Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo (Korat Zoo)

History & Significance

Operated under the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo was established as a premier center for wildlife conservation, research, and public education in northeastern Thailand. Spanning 545 rai, the zoo's geographic layout recreates natural habitats for species adapted to savannah and tropical climates.

Highlights & What to See

The zoo cares for around 1,800 animals and is particularly famous for housing Africa's "Big Five": lions, leopards/panthers, African elephants, white rhinoceroses, and African buffalos. Additional exhibits feature cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, camels, kangaroos, Thailand's largest chimpanzee family, nocturnal animals, amphibians, penguins, and a dedicated hornbill garden.

• Korat Zoo Lagoon: The largest water park in northeastern Thailand, equipped with giant slides, octopus and dolphin figures, water-spraying elephants, and a lazy river.
• Cape Fur Seal Show: Known as the first seal university in Thailand, offering fun and educational performances daily.
• Learning Center & Cinema: Features a mini-theater with seating for 100 people, screening documentaries on nature and wildlife conservation free of charge.

Visitor Information

The zoo is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

• Admission Fees: Thai Adults: 100 THB, Thai Children: 20 THB. Foreign Adults: 150 THB, Foreign Children: 70 THB. Senior citizens, disabled persons, and monks enjoy free admission.
• Seal Show Schedule: Monday–Friday at 11:00 and 14:00; Saturday–Sunday at 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, and 15:30.
• Services & Rentals: Bicycles, golf carts, sightseeing trams, kid ATVs, small jet boats, traditional massage shops, waterfront Thai-style guest houses, and seminar rooms.

How to Get There

Located at 111 Moo 1, Ratchasima-Pak Thong Chai Road (Highway 304), Chai Mongkhon Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District. From Bangkok, take Highway 2 (Mitrapap Road) for 250 kilometers, or travel 19 kilometers from downtown Nakhon Ratchasima via Highway 304. Local bus line 4129 also provides direct access to the zoo.