Maybe something we should have done when the family were here, I think the kids would have loved it. This day out was essentially to take advantage of the promotion for the newly opened, state of the art Aquarium, which meant you could get 2 tickets for the price of one. As there is a different price for locals and foreigners,(290 for locals, 520 for farang; this is for all inclusive tickets, you can buy tickets for the Zoo only or Aquarium seperately)) Somboon and I went with our friends and regular customers, Leo and Par, so that we got the full advantage of the deal.
Having always been on the anti-zoo side it took me a while to agree to go but I decided that I should take a look so as to be able to make a proper decision on my view of this facility. Accepting that in an age where many species face extinction, there may be a place for such institutions so that younger generations may get to truly appreciate the glory of animal nature, I went with an open mind.
As you enter the exhibition you pass several small aquariums with all manner of sealife on show. And then its onto the massive walkthru section where you see the bigger fish and sharks to.
Here follows my report on our visit and I will save my conclusion until the end of this write-up.
There is no doubt that this Zoo is a beautiful place to visit, set in some very well kept grounds at the foot of Doi Suthep. If you were so minded you could easily spend a whole day just enjoying the gardens, with so many quiet spots to sit and simply enjoy the surroundings.
The first wildlife we came across were the Flamingos. Shunning the shuttle buses we walked on through the picturesque gardens.
Leo and Par got very friendly with the Hippos.
A little further on by the Giraffe enclosure, I discovered that in a short space of time I had managed to mislay my ticket, and realizing that I would probably have to produce it to gain entry to the Aquarium I had to return to the ticket office. The staff were very helpful and i was shown back into the Zoo by the supervisor who radioed ahead to confirm my ticket purchase with the Aquarium. Jumping on the shuttle to the Aquarium I looked out for the others, who joined me as the shuttle arrived at the Giraffe compound.It was quite a way round to the Aquarium so I was happy for the shuttle ride.
The Aquarium itself is set in a large area with a man made lake with a long bridge walkway to the main building. You do indeed have to produce your Aquarium ticket before gaining access to the bridge.
Without doubt this fascinating experience was pretty fantastic. With supposedly the longest walk through tunnel in the world you do feel like you get an insight into the underwater world of ocean life.
As you enter the exhibition you pass many small aquariums with all manner of sea life on display. And then it is on to the massive walk-thru section where you get to see the bigger fish and sharks too.
And now I have to pay homage to the makers of cartoon movies such as Finding Nemo. I never quite appreciated the cartoon makers skills in accurate portrayal of their characters, until I got this snap of a large ray passing over us
Slightly disappointing was the absence of Hammerhead sharks pictured in the Aquarium advertising, but that apart I was well impressed.
Exiting the Aquarium, we carried on around the Zoo that certainly has a wide variety of animals and birds on display.
In conclusion; I still hold with my aversion to zoos on the basis that the animals are invariably kept in enclosures that do not allow them anything near their natural environment. It does appear that the Zoo management is making some moves towards improving this situation with certain species with the building of ‘Gibbon Island’ and a massive new Aviary.
Most upsetting for me was seeing the Gibbons presently housed in relatively small and barren cages, set in amongst the trees. I can imagine that this must be torture for these intelligent creatures, being able to see and not touch.
Also the Asian Tiger pacing back and forth was not a happy sight. Neither was the discover that the fascinating Binturong that I saw marooned on a pedestal display with just a small hut for shelter is in fact nocturnal.
As previously stated, there is no disputing that the grounds of the Zoo appear to be well managed and it is a beautiful place to visit just for that. You will need to make your own decision on the ethics of such a facility.
To see many more photos of Chiang Mai Zoo and aquarium follow this link.
This impressive Wat can be found behind The Princes Royal College which lies on Kaewnarawat rd, the main road out to Arcade Bus Station, Chiang Mai. Just turn left down the soi immediately before the college(coming from the river), and then right and you will see the entrance.
Immediately on your right as you come in is home to a well respected Thai massage training course for local Thais.
Inside there are many scenes from Buddhas story adorning the walls in that splendid traditional painting to be seen in so many of Chiang Mais temples.
This small Temple is located south of Wat Jet Lin on the other side of the road down a small cul-de-sac that ends at the Temple gate.
The nearby houses boasts some beautiful trees that make it a very nice walk into the Temple grounds.
On the other hand, the Bell Tower, hidden behind trees to the rear of the compound seemed to have a some what older feel to it.
Behind the Temple is a medium sized, square Chedi. The things that caught my eye here the most were the green stone Angels on the compound wall as you walk in.
