Joanna James
Bangkok isn’t exactly one for zoos, but animal lovers in the capital city are never left disappointed. Explore Bangkok’s very modest share of zoos and get your fill of fascinating fauna, treating yourself to a wonderful wildlife experience on your big city getaway in the bustling Thai heartland.
In Bangkok's Dusit District, the eponymous zoo is the city’s first and arguably the most popular zoo in Bangkok. The 190,000 square-foot nature haven is home to over 1,600 species, from native to exotic and some of the most rare creatures in the Southeast Asian nation. Dusit Zoo isn’t just a haven for wildlife; visitors to the zoo, especially families with kids in tow, have a lot to enjoy, from the sightseeing train to the peddling boat and the host of amusement facilities, besides experiencing the country’s fascinating fauna.
The sprawling 480-acre zoo combines 2 parks, a Safari Park and a Marine Park, making itself one of the top nature spots and tourist attractions in Bangkok City. While it is the zoo’s wide variety of animals that put the zoo on the map for both tourists and locals, activities on offer at the zoo are just as fantastic as the animals that call the place home. The jungle safari, jungle cruise and the exhilarating water flume ride are just a fraction of the fun that awaits you.
Bangkok basks in the glory of being home to the largest aquarium in all of Southeast Asia. SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, the wondrous underground aquarium located beneath the Siam Paragon Mall, brings together a wide variety of marine creatures from different parts of the world, where aquarium horses, octopuses, sharks, crabs, and penguins are some of the favourites among the visitors to the aquarium. The aquarium extends over 10,000 square metres with nearly 30,000 marine life calling home to 5,000,000 litres of water.
For an exclusive tiger viewing experience, head over to the Sriracha Tiger Zoo, where the incredible nature haven is a natural breeding ground for the big cats of the wild. The zoo is set 110 kilometres outside Bangkok, on the outskirts of the city of Pattaya, but the rather long drive is well worth it if tiger watching is something on your holiday programme. Adding to your delight is the zoo’s crocodile section, offering something more in addition to the fascinating tigers.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is another zoo that is located outside the city of Bangkok, which sets itself apart from the rest with its wonderful natural setting. Contrary to the ordinary, following the concept of an open zoo, animals are put in their natural habitat, treating visitors to a real wildlife viewing experience. Get your fill of fascinating fauna and retreat to one of the finest suites in Bangkok offered by the likes of Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
