Chiang Mai Zoo

So many zoos in Thailand never live up to their expectations. Chiang Mai Zoo on the other hand is a completely different ballgame.

First established in 1974, the zoo has become famous for being home to two pandas, ‘Chuang Chuang’ and ‘Lin Hui’, loaned from the Chinese government.

The two pandas became national and international news when they gave birth to a baby Giant Panda, named Lin Bing, which caused quite a lot of news activity across Thailand because of the surprise and the rareness of baby pandas.

Although Chiang Mai Zoo has become famous for this reason, and you can also see the three Giant Pandas up close and personal for a 100 baht charge, the zoo is also one of Thailand’s finest.

We were mesmerized by the sheer size of Chiang Mai Zoo, which is set over 200 acres, home to more than 8,000 animals within an evergreen environment with lots of space.

The zoo also has two waterfalls, a reservoir, animal breeding areas and camping spots. Not only home to animals, the zoo is also famous for its beautiful gardens and meticulously maintained grounds.

With the site being so massive, we decided against trawling around its entirety on foot in exchange for the comfortable monorail. There is also the option of taking the park’s bus around the grounds getting on and off where you wish.

I am that used to seeing Indian elephants all over Thailand that I forgot just how large the ears of an African elephant really are! From the beautiful white Bengal Tigers and Australian marsupials such as the Koala, to African Ostriches and Long-Neck Giraffes, Chiang Mai Zoo represents a great day out for adults, families and children alike.

Chiang Mai Zoo also boasts Thailand’s only rhinoceros and an aquarium with the longest Sea Tube tunnel in South East Asia, which also owns one of the world’s largest eco systems with 2,000 species of marine life. I was, in fact, similar to a child when visiting Chiang Mai Zoo, wanting to see it all and excited about the whole experience.

There are several shows throughout the day with seals, monkeys, elephants, dolphins and birds.

The days and times of the shows are as follow:

Seal Shows:

Monday to Friday - 2 times a day 10.30 and 14.00 o’clock

Saturday to Sunday - 3 times a day 10.30, 13.30, 15.00 o’clock

Animal Shows:

Monday to Friday - 2 times a day 11.30 and 15.00 o’clock

Saturday-Sunday - 3 times a day 11.30, 14.30, 15.30 o’clock

Chiang Mai Zoo is essential viewing for holidaymakers. It will take the vast majority of the day to traverse this massive wildlife extravaganza – the kids will love, and you will also have a great time. We did!

Address: Chiang Mai Zoo, 100 Huay Kaew Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Tel: 0-5322-1179

Fax: 0-5322-2283

Website: www. chiangmaizoo.peam.biz

Email: admin@chiangmaizoo.com