While exotic animals and birds captivate the imagination in tropical countries, seeing them up close in a controlled setting is an entirely different experience. Welcome to Phuket Zoo, where the island’s diverse fauna is on display.
General Information
Phuket Zoo (Phuket Zoo) is not particularly extraordinary; rather, it is a fairly ordinary island attraction primarily geared towards children. Adults might find it rather dull.
Established in 1997, the zoo spans a modest 5 hectares and features a standard collection of animals and shows – many of the attractions appear to be carefully curated to maintain the zoo’s financial sustainability.
Phuket Zoo has garnered mixed reviews, with many visitors expressing disappointment over its steep ticket prices, which some feel are not justified by the selection of animals and show quality. For example, for the same amount of money, one can visit a zoo in Pattaya or Bangkok and be far more delighted.
Nevertheless, skipping Phuket Zoo is not advisable, as it is sure to delight children.
The zoo consists of:
- the main area with animal enclosures;
- an oceanarium;
- an orchid garden;
- a bird park.
The zoo is home to the following types of animals:
- bears;
- tigers;
- crocodiles;
- deer;
- monkeys;
- sheep;
- a horse;
- elephants;
- otters.
In addition to the animals, there is a vast array of birds present both throughout the zoo grounds and in the dedicated bird park mentioned above.
The oceanarium spans two floors, with its most memorable feature being the entrance designed to resemble a crocodile’s mouth. Inside, the environment is quite cool, making it preferable to visit in the latter part of the day when the daytime heat becomes overwhelming and you crave a bit of relief.
At certain animals, you are not only allowed to observe them but even to feed them. This delightful experience costs 25 baht per serving. It is easy to tell which animals can be fed and which cannot – baskets with treats and a separate money collection device are placed near the enclosures. Everything here is based on trust: take the food and simply deposit the money.
Feeding the animals evokes mixed feelings. On one hand, it is cute and engaging; on the other, it gives the impression that the animals are deliberately underfed so that tourists spend more money on food.
In general, in Thailand — particularly on Phuket — the zoo’s presentation seems designed to maximize revenue from visitors, regardless of the cost.
To some extent, this zoo can be described as interactive, because for a relatively modest fee—updated to around 350 baht in 2025—you can take a photo with almost any animal. Tigers are especially popular. And if you’re not willing to shell out a significant amount for a photo or video with a live animal, there are numerous animal statues around the perimeter that evoke a strong emotional response from young visitors.
Shows
In addition to a leisurely stroll through the park, Phuket Zoo offers three animal shows, which take place at intervals of 30–45 minutes. The show schedule is presented below:
- Monkey Show – 9:00, 12:00, 14:30, 16:45.
- Crocodile Show – 9:45, 12:45, 15:15.
- Elephant Show – 10:30, 13:30, 16:00.
Monkey Show
This is considered the most boring show, according to the majority of visitors. Admittedly, children are delighted by the antics of the monkeys. From a critical standpoint, the monkeys’ repertoire of tricks is limited to riding a bicycle, performing exercises with dumbbells and a ball, and solving simple arithmetic problems.
Overall, the performance is somewhat drawn out, and some animals appear visibly fatigued and exhausted (which is hardly surprising given that they perform up to four shows a day).
Crocodile Show
This show is somewhat more entertaining and moderately extreme, revolving around the domination of humans over reptiles. It gives the impression that the crocodiles participating in the show might be on sedatives, as they are very sluggish, and dragging them by the tail is akin to pulling a massive rope. Naturally, for first-time viewers, the sight of a trainer’s head in a crocodile’s jaws will evoke a mix of awe and fear, while seasoned tourists may be left disappointed.
Elephant Show
The only genuinely worthwhile performance is the elephant show, which is truly worth watching. The elephants demonstrate both their intelligence and obedience, and the act involving the audience is downright breathtaking. When a massive animal carefully steps over visitors lying in its path, it takes your breath away.
You can take a photo with each of the animals featured in the show—if you manage to do so in time. Despite the uninspiring delivery, there is always a large crowd.
Oceanarium
The oceanarium, sometimes referred to as an aquarium, has nothing in common with the other aquarium located elsewhere on Phuket. Its entrance is fashioned to resemble a crocodile’s maw, and—as mentioned above—this feature generates enormous excitement. The building spans two floors and contains approximately 14 tanks housing marine life. Additionally, there is a separate hall for reptiles (chameleons, snakes, iguanas, etc.).
Orchid Garden
The orchid garden is a separate feature of the program, although frankly, its inclusion in the zoo is not entirely clear – except perhaps as a means to justify the exorbitant prices.
The garden houses a vast array of orchid species that can be photographed. It is especially appealing to young women, who tend to be more sensitive to the beauty of nature.
Cafe
Within the zoo grounds there is a cafe called “Food Center,” where you can grab a bite and refresh yourself with cool drinks. Naturally, the prices here are somewhat inflated compared to those in the city.
If you prefer not to spend extra money, there are several pavilions along the walking route where you can rest and enjoy your own food (there are no restrictions on bringing your own provisions).
Prices
As mentioned earlier, the prices here are astronomical – a fact that disgruntled tourists frequently remind others of in their reviews.
As of 2025, ticket prices were 1,500 baht for adults and 1200 baht for children. The cost of the three shows described above is included in the overall price and does not require separate payment.
Children under 5 years of age are admitted free of charge, provided their height does not exceed 120 cm. A special measuring scale is available at the entrance for checking the child’s height. And if your little one is over five years old but still under the height limit, simply seize the opportunity to obtain a free ticket without mentioning their age to the staff.
The zoo is open from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM. Although there is an official website, it has been blocked recently, so all relevant information must be obtained from alternative sources.
How to Get There
How can you reach the zoo? There are four options:
- Rented transportation;
- Public transport;
- Guided tour;
- Transfer service from the zoo.
Getting here via public transport is quite a hassle, so it is better to opt for a transfer service through a travel agency, which will cost about the same but without any transfers.
If you are traveling by your own private vehicle, follow this route:
Depart from the Chalong roundabout heading toward Phuket Town and, at the second traffic light, turn right. Then continue straight for about 7–8 minutes, and the destination will be on your right.
Address: 23/2 Moo.3, Soi Palai, Chaofah Rd., Muang, Phuket
A detailed map of the zoo’s location is provided below.
Transfers from the zoo depart from three main beaches twice a day:
- Patong – 9:00, 9:30.
- Karon and Kata – 9:30, 10:00.
Return transfers are organized at 13:30. Bus fare costs between 250–350 baht.
And the simplest option is a guided tour purchased at a travel agency. The cost is similar to the entrance fee, but you will have no issues with transportation – you will be picked up from your hotel and returned in time for dinner.
You can purchase such a tour package at any travel agency on the street.
Thus, Phuket Zoo is not the most popular attraction, and we recommend considering it only if you have no other options for entertaining your children.
Don’t forget to share your vacation experiences in the comments – they are invaluable for those still undecided about their next holiday destination.
