This Chiang Mai attraction is an immersive experience from day till night. Here’s why the Chiang Mai Night Safari is one that should be in your itinerary, as well as a guide to everything you need.
Spanning over 323.81 acres, the Chiang Mai Night Safari first opened its doors in 2006 to let enthusiasts study the behaviour of wild animals up close under supervision and guidance of professionals. Apart from going on a wildlife tour, they also have performances, animal feeding, and even a resort to stay in. All of those and more can be found in our guide below.
[Hero and featured image credit: Chiang Mai Night Safari]
Chiang Mai Night Safari guide: All you need to know before you visit
How, and when to visit the Chiang Mai Night Safari
The night safari is located at Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, around 10km from the Old City. We recommend taking a taxi, as there is no direct public transportation to the zoo. From the Old City, it should take around 20 minutes.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is open from 11am-10pm, with the ticket office closing at 9pm. The walking trail closes at 8pm, so it is advisable for make room for at least a couple hours for the full experience.
Ticket details
The full experience is known as the Safari Tram, which includes a guided tour in a bus and access to the Jaguar Trail. For international visitors, tickets are priced at THB 1,200 per adult, and THB 600 per child. For Thais, tickets are priced at THB 300 per adult, and THB 150 per child.
If you only want access to the Jaguar Trail, for international visitors, tickets are priced at THB 400 per adult, and THB 200 per child. For Thais, tickets are priced at THB 50 per adult, and THB 25 per child.
The ticket fee is waived for children under 100 cm., people with disabilities (bring identification card), and monks or priests of all religions.
You can also grab tickets online prior to arrival on their website for a more seamless experience.
Highlights not to be missed
We recommend making time for both the day and night safaris. Here, you’ll see rare animals, such as gorals, red river raccoons, albino crested porcupines, and more. During the day, you’ll be able to feed the animals. At night, you’ll get to see nocturnal animals in action, as they’re asleep during the day.
If you’re looking to get your steps in, the Jaguar Trail spans 1.2km around the lake, with an array of animals to see.
Ava, the golden tiger, is also on many visitors’ checklists due to her newfound status as a celebrity zoo animal. Golden tigers are extremely rare, with a population of less than 100 globally. She, along with her sister Luna, can be found at Tiger World, open from 11am-6pm on Mon-Thu; 11am-8pm on Fri-Sat, and public holidays.
Bringing children? The multimedia musical fountain show will be a perfect addition to the itinerary, with 1,200 water jets, capable of creating a 40-meter wide and 15-meter high water screen complete with with video and laser projection.
The full timetable for activities is below:
Souvenirs to take home
Shopping at the safari means you’re directly supporting the animals as they require extensive, meticulous care by specialists, and that costs money. Their souvenir shop includes everything from notebooks to neck pillows, with friendly prices.
You can also buy souvenirs from their online shop.
Other tips for visiting Chiang Mai Night Safari
- Flash photography is not allowed for any of the attractions involving animals
- Outside food is prohibited to be fed to the animals
- No pets at all costs
- Taking items from any part of the zoo outside is strictly prohibited as certain objects are part of the habitat. These extend to leaves, stones, animal fur, etc.
- There are smoking areas available throughout the premises. Avoid exposing the animals to tobacco smoke
You can find more information on Chiang Mai Night Safari’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
The walking trail closes at 8pm, so it is advisable for make room for at least a couple hours for the full experience.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is open from 11am-10pm, with the ticket office closing at 9pm.
Ava, the golden tiger is a big attraction, due to her newfound status as a celebrity zoo animal. Golden tigers are extremely rare, with a population of less than 100 globally.
A visit to the Chiang Mai Night Safari should take a few hours for the full experience.
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Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
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