CityBuddy
Chiang Mai Night Safari
Best time to visit
Arrive at opening to catch dusk activity and the first tram before crowds build; cooler months November to February offer more comfortable evenings for walking areas.
Budget tips
Tickets are required for entry and often priced higher for foreign visitors; book online for discounts of about 10-20% and look for tram or combo packages to save money, there are no regular free days.
Recommended for
Families, Animal lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Night owls
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: Under soft floodlights, tram rides slide past open habitats where giraffes nibble leaves and Sumatran tigers appear surprisingly close to the windows, making the night feel intimate and raw. Visitors often catch nighttime feedings and lively animal shows, and guided trails let you learn about conservation while feeding docile herbivores under the stars.
Highlights: After dusk a tram with only 30 seats glides through open enclosures, and guides quietly count in Thai as a pride of 12 lions dozes just beyond the glass windows. Some visitors pay 50 baht to hand-feed giraffes mulberry branches, while the scent of grilled corn and jasmine drifting from nearby stalls makes the whole ride feel like a secret nocturnal village fair.
Insider tips
- Wear closed shoes and light layers, evenings can be cool and paths uneven.
- Bring a telephoto or zoom lens and a fast lens for low-light animal shots, use a monopod for stability instead of flash.
- Catch the first guided tram loop and the feeding shows to see the most active animals, avoid the last-hour rush.
- Skip long walking trails if short on time, focus on the tram safari and the African and Predator zones for best viewing.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
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More attractions in Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Phra Singh
Tha Phae Gate & Sunday Walking Street (Tha Phae Road)
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