Chiang Mai Night Safari

Introduction: Asia's Premier Nocturnal Zoological Theme Park

Situated at the foot of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in Hang Dong District, approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai's historic Old City, the Chiang Mai Night Safari is one of Asia's largest and most famous nocturnal zoos. Modeled after the acclaimed Singapore Night Safari, this 320-acre government-operated nature theme park allows visitors to observe wild animal behaviors up close in naturalistic habitats after dark.

Home to over 1,400 animals spanning more than 200 species from Asia, Africa, and Australia, the park features open-sided electric safari trams, a tranquil lake walking trail, night predator shows, and a spectacular musical laser light fountain show set against the backdrop of the Lanna countryside.

Key Zones & Main Attractions

The night safari is organized into three distinct animal habitats surrounding central Swan Lake:

1. Savanna Safari Zone (Tram Tour)

A 2.4-kilometer open-sided tram ride through simulated African, Australian, and Asian grasslands. Visitors travel past herbivorous animals such as giraffes, zebras, white rhinos, wildebeests, impalas, kangaroos, red pandas, and Asian elephants.

2. Predator Prowl Zone (Tram Tour)

An exciting 2.4-kilometer tram safari entering the realm of the world's fierce carnivores. Guided open-air trams navigate enclosed habitats containing lions, Bengal tigers, white tigers, spotted hyenas, Asiatic black bears, Canadian wolves, and crocodiles.

3. Jaguar Trail Zone (Walking Loop)

A 1.2-kilometer paved walking trail circling scenic Swan Lake. Open from morning until night, this tranquil garden path brings visitors up close to over 400 animals, including jaguars, flamingos, tapirs, clouded leopards, miniature horses, and colorful tropical birds.

4. Night Shows & Musical Laser Fountain

Nightly live entertainment includes the **Night Predators Show** (showcasing natural hunting instincts of nocturnal animals), the **Tiger Show** featuring rare Indochinese and white tigers, and the **Musical Light & Sound Fountain Show** projected across Swan Lake.

Key Highlights & Attraction Summary

• Open-Sided Tram Safaris: Guided 5 km tram rides traversing Savanna and Predator zones under nocturnal spotlights.
• Jaguar Trail Walking Loop: 1.2 km illuminated walking path around Swan Lake featuring rare animals and gardens.
• Tiger World: Dedicated habitat housing rare Indochinese tigers and famous golden tigers.
• Musical Laser Fountain Show: Nightly 12-meter-high water screen and laser light performance over Swan Lake.

How to Reach Chiang Mai Night Safari

Located at 33 Moo 12, Nong Khwai, Hang Dong District, the park is easily reached from central Chiang Mai.

By Grab / Taxi / Tuk-Tuk

Ride-hailing vehicles (Grab/Bolt) or private taxis from central Chiang Mai Old City reach the park gates in about 20 to 25 minutes via Highway 121 / Route 1269.

By Chartered Red Songthaew

Negotiate a round-trip fare with a local red songthaew driver in central Chiang Mai (approx. 400–600 THB for a private group), who will wait in the parking area for your return journey.

Best Time to Visit

Visiting hours, show schedules, and tram language timings dictate optimal planning.

Opening Hours

The park is open daily from **11:00 AM to 10:00 PM** (ticket counter closes at 09:00 PM).

Optimal Arrival Time (05:30 PM)

Arrive around **05:30 PM** to walk the **Jaguar Trail** during dusk, catch the 06:50 PM–08:30 PM English guided tram rides, watch the tiger shows, and enjoy the **08:00 PM Musical Fountain Show**.

Top Nearby Attractions

1. Royal Park Rajapruek (2 km away)

A massive 200-acre botanical garden complex featuring royal exhibition pavilions, international garden displays, and orchid conservatories.

2. Wat Phra That Doi Kham (4 km west)

A famous 7th-century hilltop temple featuring a colossal 17-meter seated golden Buddha statue overlooking Chiang Mai valley.

3. Wat Umong Forest Temple (8 km north)

A peaceful 14th-century Lanna forest monastery famous for ancient underground tunnels and a large stupa surrounded by woodland lakes.

Things to Do at Chiang Mai Night Safari

• Ride the Night Safari Trams: Experience guided electric tram tours through the Savanna and Predator Prowl zones.
• Walk the Jaguar Trail at Sunset: Stroll around Swan Lake to photograph flamingos, jaguars, and tapirs.
• Watch the Night Predators & Tiger Shows: Observe lions, hyenas, and white tigers displaying natural behaviors.
• Enjoy the Musical Laser Fountain Show: Watch colorful laser light projections and dancing fountains on Swan Lake.

Local Food and Culinary Delights

The park features a central food court and lakeside coffee shops.

Must-Try Culinary Specialties

• Khao Soi: Rich, aromatic Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup served with chicken, crispy egg noodles, and lime.
• Sai Oua (Northern Thai Pork Sausage): Grilled pork sausage seasoned with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, and chili.
• Lanna Street Food Snacks: Grilled pork skewers (*Moo Ping*), mango sticky rice, and chilled fresh coconut water at the central courtyard.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

Visitors can stay near the park in Hang Dong or in central Chiang Mai Old City.

Resorts & Boutique Hotels ($35 – $180 USD / 1,200 – 6,000 THB per night)

• Chiang Mai Night Safari Resort / Flora Creek Chiang Mai / Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai: Luxury mountain view resorts located nearby in Hang Dong offering infinity pools, Lanna architecture, and easy access to the park.

Budget Travel Guide

• Full Safari Tram Ticket Rates: Official ticket price for foreign adults is **800 THB** (400 THB for kids between 100–140 cm; free for under 100 cm), which includes access to all 3 zones, tram rides, and shows.
• Jaguar Trail Only Ticket: Visitors seeking a budget walk around Swan Lake can purchase a walking-only pass for **100 THB** (50 THB for kids).
• Book Package Transfers: Pre-booking online tours that include round-trip hotel transfer often saves transport hassles and songthaew fares.

Sample Evening Itinerary

• 05:00 PM: Depart central Chiang Mai Old City via Grab or chartered songthaew toward Hang Dong.
• 05:30 PM: Arrive at Chiang Mai Night Safari; collect tickets and explore the **Jaguar Trail** walking loop around Swan Lake.
• 06:30 PM: Watch the **Night Predators Show** featuring nocturnal hunting behavior.
• 07:30 PM: Board the **Savanna Safari Zone** electric tram tour to view giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
• 08:15 PM: Watch the spectacular **Musical Laser Light Fountain Show** over Swan Lake.
• 08:45 PM: Board the **Predator Prowl Zone** electric tram tour to view lions, bears, and tigers.
• 09:30 PM: Enjoy a late evening meal of *Khao Soi* or iced Thai tea at the courtyard before returning to Chiang Mai.

Essential Rules and Visitor Guidelines

• NO Flash Photography: Flash photography is strictly prohibited during night tram rides to avoid blinding or scaring animals in the dark.
• Do Not Litter or Tease Animals: Feeding animals is restricted to authorized food zones; throwing items into enclosures is strictly forbidden.
• English Tram Schedules: English-guided tram tours run at specific times (typically starting around 07:45 PM)—check the daily schedule board upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Chiang Mai Night Safari located?

It is located at 33 Moo 12, Nong Khwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, about 12 km southwest of the Old City.

2. What are the three main zones in the park?

The three zones are the **Savanna Safari** (tram), **Predator Prowl** (tram), and **Jaguar Trail** (walking loop).

3. How much is the admission fee for foreign visitors?

Full night safari tickets including all tram rides and shows cost **800 THB for foreign adults** and **400 THB for children** (100–140 cm).

4. What are the park's opening hours?

The park is open daily from **11:00 AM to 10:00 PM** (night safari activities run from 06:00 PM onward).

5. Are English-guided tram tours available?

Yes, open-sided trams offer dedicated English-language guided tours departing regularly during evening operating hours.

6. How long should you spend at Chiang Mai Night Safari?

Plan for **3 to 4 hours** to complete the walking trail, both tram tours, and watch live shows.

7. Is flash photography allowed on the night tram?

No, flash photography is strictly prohibited during night tram rides to protect animal eyesight and behavior.

8. How do you reach the night safari from Old City?

Take a 20-minute taxi, Grab ride, or chartered red songthaew southwest along Highway 121.

9. What local attractions can be combined on the same day?

**Royal Park Rajapruek** and **Wat Phra That Doi Kham** are located right next to the night safari.

10. What is the best time of day to arrive?

Arrive around **05:30 PM** to enjoy daytime light on the walking trail before starting night shows and tram safaris.

Conclusion

The Chiang Mai Night Safari stands out as one of Northern Thailand's premier family-friendly attractions, where open-sided tram rides through Savanna and Predator zones, Swan Lake walking trails, night predator shows, and laser fountain spectacles converge in Hang Dong. From observing giraffes and white rhinos under evening spotlights to strolling the Jaguar Trail and watching white tigers, the night safari delivers an unmissable evening adventure. Plan your visit, observe flash photography rules, and explore Chiang Mai Night Safari!