For more information, see our disclosure policy. This way, you have enough time to explore the city, take a cooking class and head out to the hills for some nature time. Beside the entrance fees, you Ned to pay again for the tram ride, panda exhibit and aquarium. Covering 200 acres of land in the foothills of Doi Suthep and providing excellent views of the city in addition to its fascinating wildlife exhibits, Chiang Mai Zoo is certainly worth a visit, Its vast variety of animals and the flora and fauna inside the zoo is quite interesting. When visiting the Chiang Mai Zoo, you wont have to worry about going hungry. Want it basic and cheap? And last, but definitely not least, on our list of all the reasons Chiang Mai is worth visiting, is simply for the vibe that makes Chiang Mai such a fun city to hang out in. Support us on the Social Media. Chiang Mai Zoo (Is it Worth a Visit?) If youre not sure how to get there, ask your hotel staff for advice. More chilled out than Chiang Mai, but much more than a sleepy smaller brother, there is lots to do in Chiang Rai that will keep you occupied. From Bangkok, its around 12 hours. Chiang Mai Zoo is located near other popular attractions such as the Doi Suthep temple and the Huay Kaew Waterfall. We visited the Womens Massage Center by Ex-Prisoners. Dottis massage was fantastic and Zandys was good (but not great). The staff is super friendly, and you will feel like at home! Wat Umong is a beautiful 700-year-old temple set in a secluded, forested location away from the city. This is How to Get To Doi Suthep From Chiang Mai Follow the zoos rules and regulations, and dont feed the animals unless its allowed. It also has a marine aquarium, which is the largest in Asia. TIP: if you are staying at a proper hotel (unlike us) the shuttle will pick up at your hotel. There is no better place than Chiang Mai to experience real Thai life. WHY VISIT? One of the highlights of the zoo is the giant pandas exhibit. These stands offer a variety of treats, such as ice cream, popcorn, and fresh fruit. Chiang Mai Zoo is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. our big trip around Southeast Asia for 2019, How to Use Skyscanner to get Cheap Flights, Bring a bag, water, hat and sunscreen because it is all outdoors, Stroller friendly but you do need to hop on a shuttle bus a couple of times and a few hills, Pre-purchase your tickets online here to save time and money. We bought the veg from them, knowing we were going to feed the animals didn't stop them from feeding. There are two important events worth witnessing in Chiang Mai. For flights we used AirAsia, they offer good service for a budget airline. Chiang Mai has much to offer any visitor: ancient history, incredible food, nature at your doorstep, and all the comforts you could ask for. There are no two ways about it: Chiang Mai is a foodies paradise. 1. per night May 8 - May 9 Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Chiang Mai. When is the best month to visit Chiang Mai? Another festival worth mentioning is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. How To Get To Chiang Mai Zoo? Things To Know Before Visiting. Despite the Grazie name, which can lead to Italian, this is the best Thai place ever. Easy to reach. For a more in-depth guide, read Chiang Mai Vs Chiang Rai! >> Check Best Prices for My Chiang Mai Boutique Lodge! We paid extra for Panda House visit. Its important to note that prices at the zoos restaurants and snack stands can be a bit higher than what you might find outside the zoo. If you want to experience the sleeper train, book the tickets on 12GoAsia. Trust us, Chiang Mai is worth visiting to learn the skills so you can whip up a delicious pad thai for your friends and family when you get home. Came here not expecting much but we still couldn't help but feel ripped off (not that we mind, if the money is put into good use for the animals). Both Chiang Mai and Bangkok are incredible world-class cities, but if we had to make a choice, then, well our vote would go to Chiang Mai. The aquarium is also a popular attraction, featuring a tunnel where visitors can walk through and see marine life swimming all around them. So, join me on this journey of discovery, and let's explore Northern Thailand together! Chiang Mai Zoo: Worth the Visit! So many cafes and co-working spaces offer good Wi-Fi, perfect for your working day. In Thai, the zoo is called "suan sut." Theyll be impressed! Whats particularly great about Chiang Mais massage scene is the increasingly popular, social justice-oriented massages done by ex-prisoners. Visitors can see pandas, tigers, giraffes, zebras, and many other animals up close. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. . LOCATION: About 12km north of Chiang Rai, just off of route 1, it will take about 25 minutes to get here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Check out my travel resources to get started on planning your trip! In short, Chiang Mai is worth visiting! For us, this trip was a more laid back, enjoying living like a local in Chiang Mai. If youre looking for something more familiar, there are also international options available. Chiang Mai is very safe and weve never had any worries about our safety during our numerous visits. WHY VISIT? WHY VISIT? Conversely, Phuket is a great holiday destination in Thailand and still worth spending at least 3 days. This is a subreddit where people can ask for advice about visiting Thailand, border crossings, hotels, what to see, what to do. Even when we saw some staff feeding the giraffees, they hardly welcome us as they were busy feeding themselves and having fun. You can watch our Reel here. It happened to us as well, and it was our first time in Thailand. Above all the reasons why Chiang Mai is worth visiting, there is the food on top of our list! Cooking classes have quickly become one of the citys most popular activities and there are dozens of schools offering classes. I was really hoping to visit the Chaing Mai Zoo next month. If youre traveling with children, be sure to check out the Childrens Zoo, where kids can interact with farm animals and learn about animal care. We are both passionate photographers and travellers. Whether you are looking for a fun day out with the family or a chance to see some amazing animals, Chiang Mai Zoo has something for everyone. Required fields are marked *. Chiang Mai Zoo is a beautiful and fertile attraction in cool climate all year round. If youre staying in the city center, its easy to get to Chiang Mai Zoo by public transportation. Youll be doing a lot of walking at Chiang Mai Zoo, so its important to wear comfortable shoes. There was no one else except 2 bored looking staffs who were feeding the giraffes when we went there. From the bustling city of Chiang Mai to the peaceful countryside of Pai, there's always something new to discover and experience. Its appropriate to have your shoulders and legs covered when entering a temple. Its one of our favorite cities in the world, along with Istanbul and Melbourne. The Angkaew Lake By Aiya Cafe serves up a variety of Western dishes, including burgers and sandwiches, as well as Thai favorites like fried rice and stir-fry. There are over 300 temples found in Chiang Mai, but well just focus on some of the most popular, and our favorites. The zoo is also home to a variety of mammals, including tigers, lions, elephants, and giraffes. ChiangRai worth the trip? : r/Thailand - Reddit As Alessia got car sick, we took the train; however, our friends experienced the bus, and their journey was okay. Chiang Mai is different from Phuket because there are fewer tourists and the reason is that Chiang Mai doesnt have a beach. Read our. Well-worth a visit - Chiang Mai Zoo . There are 762 right turns, he wrote, I never drive myself.. Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting? 15 Icons to Convince You It Is One of the most interesting features of this temple is the cave-like tunnels crisscrossing the temple grounds. First, there are the thick, soft noodles and then the bowl is topped with fried crispy egg noodles. With so many exhibits and animals to see, theres something for everyone. It is located north of Bangkok at the base of the mountain range, which is home to the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon. More details on our scooter hire place below. Reddit, Inc. 2023. The tanks containing the jelly fish looked quite dirty and i kind of feel sorry for them.Feeding the elephant was fun but it was in a small enclosure under the scorching sun, and I really hope they do take good care of it by ensuring it has enough water/rest.When we visited the giraffes, we were eager to do the feeding. From late February to April in Chiang Mai is the burning season. However, overall it's a great zoo. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. In this post, you will find all the information about Chiang Mai zoo aquarium, including ways to get there, ticket prices, tips, and more. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. About the Author: Dotti Mazga is one half of Travel Oasis, a worldwide travel blog focused on outdoor adventures and cultural travels in both common and uncommon destinations. We ate there almost every time, and we tried all the menu. There are a number of restaurants scattered throughout the city, but some of our favorites are Khao Soi Mae Sai and Khao Soi Nimman. Not the main restaurant style area as you first enter, head for the yellow metal chairs and local food which is deeper into the market.MORE INFORMATION:TravelFish.org. This is because so many flights are arriving from Chiang Mai, mainly to South East Asia destinations like Singapore, Bangkok, Bali and many more. We were in Chiang Mai in November and had a couple of rainy days, but we still enjoyed the city. We stayed a bit outside the city walls, and it took us 10 minutes to reach the nearest gate where the Sunday Market was happening. Aya Service is the shuttle bus company we used for our 24 hours in Pai. With affordable admission prices and a range of attractions, its easy to see why the zoo is one of the most popular destinations in Chiang Mai. We have a deep understanding of travelling and make the best of annual leave. Just make sure you include their tram service because the zoo is too big to explore. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is walkable in around an hour, but most people choose to get there by tuk-tuk. Chiang Mai Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai, Thailand. During our backpacking trip, we are trying to use as much public transport as possible and avoid flights. Overall, Chiang Mai Zoo is a great place to spend a day with family and friends. With a massage center seemingly on every block, there are enough places in Chiang Mai that you could spend a year here and still probably try a new one every week. We paid 400 baht per person (about AUD 20) for round trip tickets. . Here are 15 of our favourite photos that we took whilst in the city. Museum 0900-1700 Daily.COST: Free, though there are opportunities to donate and support the upkeep of the buildings.LOCATION:Northwest of the town centre, about a ten-minute walk from the clock tower.MORE INFORMATION:Google. A visit to Chiang Mai is worth it to sample some of the citys great markets. The entry fee is $3 for an adult. If you are traveling to Thailand with kids or you simply want to hand-feed animals, that's definitely an interesting place to go. Its so worth it. However, always be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables supervised. The cost to fly was very cheap, our tickets with AirAsia was AUD$40 per person. All attractions require driving, so you either need your own transportation or you can use taxis, there are plenty of local taxis plus grab. When arriving in Chiang Mai at the foot of Doi Suthep, do not miss visiting the nearby Chiang Mai Zoo as well. With its beautiful scenery, variety of animals, and fun activities, its a great place to spend a day with family and friends. Worth a visit - Reviews, Photos - Chiang Mai Zoo - Tripadvisor Luckily, its also very easy to visit. Chiang Mai can get very hot and sunny, so its important to protect your skin and stay hydrated. :A nightly market that is completely pedestrianised. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Relos Why visit Chiang Mai? We have highlighted all the points why you should visit this fantastic city during your next trip to Thailand. : Spectacular enough during the day, at night Chiang Rais clock tower puts on a Vegas-style coloured light display.OPENING TIMES: Timings for the light show are 1900, 2000, and 2100 every evening.COST: Free.LOCATION:Right in the heart of Chiang Rai.MORE INFORMATION:Thaizer.com. When we went there, there was just one area with one panda that was opened and the rest were marked as CLOSED/under renovation. The food court is right at the back. Chiang Mai is worth visiting just to eat khao soi, arguably Thailands greatest food and typically only found in northern Thailand. If you visit any of the main temples in Chiang Mai, youll notice that theres usually a section reserved for massages. To get to Huay Teung Tao, drive a scooter, catch a songthaew or hail a Grab (a ride-sharing app). The food was yummy. Chaing Mai's zoo is at the bottom of the mountain road leading to the Temple of the Dawn and a nice restful stop after visiting the temple, before heading back into the city. Your email address will not be published. The fact that everything is way more affordable makes you even want to stay longer in Chiang Mai. Was a nice day out in Chiang mai. So yes, Chiang Mai is worth visiting because you can spoil yourself with daily (or twice daily) massages. There is very little information about the place online, but if you search for Princess Mother 90th Anniversary Building, Chiang Rai on Google you will find it.MORE INFORMATION:Google. There is something about Chiang Mai that makes it unique, perhaps the atmosphere or the people, but every time we talk about this place, a smile comes out on our faces. Worth a visit. - Reviews, Photos - Chiang Mai Zoo - Tripadvisor Chiang Mais airport is serviced by flights from every other major destination in Thailand as diverse and far apart as Mae Hong Son in the north to Phuket in the south. Hence, avoid visiting Chiang Mai during these months. Confused? Well, imagine if red curry and noodle soup had a love child. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February. These cookies do not store any personal information. What is khao soi you ask? Home to a wide variety of animals and an impressive 133-meter-long aquarium tunnel, you and your loved ones will . Its within walking distance from the night bazaar and about 2 miles from the bus station. For international flights, you most likely will be flying into Bangkok. Chiang Mai Zoo is a great place to spend a day with family or friends. Well worth a visit - especially so if you've got young kids. Srithana Condo 2 Siri Mangkalajarn Rd Lane 1, Suthep, Mueang, Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Your email address will not be published. Admission fees, or donations, are required and range from 20-40 baht per person depending on the temple you are visiting. Chiang Mai is, without any doubt, one of the most vibrant cities in northern Thailand. The restaurants and cafes in this area are down tree-lined streets and little corner shops. Learn how your comment data is processed. This website offers a lot of alternative transport across Asia. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. A vast array of clothing and gifts, as well as a large food court at the back that became our favourite place eating tasty, cheap food whilst sipping a beer and watching local dancing.OPENING TIMES:1800-0000 Daily.COST:Free.LOCATION: On Phaholyothin Road, which is the main street in central Chiang Rai, right beside the bus station. We originally planned 10 days in Chiang Mai and ended up spending a month. It's the only way to go. There are so many incredible places in the world still to explore. It cost around 800 to ship them back to the UK from the (very helpful!) Khao soi is a traditional northern Thailand curry made with rich coconut milk and local herbs and spices. Dont travel anywhere without travel insurance, no matter your journey. The temples full name is Wat Rong Suea Ten which translates as House of the Dancing Tiger. Before travelling full time we were working 9-5 as managers. Farmers burn their fields in preparation for the next crop season. Booking a cooking class in Chiang Mai will allow you to learn more about Thai cuisine. On 28 October 2008, an aquatic tunnel with a length of 133 metres (436 ft)the world's longest tunnel aquarium was opened to the public. With its swimming pool, comfy rooms and incredible vie. I'm Mark, and I'm thrilled to share my passion for Northern Thailand with you through this blog. Its so important to Chiang Mai that theres a very famous Thai saying that if you havent seen the view from Doi Suthep, you havent been to Chiang Mai.. When traveling domestically, you can get to Chiang Mai via plane, train, and bus. If youre interested in marine life, dont miss the aquariums. WHY VISIT? Clean and useful amenities. Still, now, we are craving some Thai food. One things for certain, its a unique and unmissable sight.OPENING TIMES:0900-1700 Daily. While these may not reach the level of some other waterfalls we have been to (notably Gartmore Falls and Duwili Ella in Sri Lanka and along the Jatbula Trail in Australia), these are still very beautiful and well worth a visit! There are a great variety of animals including elephants, giraffes, hippos and so on,.You can be found in two different sections, the Panda (pay separate ticket) and the aquarium (also pays separate ticket). In northern Thailand, essentially all roads lead to Chiang Mai, so there will be a bus heading to Chiang Mai from any destination north of Bangkok that you can think of! Also, bring a water bottle to refill at the drinking fountains throughout the zoo. These shows are great for kids and adults alike. Chiang Mai Zoo may not be the most famous tourist attractions in the city. One popular option is Palaad Tawanron, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating and a menu filled with delicious Thai dishes. But, we were given some vegetables which were different from those staff.Overall, I suggest you skip this place. For more information, please see our Also, from Chiang Mai, you can plan a day trip to Chiang Rai and discover all the famous temples that Chiang Rai has to offer. WHY VISIT? Set on a quiet back street, Pao Come has a super tranquil vibe, which is enhanced by its Lanna-style of architecture. In addition, it provides two large aquariums where visitors can observe various aquatic creatures. You can have an absolute feast for AUD 20. For those who want to learn more about the animals, the zoo offers educational programs and tours. We spent most of our days exploring this great city by scooter, visiting over a dozen temples and becoming bubble tea experts. The entrance ticket didn't include the panda. Add your visit Unlike most other Thai curries, is not served with a bowl of steamed rice but instead has delicious 2 types of noodles submerged in it. Youll want as much personalized instruction as you can! Worth a Visit - Review of Chiang Mai Zoo, Chiang Mai, Thailand Thanks in advance. From one side of the city walls to the other, its 30 minutes of walking. We recommend this cooking class here! Well, having spent nearly two weeks in Chiang Rai, in my opinion, it definitely is! Learn how your comment data is processed. Chiang Mai Zoo - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting The units at Glory Boutique Suites are excellent, but what really makes it shine is the rooftop pool! This is our do-over trip from March 2020. Going out is not expensive; Chiang Mai is still way more affordable than other destinations in Thailand, so make sure you have fun, but not too much! Calling all nature lovers, Chiang Mai is the right place for you. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Have fun for adults and children, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The season is dry, and the temperature is mild. He took them off of the frames, and tolled them into a tube for us. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Chiang Mai is a big global hub, with lots of expats and digital nomads hanging around. Watch our Reel here to see a preview of Chiang Rai temples. Is Chiang Mai worth visiting? However, Chiang Rai is home to some of the most incredible temples ever, like Blue Temple, White Temple and Wat Huay Pla Kang. Respect their habitat and dont try to provoke or disturb them. ).LOCATION: Ratchadamnoen about a 10 minute walk from central Chiang Rai.MORE INFORMATION: TravelFish.org. Closes for lunch 1200-1300.COST: 80.LOCATION: About 12km north of Chiang Rai, just off of route 1, it will take about 25 minutes to get here. our favorite night markets and food guide here. Another exhibit that is worth checking out is the penguin exhibit. Where to Stay in Hanoi: 9 Best Neighborhoods + Hotel Options! SafetyWing | COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and insurance can be purchased while travelling for digital nomads. The park itself is well maintaining, and has some sweeping panoramas such as the one above, but double check the details as to whats open before heading out.OPENING TIMES:0900-1700 Daily.COST: Free.LOCATION:About 12km southwest of Chiang Rai central, it will take around 20 minutes by car or tuk-tuk. Unveiling the Islands Secrets, 10 Day Tasmania Itinerary: What to See & Do (1st Hand Guide), 100+ Incredible Travel Resources (For Simple & Cheap Travel), Taking a Year Off Work to Travel (Full Guide +4 Examples), Long Term Travel Checklist: 35 Things To Do (& Packing List), 19 Alternative Travel Tips and Tricks I use on Every Trip, What Is a Sabbatical? Before you knew it, you have viewed it all.Read that the aquarium was the biggest in Asia but it sure didn't feel like that. WHY VISIT? 2023 The Sabbatical Guide | Established 2018, How To Plan A Sabbatical: A Real-Life 21 Step Guide, Hobart 3 Day Itinerary: 12+ Fun Things To Do In Hobart, 15 Things To Do In (& Around) Queenstown, Tasmania, What is Tasmania Known for? You can enjoy a half day of cooking and learning how to prepare some of the popular dishes in Chiang Mai. :Stunning replicas of Royal Chariots.OPENING TIMES:0830-1630 Daily, closed on Mondays.COST: Free.LOCATION:Near the Klang Wand Road bridge across the Kok River, about a 20 minute walk from central Chiang Rai. Not the main restaurant style area as you first enter, head for the yellow metal chairs and local food which is deeper into the market.MORE INFORMATION:TravelFish.org. It's obviously not taken care of for a very long time. Remember to wear appropriate clothes when entering the temples. Click on it will help us run this website for you, for FREE, funding our project and continuing to travel, informing curious explorers. >> Book Your Doi Suthep and Wat Umong Sunset Tour! That said, you do need to still exercise caution when crossing the roadthe traffic in Chiang Mai can get crazy and cars will not stop for you! When choosing a class, be sure to check how many dishes youll be making, whether or not youll visit a market, and how many people will be in the class. Your email address will not be published. It was a bit of an effort but were glad we did that. Here are more tips onusing the Grab app in Thailand. The wet season runs from May to October. Instead they continued and so we were like vying to feed the animals. The complex itself is also beautiful, with a red archway leading you in towards unusual statues, stairs with carved serpent balustrades and colourful murals.OPENING TIMES:0830-1630 Daily.COST: Free.LOCATION:On the corner of Trirat Road and Uttarakit Road equidistant between Wat Phra Kaew and the clock tower.MORE INFORMATION:TourismThailand.org. (38 reviews) "Amazing staff went out of their way for us every moment we were there! For us, Chiang Mai has got a special place in our hearts. Chiang Mai Zoo has a large space of extension, it's just past Chiang Mai University right before the big curve. A tuk-tuk should cost you between 200-300, but combine it with a visit to the on route Blue Temple for added value.MORE INFORMATION:Thaizer.com. Chiang Mai boasts a diverse range of fascinating markets, in all shapes and sizes. You can often find us camping in our little orange tent and embarking on adventurous multi-day hikes in places as diverse as Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Hiring a scooter was a great way to get around Chiang Mai. However, the indoor sitting area was so stuffy/hot and the air-cond didn't seem like it was working (a few units were off).There is something missing in this zoo . something like energy/vitality the staff looked bored/lifeless. Chiang Mai Zoo See all things to do Chiang Mai Zoo 3.5 3,146 reviews #85 of 314 things to do in Chiang Mai Zoos Closed now 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Chaing Mai Zoo is a great attraction for all ages. The zoo has a variety of animals to see, including pandas, tigers, giraffes, and monkeys. Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium. Chiang Mai Zoo Check out more Chiang Mai cooking classes! It is a peaceful place, with a huge golden Buddha, that stares down at you through the huge entrance doors and out to the street. Although, we recommend spending at least a week in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Zoo: Worth a visit. <<. Toti is experienced in landscape photography, trying to get the best lights and composition to increase the experience for the users on our blog. The temperature is mild, and the days are mainly dry. With a wide variety of animals and attractions, Chiang Mai Zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers and families.