Chiang Mai Zoo was established in 1974 by Harold Mason Young, an American missionary who came to Thailand as a volunteer to teach survival skills to soldiers during the Korean War. At first, Young rented a piece of land and turned it into a centre to take care of animals injured by hunters. As the number of animals grew, so did the size of the zoo (with help from the provincial government). After Young’s death in ’74, the zoo became under management of the Zoological Park Organization, and continues to be the official zoo of Chiang Mai. The zoo is situated in a lush evergreen environment comprising of two waterfalls, reservoirs, camping spots, and animal breeding grounds. It also offers spectacular views of the city, as well as provides recreational activities and other facilities.

Located on Huay Kaew road in Suthep Sub-district, the zoo is about 5 kilometers from town. It covers an area of 531 rais (… acres), and contains over 8,000 different animals from Thailand and around the globe. The pandas at Chiang Mai Zoo are not the only highlights of the zoo; it’s actually all 2,000 species of animals at the zoo. However, since the pandas are on loan from China, they are the main attraction. If you want to take a look at how pandas live in cold climates, feel the chilling cold of -7 degrees Celsius, and/or try out snowboarding, make your way inside the “Snow Dome”.

Another section of the zoo that is equally fascinating is the Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium. This underwater tunnel features more than 20,000 marine animals. You will find over 250 species of fresh water and salt-water fish. You can also participate in activities such as fish feeding and diving while visiting the aquarium. Other attractions in the zoo include the Koala bears and the Bird Cage that is home to a collection of colorful birds of all sizes.

The zoo is an immense place. You will easily spend up to a full day visiting all the animals. If you don’t have much time, ride the cable car to visit the animals instead. Chiang Mai Zoo is definitely a great place for children to see and learn more about the planet’s living creatures. The zoo is also nearbyDoi Suthep therefore you’ll get to enjoy that as well.

Address : 100 Huay Kaew Rd., Suthep Sub-district, Mueang District, Chiang Mai 

GPS : 18.810350, 98.947917

Contact no. : 053 221 179

Fax no. : 053 222 283

E-mail : chiangmaizoomail@gmail.com

Website : http://www.chiangmaizoo.com

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chiang-Mai-Zoo/125335467505284

Opening Hrs. : Open every day from 8.00-18.00

Entrance Fee :

Ticket Prices

• Thai Adult: 50, University Student: 30, Children: 10
• Foreigner Adult: 100, Children: 50
• Teachers/ Civil Servants/ Officers (in uniform): 30
• Senior citizens, Disabled, Monks: Free of charge

Panda Attraction

• Thai Adult: 50, Children (not over 135cms): 20
• Foreigner Adult: 100, Children (not over 135cms): 50

Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium

• Thai Adult: 290, Children (not over 135cms): 190
• Foreigner Adult: 520, Children (not over 135cms): 390
• Snorkeling: 500 for Adults and Children
• Diving: Adults 290, Children 190

Snow Dome (30 minutes; Open from 9.45-17.40)

• Thai Adult: 150, Children (not over 135cms): 100
• Foreigner Adult: 150, Children (not over 135cms): 100

Best time : Any time of the year Highlight : Pandas/ Snow Dome/ Zoo Aquarium/ Bird Cage/ Koala

Activities : Sight-seeing/ Edutainment/ Diving/ 

From the city, take Huay Kaew road towards Doi Suthep. Drive past Chiang Mai University for about 800 meters and you will see the zoo to your left-hand side.