Today, I drove to Phetchaburi Province, driven by my emotions and inspiration to visit.

If you want to go, just go! Nowadays, traveling to Phetchaburi is very convenient. Take the expressway straight down Rama II Road - Pak Tho, turn left at Wang Manao intersection, and go straight for a while, and you will be in the city of "Khanom Mo Kaeng" (sweet coconut pudding).

I wouldn't say I'm familiar with Phetchaburi, nor would I say I'm a stranger. It feels more like visiting a friend's house. Everywhere I turn, there are familiar places, from the Cha-am Sea to the famous Khao Wang, and many more as we all know.

A pink sign with colorful letters caught my eye as I drove into Phetchaburi town and continued on to Tha Yang district. The sign, which appeared at regular intervals, read "The Field Animals Dream."

Yes, just seeing these signs from the corner of your eye will tell you that it is a zoo. The closer you get to the Tha Yang intersection, the more frequent these signs become, and the animals start to appear (according to the signs). Rest assured, even if you are driving fast, you will definitely see them. They are located just a short distance after Mae Kim Lang Restaurant, Branch 1, heading south, and turning left at Km.175 on Phetkasem Road.

The Field Animals Dream: A Haven for Wildlife and Visitors Alike

Upon entering The Field Animals Dream, it becomes immediately clear why this sanctuary has chosen this evocative name over the more conventional "zoo." This expansive space, encompassing an estimated 40 acres, feels more like a "dreamlike grassland for diverse animals." It's as if, after escaping the hustle and bustle of the main road just a few hundred meters away, one stumbles upon a vast animal haven. The experience is akin to witnessing a detonation of joy, transforming this valley into a space of unparalleled happiness for both the animals and the visitors who have the privilege of experiencing The Field Animals Dream.

Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted with a smile. Adults pay only 80 baht, while those over 70 years old enter for free. Children are charged 50 baht, and families with twins enjoy free entry for their twins. Additionally, children under 5 years old are admitted free of charge.

Despite its large size, the walking path design at The Field Animals Dream is very well done. It's a circular path that allows you to see all the animals and nature without having to backtrack, which is perfect for those who tend to get lost easily. The first landmark you'll see is a large natural viewing pond with black swans, a parade of dozens of ducks swimming in formation, and a giant inflatable duck bobbing around. It's impossible not to take a picture with this giant yellow duck. There's also a large birdcage over the pond where you can walk in and feed the birds. Don't worry, it's safe and there are staff members to help you.

The diverse trees along the path provide ample shade, without being so large as to obstruct the beautiful mountain views surrounding the zoo. For those who prefer to avoid the sun, large, two-layered umbrellas with excellent UV protection are available to borrow free of charge, ensuring a comfortable and sun-safe stroll.

With these helpful tools, the next station is a breeze. Stop by to see the "fluffy chickens", plump and content in their coop, or feed the adorable "prairie dogs", whose behavior is remarkably similar to that of our domestic dogs. They resemble large squirrels, walking on all fours, but when they want food from us, they stand on two legs and raise their hands to beg. Once they get their food, they hold it and nibble like mice. They are definitely the stars of the show here.

Along the way, if anyone wants to take a comfortable break, there are chill-out areas around the pool and a large wooden rest area nearby. However, if you want to sit and chill until you fall asleep, you must go to the "Viewpoint Pavilion" at the back. It has a spacious seating area with beautifully landscaped terraces, sheep statues, windmills, and large-wheeled bicycles as props for taking pictures. The view behind also has a beautiful sign of The Field Animals Dream in the middle of a lush green rice field, contrasting with the backdrop of rolling hills... I recommend not sitting too comfortably, or you might imagine that it's your own land! 555

We just saw a statue of a lamb, and now we're at the enclosure with the real, adorable lambs. They're definitely another highlight of this place, as visitors are constantly coming by to feed them, including myself. Their enclosure is spacious and comfortable, and they all seem relaxed and happy. Sometimes they get a little excited and jump on each other's backs or make some noise, but don't be alarmed, they're just having fun.

A diverse array of animal species and breeds can be observed, including miniature kangaroos, koi fish, crowned cranes, macaw parrots, flamingo parrots, and meerkats, which resemble mongooses but have adorable features. These animals share an enclosure with the "Sulcata tortoise," which is large but surprisingly quick. While taking photographs, the tortoise may approach and extend its neck in greeting. If a closer look is desired, staff members can bring the tortoise out for observation, but it requires two people to lift as it weighs over 30 kg. Once placed on the ground, the tortoise remains relatively still, resembling a rock, as it is easily startled.

The trail is easy to navigate and well-marked, with informative signs providing detailed information about various animal species. This makes it an ideal educational experience for students, who can easily gather information for their zoo reports.

From this final point, we will loop back to the first landmark, a large pond. I tried sitting down to rest in the beautifully designed "multipurpose building" dome. It houses a wide variety of souvenirs and games, making it perfect for families with children to relax or take a short break. I happened to see a small main building with beautifully painted exterior and illustrations, so I couldn't help but walk in. It turned out to be a "coffee shop" with a wide variety of drinks, especially the blended menu, which is a must-try.

As I sipped my Americano, my mind wandered to the origins of this place. Who came up with this idea? I looked around and saw the logo of The Field Animals Dream, with its pink background and bright letters. I felt like I had seen it before, maybe in Phetchaburi? It felt very familiar. As soon as I remembered, "Khun Mount - Piriyaporn Rojanawithitpong", the owner of Mae Kim Long restaurant, walked into the zoo.

The founder of The Field Animals Dream, a dreamland of meadows, is none other than "Khun Mount - the executive of Mae Khim Lang, the legendary dessert of Phetchaburi". This made me realize Khun Mount's intention to make this place "a space of happiness for everyone", just like making delicious desserts and delicious food for people in Phetchaburi and tourists from all over the country for more than half a century. Until this year, the inspiration to "create happiness, smiles and laughter" for people is still full. Therefore, this 40-rai area has been created to be "like a lawn in front of the house" or a meadow where everyone can enjoy their happiness every day. Amidst many lovely animals that are physically and mentally healthy all the time. It is also a place where activities can be done for all ages, truly. To make it a good impression to go home with every family.

On my way back, I drove slower than usual. Not because I was tired or exhausted from the trip, but because I wanted to stop by the "Mae Kim Lang" shops in the Tha Yang and Cha-am districts. There are six branches in total, and I wanted to see how each family was happily buying gifts for their loved ones back home. I saw people carrying bags full of goodies, some taking selfies with the zoo sign in front of the shop, and others sharing pictures on Facebook, Line, and other social networks. No matter what the gift was, I was sure it contained a "sweet ingredient of happiness."

Find happiness at The Field Animals Dream Zoo.

The Dreamy Grassland: A Legend of Phetchaburi

The Field Animals Dream by Mae Kimlang

The Field Animal Dream

Phet Kasem Road, Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi Province

Turn left at Km.175 on Phetkasem Road (southbound) for approximately 500 meters.

Tel. : 086-856-7598 / 086-555-5155

Line : the field animals

FB : The Field Animals Dream

IG : thefieldanimalsdream

www.thefieldanimals.com