Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium Chiang Mai
Explore diverse aquatic life in walk-through tunnels and see various animals at the Chiang Mai Zoo.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium Chiang Mai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse aquatic life in walk-through tunnels and see various animals at the Chiang Mai Zoo.
"A decent aquarium with immersive tunnels, worth it for families despite higher foreigner prices."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Buy a zoo ticket first, then add aquarium access. Consider the tram for park-wide exploration.
💰 Tourist Pricing
Foreigner prices can be high (around 450 THB for aquarium). Check for Thai resident rates if applicable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Aquarium Tunnels
Aquarium
Walk-through freshwater and saltwater tunnels offer an immersive underwater experience with diverse marine life.

Baby Animal Show
Zoo
Catch a glimpse of adorable baby animals in a special show, a hit with younger visitors.

Diving Divers Feeding
Aquarium
Witness the fascinating spectacle of divers feeding the aquatic inhabitants.
Planning Your Visit
Zoo Ticket Required for Aquarium
Best Value for Families
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Buy a zoo ticket first, then add aquarium access. Consider the tram for park-wide exploration.
💰 Tourist Pricing
Foreigner prices can be high (around 450 THB for aquarium). Check for Thai resident rates if applicable.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great for families with young children; the baby animal show is a highlight.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Take your time to see the animals; a van service is available for park navigation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Buy a zoo ticket first, then add aquarium access. Consider the tram for park-wide exploration.
💰 Tourist Pricing
Foreigner prices can be high (around 450 THB for aquarium). Check for Thai resident rates if applicable.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great for families with young children; the baby animal show is a highlight.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Take your time to see the animals; a van service is available for park navigation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium offers a decent experience with its immersive walk-through tunnels, though some visitors find the foreigner pricing steep for the variety offered. It's particularly enjoyable for families with young children, who appreciate the baby animal show and the cool, air-conditioned aquarium. While not always considered a top-tier attraction for seasoned travelers, it provides a pleasant way to spend a few hours observing diverse aquatic and terrestrial life.
"Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium – Review
It's actually a pretty decent aquarium. You've got two long tunnels: one for freshwater and one for saltwater, both walk-under glass style. Definitely more than I expected when I first walked in.
Heads up: you have to buy a zoo ticket before you can get into the aquarium. If you're also planning to use the tram, that's another 80 baht on top.
All up, I paid about 800–930 baht for a single adult ticket, tram, and aquarium access. Yeah, it's on the expensive side for Chiang Mai, but not outrageous if you're planning to actually walk the zoo and use the facilities.
The aquarium itself is air-conditioned (which matters), reasonably clean, and has a good mix of small tanks and larger viewing areas. If you're into fish, or just want to kill some time while it's raining or humid, it's worth ducking in for a lap or two."
Jacob Jarick
"A must go place if you love nature and the aquarium. The entry fee isn't high. You can take a van to visit the whole park or self drive service is available. Take your time there."
May
"The aquarium is okay but definitely not worth the 450 THB ticket price for foreigners. There really isn’t much variety in aquatic animals — a few interesting species here and there, but overall, the experience felt underwhelming and short.
The tunnel walk is nice, but besides that, there's not much that stands out. It might be enjoyable for small kids, but for adults or frequent travelers, it's not very exciting or educational.
The pricing for tourists is also quite high compared to what you get in return. I expected more for the cost.
Decent to visit if you have a lot of time to kill — otherwise, you can skip it."
Javed Akhtar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium is located within the Chiang Mai Zoo. You can reach the zoo by taxi, songthaew (red shared taxi), or by renting a scooter. It's a popular destination, so most local drivers will know how to get there.
Yes, there is parking available at the Chiang Mai Zoo. If you are driving yourself, you should have no issue finding a spot, especially on weekdays.
Songthaews are a common and affordable way to get around Chiang Mai. You can likely find a songthaew route that passes near the zoo or can take you directly there.
The Chiang Mai Zoo is located a few kilometers northwest of the city center, making it easily accessible by a short taxi or songthaew ride.
While there isn't a dedicated shuttle service from the city center, the zoo does offer an internal tram service to help you navigate its large grounds once you're inside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the aquarium requires a zoo ticket first. For foreigners, the combined ticket with the aquarium can be around 800-930 THB, including the tram. The aquarium alone is about 450 THB for foreigners, which some find pricey.
Yes, you must purchase a Chiang Mai Zoo ticket before you can enter the aquarium. The aquarium is an add-on to the zoo admission.
Yes, there are often different pricing structures for Thai residents and international visitors. A helpful ticket booth attendant might be able to clarify this.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not readily available, but it's generally recommended to purchase tickets at the entrance on the day of your visit.
A standard zoo ticket grants you access to the zoo grounds and its various animal exhibits. The aquarium and the tram service are typically separate or additional costs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the aquarium with its walk-under tunnels, the diverse animal exhibits within the zoo, and a baby animal show.
Reviews are mixed. Some find it decent with interesting tunnels, while others feel it's overpriced for the variety of animals. It might be more enjoyable for families with young children.
Yes, the zoo is known to have penguins, and they are often a popular exhibit for visitors.
The aquarium is air-conditioned, offering a cool respite from Chiang Mai's heat and humidity. The zoo itself is largely outdoors.
To fully explore the zoo and aquarium, and potentially use the tram, plan for at least half a day. If you're just visiting the aquarium, it can be a shorter visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are typically food stalls and small restaurants within the Chiang Mai Zoo complex offering various local and international snacks and meals.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the zoo's policy on outside food and beverages. However, bringing water is usually permitted.
Expect typical zoo fare, including snacks, light meals, and beverages. Options might range from Thai dishes to more common fast-food items.
Options may be limited, but it's worth inquiring at the food stalls. Fresh fruit and some local dishes might be suitable.
Food prices within tourist attractions can be higher than outside. It's a good idea to budget accordingly or consider eating before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The walk-through aquarium tunnels offer unique underwater shots. The animal enclosures, especially for larger animals like elephants and tigers, also provide great photo ops.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to avoid disturbing the animals.
Yes, you can take photos of the baby animals, especially during the baby animal show.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. Late afternoons can also be good as the light softens.
The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including penguins, tigers (like Ava), and elephants, all of which make for engaging photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and water, and be prepared for a lot of walking. The zoo offers a variety of animals that will keep children entertained, and the interactive elements like the feeding demonstrations can add to the excitement. It’s a classic family outing that provides educational and fun opportunities.
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, explore the numerous ethical elephant sanctuaries outside the city, some of which offer overnight stays for around $50-$60 USD, which can be a more unique and potentially better value experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Researching local pricing or looking for combo deals might also help manage costs if the zoo and aquarium is a must-see.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
If you do visit the zoo and aquarium, focus on the diversity of species and the aquarium's unique tunnel exhibits. However, for a deeper connection with Thailand's iconic animals, consider dedicating a day to an ethical sanctuary where you can observe elephants in a more natural and less commercialized environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Aquarium
Beyond the tunnels, the aquarium houses various smaller tanks showcasing a range of aquatic creatures. The feeding sessions, particularly when conducted by divers, are highlighted as an interesting spectacle. For those seeking a cool, engaging activity, especially during a rainy spell or a particularly hot day, the aquarium offers a decent diversion.
It's important to note that access to the aquarium is contingent on purchasing a general Chiang Mai Zoo ticket. This combined approach means visitors can easily transition from exploring the zoo's terrestrial inhabitants to the underwater world.
Chiang Mai Zoo Highlights
For easier navigation of the extensive grounds, a tram service is available for an additional fee. This is particularly useful for those who prefer not to walk the entire park or have limited mobility. The zoo is also home to popular animals like penguins and is known for its inhabitants like Ava the tiger, who has gained some social media attention.
While the aquarium might draw mixed reviews regarding value, the zoo offers a more traditional wildlife viewing experience. It's a place where you can spend a good portion of your day observing diverse species and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Ethical Elephant Experiences Near Chiang Mai
Visitors can often engage in activities such as feeding the elephants, walking alongside them, and learning about their individual stories. Some sanctuaries even offer lodging, allowing guests to wake up to the gentle presence of these magnificent creatures. This immersive experience is often described as refreshing, deeply present, and more meaningful than traditional zoo visits.
These ethical sanctuaries emphasize a connection with nature and a respectful approach to wildlife. They are a popular choice for travelers seeking authentic and responsible animal encounters, often highlighting the positive impact on both the animals and the local communities.
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