Covering an area of 545 rai (218 acres), the zoo is one of the most modern in Asia. The enclosures are large and landscaped by section to match the habitat of each animal most of which have come from Africa. The most popular animals are penguins, seals, African elephants, rhinoceros, cheetahs, lions, zebras, and giraffes. There is also a reptile building and a hornbill garden. In addition to being an ideal place to study biology, the zoo is a great place for relaxation as the grounds are decorated with lovely flowers. Other than the shuttle services that are provided to transport visitors around the zoo, there are bicycles available for rent. The zoo is open daily between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. The fee is 10 bahts for children, 30 bahts for adults, and 30 bahts for four-wheel vehicles. For information, call 0 4435 7355, 0 4421 6251-3 or visit www.zoothailand.org.

Ban Prasat Archaeological Site

The site is Thailand’s second archaeological site (the first was Ban Chiang) to be set up as an outdoor museum. Findings indicate that the area was once inhabited by a prehistory to early history community. In addition, there is evidence that a community of the Dvaravati and Khmer periods thrived here some 1,500 to 3,000 years ago. There are 3 pits that have been landscaped and are open to the public. Discoveries of human skeletons and many pottery pieces that were dug up from various levels are evidence of human evolution, community beliefs and culture.