Prehistoric-themed mini golf in Kata Beach
Dino Park in Kata Beach opened in 1997 and is one of the very few attractions in Phuket that has stayed popular for almost three decades. The park was built in collaboration with the designers who created the dinosaur sequences for the Jurassic Park 1 and 2 films, making it the first dinosaur-themed attraction in Thailand and possibly in all of Asia. The 18-hole mini golf course covers over 4 rai of land right near Kata Centre’s main intersection, just opposite Starbucks. I remember going there shortly after it opened, and it looked just as impressive back then. Dinosaurs never get old, and with each new Jurassic World movie release, the place only gets more relevant. It remains one of the classic things to do in Phuket with kids, especially for anyone staying in Kata.
The Story Behind Dino Park
When Dino Park first opened in 1997, the original Jurassic Park movie was only four years old and dinosaur fever was everywhere. The creators of Dino Park took that momentum and worked directly with the special effects team behind the dinosaur scenes in the first two Jurassic Park films. Together they built life-size replicas of prehistoric creatures and placed them across a lush tropical garden that already looked like a natural jungle. The result was an instant hit. Families, couples and groups of friends started coming from day one, and they never really stopped.
The park survived the 2004 tsunami, weathered the quiet years, and made it through COVID when most attractions in Phuket struggled badly. A mini golf course does not need a huge team to maintain, and that probably helped Dino Park pull through. Over the years, they added high-quality animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar realistically, upgraded the volcanic eruption effects with modern light and sound systems, and kept the course well maintained. It is remarkable that nearly 30 years later, the place still draws crowds every evening.
Playing Mini Golf at Dino Park
Enter a primaeval lush jungle, and soon you encounter your first full-scale Triceratops, while a nasty-looking Brontosaurus keeps a calm eye on you from high above the trees. Playing the game in the middle of a beautiful rainforest with a massive volcano blasting clouds of smoke and erupting sounds in the background is a lot of fun. Some challenges include water, obstacles made of bones, and I suspect what looks like Dino poo and even a hole is played inside a (hot) volcano.
The design is just right, not too hard or easy so everyone can enjoy the game. The original setting keeps your eyes busy while you are waiting for your turn. The whole thing looks pretty real, even the jungle heat! Will you also recognise the Deinonysaurus, Stegosaurus, Eichynosuarus, Euoplocephalus, the handsome Dimetrodon and the very smart Troodon Formosus? (I think that was him, he didn’t leave his name card).
Dino Park is a fun way to end the day after the beach. A game can last between 30 to 40 minutes, but people tend to play the last part of the game pretty quickly as the area gets pretty hot towards the end. The best is to go after dinner; it’s more colourful with the lighting and cooler. Some say it’s even more fun in the rain.
Dino Bar and Restaurant
The restaurant at Dino Park is almost as popular as the mini golf itself, and many people come just to eat without playing a round. The whole place is designed in a Flintstones-inspired Stone Age theme, with chunky concrete walls, rock-shaped chairs and tables that make it feel like you walked into Bedrock. It is a favourite spot to cool down after the heat of the course.
The menu is bigger than you might expect from a themed attraction. They serve Thai food, charcoal grilled steaks, pizza, burgers (including the famous Dino Burger) and Mexican dishes. I was disappointed when I discovered the Dino Burgers did not contain real dinosaur meat. The bar serves excellent cocktails and iced coffees, which you will appreciate after the heat of the game. The restaurant opens daily from 10 am to 10 pm, so you can come for lunch or dinner, even on days you skip golf.
Dino Park Photos
Dino Park Mini Golf Info
Location: Kata Beach
Address: Patak Soi 7, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Near Marina Phuket Resort
Open: 10 am – 11 pm (Oct-May), 10 am – 10 pm (Jun-Sep)
Phone: 076 330 625
Price: Mini golf: 790 baht adults, 690 baht children. Park tour (no golf): 590 baht adults, 490 baht children
Website: dinopark.com
Facebook: click here
Dino Park Mini Golf Map
Get the directions on your phone: https://goo.gl/maps/pwAWkrn43MDLD1um8
Your Kata Beach Travel Guide
