Chiang Mai Zoo
A sprawling zoo and aquarium featuring a snow dome, panda exhibit, and a unique night safari experience with diverse animal encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Chiang Mai Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling zoo and aquarium featuring a snow dome, panda exhibit, and a unique night safari experience with diverse animal encounters.
"The tram is a must! Or else you'll suffer and wish you took it from the beginning cause there are a lot of walking and climbing."
Tram is a Must-Have
Save your energy! The tram (70 THB) stops at 13 points, allowing you to hop on/off. Essential for navigating the hilly terrain . :bus:
Budget for Extras
Entry fee (350 THB) is just the start. Aquarium, snow dome, and feedings cost extra. Plan for ~900 THB per adult for everything . :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chiang Mai Night Safari
Night Safari Park
Experience nocturnal animals in their natural habitat on a tram ride after dark. See tigers, lions, and more roam freely.
Penguin Feeding
Penguin Exhibit
A fun and engaging experience, even if the feeding itself has a separate cost. Visiting the penguin room is free and highly recommended .
Strawberry Tigers
Night Safari Park
See the rare, unusually colored Bengal tigers, Ava and Luna, known for their golden fur and kitten-like features .
+1
Duck Coaster
Uncle Pong's Mini Zoo
A unique and amusing attraction featuring ducks on a roller coaster ride .
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Zoo: Tram or Golf Cart?
Beyond the Entrance Fee
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tram is a Must-Have
Save your energy! The tram (70 THB) stops at 13 points, allowing you to hop on/off. Essential for navigating the hilly terrain. :bus:
Budget for Extras
Entry fee (350 THB) is just the start. Aquarium, snow dome, and feedings cost extra. Plan for ~900 THB per adult for everything. :moneybag:
Watch Your Step!
Paths can be slippery, especially when wet. Algae and debris are common. Use the tram if unsteady on your feet. :athletic_shoe:
Night Safari Experience
The Night Safari offers a unique chance to see animals active after dark. Book tram tickets in advance if possible.
Tips
from all over the internet
Tram is a Must-Have
Save your energy! The tram (70 THB) stops at 13 points, allowing you to hop on/off. Essential for navigating the hilly terrain. :bus:
Budget for Extras
Entry fee (350 THB) is just the start. Aquarium, snow dome, and feedings cost extra. Plan for ~900 THB per adult for everything. :moneybag:
Watch Your Step!
Paths can be slippery, especially when wet. Algae and debris are common. Use the tram if unsteady on your feet. :athletic_shoe:
Night Safari Experience
The Night Safari offers a unique chance to see animals active after dark. Book tram tickets in advance if possible.
Insect Zoo Wonders
Explore a fascinating collection of insects and invertebrates, a unique highlight for enthusiasts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chiang Mai Zoo offers a vast array of animals and attractions, with the Night Safari being a unique highlight. Visitors praise the beautiful grounds and the engaging penguin exhibit. However, many note that the entrance fee doesn't cover all activities, leading to higher overall costs, and some express concerns about path safety and animal enclosure conditions.
"Read some other reviews before you go, they were very helpful. Here are some:
1) Tram is a must! or else you'll suffer and wish you took it from the beginning cause there are alot of walking and climbing. Tram has 13 points that he stops at, you can hop off at a point, walk a little around and then hop on again into the next one. Price for tram is 70 THB. There is golf cart (for 4 or 6 persons) as an other option.
2) there are alot of activities and each one need to pay for it, entry fee to the zoo at the beginning is a must and cost 350 THB for adult, then there is the tram or golf cart fee. there are snow area and Dino area which we passed and I think it doesn't worth it except if you have kids and they love that things, and there is the aquarium which we passed too and it costs 450 THB, and finally there is the penguin feedings which was expensive and we passed it too but luckily visiting the penguins room was free and we had a lot of fun time there and highly recommend it.
3) alot of animals are missing! Some other animals are in single numbers only! To name some: Panda, Orangutan, Rhino, crocodiles, Gibbons."
Samer Radwan
"Very vast and huge area, rather low animal population. NO panda, no aquarium. I recommend using a cart to get around, as it goes up and down A LOT. It is s nice afternoon activity for 350 THB per adult. But don't expect too much."
Xanadu Khan
"Zoo has a nice layout, but needs a little more upkeep on paths and painting. The 350 entry fee is misleading; you'll end up spending closer to 900/adult if you do everything.
A couple recent reviews said they only saw 4 animals. Clearly they don't know how to open their eyes. I skipped a couple areas and still saw 76 species.
It is worth checking out if you are here for 2-3 weeks and have ran out of things to do."
Keith Latham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Chiang Mai Zoo by taxi, songthaew (red truck taxi), or by renting a motorbike. It's located on Huay Kaew Road, near Doi Suthep mountain. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing apps for convenience.
Yes, there is parking available for cars and motorbikes. Be aware that there might be a small fee for motorbike parking.
Chiang Mai Zoo is located relatively close to the city center, about a 15-20 minute drive depending on traffic.
Yes, Grab is a popular ride-sharing service in Chiang Mai and can be used to get to and from the zoo.
The Chiang Mai Night Safari is located a bit further out from the city center, so a taxi or pre-booked transport is recommended. Many hotels offer shuttle services or can arrange transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard entrance fee for Chiang Mai Zoo is approximately 350 THB for adults. Prices can vary, so it's always good to check the official website or inquire upon arrival.
While the main zoo entry is one price, attractions like the aquarium and snow dome are often separate purchases. Some packages might exist, but it's best to inquire at the ticket counter about current deals.
The tram service within Chiang Mai Zoo costs around 70 THB per person and is highly recommended for navigating the large, hilly grounds.
It's advisable to check if online booking is available for the Chiang Mai Night Safari, especially during peak seasons. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
Information on child or senior discounts can vary. It's best to inquire directly at the ticket counter or check the zoo's official information channels for the most up-to-date pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Chiang Mai Zoo is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Given the zoo's size and inclines, using the tram (70 THB) or renting a golf cart (approx. 600 THB for 2 hours) is highly recommended to avoid excessive walking.
Some visitors have noted that certain popular animals like pandas, orangutans, and rhinos may not be present or are in very small numbers. However, many species are still visible.
Yes, Chiang Mai Zoo has attractions like a snow dome and a kids' water park that are great for families. The penguin feeding and general animal viewing are also enjoyable for children.
The Night Safari offers a unique tram ride through different zones to observe nocturnal animals in a more natural setting. It's a popular evening activity.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for unique animals like the strawberry tigers, and the exotic species at the Night Safari.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of zoo rules and avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can disturb them.
The Night Safari's tram ride provides close-up views of many animals. The penguin exhibit and any areas with unique or colorful species are also great for photos.
Mornings can be good for clearer shots before the heat sets in. For the Night Safari, evening light creates a unique atmosphere for animal photography.
A zoom lens can be very helpful for capturing clear photos of animals from a distance, especially in larger enclosures or during tram rides.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
+1 and the fascinating insect collection at the insect zoo. While some visitors note a lower animal population in certain areas,Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Chiang Mai Zoo: The Tram vs. Golf Cart Debate
For groups or those who prefer more flexibility, renting a golf cart is another popular option. While more expensive (around 600 THB for 2 hours), it offers a private and convenient way to explore at your own pace. This is particularly appealing for families or those with mobility concerns. Regardless of your choice, planning your transport before you start walking is a recurring tip from seasoned visitors to avoid exhaustion.
Beyond the Entrance Fee: Understanding Additional Costs
It's important to research and budget for these additional experiences beforehand. While the penguin feeding is noted as being expensive, simply visiting the penguin exhibit is free and highly recommended for the fun it offers.
The Unique Appeal of Chiang Mai's Night Safari
Visitors can embark on a tram ride through different zones, getting up close to creatures like tigers, lions, elephants, and more as they roam in a more natural, dimly lit environment.This evening adventure is particularly popular for its unique atmosphere and the chance to see animals that are often hidden during the day. The park is known for its rare 'strawberry tigers', Ava and Luna, whose distinctive golden fur has made them internet sensations.
+1 The Night Safari provides a memorable and exciting addition to any Chiang Mai itinerary, especially for those seeking a different perspective on wildlife viewing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit