Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium

Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium is a separately ticketed attraction inside Chiang Mai Zoo, at the foot of Doi Suthep. Its freshwater and marine displays lead to two underwater tunnels, letting you compare river fish with ocean life during the same indoor visit.

The aquarium can be a focused stop within a zoo day, but reaching it still involves entering the zoo and moving through the hillside grounds. Plan admission, internal travel and aquarium opening hours together rather than treating its map location as a separate roadside entrance.

Freshwater and marine tunnel experiences

The underwater tunnels are the main reason to allow more than a quick look around. Fish move above and alongside the walkway, changing the perspective from a conventional tank window and giving you time to watch their shapes, movement and behaviour.

Under the River

The freshwater tunnel is themed around river life, including the Mekong, with large fish forming the visual focus. Pause where the tank widens into view rather than walking straight through: an animal passing overhead can be more memorable than a hurried attempt to see every display at once.

Read the identification panels to distinguish species that can look similar at first glance. The tunnel is 66.5 metres long, making it substantial enough to explore slowly, but its length does not determine how long you will want to spend watching the fish.

Under the Ocean

The marine tunnel is also 66.5 metres long, giving the two tunnels a combined length of 133 metres. Sharks and rays are among the marine animals described for this area, offering a contrast with the freshwater section’s river species.

Look at how rays move compared with the swimming fish around them, and give yourself time at the broader viewing points. Displays can change, so use the signs and staff information to understand what is in the tanks during your visit instead of treating a species list as a guaranteed checklist.

The six exhibition zones

The route is arranged over two levels. Jungle Explorer, Monster Creature and Ocean Explorer occupy the upper exhibition level, while Under the River, Peculiar & Unbelievable and Under the Ocean are on the lower level.

Jungle Explorer introduces forest and freshwater habitats, while Monster Creature turns towards reptiles and other small animals in a cave-style setting. Ocean Explorer brings the route to coastal life; on the lower level, Peculiar & Unbelievable focuses on unusual marine animals alongside the two tunnel zones.

These smaller displays give you a closer view of individual animals between the large tanks. Look at the habitat around an animal as well as the animal itself, using the labels to understand how its body and behaviour suit that environment.

If time is short, prioritise both tunnels and then choose the displays that most interest your group. With children, a few minutes watching one animal and discussing its movement can work better than trying to read every label across all six zones.

Feeding shows and optional activities

Feeding demonstrations can provide a different view of the large tanks, but confirm the current programme on arrival. The aquarium’s website carries temporary cancellation notices for freshwater and shark-and-ray feeding shows, so do not schedule the whole visit around a presumed daily performance.

Interactive feeding or specialist water activities, where offered, have their own conditions and availability. Ask staff about what is running, its price and any age or health requirements before purchasing an extra; general admission should be treated as entry to the displays, without assuming every activity is included.

Tickets and opening hours

Regular international aquarium admission is listed at 450 baht for adults and 350 baht for children aged three to 12. Confirm the applicable admission category for a very young child, particularly at the three-year boundary, before purchase. The aquarium ticket excludes general zoo admission, which is listed separately at 350 baht per international adult and 120 baht per child aged three to 12.

At those regular rates, the combined zoo and aquarium admission totals 800 baht for an adult and 470 baht for a child aged three to 12. Internal transport, parking and optional activities are additional, so compare the actual inclusions of any package before paying.

Normal aquarium hours are 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays. Leave time to reach the building and complete the displays before closing; arrival at the zoo’s outer gate near the aquarium’s closing time leaves little opportunity for a meaningful visit.

Promotions can have separate booking and payment conditions. Check the current offer before purchase and confirm whether it covers the zoo, the aquarium or both, rather than assuming a discounted aquarium ticket removes the zoo entry charge.

Time, children and access

Allow around 90 minutes to two hours inside as a practical starting point for the displays and both tunnels. A broader zoo outing can take much longer, so decide whether the aquarium is your main focus or one part of a day with several animal areas.

The indoor setting provides a useful change from the zoo’s outdoor walking, but some displays have dim lighting and popular viewing points can become busy. Take children at a comfortable pace and leave room for others to use the windows rather than trying to hold one position for every photograph.

Ask about lift access, step-free routes and accessible toilets before travelling if these are essential. Check the journey from the zoo entrance as well as movement between the aquarium’s two exhibition levels; reaching an indoor attraction within a hilly park is part of the access question.

Reaching the aquarium through Chiang Mai Zoo

Enter Chiang Mai Zoo at 100 Huay Kaew Road in Suthep, beside the Chiang Mai University area. From the Old City or Nimman, a taxi, songthaew or app-based ride can take you to the zoo’s main entrance, with a fare agreed in advance where appropriate.

Once inside, consult the zoo map and choose walking or paid internal transport according to your group and the current stops. Confirm where to alight for the aquarium rather than assuming every vehicle stops directly at its door. The aquarium’s contact number is +66 52 081 775 for attraction-specific questions.

Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium FAQs

Is the aquarium included in a zoo ticket?
Regular zoo admission and aquarium admission are separate. Buy a package explicitly including both or budget for both tickets, and check any internal transport inclusions separately.

What is the combined regular admission cost?
The listed international zoo and aquarium rates total 800 baht per adult and 470 baht per child aged three to 12. Confirm the applicable category for a very young child, especially at the three-year boundary. Promotions and eligibility can change the amount payable, while parking and internal transport remain separate unless included in a package.

How long are the underwater tunnels?
The freshwater and marine tunnels are each 66.5 metres long, totalling 133 metres. Allow time for both, since their different habitats are central to the aquarium experience.

What are the opening hours?
Normal hours are 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays. Include the trip through the zoo grounds when deciding how early to arrive.

Are feeding shows guaranteed?
Confirm the current programme with the aquarium, as temporary cancellation notices are posted for its feeding demonstrations. Plan around the displays and tunnels, then add a show if it is operating.

How much time should you allow inside?
Around 90 minutes to two hours is a useful starting point for the displays and tunnels. Add the time needed to enter and cross the zoo, plus any other animal areas you want to visit.

Can you drive straight to the aquarium?
Plan your arrival through the zoo’s main entrance on Huay Kaew Road. Ask about the current internal vehicle and transport arrangements rather than assuming the aquarium pin represents a public road entrance.