Thread: The Chiang Mai Zoo ~ Another Hike

The Chiangmai Zoo is probably one of my favorite low-cost entertainment venues in Chiangmai. Rambling over a few square miles in the foothills leading up to Doi Suthep, the place is what I always thought a zoo should be.
They got:

Lions


And Tigers


And Bears


Oh My!


With narrow lanes winding through the jungle/forest, it has the feel of a country walk with all the animals you'd want to see. Meandering along the roads you may find yourself wondering if you've accidently exited the park. It's just a pleasant country road with a very rare vehicle passing by.

The Chiangmai Zoo charges 30 Baht per person for all day. Viewing the Pandas will set you back another 50 Baht if you can read the sign. It says, in Thai, "Poo Yai 50 Baht" in English, "Adult 100 Baht." Folks, I didn't get a shot of the sign; take my word for it, you walk up, act like you understand the sign and walk in for fifty Baht.

As you enter the park there's a nice park situated under the bridge you have to cross. Looks like a nice place to wile away an afternoon drinkin' beer and maybe nibblin' on a picnic lunch.


When I go to the zoo, I go to walk. A pleasant walk punctuated by a stop for a bite to eat, a beer or three, You can spend all day wandering around. As many times as I've been there I always discover something new; some new path to explore or maybe a display, I hadn't seen before, hidden away.

This is how my hike today started;


They've got very little fanfare or hoorah at the gate; an ice cream parlor and restaurant, some guy punchin' tickets, and a couple of arrows I always ignore, I just start walkin'. I take the first right and;
Looks like NickA been here...


After walking past the first few bird-cages; I deleted the pics you guys really didn't wanna see out of focus birds with the chicken wire in clear, sharp focus did you? No worry I've got some birds that roam free in here somewhere. We've got a nice quiet stroll up the hill


The slope is usually quite gentle but there are a few spots where it's a bit of climb. I ain't takin' photos while puffin' up the damn hill; just take my word for it.

We strolled the length of the aviary snapped a pic of a couple a birds makin' eggs but this bein' a family forum I thought I'd leave 'em out. Here's the view from the (almost) top of the enclosure.


We left and my buddy the peacock turned in a huff

Some other stuff at the Chiangmai Zoo












The Chiangmai Zoo is a very pleasant way to spend a lazy day. They have shuttles with some dude talkin' over the microphone the whole time if you're into that.

There are campgrounds on the map. When I asked, two years ago, if we could camp the answer was "yes." I couldn't find a person to ask about rates. The place doesn't have a locking gate and I've been there as late as 7 - 8 at night but everything closes down at 4:00 - 4:30. The animals know it's time, and head for the barn. The food stalls all shut down and you're on your own after that.

The Chiangmai Zoo is located at the western end of Huay Keuw Rd at the foot of Doi Suthep. The place is dotted with places to eat; noodles, BBQ'd dead animals, food cooked to order and other stuff. Most places sell at street prices, albeit smaller portions. Most have large bottles and canned Thai beers. I highly recommend it for a full days activity. Get there early so you can wander the whole place, be prepared to walk. OR, wait until the monorail is completed, so you can sit on your lazy ass and look down on the whole shootin' match as your shuttled around the place.

There are buildings and displays along foot paths within the forest and signage is OK. A few maps around the joint give you a fairly accurate idea of where you are. This is Thailand after all.

There is always construction goin' on and the atmosphere is very laid back. If you wanted to get in the area with the lions or tigers there really isn't anyone to stop you. I climbed up the wall to a better angle on the gator, no one batted an eye.
Near the panda and the "walking street' there's a cluster of folks on Sundays, but you can get way and find a place all to yourself if you want. During the week it's quiet and almost deserted.

I always enjoy the walk, if you're not into walking, you're not supposed to but there's a few folks riding around n their motorcy, you could be one of 'em. Today I was there for four hours, had lunch, a beer couple of waters; think we spent a total of 150 Baht. If I wanted to get drunk that might have cost another 100. I didn't.

Great pics, FF. I've been to the Chiang Mai Zoo a couple times, and think it's pretty good. I also was appalled by the state of affairs at the Dusit Park Zoo. It reminded me how the National Zoo in Washington, DC looked many years ago. It certainly is not my idea of what should be the country's show place in the capital city. If you ever have the opportunity, take a look at the Khorat Zoo. I was rather impressed by it also.

For anyone who likes checking out the zoos frequently, I will suggest getting a lifetime membership. Since I frequent zoos anywhere, I bought a Thailand membership a few years back for 2000 Baht. It allows a full carload of folks into the five major zoos of Thailand plus discounts when there. Not only do I think it's a bargain, I feel it's a nice donation to help keep the facilities in better shape. By the way, since I'm an old fart, I bought the lifetime membership in my much younger wife's name.