Bangkok Safari World – A Day with the Wild

Bangkok is a city that throbs with frenetic energy, but sometimes, you just crave a dose of nature. The city has a lot to offer starting with the vibrant night parties, floating markets, cultural museums, and Chinatown of course where you can satisfy your Indian bargaining skills. We finished it all on our 2-day trip to Bangkok and were looking for other exciting options that we could explore. And Bam…!!! We zeroed in upon the most hyped place in Bangkok and decided to give it a shot.

Bangkok Safari World

Enter Safari World, a sprawling park that promises an encounter with the wild. Our adventure there, however, wasn’t exactly a walk in the park – literally! It was a rollercoaster ride of unexpected turns, hilarious language barriers, and enough animal antics to fill a zoology textbook.

We decided to be smart and book tickets online in advance. Big mistake…!!! The website boasted unbelievable deals, but after forking over the cash, my email inbox remained blissfully empty of any confirmation. Turned out, the website was a clever scam and Bangkok Safari World doesn’t tie up with any third party websites. So, here’s a pro tip for you adventurers: skip the online deals and head straight to the Safari World counter. You might pay a little more, but trust us, the peace of mind is worth it. If you’re going with any tour operator, they might book it for you but for those who sail all by themselves, just be aware of these scams online, especially in Thailand.

Reaching Safari World was another adventure. We hailed a cab, armed with our limited Thai (mostly “thank you” and “hello”) and a determined spirit. The cab driver, bless his heart, spoke even less English. Our attempts at communication involved a lot of gesturing and enthusiastic (but probably nonsensical) exclamations. Somehow, through laughter and charades, we managed to reach the park.

The language is a bit of a problem in Thailand so be sure to install translator apps on your phone. If you have hired a vehicle then you don’t have to worry. The Google Maps and your navigation skills would put your work at ease but just in case you’re stuck in a cab then be ready for the adventures. Anyway, it was not so bad and we reached the park without much hustle.

Safari World itself is a sprawling kingdom of wildlife. Divided into two sections – the Safari Park and the Marine Park – it boasts an incredible diversity of animals. We started with the Safari Park, a drive-thru experience that felt like stepping into a real-life National Geographic documentary. Giraffes craned their long necks for leaves just above our car, zebras grazed nonchalantly, and a pride of lions lounged majestically in the sun. We even spotted a grumpy rhinoceros, its horn glinting menacingly.

The animal spotting is quite effortless and the ride is worth every penny. You may also feed zebras and giraffes at no additional cost and play around with them for some time. The highlight of the Safari Park, though, was the feeding shows. We watched, mouths agape, as trainers tossed slabs of meat to tigers and bears. The raw power and primal instincts on display were both thrilling and a little terrifying. We also encountered a herd of elephants lumbering past our car, their wrinkled skin and floppy ears leaving us in awe.

The park is extensively spread with enclosures of different animals sitting at a significant distance from each other. You must plan to arrive on time to avoid missing any enclosures and regret later.

After the adrenaline rush of the Safari Park, we took a break for lunch. Now, let’s just say the included buffet wasn’t exactly Michelin-starred. I wasn’t even expecting that level but food is always a problem for vegetarians. Sometimes I just feel that they serve us the leftover food that herbivores deny. Anyway, you don’t have any option, do you??

The typical Indian vegetarian lunch is always a nightmare with paneer floating in some tasteless curry and rubbery Naan that even animals won’t eat. Rice and gravy is the only option when you’re served with an Indian vegetarian buffet so bless yourselves and move on. Luckily, the park had numerous food stalls selling delicious snacks – think crispy spring rolls, spicy papaya salad, and refreshing mango sticky rice. A refueled and much happier bunch, we headed towards the Marine Park.

This section was a wonderland of aquatic creatures. We watched in delight as playful dolphins soared through the air, performing impressive flips and twists. The seal show had us chuckling with their clumsy yet endearing attempts at balancing balls and hoops. The Orangutan boxing match was a hoot – these clever primates mimicked human boxers, complete with jabs, dodges, and even a victory dance.

But Safari World wasn’t just about the shows. We strolled through meticulously landscaped enclosures, where penguins waddled, colorful fish darted through underwater tunnels, and majestic birds perched on branches, their feathers shimmering in the sunlight. We even braved the “Horror House,” a walkthrough exhibit with creepy crawlies and slithering snakes – let’s just say some of us emerged a little paler than we went in!

By the time the park closed, our feet were sore, our cameras overflowing with photos, and our hearts brimming with the joy of seeing these magnificent creatures up close. Sure, the day wasn’t without its hiccups – the online scam, the language barrier, the less-than-stellar lunch. But these just added to the quirky charm of the adventure.

Looking back, Safari World wasn’t just a visit to a zoo; it was an immersive experience of the wild kingdom. It was a day filled with laughter, gasps of wonder, and a newfound appreciation for the incredible diversity of life on our planet. So, if you’re ever in Bangkok and seeking an escape from the urban jungle, head to Safari World. Just remember to book your tickets directly at the counter, brush up on your basic Thai (or pack a good phrasebook!), and maybe grab a snack before you go. The wild awaits!

If you’re looking to find the tickets online, try on https://www.safariworldbangkok.com/

Read our other article on some thrilling adventures in another city in Thailand – Phuket.