Night Safari

What are the most recommended things to do in Night Safari?

The Night Safari in Thailand offers an exciting nocturnal experience. Visitors can embark on a tram ride to spot nocturnal animals in their natural habitat, walk through the walking trails to see more animals, and enjoy the animal shows. The park also features themed zones that allow for closer animal encounters, like the predator and prey zone, and the South American zone.


Introducing Night Safari

Located at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain, Chiang Mai Night Safari is the largest zoo in Thailand. In addition to a variety of exotic animals, the zoo also boasts scenic gardens, waterfalls, and lakes. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the entire city of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Night Zoo takes advantage of the fact that carnivores prefer to be active at night and has developed a night tour program. It is a rare and exciting experience to get on a small car that can carry up to 24 people and observe lions, tigers, bears, wolves and other animals up close.

Climate and best time to travel

tropical monsoon climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to visit for about 2 hours

Tickets

Tickets are 800 baht for adults and 450 baht for children

Attraction opening hours

11:00-22:00


Most Popular FAQs for Night Safari

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Night Safari in Thailand was the world’s first nocturnal zoo and was opened in 1999. It is dedicated to educating visitors about the night-time behavior of various species and aims to protect endangered wildlife through sustainable tourism. The park is a major conservation project and allows people to witness animals that are rarely seen in the wild during the day.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Night Safari is located in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. It is accessible by taxi or private car. Public transport options are limited, so a taxi or hired car is the most convenient way to reach the attraction from Chiang Mai city center.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Night Safari opens daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The best time to visit is right after opening, as it’s less crowded, and animals are more active during the early evening. Avoid weekends and public holidays when it can get quite busy.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The ticket prices for adults are approximately 800 THB, while children’s tickets cost around 400 THB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through the official Night Safari website to avoid long queues.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It is not strictly necessary to book tickets in advance, but doing so can help you skip the lines. Booking 1-2 days in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You can fully explore the Night Safari in about 2-3 hours, especially if you take part in the tram ride, walking trails, and enjoy some of the animal shows. However, if you want to take it slow and explore all zones, it could take up to 4 hours.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include the tram ride through the zoo, where you can spot various nocturnal animals like tigers, leopards, and deer. The walking trails and animal shows are also popular, especially the predator zone, where you get to see dangerous animals in action.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in English, Thai, and other languages upon request. Audio guides are also available for the tram rides, and these are available in multiple languages including English and Chinese.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are along the tram route, especially when passing through the tiger and lion zones. The walking trails also provide great opportunities to photograph smaller nocturnal animals up close.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the tram ride to get an overview of the park and see the larger animals. Then, take the walking trails to explore smaller animals and enjoy the animal shows. End your visit by watching the night animal performance at the amphitheater.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes, the Night Safari is a night-time experience, and the park is designed to showcase animals’ nocturnal behavior. There are light shows and special performances, such as the animal performance and feeding shows, which happen regularly throughout the evening.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The Night Safari can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays in the early evening, as most visitors arrive closer to the showtimes.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The park has clean toilets, food stalls, and rest areas. There are also souvenir shops where you can buy animal-themed items and drinks to stay refreshed.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The Night Safari is generally accessible for elderly and disabled visitors. There are wheelchair-friendly facilities, and the tram ride is comfortable for elderly visitors. Children will enjoy the experience, especially the walking trails and animal shows.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is commonly used in the Night Safari, but credit cards and mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted at most shops and ticket counters.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the park, there are a few small cafes and food stalls offering snacks and refreshments. Nearby, there are several restaurants in Chiang Mai city offering a wide variety of local and international cuisine.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available inside the park, though the selection may be limited. Halal options are available at nearby restaurants in Chiang Mai.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Nearby hotels include the Chiang Mai Night Safari Resort and other accommodations in the Hang Dong area, offering various levels of comfort and proximity to the park.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Other nearby attractions include the Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai Zoo, and the Royal Park Rajapruek. These are all within a short drive and can be easily combined in a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops inside the park, where you can purchase animal-themed merchandise such as toys, T-shirts, and other memorabilia from the Night Safari.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

The best options are to take a taxi or hire a private car to continue your journey to other parts of Chiang Mai. Public transport is limited in the area.