Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium, Chiang Mai - London Zoo
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Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium Chiang Mai

4
·982 reviews·, Thailand

Explore diverse aquatic life in walk-through tunnels and see various animals at the Chiang Mai Zoo.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium, Chiang Mai - London Zoo

Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium Chiang Mai

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore diverse aquatic life in walk-through tunnels and see various animals at the Chiang Mai Zoo.

4
(982 reviews)

"A decent aquarium with immersive tunnels, worth it for families despite higher foreigner prices."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Combo Ticket Value

Buy a zoo ticket first, then add aquarium access. Consider the tram for park-wide exploration.

💰 Tourist Pricing

Foreigner prices can be high (around 450 THB for aquarium). Check for Thai resident rates if applicable.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Aquarium Tunnels

Aquarium Tunnels

Aquarium

Walk-through freshwater and saltwater tunnels offer an immersive underwater experience with diverse marine life.

Reddit
Baby Animal Show

Baby Animal Show

Zoo

Catch a glimpse of adorable baby animals in a special show, a hit with younger visitors.

Reddit
Diving Divers Feeding

Diving Divers Feeding

Aquarium

Witness the fascinating spectacle of divers feeding the aquatic inhabitants.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Zoo Ticket Required for Aquarium

You must purchase a zoo ticket to access the aquarium. Consider the tram for easier park navigation, but it's an additional fee. Budget around 800-930 THB for a single adult ticket, tram, and aquarium access. Reddit

Best Value for Families

While some find the aquarium pricey for adults, it can be enjoyable for families with young children. The zoo itself offers a baby animal show and various exhibits. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (especially if raining)
Why
Air-conditioned escape from heat/rain
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ทำไงกับพี่โบว์ดีคะ 🐯 #น้องเอวา #พี่ลูน่า #คุณหนูติดแกรม #เสือโคร่งสีทอง #เชียงใหม่ไนท์ซาฟารี #ทริปนี้ที่รอคอย #เชียงใหม่หวานเจี๊ยบ #สัตว์โลกน่ารัก #สวนสัตว์tiktok #เอวา #ลูน่า #ava #luna #nongava #nongluna #chiangmainightsafari
@chiangmainightsafari
1.7M likes • 18.5M views

🎟️ Combo Ticket Value

Buy a zoo ticket first, then add aquarium access. Consider the tram for park-wide exploration. Reddit+1

💰 Tourist Pricing

Foreigner prices can be high (around 450 THB for aquarium). Check for Thai resident rates if applicable. Reddit

Wi wi wi U wa wa! #AVA #avacutetiger #Chiangmainightsafari #Viraltiger
@avathecutetiger
827.9K likes • 3.9M views
ยัยหนูไม่ปลื้ม 🐯 #น้องเอวา #พี่ลูน่า #คุณหนูติดแกรม #เสือโคร่งสีทอง #เชียงใหม่ไนท์ซาฟารี #ทริปนี้ที่รอคอย #เชียงใหม่หวานเจี๊ยบ #สัตว์โลกน่ารัก #สวนสัตว์tiktok #เอวา #ลูน่า #ava #luna #nongava #nongluna #chiangmainightsafari
@chiangmainightsafari
485.9K likes • 5.4M views

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Fun

Great for families with young children; the baby animal show is a highlight. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore at Your Pace

Take your time to see the animals; a van service is available for park navigation. Reddit

making dreams happen 🐘 #elephants #elephantsanctuary #thailand #chiangmai #travel #explore #nature #wild
@yasminlarax
362.4K likes • 2.1M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Combo Ticket Value

Buy a zoo ticket first, then add aquarium access. Consider the tram for park-wide exploration. Reddit+1

💰 Tourist Pricing

Foreigner prices can be high (around 450 THB for aquarium). Check for Thai resident rates if applicable. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Fun

Great for families with young children; the baby animal show is a highlight. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore at Your Pace

Take your time to see the animals; a van service is available for park navigation. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(982 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium offers a decent experience with its immersive walk-through tunnels, though some visitors find the foreigner pricing steep for the variety offered. It's particularly enjoyable for families with young children, who appreciate the baby animal show and the cool, air-conditioned aquarium. While not always considered a top-tier attraction for seasoned travelers, it provides a pleasant way to spend a few hours observing diverse aquatic and terrestrial life. Reddit+2

"Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium – Review

It's actually a pretty decent aquarium. You've got two long tunnels: one for freshwater and one for saltwater, both walk-under glass style. Definitely more than I expected when I first walked in.

Heads up: you have to buy a zoo ticket before you can get into the aquarium. If you're also planning to use the tram, that's another 80 baht on top.

All up, I paid about 800–930 baht for a single adult ticket, tram, and aquarium access. Yeah, it's on the expensive side for Chiang Mai, but not outrageous if you're planning to actually walk the zoo and use the facilities.

The aquarium itself is air-conditioned (which matters), reasonably clean, and has a good mix of small tanks and larger viewing areas. If you're into fish, or just want to kill some time while it's raining or humid, it's worth ducking in for a lap or two."

Jacob Jarick

"A must go place if you love nature and the aquarium. The entry fee isn't high. You can take a van to visit the whole park or self drive service is available. Take your time there."

May

"The aquarium is okay but definitely not worth the 450 THB ticket price for foreigners. There really isn’t much variety in aquatic animals — a few interesting species here and there, but overall, the experience felt underwhelming and short.

The tunnel walk is nice, but besides that, there's not much that stands out. It might be enjoyable for small kids, but for adults or frequent travelers, it's not very exciting or educational.

The pricing for tourists is also quite high compared to what you get in return. I expected more for the cost.

Decent to visit if you have a lot of time to kill — otherwise, you can skip it."

Javed Akhtar

What People Like

Immersive aquarium tunnels
Baby animal show
Air-conditioned aquarium

What People Dislike

High foreigner prices
Limited animal variety

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium is located within the Chiang Mai Zoo. You can reach the zoo by taxi, songthaew (red shared taxi), or by renting a scooter. It's a popular destination, so most local drivers will know how to get there. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the Chiang Mai Zoo. If you are driving yourself, you should have no issue finding a spot, especially on weekdays. Reddit

Songthaews are a common and affordable way to get around Chiang Mai. You can likely find a songthaew route that passes near the zoo or can take you directly there. Reddit

The Chiang Mai Zoo is located a few kilometers northwest of the city center, making it easily accessible by a short taxi or songthaew ride. Reddit

While there isn't a dedicated shuttle service from the city center, the zoo does offer an internal tram service to help you navigate its large grounds once you're inside. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the aquarium requires a zoo ticket first. For foreigners, the combined ticket with the aquarium can be around 800-930 THB, including the tram. The aquarium alone is about 450 THB for foreigners, which some find pricey. Reddit

Yes, you must purchase a Chiang Mai Zoo ticket before you can enter the aquarium. The aquarium is an add-on to the zoo admission. Reddit

Yes, there are often different pricing structures for Thai residents and international visitors. A helpful ticket booth attendant might be able to clarify this. Reddit

Information on online ticket purchasing is not readily available, but it's generally recommended to purchase tickets at the entrance on the day of your visit. Reddit

A standard zoo ticket grants you access to the zoo grounds and its various animal exhibits. The aquarium and the tram service are typically separate or additional costs. Reddit+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions include the aquarium with its walk-under tunnels, the diverse animal exhibits within the zoo, and a baby animal show. Reddit+1

Reviews are mixed. Some find it decent with interesting tunnels, while others feel it's overpriced for the variety of animals. It might be more enjoyable for families with young children. Reddit

Yes, the zoo is known to have penguins, and they are often a popular exhibit for visitors. TikTok

The aquarium is air-conditioned, offering a cool respite from Chiang Mai's heat and humidity. The zoo itself is largely outdoors. Reddit

To fully explore the zoo and aquarium, and potentially use the tram, plan for at least half a day. If you're just visiting the aquarium, it can be a shorter visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are typically food stalls and small restaurants within the Chiang Mai Zoo complex offering various local and international snacks and meals. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the zoo's policy on outside food and beverages. However, bringing water is usually permitted. Reddit

Expect typical zoo fare, including snacks, light meals, and beverages. Options might range from Thai dishes to more common fast-food items. Reddit

Options may be limited, but it's worth inquiring at the food stalls. Fresh fruit and some local dishes might be suitable. Reddit

Food prices within tourist attractions can be higher than outside. It's a good idea to budget accordingly or consider eating before or after your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The walk-through aquarium tunnels offer unique underwater shots. The animal enclosures, especially for larger animals like elephants and tigers, also provide great photo ops. TikTok+1

Generally, photography is allowed in most areas. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to avoid disturbing the animals. TikTok

Yes, you can take photos of the baby animals, especially during the baby animal show. TikTok

Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. Late afternoons can also be good as the light softens. TikTok

The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including penguins, tigers (like Ava), and elephants, all of which make for engaging photographs. TikTok+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium is a solid choice for families. The baby animal show is a definite hit, and the aquarium's tunnels offer a captivating experience for younger minds. While the foreigner pricing for the aquarium might seem steep, the overall value for a family day out, combining zoo exploration with the aquarium, can be worthwhile. Consider utilizing the tram service to save little legs from too much walking. Reddit+1

Pack snacks and water, and be prepared for a lot of walking. The zoo offers a variety of animals that will keep children entertained, and the interactive elements like the feeding demonstrations can add to the excitement. It’s a classic family outing that provides educational and fun opportunities. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium can be a bit of a splurge, especially for foreigners. The aquarium ticket alone can be around 450 THB, and adding the zoo and tram pushes the cost higher. Reddit If you're on a tight budget, you might consider prioritizing other attractions in Chiang Mai or focusing solely on the zoo portion if it offers a more palatable price point. Reddit

Alternatively, explore the numerous ethical elephant sanctuaries outside the city, some of which offer overnight stays for around $50-$60 USD, which can be a more unique and potentially better value experience for wildlife enthusiasts. TikTok+1 Researching local pricing or looking for combo deals might also help manage costs if the zoo and aquarium is a must-see. Reddit

🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts

While the zoo offers a curated wildlife experience, true nature and wildlife enthusiasts might find more profound encounters at ethical elephant sanctuaries surrounding Chiang Mai. These sanctuaries provide opportunities for respectful interaction with rescued elephants in a more natural setting. TikTok+3

If you do visit the zoo and aquarium, focus on the diversity of species and the aquarium's unique tunnel exhibits. However, for a deeper connection with Thailand's iconic animals, consider dedicating a day to an ethical sanctuary where you can observe elephants in a more natural and less commercialized environment. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Aquarium

The Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium is a significant draw, featuring two impressive walk-under glass tunnels: one for freshwater and another for saltwater species. These tunnels provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to feel surrounded by marine life. While some reviews suggest the aquarium's variety might be limited for the price, it remains a popular attraction, especially for families. The air-conditioned environment makes it a welcome escape from the tropical heat and humidity. Reddit+1

Beyond the tunnels, the aquarium houses various smaller tanks showcasing a range of aquatic creatures. The feeding sessions, particularly when conducted by divers, are highlighted as an interesting spectacle. For those seeking a cool, engaging activity, especially during a rainy spell or a particularly hot day, the aquarium offers a decent diversion. Reddit

It's important to note that access to the aquarium is contingent on purchasing a general Chiang Mai Zoo ticket. This combined approach means visitors can easily transition from exploring the zoo's terrestrial inhabitants to the underwater world. Reddit

Chiang Mai Zoo Highlights

The Chiang Mai Zoo itself is a sprawling attraction with a wide array of animals. Visitors can expect to see everything from large mammals like elephants and tigers to smaller primates and birds. A particular highlight mentioned by visitors is the baby animal show, which is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. TikTokReddit

For easier navigation of the extensive grounds, a tram service is available for an additional fee. This is particularly useful for those who prefer not to walk the entire park or have limited mobility. The zoo is also home to popular animals like penguins and is known for its inhabitants like Ava the tiger, who has gained some social media attention. TikTok+1

While the aquarium might draw mixed reviews regarding value, the zoo offers a more traditional wildlife viewing experience. It's a place where you can spend a good portion of your day observing diverse species and enjoying the natural surroundings. Reddit

Ethical Elephant Experiences Near Chiang Mai

While the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium focuses on traditional zoo exhibits, the region surrounding Chiang Mai is renowned for its ethical elephant sanctuaries. These sanctuaries offer a different kind of wildlife interaction, prioritizing the well-being and rescue of elephants. Places like Chai Lai Orchid and Chiang Mai Elephant Friends are frequently mentioned for their commitment to ethical practices, with no riding allowed. TikTok+3

Visitors can often engage in activities such as feeding the elephants, walking alongside them, and learning about their individual stories. Some sanctuaries even offer lodging, allowing guests to wake up to the gentle presence of these magnificent creatures. This immersive experience is often described as refreshing, deeply present, and more meaningful than traditional zoo visits. TikTok+2

These ethical sanctuaries emphasize a connection with nature and a respectful approach to wildlife. They are a popular choice for travelers seeking authentic and responsible animal encounters, often highlighting the positive impact on both the animals and the local communities. TikTok+1

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