Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium

A trip to Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium begins with a little planning. Located at the base of Doi Suthep, the entrance lies about 6 km west of Chiang Mai’s Old City—close enough for a short taxi ride, yet nestled against the wild foothills. Most days, the zoo opens its gates by 8:00 a.m., with visitors trickling in early to beat both the heat and the local crowds. Tickets at the main entrance cover general admission, but special zones—like the aquarium or the panda enclosure—cost extra. During holidays or weekends, expect lively crowds, especially in cooler months from November to February. Weekdays often offer quieter paths and more relaxed animal encounters.

• Best time to visit: November to February for cooler weather, or weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
• How to get there: Taxis, red songthaews, and ride-hailing apps (like Grab) provide easy access from downtown Chiang Mai. Parking is available for cars and scooters.
• Accessibility: Most main paths are stroller and wheelchair-friendly; some hillside paths are steeper and may require assistance.
• Average visit duration: 3–5 hours, especially if including both the zoo and aquarium.

Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium offers more than just a peek at Thailand’s animal residents. Across its hilly grounds, wide habitats for African animals sprawl beside quiet corners where red pandas nap. Visitors often start at the Panda House, home to the once-rare giant pandas on loan from China. Kids splash with excitement at the child-friendly Snow Dome—Thailand’s only artificial snow playground—or trace the underwater curves of the immense aquarium tunnel, marveling at river giants and ocean sharks. Don’t miss the jagged limestone pools of the aviary, home to hornbills and peacocks. Those with time find joy in tucked-away butterfly gardens or feeding carrots to gentle giraffes. Every turn brings a new chance for discovery—and a photo or two to remember the day.

• Panda House: See two of Asia’s most famous pandas, perched among bamboo trees in their climate-controlled home.
• Aquarium Tunnel: A 133-meter underwater walkway, with stingrays, giant catfish, and reef sharks gliding overhead.
• Giraffe & Zebra Enclosure: Get up close for feeding sessions at scheduled times.
• Snow Dome: Experience indoor ice slides and snow play—unusual fun in northern Thailand.
• Hiking Trails: Shady, tree-lined walks with quiet corners and hidden viewpoints of Chiang Mai city.
• Photos ops: The Flamingo Pond, jungle-style walkways near the northern section, the aviary’s hidden bridges.
• Fun fact: The aquarium houses over 250 marine species from both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, making it Southeast Asia’s first zoo-aquarium combination.