The Chiang Mai zoo is the first and only in the North of Thailand, where visitors can observe animals in their natural habitat. It is located at the foot of DOI Suthep in the eponymous national Park.

The history of the zoo began with the fact that Carol Mason Jr., an American missionary, born in Myanmar, collected the wounded wild animals and received in 1957 from officials of Chiang Mai province on 24 acres of land from DOI Suthep for their content. When Mason died in 1974, the zoo was transferred to Chiang May, under the control of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand. At the same time the territory of the zoo was greatly expanded to 200 acres. The official opening of the zoo of Chiang Mai under the auspices of the king took place in 1977.

In the Chiang Mai zoo features over 400 species, including koalas, penguins, Rhino, zebras, camels, llamas, giraffes, white tigers, lions and many others. It is noteworthy that most of the animals are in open enclosures. The safety of visitors is provided by ditches with or without water, but designed so that the animals can't jump over.

Should also be said about the main residents of the zoo: giant pandas. Chiang Mai is the only city in Thailand and Asia, where it is possible to live to marvel at these amazing animals. Since 2003 in Chiang Mai is home to two adult pandas Lin Hui and Chuang Chuang, and since 2009 and their baby Lin Bing. All pandas belong to China and are in Thailand under the lease. They are the main favorites of the whole country, and the birthday of Lin Bing is celebrated with a special scale. In 2012, China's Ambassador personally presented the baby Panda birthday cake. Important is the fact that Lin Bing was born due to artificial insemination and in captivity, this case created a furor all over the world.

The zoo is the largest in Asia, an aquarium rich in various fish species, as well as the world's largest tunnel aquarium with a length of 133 meters.

At the zoo you can visit the Snow House, the room where it is maintained at a constant temperature of -5 degrees Celsius.