CityBuddy
Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium
Best time to visit
Visit early at opening to avoid heat and crowds and catch animals when active; late afternoon feeding sessions are also lively.
Budget tips
Zoo and aquarium have separate admissions, budget roughly 150–400 THB per adult depending on exhibits and extras; look for combined zoo+aquarium tickets at the gate or online to save a bit, and aim for weekdays to avoid peak prices.
Recommended for
Families with children, Animal and marine life lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Day trippers
Plan your visit
3-4 hours
About
Quick facts: Visitors often squeal at the sight of giant pandas nibbling bamboo, a rare encounter that turns a regular zoo trip into a must-see spectacle. An underwater tunnel bathes you in cobalt light as sharks and rays glide overhead, making the aquarium feel more like a cinematic ocean than a typical exhibit.
Highlights: Walk past the botanical paths and you'll hit a massive four-story aquarium tank holding roughly four million liters of water, where neon coral colors and a steady hum of filtration make the overhead tunnel feel like a slow, blue subway with sharks and stingrays cruising inches above your head. At midday the panda caretakers, led by veteran keeper Somchai, stage a quirky bamboo buffet ritual, chopping and arranging dozens of bamboo stalks while visitors lean on railings to watch a single panda methodically manicure each shoot, crunching sounds echoing like a tiny percussion section.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes and a hat, the site is hilly and includes long walks in sun.
- Ride the zoo tram and chairlift to save time and get good elevated views of enclosures.
- Visit the aquarium around midday for the best light in the 100m tunnel and calmer crowds.
- Go to the panda area early or during scheduled feedings, and skip small specialized houses if you need to shorten your visit.
Book a FREE walking tour in Chiang Mai, Thailand
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
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