Bangkok: Elephant Sanctuary &Khao Kheow Open Zoo (Moodeng)

Exploring Thailand often means enjoying vibrant markets, majestic temples, or bustling city streets. But for animal lovers seeking a meaningful experience, this tour takes you beyond the usual tourist spots, offering a chance to connect with animals ethically and witness Thailand’s diverse wildlife firsthand.

What makes this experience stand out?
First, the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary is a far cry from traditional elephant rides — instead, it focuses on ethical treatment and natural habitats. Second, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo introduces you to rare creatures like Moodeng, the pygmy hippopotamus, along with a variety of other exotic animals. Third, the tour includes a tasty Thai lunch featuring authentic Pad Thai, adding a flavorful touch to your day.

A potential consideration is that the admission fee for Khao Kheow Zoo isn’t included, so you’ll need cash on hand for entry. This tour suits those who want an educational, humane experience with animals, enjoy scenic views, and appreciate a well-organized day trip that balances wildlife encounters and local culture.

Key Points

• Ethical interaction: The Elephant Sanctuary emphasizes humane treatment and natural living conditions.
• Diverse animal encounters: See pygmy hippopotamuses, giraffes, exotic birds, and more at Khao Kheow.
• Beautiful vistas: Trek with elephants to a viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views.
• Authentic Thai cuisine: Enjoy freshly prepared Pad Thai made with local ingredients.
• Convenient logistics: Includes pickup, drop-off, and guided tours, making for a seamless experience.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, keeping plans adaptable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins with pick-up from three convenient locations: Samut Prakan, Bangkok, or Pattaya City. The journey to Chonburi takes approximately 90 minutes — a manageable drive that leaves enough time to settle in and prepare for the day ahead. The private group arrangement ensures a comfortable ride, often with a friendly guide who shares interesting tidbits about Thailand’s wildlife and natural beauty.

The Elephant Sanctuary: A Truly Ethical Encounter

Once you arrive at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, the focus shifts from touristy photo ops to respectful observation. The sanctuary’s guides are knowledgeable, offering insights into the elephants’ lives, behaviors, and the importance of conservation. As one reviewer noted, the guide was “super informative,” enhancing the experience with stories about each animal’s background and the sanctuary’s ethical approach.

You get around 2.25 hours here, enough time to watch elephants graze, bathe, and socialize naturally. Unlike elephant rides or shows, the sanctuary emphasizes animal well-being, making it a responsible choice for anyone concerned with ethical tourism. A highlight is trekking with elephants to a viewpoint, where the group enjoys a hidden panoramic vista — perfect for photos and quiet reflection.

The Move to Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Post-lunch, the tour continues to Khao Kheow Open Zoo for about four hours. Here, the variety of animals and zones keeps the experience lively and engaging. The zoo’s must-visit zones include:

• Moose Garden: A spot where you can observe these majestic creatures up close.
• Savanna Zone: Giraffe feeding activities allow for interactive animal encounters.
• Giant Aviary: Home to rare bird species, offering colorful and lively scenes.
• Wildlife Wonderland: A diverse collection of animals from around the world, providing educational insights and great photo opportunities.

Most travelers appreciate the chance to see Moodeng, the pygmy hippopotamus, who has captured many visitors’ hearts. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved seeing Moodeng — it’s rare to get such a close look at pygmy hippos, and the zoo does a good job of creating natural habitats.”

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Food and Rest Breaks

A highlight of this tour is the lunch break. The meal features authentic Pad Thai, prepared with fresh ingredients, and served in a relaxed setting. Many find this to be a welcome break from wildlife viewing, offering a taste of local flavors and a chance to recharge.

Practical Details

This is a private group, which means a more personalized experience and fewer strangers. The tour is designed to be flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before without penalty, and you can also reserve now and pay later, which is perfect for flexible travel plans.

Remember to pack comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the moments. The tour does not cater to wheelchair users or those with animal allergies, a detail worth noting if applicable.

What Travelers Are Saying

Feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with a 5/5 rating from five reviews. Guests praised the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and the delicious food. One reviewer shared, “The elephants were happy and safe — it’s a great time, and I’d go again.” Another appreciated the timeliness of pick-ups and the flexibility of the driver, which helped the day run smoothly.

Importantly, visitors feel they gain more than just sightseeing — they learn about animal welfare and conservation efforts, making the experience more meaningful.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for animal lovers, families, or anyone interested in ethical wildlife experiences. If you want to see animals in environments that promote their well-being and enjoy panoramic views, this tour fits the bill. It’s also suitable for travelers seeking a well-organized day with minimal hassle, thanks to private transfers and guided commentary.

However, it may not suit those needing wheelchair access or with specific animal allergies, so planning ahead is advised.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced day of wildlife observation, scenic views, and cultural flavors. It’s a thoughtful choice for travelers wanting to make a positive impact by supporting ethical animal tourism. The combination of the Elephant Sanctuary’s humane approach and the diversity of attractions at Khao Kheow makes it a compelling option for a full-day outing from Bangkok or Pattaya.

The experience provides a good mix of learning, adventure, and relaxation, all wrapped in a well-organized package that minimizes stress. Plus, the chance to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine adds that extra touch of local flavor.

If your goal is to encounter Thailand’s animals responsibly, enjoy stunning vistas, and learn about wildlife conservation, this tour ticks those boxes perfectly.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the experience is generally family-friendly given its focus on animals and scenic views. However, younger kids should be able to manage walking and be comfortable around animals.

Are the elephant interactions hands-on?
No, the focus is on observing elephants in their natural environment ethically, not riding or direct contact. The guiding staff emphasizes respect and animal welfare.

How much does the Khao Kheow Zoo admission cost?
The admission fee is not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to prepare cash to pay at the gate.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and a camera are recommended. Water is provided, but extra snacks are optional.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Booking now and paying later offers added flexibility.

Is this a guided tour?
Yes, the experience includes a guided tour at the Elephant Sanctuary, with knowledgeable guides providing insights and ensuring respectful interactions.

This day trip offers a genuine chance to connect with Thailand’s wildlife responsibly, enjoy breathtaking views, and indulge in authentic local flavors. Perfect for those seeking an enriching, ethical adventure that balances fun and education.

You can check availability for your dates here: