What is the Chiang Mai Night Safari?
A night zoo at the foot of Doi Suthep, where open-sided trams take you through large enclosures of nocturnal and African and Asian animals after dark: giraffes, zebras, rhinos, tigers, lions and deer, some of which come right up to the tram. There's also a walking trail around a lake (the Jaguar Trail), animal feeding and evening shows.
Tickets
Thai residents pay less. Online tickets and transfer packages are available. Check the current price before going.
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How busy is it?
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Tips
- Arrive around 5 pm, walk the Jaguar Trail at sunset, then take an early tram.
- Sit on the outside of the tram for the best views.
- Bring insect repellent.
- Arrange your Grab back before it gets late.
Getting there
It's about 20-30 minutes from the Old City by Grab or songthaew (about ฿150-200 one way). There's free parking.
What's at the Night Safari
Chiang Mai Night Safari, at the foot of Doi Suthep, is a large zoo designed to be seen at night, inspired by Singapore's Night Safari. It's divided into three main zones:
- Savanna Safari: a tram ride past giraffes, zebras, rhinos, wildebeest and lions, with animals often coming close to the tram.
- Predator Prowl: a tram ride through areas with tigers, bears, hyenas and crocodiles.
- Jaguar Trail: a 1.2 km walking trail around Swan Lake, with smaller animals and birds, open in the daytime too.
The evening also includes animal shows and the musical fountain and light show on Swan Lake. Trams have English and Thai commentary, so check which tram you're boarding.
Best time to visit
Arrive around 5-5:30 pm to see the Jaguar Trail in daylight, then join the first night trams when they start, before the main crowd. Weekends, Thai holidays and the cool season (November-February) are busiest. In the rainy season, trams still run, but bring a rain jacket.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Chiang Mai Night Safari, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Monday, 11 am-3 pm
Busiest time
Saturday, 4-9 pm
With children
Children love feeding the giraffes and deer from the tram (food is sold on site) and the evening shows. Under 100 cm go free and other children pay about half. The tram rides can run late, so a nap in the afternoon helps. Bring insect repellent.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't arrive after 8 pm, when the last trams fill up and ticket sales close soon after. Check the language of your tram before boarding. Arrange your ride back in advance, and bring insect repellent and a light jacket in the cool season.
Is it worth it?
Yes for families: the night trams are fun and the animals come close. It's touristy, so manage expectations.
FAQs
How much is the Chiang Mai Night Safari?
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About ฿800-1,200 for foreign adults with the trams, less for the walking trail only.
What time do the night trams start?
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From around 5:30 pm.
What are the opening hours?
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About 11 am-10 pm, with ticket sales closing around 9 pm.
How do I get there?
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About 20-30 minutes by Grab from the Old City.
What's the best time to arrive?
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Around 5 pm. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
Can you walk at the Chiang Mai Night Safari?
Heading to Chiang Mai Night Safari?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
