A great place to visit in Chiang Mai for kids who love bugs!
The Siam Insect Zoo out in Mae Rim, just north of Chiang Mai is one of our favourite places to go with the kids. Here you can get very close to exotic animals such as insects, iguanas, stick bugs and more. The attentive and educated staff will encourage you to have new experiences – maybe you’ll check something off your bucket list! It’s great family fun.
Learn about exotic creatures
At the Siam Insect Zoo, you can expect to see, feed, and even touch some exotic animals and explore an insect museum. What began as a personal bug collection 36 years ago, has captured the attention of the public since the zoo opened in 2006. It has evolved over the years and now serves as an educational model. Here, the staff are trained to teach you about every creature you encounter along your journey in Thai, English or Mandarin. Entrance to the zoo comes with dual pricing, so be prepared with Thai identification to get local price for your family.
Examine bugs up close
The adventure begins in the Discovery Museum where you can see beautiful, rare, and even dangerous insects up close. But don’t worry! These are safely encased behind glass. The bugs are part of the original and growing collection of incredible species from around the world.
Hunting for bugs
Just around the corner from there, you enter into the creepy crawlies zone! Here, children are given a flashlight and are encouraged to go hunting for spiders and cockroaches – bring on the heebie-jeebies! This is probably the most uncomfortable zone for most people, but where else can you get so close to a hairy tarantula?! Later on (if you dare), staff provide an opportunity to hold one. Yes, a real live tarantula! We were reassured they are a non-venomous breed from Mexico.
Be surrounded by beautiful butterflies
Following a potentially nerve wracking experience, you are welcomed into a butterfly sanctuary. Take a walk through this beautiful garden as gorgeously coloured butterflies flutter all around you. If you’re still and quiet, maybe one will land on you!
Can you touch the insects?
You absolutely can! The staff are very friendly and encouraging of a gentle touch. They will help you to know what to do, how to hold a particular creature, and teach you all about them. The stick bugs are very cool and they remain calm when you hold them, although they do tickle when they walk!
Ever seen a leaf bug?! They are incredible at camouflaging and the zoo has a challenge to see how many you can find in a tree. When you find them all, you can hold one! Some are brown or beige, while others are bright green and spiky!
Not only does the Siam Insect Zoo have bugs, but lizards too! And here’s a little known secret; dragons are real! Well, at least in name. This little guy is a bearded dragon lizard and is very friendly! You can find him in a tank that he shares with the tortoises, which you can also pick up.
What other creatures can you see at the zoo?
In addition to these wonderful creatures, your family will enjoy feeding the iguanas, hunting for beetle larvae and millipedes, exploring beetle world, and holding caterpillars. If you are really brave, there’s a chance to get really close to scorpions. In the past, we’ve been able to hold some, but only under the watchful eye and guidance of a staff member – it’s truly one of our most memorable experiences!
Can you take the animals home?
Ah, the inevitable little voices that ask, can I keep it? Can we take it home? The answer in this case is, yes! Many people wonder where can I buy exotic pets in Chiang Mai? The answer is here, at the Siam Insect Zoo, which is also a breeding centre. The great thing is that because it’s an educational centre, they will teach you everything you need to know in order to take great care of your new pet(s). Some examples of the creatures you can keep as pets are; beetles, tortoises, iguanas, and tarantulas! Please inquire for exact costs.
How to get to the Siam Insect Zoo
From the centre of town, it takes about half an hour to drive. Located in beautiful Mae Rim, head north along road 107, then take a left at the 1096. From here, it’s about a 4 km drive; just follow the signs along the way.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, your family could arrange to take a songtaew or alternatively you could Grab it or take a taxi! However, because there is so much to do out in Mae Rim, we highly recommend renting a car or motorbikes, so your family can freely explore much of what Mae Rim has to over.
Things to consider
Because it only takes 1-2 hours to experience the Insect Zoo, we recommend making a day out of it. There’s plenty to do out in Mae Rim! In fact, you could combine your trip with lunch at the nearby Zombie Cafe and visit the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden just up the road!
