A must do for any traveller going to Chiang Mai is a visit to Chiang Mai Zoo but be sure to allow a full day for this outing. Situated to the north east of the city with commanding views of Chiang Mai this is one of the best zoos I have ever encountered. The range of animals form all parts of the globe and an eclectic of exotic birds is second to none but the real highlight is the 2 giant pandas, Chiang Chiang (the male) and Lin Hui (the female). They are housed in a special building that is temperature controlled and the security does not allow flash cameras. Visitors can stay for hours watching the pandas eat, sleep and play in a habitat that is close to their natural environment. Other highlights include the hippos one of which fully flexes its jaws when you raise a camera to take a picture, giraffes, zebras and flocks of flamingos. For information on Chiang Mai go to http://www.orientingtravellers.com.au/ and click on CONTACT US
