Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Experience the night safari in Chiang Mai! The state zoo stretches across 819 rai in Hang Dong, about 16 km southwest of the Old City. The two tram lines are the real reason to visit. On the Savannah Safari route, you'll encounter giraffes, zebras, and other grazing animals, while on the Predator Tour, you can observe lions, white tigers, and hyenas up close—animals rarely seen in zoos during the day. Each tram ride takes approximately one hour.

The evening rides run every half hour, with the Predator Prowl operating from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and the Savanna Safari from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Daytime rides are available from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each admission ticket is valid for one ride per circuit. Between rides, you can explore the Jaguar Trail (open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.). Shows follow a set schedule: the Tiger Show at 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.; the Wildlife Show at 4:30 p.m., 6:35 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.; and the Musical Fountain at 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 8:45 p.m. The park's schedule is subject to change depending on the season, so please check on the day of your visit.

It's not consistently good. Some enclosures, particularly the tiger enclosure, are criticized for their small size, and the indoor animal viewing areas are so crowded that you're more likely to rush through than linger. If animal welfare is important to you, read some recent reviews before booking, and note that the tiger show is one of the animal events many travelers avoid these days. The ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai offer a better day trip for animal lovers.

My plan would be to arrive around 4:30 pm, explore the Jaguar Trail on foot in the last light of day, and then, once it's dark, take both trams. That makes for a full evening, not just a short stopover.

Foreign adults pay 1,200 baht and children between 101 and 140 cm tall pay 600 baht for the tram and pedestrian ticket. Children under 100 cm tall enter free. The Jaguar Trail costs 400 baht or 200 baht. You receive a 20% discount when purchasing tickets through the park's website. The ticket office closes at 9:00 PM, and the park at 10:00 PM. The car park is a long way from the entrance, and there is no shuttle service. Therefore, allow extra time if you are traveling with young children or elderly relatives and arrange your return transport to the city before visiting the park.