If you thought “Moo Deng” only referred to Thailand’s mouthwatering red pork dish… think again! At Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Moo Deng is most famous pigmy hippopotamus. In 2024, she became the Internet’s icon, being featured on New York Times’ 63 most stylish “people”. Moo Deng is a gentle, food-loving hippopotamus with a big belly. He has an even bigger fan base and a surprisingly adorable personality.

Whether you’re visiting with kids, your partner, or solo with your camera, seeing Moo Deng is a must-do experience. It combines wildlife wonder with pure joy. Here’s how to meet this lovable Thai legend and make the most of your day at the zoo!

Book Your Ticket In Advance

It’s been well-known by now non-Thai residents have to pay a higher price than locals. Which is fair! If you’d like to book it in advance, you can secure a lower price than upon arrival at the zoo. I recommend you book it on Trip.com here!

Upon arrival, you will need to go collect it. Ask the staff where the collection point is, as it’s not at the main ticket office.

You will have to pay a separate fee on arrival. This applies if you choose to go inside the Zoo with your own car, motorcycle, etc. Prices at the zoo:

–  Motorcycles: 40 Baht

–  Cars: 80 Baht

–  Buses: 100 Baht

Where is Moo Deng?

You’ll find Moo Deng in the Savanna Zone. You will get a map of the zoo when you collect your ticket. This should make things pretty easy to navigate. Look for the hippopotamus enclosure near the giraffes — it’s clearly marked and usually surrounded by people!

Best Time to Visit Moo Deng

Morning (9 AM – 11 AM): Moo Deng is more active and hungry. Fewer crowds = better photos!

Late Afternoon (3 PM – 5 PM): She’s still hungry and the light is golden for amazing photos.

Midday (12 PM – 2 PM): She’s often resting in the water to stay cool.

Moo Deng’s Schedule – as of October 2^nd, 2024:

I found this cute schedule of Moo Deng on Discovery Thailand website which you can check out here.

08:00-09:00 AM: Wakes up for a bath and waits for Mom to eat breakfast.

09:00-10:00 AM: Walks around, showing off before heading to the water for a nap.

10:00-12:30 PM: Takes a nap in the water.

12:30-01:00 PM: Might get up for a stroll or a nap on land.

01:00-01:30 PM: Naps on land.

01:30-02:00 PM: Naps in the water again.

02:00-02:30 PM: Mom gets out of the water for dinner while Moo Deng naps.

02:30-05:30 PM: Mom eats grass while Moo Deng waits, occasionally running, followed by a long nap until evening.

11:00 PM-12:00 AM: Plays with Mom in the water.

01:00-02:00 AM: Drinks milk and playfully disturbs Mom.

02:00-07:00 AM: Sleeps soundly for hours.

Please note: Schedule will change based on Moo Deng’s mood. Expect a waiting time of 10-15 minutes for the performance. 

FUN FACT: Moo Deng’s Birthday is on 10th of July

How to Get to Khao Kheow Open Zoo

From Bangkok: ~1.5 hours

From Pattaya: ~45 minutes

Rent a car or book a local tour with transport included. If you’d like a private day trip from Bangkok to Khao Kheow Zoo with an English-speaking driver, I recommend GetYourGuide. They also offer a choice where you can combine your Moo Deng trip with an Elephant Sanctuary which you can book here.

FINAL THOUGHTS – Khao Kheow Open Zoo

I hope you found this post useful and you’re already planning your dream trip to see Moo Deng in Thailand! She’s a whole mood, but Khao Kheow Open zoo is not just about Moo Deng! I found other experiences much more unique, which you can read about here.

📌 Save this post for your next Thailand adventure!