Chiang Mai Night SafariChiang Mai Night Safari is a zoological park in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, designed around nocturnal and nighttime viewing of animals. The facility offers both daytime exhibits and organized night tours.
Visitors tour large enclosures by tram, with separate zones for predators and for grazing animals from Asia and Africa, and a walking trail loops around the lake.
The safari is located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai city, within Chiang Mai province, next to Royal Park Rajapruek, and is run by the Zoological Park Organization.
- Best time to visit: evening tram tours allow visitors to see nocturnal species in enclosures after dark; arrive before dusk for the best experience.
A Note on Animal Welfare#
The Night Safari has featured animal shows, rides and close-contact encounters. Welfare groups advise against activities where animals perform, are ridden or are handled for photos, as these usually involve harsh training and poor conditions. If you visit, choose observation-only experiences, and check current practices before you go.
Nearby Attractions to Chiang Mai Night Safari#
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai Night Safari#
Evening visits are the core experience; the cool season is most comfortable and busiest.
Chiang Mai’s Night Safari opened in 2006, modelled on Singapore’s Night Safari, and it attracted controversy from the start over its planning, execution and aims. The row was not helped by its director’s announcement of plans to serve “exotic meats” such as elephant and crocodile in the restaurant; the worldwide media pounced, and the plan was hastily withdrawn. After opening, the facility continued to draw criticism, including a staff strike call to replace its Bangkok-appointed administrators with local managers, complaints from feed suppliers, and complaints from locals about escaped animals and environmental damage to a watershed cleared to create savanna conditions. In 2019 its management passed to the Zoological Park Organization, which also runs Chiang Mai Zoo.
Despite these problems, the Night Safari has become a popular attraction, especially with Thai visitors. Set at the foot of Doi Suthep beside Royal Park Rajapruek, it is home to more than 50 species, including tigers, jaguars, tapirs, lemurs, pygmy hippos, hyenas, giraffes and cheetahs. As the name suggests, it is designed to be seen after dark, with visitors carried through the predator and savanna zones by tram, while a walking trail loops around the lake. Other facilities include an illuminated musical fountain, a children’s play area, a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
Weather & Climate near Chiang Mai Night Safari#
Chiang Mai Night Safari's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1015 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 13° - 28° | 21° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 65% | 0.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 15° - 32° | 23° | 6 mm | mostly sunny | 54% | 0.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Excellent | 19° - 35° | 27° | 21 mm | mostly sunny | 49% | 1.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 22° - 36° | 30° | 49 mm | some cloud | 53% | 1.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 23° - 33° | 31° | 155 mm | overcast | 73% | 1.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Good | 23° - 32° | 31° | 113 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.1h |
| July | Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 140 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.0h |
| August | Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 190 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Acceptable | 22° - 31° | 27° | 179 mm | overcast | 87% | 0.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 21° - 30° | 26° | 106 mm | overcast | 85% | 0.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 29° | 24° | 44 mm | some cloud | 80% | 0.8 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 14° - 27° | 21° | 10 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 0.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.9h |
How to Get to Chiang Mai Night Safari#
The Night Safari is about 10-15 km southwest of Chiang Mai city center. Visitors can take a taxi or tuk‑tuk; some hotels offer shuttle services. There is parking on site for private vehicles. Follow local signage from the Outer Ring Road and Chiang Mai-Hang Dong route.
Tips for Visiting Chiang Mai Night Safari#
- Arrive near opening to see more active animals and avoid the busiest evening tram runs.
- Book the tram (safari wagon) or walking trails in advance during peak season; night activities are scheduled and can sell out.
- Bring a light jacket for the indoor reptile house and cool-off areas.