Commemoration Open Zoo

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.30 – 16.30

 

Ban Na Khu Chaloem Phra Kiat Open Zoo is a local nature and wildlife attraction in Sang Tho Noi Subdistrict, Hua Taphan District, Amnat Charoen Province. It is a compact open zoo surrounded by the landscape of Pa Dong Yai Forest, Phra Chao Yai, Nong Si Wo, a viewpoint tower, and historical sacred sites. For foreign travelers looking for a quiet local destination in Amnat Charoen, this place offers a simple but meaningful experience that connects animals, forest scenery, Buddhist faith, local history, and rural community life in one visit.

 

Ban Na Khu Chaloem Phra Kiat Open Zoo was established in 1997 and is located at Ban Na Khu, Village No. 9, Sang Tho Noi Subdistrict, Hua Taphan District, Amnat Charoen Province. The zoo is not designed as a large commercial wildlife park. Instead, it functions as a small local learning area where visitors can see animals, enjoy open-air scenery, and understand how the surrounding forest, water sources, sacred landmarks, and local community are connected. This gives the attraction a distinct identity that differs from major urban zoos in Thailand.

 

The charm of Ban Na Khu Open Zoo lies in its local atmosphere. The site remains modest, peaceful, and closely tied to its natural surroundings. Visitors can walk through the area without feeling rushed, observe animals in a relaxed environment, and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside. The scenery around the zoo includes Pa Dong Yai Forest, Phra Chao Yai, and Nong Si Wo, creating a landscape that blends wildlife, forest, water, and local spirituality. This combination is the main reason the zoo remains an important community-based attraction in Hua Taphan District.

 

Pa Dong Yai Forest plays a central role in the identity of this destination. Located around Ban Na Khu in Sang Tho Noi Subdistrict, the forest is an important natural area for the local community. It is associated with forest conservation, local food sources, ecological learning, and the relationship between people and nature. The forest landscape includes dry dipterocarp forest, mixed deciduous forest, dry evergreen forest, and bamboo forest, giving the area a clear northeastern Thai forest character. During the rainy season and the early cool season, the surrounding greenery becomes especially attractive for landscape viewing and photography.

 

Inside the zoo area, the viewpoint tower is one of the most useful spots for visitors. From the tower, travelers can look over the surrounding landscape and gain a better sense of how the zoo, Pa Dong Yai Forest, Nong Si Wo, and the village setting are arranged. The elevated view helps visitors understand the geography of the area and appreciate the quiet rural scenery of Amnat Charoen. It is also a suitable place for photography, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer.

 

The zoo area also includes historical sacred sites, adding a cultural and spiritual dimension to the visit. This makes the destination more than a simple animal-viewing spot. Travelers can combine wildlife observation, scenic viewing, and quiet cultural reflection within the same area. For families, students, and cultural travelers, this is one of the advantages of visiting Ban Na Khu Open Zoo: the site offers nature, animals, and local heritage in a compact and easy-to-walk setting.

 

Phra Chao Yai is one of the important visual landmarks in the surrounding landscape. Together with Nong Si Wo and Pa Dong Yai Forest, it creates a calm and memorable background for the zoo. The presence of Phra Chao Yai gives the area a sense of local faith and serenity, while Nong Si Wo adds openness and natural beauty to the scenery. This combination of forest, water, and sacred presence gives Ban Na Khu Open Zoo a distinctive atmosphere that is difficult to find in larger and more commercialized attractions.

 

The animals inside the zoo are the main attraction for children and families. The open setting allows young visitors to observe animals in a simple and direct way. A visit here can encourage children to ask questions about animals, habitats, forests, and conservation. For adults, the zoo provides a calm outdoor environment where families can spend time together without the noise and crowds often found at larger tourist sites. It is a suitable stop for slow travel and local exploration.

 

Ban Na Khu Chaloem Phra Kiat Open Zoo is especially suitable for travelers who appreciate community-based tourism. The site does not rely on large-scale entertainment facilities. Its value comes from the way it reflects the identity of the local area. Visitors can see how a rural community uses its natural and cultural resources to create a place for learning, recreation, and local pride. The small scale of the zoo also makes it easy to combine with other attractions in Hua Taphan District within the same day.

 

For travelers interested in nature conservation, the zoo provides a useful introduction to the importance of Pa Dong Yai Forest. The forest has long been connected with the livelihoods, ecology, and natural resources of the local community. Because the zoo is located close to this forest landscape, it helps visitors understand why forest conservation matters at the community level. This makes the site suitable for schools, families, and travelers who want a simple but meaningful outdoor learning experience.

 

The establishment of the zoo in 1997 reflects a local effort to develop Ban Na Khu as a tourism and learning destination. The area already had strong natural and cultural assets, including forest scenery, water sources, sacred sites, and community life. By developing the zoo, the local community created a place where visitors could rest, learn, and appreciate the surrounding environment. The continued support of Sang Tho Noi Subdistrict Administrative Organization and Amnat Charoen Province helps keep the site active as a provincial tourist attraction.

 

The best way to experience Ban Na Khu Open Zoo is to visit slowly. Travelers should allow around 1 to 2 hours to walk around, see the animals, climb the viewpoint tower, and enjoy the surrounding scenery. If you want to make the trip more complete, combine the zoo with nearby places such as Phra Chao Yai, Nong Si Wo, Wat Phra Si Charoen, Hua Taphan City Pillar Shrine, and Wat Bo Chaneng. This route offers a good balance of nature, wildlife, Buddhist culture, and local history.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon. The weather is usually more comfortable, the light is better for photos, and walking around the open-air area is easier. During the rainy season, visitors should bring an umbrella or rain protection. During the hot season, a hat, drinking water, and sun protection are recommended. Comfortable shoes are also useful because the visit involves walking outdoors.

 

The admission fee is affordable, making the zoo suitable for families and budget travelers. The fee is 10 baht for adults and 5 baht for children. Visitors should carry a small amount of cash for admission and local expenses, as community attractions may not support all types of digital payment. Preparing cash in advance helps make the trip smoother.

 

Visitors should follow proper etiquette when viewing animals. Do not make loud noises, do not tease or disturb animals, do not feed animals unless permission is clearly given, and do not litter. These simple actions help keep the zoo clean, safe, and suitable for future visitors. Because this is a local attraction, responsible behavior from travelers is especially important for maintaining the quality of the environment.

 

For photography lovers, the zoo offers several interesting angles. You can photograph the animals, the viewpoint tower, the surrounding forest, Phra Chao Yai, Nong Si Wo, and the rural landscape of Ban Na Khu. Morning and late-afternoon light is recommended. When photographing animals, keep a respectful distance and avoid using flash at close range. This allows visitors to take good photos without disturbing the animals or other travelers.

 

The zoo is suitable for different types of visitors. Families with children can use it as a simple wildlife learning space. Teachers and students can treat it as an outdoor classroom for lessons about animals, forests, ecosystems, and conservation. Cultural travelers can appreciate the sacred and historical elements in the area. Slow travelers can enjoy the peaceful pace of Sang Tho Noi Subdistrict and experience a less-commercial side of Amnat Charoen.

 

Although Ban Na Khu Chaloem Phra Kiat Open Zoo is not a large national-level zoo, its value lies in its local identity. It combines animals, forest scenery, water, sacred landmarks, and rural community life in one compact area. Visitors come not only to see animals but also to understand how a local community can turn natural and cultural assets into a meaningful attraction. This makes the zoo a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring Amnat Charoen beyond the usual routes.

 

Getting There from Amnat Charoen city is straightforward. Travel toward Hua Taphan District, about 48 km from the provincial town. From Hua Taphan town, continue for about 10 km to Ban Na Khu in Sang Tho Noi Subdistrict. Visitors can travel by private car, motorcycle, or local transport. Public buses can be used from Amnat Charoen to Hua Taphan, followed by local transport to Ban Na Khu. A private car is the most convenient option for travelers who want to combine the zoo with nearby temples, scenic points, and local restaurants in one day.

 

If you are coming from another province, staying in Amnat Charoen city is often the most convenient option because there are more hotels, restaurants, and services. From the city, the zoo can be visited as a day trip. Travelers who prefer a quieter rural experience can plan their route around Hua Taphan District and nearby communities. Either way, the zoo works well as part of a nature-and-culture itinerary in southern Amnat Charoen Province.

 

When included in an Amnat Charoen travel plan, Ban Na Khu Open Zoo adds a refreshing nature-focused element to the trip. The province is often known for Buddhist sites, local culture, and community attractions. This zoo offers another side of the province: forest scenery, wildlife learning, rural landscapes, and local conservation. For foreign travelers who want to understand Amnat Charoen in a deeper and more balanced way, this destination is a useful stop.

 

Before visiting, prepare drinking water, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and small cash for admission. If traveling with young children, keep them close while walking around the animal areas. The site is open-air, so planning your visit during a cooler time of day will make the experience more comfortable. With simple preparation, Ban Na Khu Chaloem Phra Kiat Open Zoo can be a relaxed, educational, and memorable part of your journey through Amnat Charoen.

 

 

A: It is located at Ban Na Khu, Village No. 9, Sang Tho Noi Subdistrict, Hua Taphan District, Amnat Charoen Province.

 

A: The zoo combines animal viewing, a viewpoint tower, historical sacred sites, Pa Dong Yai Forest scenery, Phra Chao Yai, and Nong Si Wo in one compact local attraction.

 

A: It is open daily from 08.30 to 16.30.

 

A: The admission fee is 10 baht for adults and 5 baht for children.

 

A: Travel from Amnat Charoen city toward Hua Taphan District for about 48 km, then continue about 10 km to Ban Na Khu in Sang Tho Noi Subdistrict.

 

A: It is suitable for families, children, students, nature lovers, cultural travelers, and anyone interested in local community-based attractions in Amnat Charoen.

 

A: Visitors should allow around 1 to 2 hours for animal viewing, the viewpoint tower, and the surrounding scenery. A half-day plan is ideal if combined with nearby temples and local sites.

 

A: Nearby places include Nong Si Wo, Phra Chao Yai, Pa Dong Yai Forest, Wat Phra Si Charoen, Hua Taphan City Pillar Shrine, and Wat Bo Chaneng.