We recently took our 0-year-old and 2-year-old to Safari World in Bangkok. As someone who tends to worry, I had many questions before going: Is Safari World suitable for children? Can we bring a stroller? Are there changing facilities for diapers? Will it be too hot?
After researching and visiting myself, I thought to share my experience in the hopes that our experience can serve as a guide for others planning a visit.
Safari World Overview
Located on the outskirts of Bangkok, Safari World is about a 45-minute drive away, making it an ideal day trip destination. The park is divided into two main areas: the Safari Park, where you can drive through and see animals up close from your vehicle, and the Marine Park, more akin to a traditional zoo where you walk around to see animals in enclosures.
Getting There
We used Grab to get there. Since there's no train service to Safari World, you'll likely need to use a private car, taxi, or Grab. It took us about 45 minutes from the Sathon area where we stayed.
Opening Hours
As of February 2024, the park opened at 9 AM. Please check the official website for the most current information.
Admission Fees
We didn't have the chance to pre-purchase our tickets online, where they are cheaper, so we bought them upon arrival.
You can buy tickets for Marine park or Safari park only, or you can buy a combination ticket for a discount price.
Before entering, your bags will be checked. It seems that bringing food inside is not allowed. We had brought snacks for the kids, like muffins and bread, which were confiscated but returned upon leaving. Given the potential for these items to spoil in the heat, it's probably best not to bring food with you.
There are plenty of spots inside to grab a bite, so if you get hungry, there's no shortage of food options.
Strollers and Diaper changing facilities
Regarding strollers, the park is wheelchair accessible, so you can easily navigate it with a stroller. When taking the bus in the Safari Park, you will need to leave your stroller behind, but they manage it securely, so you can leave it without worry.
Additionally, it was possible to rent a stroller by the hour.
Stroller rent
As for diaper changing facilities, there was a changing table in the restroom in front of the carp garden at the Marine Park. It was very clean!
The restroom was near this carp garden. Carp garden
Carp garden resting area
Our Children's Favorite Parts
Marine Park
In the Marine Park, we mainly looked at the animals while walking around. However, due to the heat, our children preferred not to walk, so our daughter rode in a stroller and our son was in a baby carrier.
We intentionally missed the orangutan show, which was apparently very popular, to avoid the heat and crowds, choosing instead to see other animals while it was quieter and less crowded.
There were many shows available
The highlight for our daughter was feeding the giraffes.
We bought food for 100 Bahts to feed the giraffes.
My daughter, being able to feed the giraffes herself, seemed to have experienced immense joy from the experience. Seeing her smile made the trip worthwhile.
The giraffes were very close!
Due to the heat, we bought an orange smoothie, which was refreshingly delicious.
My daughter ended up drinking most of it.
Safari Park
The Safari Park allows you to take a bus close to the animals. Our kids love buses, so just the ride was exciting for them. It was comfortable for us too, as we could sit in an air-conditioned bus and watch the animals without the fatigue of walking.
View from the bus
Meal Options
We had planned to have lunch before leaving, but the kids were getting sleepy, so we decided to head back without eating. However, the park had various dining options, from cafeterias to restaurants, catering to all tastes.
Canteen
Summary: Tips for Visiting with Toddlers
If you are going to revisit Safari World with young children, here are some tips:
Marine Park:
Visit in the cool of the morning. Shows can be challenging with small kids due to the heat and waiting times. It's a good time to see other animals during shows.
Giraffe feeding is recommended. Go when it's less crowded (like during a show) for the best experience.
It's reassuring to know there are diaper changing facilities.
Be cautious with snack packing due to the no-food policy.
Safari Park:
The bus tour is cool and recommended after tiring out in the Marine Park.
Suitable for children who can't walk yet.
Some kids might get bored only seeing animals through windows, but those who love vehicles will enjoy it regardless.
I hope this record of our visit to Safari World proves useful to someone.
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