH FOR THESE ANIMALS.
Putrid enclosures, elephants chained and swaying, a drugged tiger tugged to sit up to "pose" for photos....starving animals, injured animals, putrid water.
Just an absolute hell hole for these animals.
Avoid Phuket Zoo, don't support it and don't pay for animal cruelty!"
Emma Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Phuket Zoo is located in Chalong. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available from Patong and other tourist areas. Negotiate your fare beforehand or use ride-sharing apps for a clearer price. Some travel agents may offer packages including transport.
Public transport options directly to the zoo are limited. It's best to rely on taxis, songthaews (shared taxis), or arrange a private transfer for convenience.
The journey from Patong to Phuket Zoo typically takes around 30-45 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.
Phuket Zoo is located in the Chalong area, which is also home to the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong. You can combine a visit to the zoo with these popular sites.
No, walking from Patong to Phuket Zoo is not feasible due to the distance. It's recommended to use a vehicle for transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The official entry price for Phuket Zoo can be high, around 1500 baht for adults and 1200 baht for children. However, many visitors report purchasing tickets from street agents for significantly less, around 200-300 baht.
Yes, Thais or residents with a Thai license and address can reportedly enter for a much lower price of 100 baht, highlighting a significant price disparity.
Some ticket packages include photo opportunities with certain animals. It's advisable to clarify what's included at the time of purchase, as this can vary.
While online booking might be available through some third-party sites, many visitors opt to purchase tickets from street vendors or at the entrance. Be sure to compare prices.
Phuket Zoo is generally open daily from morning until late afternoon. It's best to check the most current operating hours before your visit, especially during peak seasons.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Some ticket prices may include specific photo opportunities with animals, but personal photos are usually permitted throughout the zoo.
Phuket Zoo offers photo opportunities with animals like tigers and elephants. However, reviews suggest the animals may appear docile or drugged for these sessions.
The crocodile and elephant shows, as well as the tiger enclosure, are popular spots for photos. Consider the lighting and the animals' activity levels when you visit.
This is a personal consideration. While photos can be memorable, some visitors express concern about the welfare of animals used for these interactions.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing memories at Phuket Zoo. No specialized equipment is required.
🎫 🐘 Animal Welfare & Shows
Phuket Zoo features traditional animal shows, including a crocodile show, an elephant show (with elephants performing tricks), and a monkey performance. These are a main draw for many visitors.
Reviews are mixed. While some visitors find the shows entertaining, others express significant concerns about animal welfare, citing dated enclosures, chained elephants, and potentially drugged animals for photos.
You can see a variety of animals including crocodiles, elephants, tigers, monkeys, and other common zoo inhabitants. The collection is described as average by some visitors.
Some reviews indicate that the enclosures are dated and not well-maintained, suggesting a need for refurbishment. This is a point of concern for animal welfare advocates.
No, Phuket Zoo is not an ethical sanctuary. It operates as a traditional zoo with animal performances and photo opportunities, which raises ethical questions for many visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware of the mixed reviews regarding animal welfare and the dated enclosures. It's advisable to manage children's expectations and perhaps focus on the entertainment aspect rather than deep educational insights. Purchasing tickets from external agents can also make the visit more budget-friendly for families. Consider visiting on a rainy day, as some reviews suggest this can be a particularly enjoyable time for families at the zoo.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be mindful that even with a cheaper ticket, the overall value proposition is debated. If your priority is experiencing animal shows and seeing a variety of creatures without a large expense, then finding a discounted ticket is essential. However, if you're seeking ethical animal encounters or a high-quality zoo experience, you might find better value elsewhere, even if it means a higher initial cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Phuket Zoo Experience
The price point is a significant factor for many visitors. While official ticket prices are high, savvy travelers often find much cheaper options through street vendors. This discrepancy in pricing can lead to a feeling of poor value for money for those paying the full rate. The zoo's offerings are generally considered to be a few hours' worth of entertainment, rather than a full-day excursion.
For those considering a visit, it's important to weigh the entertainment value against the ethical concerns raised by some visitors regarding animal welfare. If you're looking for a modern, ethical animal encounter, other sanctuaries in Phuket might be a better fit. However, if you're seeking a traditional zoo experience with animal shows, Phuket Zoo offers that, albeit with significant caveats.
Navigating Ticket Prices and Value
Street agents and tour operators outside the zoo are frequently mentioned as sources for significantly cheaper tickets, often costing as little as 200-300 baht per adult. This stark difference in pricing suggests that the on-site cost may be inflated, and it's highly recommended to explore these external options before purchasing at the gate. Some reviews even mention a drastically lower price for locals or residents, further fueling discussions about pricing fairness.
When evaluating the value, consider what is included in your ticket. While some packages claim to include photos with animals, the quality and ethical implications of these interactions should be taken into account. For families with children, the zoo might offer a novel experience, but for others, the high cost without a corresponding high-quality or ethical experience can be a deterrent.
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