The safari park and the marine park: what this place is
Safari World Bangkok is a single complex divided into two themed zones. The Safari Park is a vast open territory through which visitors move by car, observing wild animals in their natural habitat: here lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, and bears roam freely.
The Marine Park is a classic pedestrian zone, where the main emphasis is on entertaining shows featuring trained animals, sea creatures, and birds. Visiting these two locations requires separate time planning, since the format of interaction with the fauna in them is fundamentally different.
How a safari park differs from a zoo
A safari park and a traditional zoo differ radically in the principles of keeping animals. In an ordinary zoo, the inhabitants live in isolated enclosures or cages, which limits their natural behavior and physical activity. In a safari park, animals are located on vast natural territories, as close as possible to their natural habitat. In such conditions, the animals lead a more habitual way of life, preserving their social structures and instincts.
Visitors, in turn, observe the inhabitants from specially equipped vehicles or along laid-out routes, without violating the boundaries of the fauna's personal space. Thus, the safari park places emphasis on the freedom of movement of animals, while the zoo focuses on demonstrating species in an environment controlled by humans.
What to do at the park
At Safari World Bangkok a kaleidoscope of captivating spectacles awaits you:
- sea lion shows and the unique talents of orangutans;
- a cowboy stuntman performance;
- elephant shows demonstrating their intelligence and strength;
- playful and intelligent dolphin shows;
- the "spy war" — a dynamic action show.
These diverse performances will reveal to you the fascinating facets of animal life.
Who owns Safari World Bangkok?
If we answer in detail and to the point, Safari World Bangkok does not belong to a single private owner in the format "this is so-and-so's park." Formally, the park is under the management and ownership of Safari World Public Company Limited — a Thai public company that runs the Safari World business. Its annual report states that the company's main activity is the tourism and entertainment business, including an open zoo and shows in Bangkok.
But if you are interested in who actually controls the company, the shareholder structure matters here. According to the company's annual report, among the 10 largest shareholders as of March 14, 2025, the shares held by members of the Kewkacha family were as follows:
| Shareholder | Stake |
|---|---|
| Ms. Ampornsri Kewkacha | 19.44% |
| Dej Kewkacha | 9.70% |
| Rit Kewkacha | 5.01% |
| Apa Kewkacha | 3.22% |
| Kittikorn Kewkacha | 2.77% |
| Amnat Kewkacha | 2.66% |
Adding only these stakes of family members from the top ten gives about 42.8% of the shares — it is precisely the Kewkacha family that looks like the key influence group in Safari World.
When should you go and how much time to allow?
The best time to visit
The best time to go to Safari World Bangkok is from November to February: in Thailand this is the cool and drier season, and November and December are officially described as part of the cool season; in February the weather is still comfortable at the start of the month, but later the country transitions to the hot season.
In terms of time of day, it is optimal to arrive at opening, around 9:00 in the morning, especially if you want to calmly manage both the safari zone and the shows before the midday heat. Safari World operates from Tuesday to Sunday and on holidays, while Monday is a day off; the park opens at 9:00.
Tip
arrive right at opening — that way you'll have time for both the safari zone and the shows before the midday heat.
The least convenient period to go is usually March–May due to the strong heat and June–October due to the rainy season, when downpours often fall in the second half of the day.
How much time a visit takes
When planning a visit, set aside about 5-6 hours — enough to fully enjoy all the attractions and shows and see the maximum of what the park offers. One day is quite enough for a full visit: the entire territory, including the safari park and the marine part, is comfortably explored in this time.
This time is enough to see all the key animal shows, visit the feeding zones, and drive along the safari route by car. To make it to all the performances, it is recommended to check the current schedule on the park's official website in advance.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1988 |
| Recommended visit duration | 5–6 h |
| Average annual temperature | +28°C |
| Area | 1.9 sq. km |
| Tourist flow | ~2 thousand/day |
| Peak visiting hours | 11:00–15:00 |
Practical information
Do you need the cable car to get into the park
Yes, you can get into Safari World Bangkok without the cable car. The cable car is not a mandatory way of entering or of moving around the park: Safari World consists of Safari Park and Marine Park, where the safari zone is usually visited by private car or by safari coach, while around the Marine Park guests move on foot between shows and animal zones.
It is more correct to rely on the regular entrance ticket, the transfer to the park, private transport or a taxi, and inside — on walking routes and the safari drive across the territory.
Food and drinks in the park
It is officially prohibited to bring food and drinks with you into the Safari World Bangkok park. This rule was introduced by the administration to ensure the safety of the park's inhabitants and to maintain cleanliness on the territory. Accidental food remnants or packaging can harm the animals' health, so a bag inspection may be carried out on entry.
For a comfortable stay, numerous cafés and restaurants are available where you can have a full meal. Plan your budget with the fact that catering is available only inside the complex.
How Safari World Bangkok rates
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Price affordability | 4/10 |
| Wow factor | 8.5/10 |
| Safety | 8/10 |
| Physical difficulty | 9/10 |
| Family accessibility | 10/10 |
| Transfer | 6/10 |
| Comfort | 7/10 |
How do you get to Safari World?
Safari World is a popular zoo and amusement park in Bangkok at 99 Panya Indra Rd, Sam Wa Tawan Tok, Khlong Sam Wa. It is located about 30–40 km northeast of the city center and is accessible from the nearest tourist cities of Thailand — Bangkok, Pattaya, Ayutthaya, and Kanchanaburi — by taxi, bus, train with transfers, or a rented car.
From Bangkok
The nearest and most convenient option is from the center of Bangkok (the Siam, Sukhumvit, or Khao San districts). The distance is about 30–40 km, travel time is 45–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. The cost of a taxi or Grab is ฿500–700 (≈ $14–19).
- Taxi/Grab/Bolt: the fastest way. Order through the app, specify the Safari World address.
- Bus No. 503: from Wat Ratcha Natda Ram to the Phantom Yothin Soi 67/1 stop (about ฿32–50), then a taxi 5–10 minutes. Total time 1–2 hours.
- Metro (MRT): to Victory Monument station (exit 2), then a bus or taxi.
- Car: parking on the park's territory for 2000 cars. Use Google Maps for navigation.
From Pattaya
The distance is about 150 km, the time is 2–3.5 hours. Ideal for a one-day excursion with a transfer. The cost of a bus/train is ฿130–1300 (≈ $3.6–36).
- Bus: from Pattaya Bus Terminal to Ekkamai or Mo Chit in Bangkok (2 hours, ฿130–200), then a taxi to Safari World (45 min, ฿500).
- Train: Pattaya–Bangkok (2 hours, ฿300–1300), then a taxi.
- Taxi/minivan: a direct transfer ฿2000–3000 per group.
From Ayutthaya
The distance is 70–80 km, the time is 1.5–2.5 hours. Convenient to combine with a visit to the ancient ruins.
- Train: to Don Mueang or Krung Thep Aphiwat (1 hour, ฿30–300 ≈ $0.8–8), then a bus or taxi to the park (30–60 min).
- Bus: to Mo Chit Bus Terminal (1 hour, ฿150–200), then a taxi (฿500).
- Taxi: a direct transfer ฿1500–2500.
From Kanchanaburi
The distance is 150–160 km, the time is 2–4 hours. Suitable for nature lovers after the bridge over the River Kwai.
- Bus + night bus: to Mo Chit or Ram Intra Km7 (3–4 hours, ฿200–400 ≈ $6–11), then a short transfer.
- Car: along the highway 2–2.5 hours, ฿600–900 for fuel. The distance is 156 km.
- Taxi: ฿2000–3000.
Useful tips
The park is closed on Mondays. Tuesday–Friday: 9:00–16:30/17:00, weekends and holidays until 17:00–17:30. The best time is November–February. Buy tickets in advance on the official website (from ฿1000 ≈ $28 for a combo). Take water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes. Avoid the rainy season (June–October).
Comparison of options from the nearest cities
| City | Distance | Time by taxi | Cost | USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok (center) | 30–40 km | 45–60 min | ฿500–700 | ≈ $14–19 |
| Pattaya | 150 km | 2–3 h | ฿2000–3000 | ≈ $55–83 |
| Ayutthaya | 80 km | 1.5–2 h | ฿1500–2500 | ≈ $42–69 |
| Kanchanaburi | 156 km | 2–2.5 h | ฿2000–3000 | ≈ $55–83 |
