Jacob Jarick
Google
Chiang Mai Zoo (including Tram & Aquarium) – Monsoon Season Notes
Total cost for one adult: approx. 900 baht (zoo entry + aquarium + tram). They do the tourist tax and it's pretty significant.
WALKING HAZARD (this is serious)
Don't walk it if it's been raining. I'm someone who averages 12–20 km a day and I still slipped while cautiously walking and gripping onto the rails. The main problems:
- Smooth sloped concrete paths with no grip
- Algae buildup makes it worse than it looks
- Water channels and grooves funnel rotting leaves and garbage right to the centre of the paths where you walk
- Piles of rotting leaves just left there to compost
- Several areas alternate between ramps and stairs without logic, some slopes are a dangerous angle even if you are wearing hiking shoes like myself.
If you're even slightly unsteady on your feet, just take the tram.
TRAM
Recommended even if you're fit. It does a full loop and stops at all the major exhibits. You can hop off, take a look, and hop back on the next one. Saves time and knees. Trams constantly loop too, so you can just rest and wait for the next. They do thin out around closing time.
AQUARIUM
Worth the detour. You have to buy a zoo ticket first, but the aquarium is modern, well-kept, and nicely air-conditioned. Kids would enjoy it, and it's a good escape from the heat or humidity.
GROUNDS
The gardens and general landscaping are gorgeous, a massive credit to their groundskeepers.. It’s just let down by unsafe walking surfaces.
ANIMALS
Decent variety. But during rain, expect them to be hiding. Not really the zoo’s fault, just something to be aware of.
SUMMARY
Dry day: do the full walk if you're fit. Still watch your footing.
Wet day: take the tram. Seriously. Do not try to do it all on foot unless you like skating involuntarily.
It’s a solid zoo with some great highlights, but the path safety is a real problem.