Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium

Chiang Mai Zoo's latest mega-project, the Aquarium was built on top of a pond, not very far from the panda enclosures, overlooking the city. It had been years in the making and has gobbled up a staggering 600 million baht, a joint venture between the Thai government and Australian firm Marine Scape.

Opened in 2008, it boasts the world's longest underwater tunnel, 133 metres, half of which is dedicated to freshwater habitats. Over 250 different species are on display, most of them native to Thailand. Besides the spectacular coral reef habitats the less colourful, but just as interesting, Mekhong river wildlife comes alive right above your head. Some of the highlights are stingrays, lionfish, clownfish, sea horses, and starfish, all long-time favourites with small children because of their unusual appearance. Small sections are dedicated to life in the Bhumibol dam, Doi Inthanon, mangrove habitats, and insects.

A highlight for me was the synchronised Mermaid underwater ballet, performed behind a viewing wall at one end of the tunnel to music and the tunnel itself, where I experienced the most incredible close up view of a shark directly above me. My preconception was that I would spend maybe an hour or so in the aquarium, but I was truly amazed and impressed with the entire concept, so much so that I spent countless hours there and in no hurry to leave. There was so much more to do and see than I originally anticipated. Of course, being the postcard junkie I am, I couldn't resist having my photo taken and superimposed with creatures of the deep in a souvenir folder. I just love this stuff and I'm not ashamed to admit it. A combo ticket purchased at the zoo's entrance is the most economical way to visit both zoo and the aquarium.

Mae Ping River Cruise

I decided to leave the city of Chiang Mai behind and spend a couple of hours relaxing on a river cruise, carried along by the cool waters of the River Ping, enjoying the ever-changing river scene with its resplendent teak houses and rural greenery.

Down river we disembarked at a local farmer's house and witnessed the cultivation of jasmine rice and a variety of herbs for use both in medicine and cookery. A snack of seasonal fresh fruits was on offering and we got to savor the refreshing taste of lemon-grass and other herb juices. For lovers of trivia, this location was featured briefly in Sylvester Stallone's 2009 movie Rambo.

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Mae Sa Snake Farm

Mae Sa Snake Farm is located along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route, and is home to various species of snakes native to Thailand. Experienced handlers show the general public all kinds of snakes in the farm. Some are non-poisonous but most are highly venomous. The main highlight of the show is the extremely poisonous Cobra.

A visit to Mae Sa Snake Farm, Chiang Mai is not only entertaining but it also enlightens the visitors about snakes. The farm dispels many misconception and superstitions related to them. The farm is not only famous for exhibiting snakes but is also popular for conducting extensive research and deep study on snake breeding programs.

Half hour shows are held daily at various intervals and there is a modest entrance fee. The highlights of the show are demonstrations of how snake venom is extracted from the various dangerous snake species. I had the opportunity to handle two pythons and was amazed at just how heavy the longest one was when draped around my neck, with the end of of it touching the ground. I also adopted the attitude of 'when in Rome' and got up 'close and dirty' with a cobra. With nothing but a metre or so between us, we eyeballed each other without distraction. When it hooded up I had the most incredible view of this remarkable creature. I left the farm on a high and with a newly acquired respect for these reptiles. I have visited two snake farms to date, but this would be my favourite one.

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Mae Taeng Elephant Camp

Mae Taeng Elephant Camp is located in the beautiful Mae Taman Valley some 50 kilometers from Chiang Mai, home to over 40 elephants. A visit will include an elephant show, highlighting the skill, the strength and the dexterity of these magnificent beasts, a ride on an Ox cart, pulled by a rare breed of Lampoon (white oxen) and a relaxing bamboo raft trip down the peaceful Mae Taeng River. I particularly enjoyed my opportunity to steer the ox cart with its primitive braking system and lack of shock absorbers. I'll never complain about public transportation again.

Another highlight is obviously what attracts most visitors to the park, a lumbering ride on elephant back through jungle terrain. Bananas can be purchased along the trail to feed the elephants for a modest fee. If you ever doubted the intelligence of elephants you will watch in awe as they paint pictures holding the brushes firmly in their trunk. Extremely accurate representations of trees, flowers, and even self portraits are produced before your very eyes. These can later be purchased by visitors searching for that special souvenir. All in all, I had a very enjoyable day and rate it the best elephant park I have visited in Chiang Mai thus far.

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Chiang Mai Zoo

Chiang Mai Zoo was established by the The Zoological Park Organization, Thailand in 1974. Situated on 531 Rai of verdant forest land at the foothill of Doi Suthep mountain, the zoo is surrounded by hilly terrain which is home to thousands of species of wild plants and flowers adorning the natural landscape of valleys, streams and waterfalls. Chiang Mai Zoo is the first and only zoo in Northern Thailand where visitors can experience the excitement and intimacy of various species of animals in their natural habitat.

My main reason for visiting the zoo was to see the Giant Panda exhibit, but I was pleasantly surprised with the whole layout. There are colourful zoo trams for visitors who prefer not to walk the trails or a slow-moving monorail system enabling passengers to have an elevated view of the zoo grounds. It was disappointing that the monrail was out of action on my first visit so I walked part of the way and caught the tram whenever the heat started to get to me. There is so much to see and do here that you can easily spend the whole day. A new addition within the zoo grounds is a magnificent aquarium which I will review in a future blog.

 

Old Chiangmai Cultural Center

Hotel staff urged me not to miss the exotic Khantoke dinner at the Old Chiangmai Cultural Center and I'm glad they did. It was an enjoyable three-hour experience with stage performances and hilltribes shows known as Lanna Thai, the region of elegance. Guests were seated on mats at floor level and there was more food than one could possibly consume in one sitting. There was no way any of us were going to starve that night.

Midway through dinner the entertainment started in a central area, also at floor level, ensuring all diners had an excellent view of proceedings. Upon completion of dinner we moved to a more intimate theatre where even more cultural dancing was performed. When the show ended we walked along an alley of souvenir stalls selling similar merchandise en route to the exit. As soon as I returned to the hotel I made sure that I thanked the girls on the desk for their recommendation. This is a 'must see' for any visitors to Chiang Mai.

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Papier Mache Playground In Chiang Mai

In 2008 a temporary childrens playground was constructed out of papier mache in the garden of the Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre in Chiang Mai. Unknown to me is who authorised it but there seemed to be a group of very talented young people working day and night to complete the playground which had an obvious jungle theme. I stumbled across it in early January whilst staying at the adjoining Lotus Hotel Pang Suan Kaew, so it was more than likely a Christmas/New Year project. The attention to detail was amazing and was a credit to all concerned. Such a shame that it had to be disassembled soon after. I consider myself lucky to have been in the right place at the right time to witness it all.

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