Located in Tambon Tai Ban just 3km outside the town of Samut Prakan lies a wildlife park that has the rare privilege of being the largest crocodile farm in the globe. Named the Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo this massive enclave is the brain child of crock enthusiast and self proclaimed Crocodile King of Thailand Utai Youngprapakorn. Set up in 1950 the farm’s main objective is the preservation of the crocodile species by breeding these astounding reptiles in captivity as well as serving as a centre for education and research in wildlife conservation.
The centre also boasts a population of 60,000 crocodiles of various species that are contained within specially built pits of diverse sizes. Attracting dozens of visitors daily the main highlight of a visit to the Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo is witnessing the exciting shows on offer at the venue. With shows scheduled for each hour from 8am to 5pm daily (except at 12pm) guests will have plenty of fun filled events to choose from when touring this sprawling enclave. The main attraction is of course the bare handed crocodile catching show while the ‘Crocodile Wrestling’ events where zookeepers put their heads inside the gaping mouth of a gator are another highlight at the locale. Housing a wide variety of wildlife including chimpanzees, hippopotamuses, tigers, elephants, boa constrictors and gibbons other popular inhabitants such as turtles, camels, pythons, birds and fish species are also found inside the parkland. In addition to the crocodile shows the zoo also puts on engaging displays involving elephants, and monkeys.
Other activities on offer at the farm include camel rides and elephant rides while guests can also leisurely paddle along the property’s lake on paddle boats. The ‘Monkey Playground’ is the preferred venue for all children visiting the locale as it houses many interactive attractions that keep young minds entertained. Amateur and wannabe palaeontologists can also marvel at the 13 true- to-life dinosaur skeletons on display at the zoo which were excavated from the north-eastern reaches of Thailand.
Travellers in search of a 5 star Bangkok hotel within minutes of the city’s financial and retail district should look no further than the Anantara Bangkok Sathorn. Contained within twin towers with 37 floors this designer Bangkok hotel offers guests the best of contemporary amenities in a stylish setting.
<!--[if gte mso 9]>
