I still remember the first time I stepped into Dusit Zoo, the air buzzing with excitement as my kids pressed their noses against the glass to see the white tiger pacing majestically. My daughter, then only five, squealed so loudly that several nearby tourists turned to smile at us. That was the magic of Dusit—it transformed ordinary Tuesdays into adventures, complete with ice cream drips, monkey antics, and the inevitable post-zoo nap in the back of a taxi.
After exploring Thailand for over a decade and calling Bangkok my second home for several extended stays, Dusit Zoo became our family’s go-to escape from the city’s concrete jungle. I’ve lost count of how many times we visited—rain or shine, during Songkran festivities or random weekday afternoons when the kids needed to burn energy and I needed to hear something other than cartoon theme songs in our apartment.
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But as many Thailand travelers now know, Dusit Zoo—the country’s oldest zoological park—closed its gates for the final time in September 2018 after eight decades of operation. The news hit me harder than expected; it felt like losing a reliable old friend. Yet this isn’t a story about endings. Bangkok, ever resilient and constantly evolving, has found new ways to fill the Dusit-shaped hole in its family entertainment landscape.
In this post, I’ll take you through what made Dusit Zoo special, why it closed, and most importantly, where you can recreate those family memories today. Whether you’re a long-time Bangkok visitor who misses feeding the hippos at Dusit or a first-timer planning a family trip to Thailand’s capital, I’ll share the alternatives that have worked for my family, complete with the practical details I wish someone had told me years ago.
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The Magic of Dusit Zoo — A Walk Down Memory Lane
Before Dusit became home to elephants and crocodiles, it served a much more exclusive crowd. The grounds were originally part of King Chulalongkorn’s (Rama V) private garden in the early 1900s. Royal gardens turned into monkey playgrounds—what’s not to love about that transformation? It wasn’t until 1938, during Rama VIII’s reign, that the space was converted into Thailand’s first public zoo, bringing wildlife encounters to everyday Thais and visitors.
What set Dusit apart wasn’t just its history but its charm. The 188,800 square meter park housed over 1,600 animals—from drowsy hippos wallowing in muddy pools to penguins that somehow thrived in tropical heat (air conditioning works wonders). The sprawling grounds featured ancient trees that provided welcome shade during Bangkok’s merciless midday sun, and at the center, that iconic lake where paddle boats shaped like swans and ducks bobbed lazily.
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My son, usually so reserved, would transform into an enthusiastic tour guide at Dusit, dragging us from exhibit to exhibit. “Mom! The monkeys are doing somersaults!” or “Dad, I think that elephant remembers me from last time!” His certainty always made me smile—though I suspect the elephant had seen thousands of excited children between our visits.
For many families, Dusit’s appeal lay in its accessibility. Entry fees remained remarkably affordable (100 baht for adults, 50 for kids) right until the end, making it possible to visit without budget-busting. The zoo’s little train was a hit with tired toddlers, circling the premises for just 30 baht per person. And on sweltering days, the modest water park area became our salvation—my youngest once spent an hour trying to convince me the hippos were smiling at her from their pool while she splashed in her own.
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The atmosphere at Dusit featured a uniquely Thai blend of education and entertainment. School groups in matching uniforms would parade through, notebooks in hand, while food vendors lined the paths with snacks that my kids considered as much a part of the experience as the animals themselves. The sweet aroma of grilled sticky rice would mix with the less appetizing zoo smells, creating that distinct sensory memory that still comes back whenever I pass certain street food stalls.
Under the sprawling banyan trees, families would spread mats for impromptu picnics, sharing meals while monkeys watched enviously from their enclosures. I learned quickly to keep snacks hidden after a particularly bold macaque made eye contact with my daughter before lunging for her banana. The ensuing chaos—my husband’s failed hero moment as he tried to intervene—has become family legend, retold at gatherings with increasing embellishment.
The African Acrobatic Show, though brief at just 20 minutes, became a must-see on our visits. My kids would sit cross-legged on the concrete, utterly transfixed by feats of human flexibility and strength. In true Thai fashion, the show blended cultural elements that had nothing to do with the animals but delighted audiences nonetheless.
Looking back, Dusit’s magic wasn’t in state-of-the-art facilities or cutting-edge conservation (though they did their best). It was in those small moments: my daughter naming every elephant, my son collecting fallen feathers like treasure, and the comfortable routine we developed over dozens of visits. In a city that reinvents itself constantly, Dusit Zoo remained delightfully, stubbornly consistent.
Why Dusit Zoo Closed — The End of an Era
When the announcement came in 2018 that Dusit Zoo would close permanently on September 30th, the news spread quickly among expat parent groups and travel forums. The reason was straightforward enough: the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand planned to relocate the animals to a much larger, more modern facility in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani province, about an hour’s drive north of Bangkok.
I’ll admit, I was gutted when I heard the news. But I get it—80 years in the heart of a growing metropolis wasn’t sustainable. The 118-rai (about 47 acres) plot had become increasingly valuable as real estate prices in central Bangkok soared. Meanwhile, the aging facilities struggled to meet modern standards for animal welfare and visitor expectations. Bangkok had grown up and around the once-spacious grounds, and the animals needed more room than downtown real estate could provide.
The closure was bittersweet for locals and regular visitors. On its final weekend, thousands flocked to say goodbye, creating lines that stretched beyond the entrance gates. My family and I joined them, waiting nearly two hours to enter—longer than ever before—feeling the weight of witnessing the end of an institution that had hosted generations of wide-eyed children.
As for the animals that had called Dusit home, they weren’t left homeless. The 1,600+ residents were carefully distributed among Thailand’s other zoos—Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Chiang Mai Zoo in the north, and others across the country. The white tigers my children had adored now entertain visitors in Chonburi, while the penguins waddled off to new climate-controlled homes elsewhere.
The land itself was returned to the Bureau of the Royal Household, its future reportedly planned as an expansion of the nearby Chitralada Palace and public park space. In typical Thai fashion, change came with respect for the past and optimism for what would follow.
The good news? Bangkok still has plenty of family-friendly adventures up its sleeve. While nothing can perfectly replicate the convenient charm of Dusit Zoo’s central location and history, the alternatives have their own unique appeal—and in many cases, offer more spacious, modern facilities that better serve both animals and visitors.
Recreating the Dusit Zoo Experience Today
When my daughter asked where we’d see elephants on our next Bangkok trip, I had to explain that her favorite spot was gone. Her immediate response—”Then where do we go now?”—led me on a mission to find worthy alternatives. After multiple visits, here’s what’s worked for my family:
Safari World Bangkok
Just 45 minutes outside the city center (traffic permitting), Safari World has become our go-to replacement for animal-loving days. Split into two sections—the drive-through Safari Park and the walk-around Marine Park—it offers a full day’s entertainment that actually exceeds what Dusit could provide.
Get there early to beat the crowds; the giraffe feeding is a highlight my kids still talk about. We arrived at 9am on a Tuesday and practically had the giraffes to ourselves, their surprisingly rough tongues grabbing food pellets from my son’s outstretched hand. His expression—equal parts delight and disgust—was priceless.
The Marine Park section hosts several shows throughout the day. Yes, they’re touristy, but the dolphin show in particular impressed even my teenager, who generally considers everything “lame” these days. The orangutan boxing show draws mixed reactions—I found it somewhat uncomfortable from an animal welfare perspective, but it’s undeniably popular with visitors.
At 1,500 baht for adult foreigners and 1,200 for children (2023 prices), Safari World is significantly pricier than Dusit ever was. However, the larger grounds, better facilities, and more interactive experiences help justify the cost. Food options range from basic snacks to full restaurants, though we typically pack sandwiches to save on costs.
One drawback: Safari World requires transport planning. Without a car, your best options are a grab taxi (approximately 400-500 baht from central Bangkok) or joining a tour—the latter often bundling transport with slightly discounted entry tickets.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo
For families willing to venture further afield, Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi (about 1.5 hours from Bangkok) offers perhaps the most natural setting of any Thai zoo I’ve visited. Set on 2,000 acres of lush forest and hills, it feels more like an animal sanctuary than a traditional zoo.
I once got a muddy elephant kiss here—messy, but unforgettable! The Night Safari option (available on weekends) adds another dimension entirely; seeing nocturnal animals active after dark gave my kids a whole new perspective on wildlife.
The elephant experience at Khao Kheow stands out. Rather than performing tricks, the elephants demonstrate natural behaviors, and the staff emphasize education about conservation. My children learned more from twenty minutes with these magnificent animals than from any wildlife documentary we’ve watched.
For an extended day trip, consider combining Khao Kheow with nearby Sriracha Tiger Zoo, though be warned that the latter focuses more on entertainment than education—the tiger cubs are adorable, but the crocodile wrestling shows feel rather outdated in today’s conservation-minded world.
Thanyaburi Mini Zoo
While waiting for the grand new Dusit replacement to be completed (reportedly now planned for 2025), authorities opened a mini version in Thanyaburi in 2022. Occupying a modest portion of the land designated for the future zoo, this free temporary exhibition features smaller animals like raccoons, lemurs, and various birds.
Is it worth a special trip? Not really—especially for international visitors with limited time. But if you’re staying in Bangkok long-term or happen to be in the area, it’s a nice preview of what’s to come and a free diversion for animal-loving kids. My children enjoyed the petting zoo section, where they could feed rabbits and guinea pigs.
Beyond Zoos: Lumpini Park’s Wild Side
If you’re missing Dusit but aren’t necessarily set on seeing exotic animals, Bangkok’s Lumpini Park offers a surprising wildlife experience right in the city center. The park’s famous water monitor lizards—some growing over two meters long—roam freely, thrilling (or terrifying) visitors.
We’ve spent many mornings in Lumpini, paddling swan boats around the lake just as we once did at Dusit. The lizards are wild, so no feeding required! In fact, please don’t—for your safety and theirs. My son spent an entire visit counting lizards, reaching 23 before we lost track.
Lumpini also offers playgrounds, exercise equipment, and plenty of shade for picnics. It’s not a zoo replacement, exactly, but it captures some of that same “urban oasis” feeling that made Dusit special, and it’s completely free.
Planning Your Family Day Out in Bangkok
After countless family outings across Bangkok, I’ve developed a system that minimizes meltdowns and maximizes fun. Here’s what works for us:
Getting Around
With kids in tow, navigating Bangkok requires strategy. For destinations like Safari World, private transport is almost essential. Grab taxis (Southeast Asia’s equivalent to Uber) have been our lifesaver—the app’s GPS tracking eliminates language barrier issues when explaining destinations.
For Lumpini Park or other central locations, the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are efficient alternatives to sitting in Bangkok’s infamous traffic. My kids actually love the elevated train ride, treating it as part of the adventure rather than mere transportation.
Traffic’s a beast, so plan extra time. A journey that Google Maps estimates at 30 minutes can easily stretch to an hour during peak periods. I’ve learned to download movies on tablets for longer rides—parenting in Bangkok sometimes requires technological assistance!
Timing & Weather
I learned the hard way—midday July heat is no joke with two cranky toddlers. Bangkok’s climate shows little mercy, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C (95°F) between March and May.
Visit during the cooler months (November-February) if possible. If summer travel is unavoidable, start extremely early—many attractions open by 8am, and those first two hours offer significantly more comfortable conditions.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common during rainy season (roughly May to October). While they typically pass quickly, they can be intense. We’ve made a game of predicting when the daily downpour will hit, with the winner earning ice cream rights. Pack lightweight rain ponchos—they take up minimal bag space but save the day when needed.
Budget Considerations
Safari World’s 1,500 baht foreign adult admission fee (approximately $42) represents a significant increase from Dusit’s budget-friendly 100 baht entry. For a family of four, expect to spend at least 5,000 baht ($140) on tickets alone.
Food costs vary dramatically. At Safari World, a simple meal runs 150-200 baht per person, while snacks from outside vendors might halve that cost. We typically budget 1,000 baht for food and drinks for our family of four.
Transportation adds another layer—1,000 baht round-trip for a Grab taxi to Safari World, less for closer destinations. All told, what once cost under 1,000 baht for a family day at Dusit might now approach 7,000 baht at Safari World.
For budget-conscious travelers, Lumpini Park offers the best value—free entry, cheap boat rentals (around 40 baht per half hour), and abundant street food options nearby.
Packing List
My Bangkok day-trip bag has evolved through years of trial and error:
- Sunscreen (reapply hourly—Bangkok sun is relentless)
- Hats for everyone (preferably with neck coverage)
- Refillable water bottles (most attractions have filling stations)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes (essential after animal encounters)
- Light rain ponchos (year-round necessity)
- Change of clothes if your kids are water-park enthusiasts like mine
- Basic first aid supplies (bandages, antihistamines, pain relievers)
- Snacks that won’t melt (think crackers, not chocolate)
- Camera or fully-charged phone for memories
Nearby Gems
Make the most of your journey by pairing animal adventures with other attractions. After Safari World, consider stopping at Rod Fai Night Market (Train Market) on the way back to central Bangkok—its quirky vintage collectibles and excellent street food create the perfect evening follow-up.
If Lumpini Park is your destination, the nearby shopping centers of Siam (MBK, Siam Paragon) offer air-conditioned relief afterward. After animals, a mango sticky rice at the market is my family’s reward ritual. The contrast between wild nature and urban sophistication epitomizes Bangkok’s charm.
Why Bangkok Remains a Family Favorite
Despite losing Dusit Zoo, Bangkok continues to captivate my family year after year. The city’s remarkable ability to blend chaos and calm creates an environment where children thrive—stimulated but not overwhelmed, challenged but not frustrated.
What I love most about Bangkok with kids is its versatility. One day might feature modern attractions like SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World at Siam Paragon, while the next could find us feeding fish at ancient temple grounds. It’s a city that grows with you—perfect for kids and kids-at-heart like me.
Places like Dusit Zoo, and now Safari World, have played a crucial role in connecting children to wildlife conservation. Seeing elephants up close sparked my daughter’s love for conservation. What began as simple fascination with their trunks and ears evolved into deeper questions about habitat loss and protection efforts. These early encounters plant seeds that grow into environmental awareness—something increasingly vital for the next generation.
Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited about the new Thanyaburi zoo opening in 2025. Plans suggest it will be three times larger than the original Dusit Zoo, with modern exhibits organized by continent and designed with both animal welfare and visitor education in mind. I’m already planning our first visit!
Moving Forward Without Forgetting
Dusit may be gone, but its spirit lives on in Bangkok’s endless possibilities. The city has always excelled at reinvention while honoring tradition—the perfect metaphor for family travel itself. As parents, we adapt to changing circumstances while preserving the essence of what matters: curiosity, connection, and creating memories.
If your Thailand itinerary includes Bangkok, don’t mourn the loss of its historic zoo. Instead, embrace the alternatives that offer different—sometimes better—experiences. Grab your kids, pack a bag, and dive into Bangkok—it’s waiting for you with new adventures around every corner.
After a decade blogging about Thailand’s family attractions, I’ve witnessed many changes, but the country’s warm welcome to children remains constant. Whether you’re feeding giraffes at Safari World or counting water monitors at Lumpini, Bangkok continues to delight families with its blend of exotic experiences and practical convenience.
I’ll be the one chasing my kids around the giraffe pen—say hi if you see me!