Chiang Mai Zoo

The local Chiang Mai Zoo is the best in Southeast Asia and is one of the top 10 interesting places on the planet. Its highlight is the three cute pandas, which not only tourists but also Thais come to see.

Chiang Mai Zoo

The Chiang Mai Zoo is located near the Old Town, so it can be reached on foot or by bicycle. The huge area, which covers 24 acres of land, is housed in a National Park.

Many animals find refuge here (all animals are separated by an enclosure or moat with water for safety):

• big cats and pandas;
• elephants and rhinos;
• monkeys and reptiles;
• Australian representatives;
• seals and turtles;
• penguins and hippos;
• different species of birds.

Animal Show

Holidaymakers are invited not only to admire the animals but also to attend a performance with them and take pictures.

• The seal shows take place twice a day: at 10:30 and 14:00 (free of charge).
• The animal show starts at 11:00 and 15:00.

Additional Zoo Services

Here you can see a huge Aquarium, but you can visit it only for a fee (prices are written below). Also for a fee, you have the opportunity:

• feed the cats and elephants;
• fly over the lake on the air bridge;
• visit the Snow House and shooting range;
• take an extreme hike on mini-motorcycles.

Zoo Highlight

Pandas are a major draw for visitors. They are also an endangered species of animals. This zoo is home to an entire "panda" family consisting of:

• Mama panda Chuang Chuang;
• Lin Hui panda dads;
• Lin Ping's panda daughters.

They were brought over from China in 2003. Each bear cub sits in a separate enclosure, surrounded by bamboo, water, and even furnishings. For a fee, you can take a photo as a keepsake:

• A 6x8 photo will cost 200 THB;
• A 8x12 photo costs 300 THB;
• A 12x18 photo will cost 400 THB.

A T-shirt with their image costs 300 THB.

Means of Getting Around Chiang Mai Zoo

The zoo is located in a mountainous area. Therefore, vacationers are offered services for easy transportation:

• Air-conditioned monorail. This mode of transportation will only take you on rides through certain parts of the park. The monorail travels very slowly, and the track runs high above the ground. Therefore, you can take your time to see all the panoramic views.
• Open Bus. The transportation will take you all around the zoo.

Fare

The fare for bus is 70 THB for an adult and 50 THB for a child. An unlimited ticket for the whole day will cost 100 THB.

Trip on monorail: 150 THB adult ticket, 100 THB child ticket.

Note that you won't be able to hare a ride. Ticket inspectors check for tickets on boarding, at some stops, and at the exit.

Bus Route

The bus makes several stops along the route, viz:

• Snow House and an aviary with cute pandas. While hiking, you can admire lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, and visit a bustling, bird sanctuary.
• Open-air rose garden, restaurant, and aquarium.
• An adventure park and koala enclosures.
• Visit the elephant village and see penguins, orangutans, reptiles, crocodiles, and parno-animals.
• A vibrant and free seal show.
• A tree-top viewing platform and elephant walk. At the last stop, you can watch an animal show.

Of course, Chiang Mai Zoo can be explored on foot. All you need to do is make time as you will need 3-4 hours to do so.

Zoo Fees and Operating Schedules

Tickets are sold separately for admission to the zoo and the Aquarium. Within the park, you will have to pay for transportation, animal shows, and entertainment. The pricing policy is as follows:

• Entry to the zoo is 150 THB per adult and 100 THB per child;
• A visit to the Aquarium for an adult will cost 520 THB, a child ticket 390 THB. The schedule is from 10:30 am to 4 pm;
• The entrance to Snow House is adult ticket 150 THB, children's ticket 100 THB. It is open from 9:45 am to 4:45 pm;
• Adventure Park will cost an adult 30 THB, children 20 THB;
• A visit to the Panda enclosure costs 100 THB per adult and 50 THB per child. It is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm;
• Feeding a pony is 20 THB;
• Canalway to the other end of the lake - 120 THB per adult, 80 THB per child;
• Renting an electric golf cart will cost 350 THB;
• Parking services: you have to pay 50 THB for a car, 1 THB for a bicycle, and 10 THB for a motorcycle.

Opening hours of the zoo are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How to Get There

The zoo grounds are located at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain, which is in the northwestern part of the city. It is not a pleasant and time-consuming walk in the heat. We recommend catching a red shuttle bus, tuk-tuk, renting a motorcycle, or bicycle.

Transportation fare will cost from 40 THB. In the reverse direction, the driver may demand a higher amount.