Nestled on a sprawling 200-acre footprint at the base of Doi Suthep mountain, the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium offers a memorable day out just west of Chiang Mai University. Established in 1977 as the first commercial zoo in northern Thailand, this privately operated facility has a fascinating origin story tracing back to 1950, when American Harold Mason Young began caring for injured animals. Today, you can explore a massive park home to 400 animal species.
As you wander through the sprawling grounds, you will spot an incredible range of wildlife, including Asian elephants, Indochinese tigers, koalas, Humboldt penguins, Cape fur seals, and Indian rhinoceroses. The park also features hippopotamuses, Asiatic black bears, Malayan sun bears, Bornean orangutans, and giant anteaters alongside various reptiles. Beyond the land animals, the site boasts two large aquariums.
Here, you can experience the world's longest tunnel aquarium at 133 meters, showcasing marine life, crustaceans, Asian arowana, and carnivorous fish like sharks. Whether you are admiring the diverse fauna or taking in the mountain backdrop, it is a fascinating spot to connect with wildlife in Thailand.
What to see at Chiang Mai Zoo
- Explore 200 acres at the base of scenic Doi Suthep
- Walk through the world's longest tunnel aquarium at 133 meters
- See diverse wildlife including Asian elephants, koalas, and Indochinese tigers
- Observe marine life, crustaceans, Asian arowana, and sharks
Visiting tips
Take advantage of the zoo's trams to easily travel around the expansive 200-acre grounds for an additional charge.
How long: Half day · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Chiang Mai Zoo is easy to reach on Chiang Mai’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Chiang Mai travel guide.
See the full Chiang Mai travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.