Chiang Mai Zoo
Chiang Mai Zoo was established in 1974 and for much
of its existence offered the standard fare many zoos around the world
offer. However, its popularity soared over recent years with the Chinese
government’s loan to Thailand of two pandas Chuang Chuang and Lin
Hui (Tewan and Tewee in Thai). The pandas are housed in a new purpose-built
wing of Chiang Mai Zoo, and since their arrival the zoo has seen a
dramatic increase in the number of domestic and foreign visitors.
This is one of the few occasions outside China you might get to see
a Panda - as a result Chiang Mai Zoo has quickly become a high priority
on a visitor’s itinerary. However, the zoo has more to offer than
just the pandas. Chiang Mai Zoo is on the Doi Suthep route and situated
at the foot of the mountain, providing a natural habitat for the zoo’s
various species of animals.
Details: If you are visiting the zoo to see the pandas, the
best time for a visit is 09:00 when the enclosure is opened and the
pandas fed. The zoo is open 08:00 to 18:00 and admission is 100 Baht
(adults) and 50 Baht (children) if you want to see the pandas, although
this is on top of the usual fee of 30 Baht (adults) and 5 Baht (children).
How to get there: Chiang Mai Zoo is located at the Huay Kaew
Road. Probably the easiest way to get there is Tuk-Tuk, but Songtaews
going to Doi Suthep also take you to the zoo. Bus number 3 also goes
past the zoo.
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