Safari World
ust about an hour from Bangkok is Thailand’s most impressive zoo/animal show, Safari world. Of all the animal attractions in the kingdom it is the best maintained, the most expansive, the most educational, and the most entertaining.
The two main sections that the park is divided into are a bit deceptively named. Or at least one of them is. The marine park is really the most densely packed and interesting bit of Safari World and where you’re going to see the most exciting shows.
Safari World’s marine park is fully staffed with the more clever sorts of marine animals, notably dolphins and sea lions. Both put on exciting shows, the sea lions being a bit more comical and engaging than the standard leaping through rings and bouncing balls. The dolphins get REALLY engaging and guests can get up close and touch them. But there is a lot more in the marine park that’s out of the water than is in it.
The dry shows may be more exciting than the wet ones too. Orangutans locked in slapstick pugilism, wild west shoot ’em up action with cowboy stunt-men, white tiger shows, bird shows and some kind of a spy stunt show that I never got a chance to see.
There are also a lot of really interesting attractions that you can amble through. I was most fond of the aviary. Colors fluttering around in there that look like they could only be made in a laboratory, so many beautiful tropical birds. There are also crocodiles, which are always kind of exciting, and the cacophonous macaw island. The river cruise is ok, but not really the best part of the marine park.
The safari portion of Safari World is a drive through open sort of zoo with lots of exotic grazing animals, birds, and a handful of ferocious predators. I’m a big fan of the drive through model, it’s a comfortable and relaxing sort of way to watch all the animals going about their daily business.
Eggs world is probably the most overtly educational attraction in the park, with lots of exhibition, explanation, and interaction with eggs, incubators, and the creatures that lay eggs. A baby parrot feeding is in there somewhere too for your cuteness-fix.
Lunch is included in the ticket and you have either the choice of the expansive buffet with Thai, Indian, and Western dishes or coupons that you can punch at various stalls. You’ll need a good lunch too, as the park is absolutely packed with stuff to do and fills up a full day without having time to see or do everything.
With the exception of the river cruise, which is ok if not great, the park is very well kept, and the animals all seem healthy and happy. The enclosures and habitats are well appointed, clean, and none of the inhabitants of the zoo seem to be lounging in a depressive haze. All in all a great day for the whole family.
If you need a private transfer there and back to your hotel at ease and comfort, let us know. Bangkok Beyond can arrange a car or van with English speaking driver for you.
