We all can remember that, when we were young, one of the favorite places our parents liked to take us to is the zoo. However, zoo is not only a place for kids but, in fact, for every member of the family.

In the middle of an urban jungle of Bangkok are two zoos for people to learn interesting aspects of wild animals, as well as being a place for recreation.

Dusit Zoo or known as "Khao Din" is the first and the most popular one in Bangkok since it is situated in the central area. "Khao Din" can be translated as "mountain of earth" which is a very suitable description as the entire park was built over a huge mound of earth that visually resembled a hill.

Originally, it was built by command of King Rama V as his private botanical garden. Later, King Rama VIII donated the park to the Bangkok Municipal Administration to serve as a zoo and public park.

Can be found here is a wide collection of tropical wild animals in conditions resembling their natural environments. Children will surely enjoy watching and studying the behaviors of monkeys, giraffes, lions, tigers, hippos, elephants and birds. Some of these animals here  are rare or close to extinction

Thus, the zoo itself has reached an achievement in developing the animal breeding technique in order to encourage breeding in captivity of endangered species. One of the successes is an increase in the number of mouse deer.

Dusit Zoo is not just a good study place for those who are interested in knowing the nature of the wild. It is also an ideal place to relax. Children can enjoy themselves at the large playground, couples may spend their romantic time by paddling the boats or parents can stroll around the place or picnic in the garden areas.

There are also several restaurants and open-air cafes provided. Dusit Zoo is located next to the Dusit Throne Hall. Open to public from 8a.m. to 6p.m. For more information, call 02-281-2000.

If you still have time, you are recommended to visit another amazing zoo in the city called Safari World, Thailand's greatest open zoo.

Safari World commenced its operation on February 17, 1988.  It is divided into two parts. The first one is "Safari Park", stretching 8 kilometers. This part serves as an open zoo with wild animals such as deer, tiger, zebra, giraffe, lion, bear, bird and much more. This 1200-rai-open zoo is special as tourists may observe the animals living in a natural environment by taking a drive through the area, lasting about 45 minutes. They can use either private cars or ride on the luxury coaches which can be arranged upon request.

This is the closest opportunity for you to encounter rare and endangered animal species. Apart from the unforgettable ride through the open zoo, visitors can as well experience another exciting activity here namely "Tiger and Lion Feeding Show".  

The second part of Safari World is the "Marine Park" and water garden where there is a wide variety of marine animals and other rare animals. Within this area, there are also many world-class shows including White Tiger Show, Spy War Action Stunt Spectacular, Water Ski, Dolphin Show,  Hollywood Cowboy Stunt Show, Bird Show, Orang Utan Boxing Show, Sea lion Show and the new Hippo Show which is said to be the only one in the world.

In "Marine Park" zone, another activity that you shouldn't miss is water flume ride through thick jungles in  "Jungle Cruise River Ride". It will be one of your great adventures. Safari World also provides a tram to take tourists on a tour around this area.

If you are hungry, there are various restaurants for you to drop by, including two buffet restaurants and two fast food restaurants.

Just the open zoo and the spectacular shows can make this trip to Safari World one of the most memorable experience.

Safari World is located at 99 Ramindra 1 Road, Minburi. It is open from 9a.m. to 5p.m. Call 02-914-4100-19 for more information and show schedules.