The Chiang Mai Zoo

By Paul Horstermans

The Chiang Mai Zoo opened its doors in 1974 and is a fun-filled attraction for the entire family. If you’re visiting Chiang Mai kids then a visit to the Zoo is a must as with its stars of the show; two ‘adopted’ pandas from China.

tigers

You will find the Zoo at the top end of Huay Kaew road in a lovely setting, a short distance after the entrance to Chiang Mai University (CMU). The Zoo is quit large and fortunately there are open visitor buses available which can pick and drop you off at certain locations within the Zoo’s territory.

The majority of the animals are housed fairly close to the entrance. But beyond the botanical garden in the rear, there are just a few animals to be found and almost no visitors. It feels like you have the entire forest to yourself when you stroll around in this area of the Zoo.

The Zoo’s front area looks more like the usual zoo. However, this one is much more attractive than a large number of other similar facilities, partly due to the abundance of many plants and blooming flowers. At some points you have a pretty view of the city centre. Transportation between several of the main sights is provided, although it is still quite a walk to get around the entire zoo.

Many species are held in cages, but it is the goal to change so that most animals can live in open enclosures. For example the gibbons now live in the open on several artificial islands which have been created in a lake. As a result these monkeys move much more natural then they did before in their too small cages.

Secret sights of Chiang Mai

Also positively is that the public eating areas do not dominate the enclosures and are integrated in a more natural way with the environment, unlike for example the eateries in Bangkok’s Dusit Zoo. The kids will absolutely love a visit to the pandas. In 2003, two pandas were loaned to Thailand from the Chinese government. Their spacious, ultra-modern and air-conditioned enclosure opened in October 2003. Since their arrival the Chiang Mai zoo has seen a significant increase in the number of national and international visitors. Make sure you bring a sweater along as it can be pretty cold inside their enclosure. Grown ups as well will find it fascinating to observe these beautiful and pretty rare animals.

It is not hard to spend an entire day at the zoo. Be sure to read the signs which are positioned near the entrance so you can make up your mind about what animals you really want to see. Should you get tired from all the walking there are sufficient places to stop and consume a snack, drink or meal.

If you would like to visit the zoo to observe the pandas, the most convenient time is 09:00 when the pandas are fed and their enclosure is opened. The facility is open from 8am to 6pm and tickets for adults cost 100 baht while kids only pay 50 Baht admission. This is on top of 30 Baht fee for adults and 5 Baht for children.

The Chiang Mai Zoo is situated at Huay Kaew Road. Most likely the most convenient way of getting there is by a tuk-tuk. However, songtaews on their way to Doi Suthep also make a stop at the zoo. Bus number 3 follows a route which also leads past the zoo. You will not find it difficult getting a ride back into the downtown area, as tuk-tuks and songtaews are always waiting outside.