CHIANG MAI ZOO

Chiang Mai Zoo is an expansive wildlife park that features attractions like the giant panda house (see note below), walk-through aviaries, an impressive aquarium, an African zone, reptiles, lions, tigers, koalas, and many more species. It’s a must-visit destination for families, and anyone looking to experience Chiang Mai’s more tranquil, nature-filled side. You will need to spend an entire day to see everything.

Please note that the original Pandas passed away several years ago but two new Pandas are expected to join the zoo in 2027.

You can explore the zoo by tram or on foot, enjoy the scenic mountain views, shaded pathways, gardens, and educational exhibits.

This zoo is located on the lower slopes of Doi Suthep mountain and not too far west of Chiang Mai’s Old City. It covers a large hillside area, so you may want to get the ticket upgrade option and take advantage of the tram rides inside the grounds for the uphill paths to each animal zone in turn, and then walk around the enclosures and landscaped gardens.

The zoo is home to many different animals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, tigers, monkeys, birds, reptiles, and other species from Thailand and around the world. Chiang Mai Zoo is also known for its aquarium which features freshwater and marine displays, with fish and aquatic life shown in large tanks and walk through glass tunnels.

It is also a good idea to bring water, wear sun protection, and also bring a light rain jacket if you visit during the wet season.

Chiang Mai Zoo is best visited in the morning when the weather is cooler and the animals are usually more active.

You may want to avoid visiting during weekends and school holidays when it can be very busy with local families and tour groups.

See below for map and directions to Chiang Mai zoo.

The zoo is located on the busy main highway of Huay Kaew Road which is close to Chiang Mai University, and is very easy to reach from the city center.

Get there by hiring a taxi, tuk-tuk, or one of the shared red songthaew's that usually go all the way up to Doi Suthep montain. From the Old City, the trip usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Returning to the city is also easy because of the number of regular transport options available.

There are also regular city buses (blue bus) that run fixed schedules from major hubs like the Arcade Bus Station which go straight to the zoo terminus. This would be your cheapest option, using exact cash (about 20 baht) or a rabbit pre-paid transport card.