Animal lovers wondering where to see wildlife in Chiang Rai will find plenty in national parks, public parks, elephant sanctuaries, and along the roads that wind through the region’s mountainous jungles.
Getting around the greater Chiang Rai provincial area to visit these sights can mean journeys of one to two hours one way. Taxis charge steep rates to visit these places, and tour operators provide no flexibility in planning. This makes a car rental in Chiang Rai attractive, thanks to the money it saves and the independence it offers. Drive Car Rental has a location at Chiang Rai International Airport that makes it easy to arrive and drive!
Thailand’s National Animal
The elephant is much more than a symbol for the people of Thailand. For centuries, Thailand relied on elephants to be working animals and sacred stewards of the forest. Thankfully, using elephants for hard labour was banned, and now the animals live primarily in tourism sanctuaries or the wild.
Seeing elephants up close is possible at hundreds of elephant parks throughout Northern Thailand. Read reviews and choose one with a solid reputation for treating their animals well; sadly, some elephant parks allow elephant rides and other practices that can harm elephants.
National Parks
Thailand’s national parks and protected areas comprise a staggering 31% of the kingdom’s territory. A mountainous jungle landscape is never more than an hour’s drive away. Visitors to the north often ask how much time they need in Chiang Rai. To see the city and the temples, two full days can be sufficient. To see the parks and dive into nature, a week is recommended.
Doi Luang National Park is situated to the south of the city. Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park and Phu Sang National Park sit to the west. All three are home to diverse species of wildlife from every imaginable background.
Gibbons, several species of jungle cats and bats, snakes of every size, shape, and colour, and even wild elephants live in these vast jungle expanses. Publicly accessible areas of these parks are limited to certain areas like waterfalls, lookouts, and unique features. This means wildlife encounters can be rare in these areas.
However, there are also options for serious and undaunted adventurers. For extensive trekking or serious wildlife tours, one should seek a licensed tour guide. The Thai jungle is wild, and leaving well-known paths without a guide is inadvisable. Most tour operators can also provide a range of trekking options with accommodations, ranging from spartan to luxury.
Public Places
Thailand’s fantastic roads, public parks, and infrastructure make accessing nature easy for everyone. Chiang Mai Rajabhat University has an extensive campus just north of the city. It has many lakes and ponds to walk around that are dotted with trees, and the lakes are typically teeming with bird life.
South of the city, Singha Park is a sprawling public park complex. Various native bird species can be found flitting about as visitors bicycle its paths or drive its roads. The park also has exotic animals, such as giraffes and zebras, that are on display on a limited basis.
The mountains located just to the west of the city offer a plethora of twisting roads that make their way through the wild jungle. Pull over at any side area, step out of the car, the sounds of nature will be everywhere.
General Tips for Wildlife Encounters
The best time to see wildlife is usually at dawn and dusk. Areas away from people offer the best chance of an up-close encounter.
No matter which animal you encounter, keep your distance. There are over seventy species of venomous snakes in Thailand, and even docile-looking oxen can quickly become angry if spooked. Hold your camera steady, and give the animals a bit of room. Stay quiet and still, and you’ll get some memories for a lifetime.
Easy Access
Getting to any of these places is a breeze with a rental car. Drive Car Rental has everything from compact cars to SUVs to electric vehicles. For businesses and long-term travellers, we provide monthly rates at reasonable prices–but keep in mind that cars book fast in the high season, so reserve early for the best selection and rates!