Chiang Mai Zoo

The Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium was established in 1977 and is located on the slopes of Doi Suthep mountain, in the north-western part of Chiang Mai city.

The zoo covers around 200 acres of land and houses over 400 hundred species of animals as well as a large aquarium with over 200 species of marine animals.

The zoo covers a hilly landscape and is best explored on foot, however, there are shuttle buses that drive around the zoo taking visitors from one section of the zoo to the next. There are two free shows scheduled throughout the day at the Chiang Mai Zoo including a Seal show at 10.30am and 2pm (Mon to Fri) and 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.00pm (Sat & Sun) and an Animal Show at 11am and 3pm (Mon to Fri) and 11.00am, 2.00pm and 3.30pm (Sat & Sun).

There is also a large aquarium located inside the Zoo which has a world-famous 133-metre long water tunnel that models life under the sea. In this aquarium, there are heaps of interesting things to see and do including Koi feeding, stingray feeding, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Visitors should note that once they pay their admission fee to the zoo, this does not give access to every single attraction once inside the zoo. The following attractions are charged at an additional rate: Panda 100THB, Snow Dome 150THB and Shuttle Bus 20THB. The aquarium is also an additional cost at 520THB.

There are food and drink stalls scattered throughout the zoo, although the quality isn’t spectacular. You can spend as long as you like at the zoo, but a thorough walkthrough should only take a half-day (no more than 3hrs).

You can get to the zoo by taking a red truck (songthaew) which will cost around 40THB from the old city. Otherwise, a tuk-tuk will cost around 100THB, depending on how well you haggle. If driving your own scooter, parking is available at about 20THB per bike for the day.