Chiang Mai Night Safari

The Thai government spent a good chunk of money on this attraction—it's one of only a few nocturnal zoos in the world—and the investment has given Chiang Mai a marketable asset that is popular with Thais and visiting foreigners alike. Critics may scoff at the cheesiness of the animal shows and musical fountains, but there’s no denying the breadth of the experience at the zoo. Around 134 species are represented and include sloth bears, clouded leopards, jaguars, squirrel monkeys, white tigers, and giraffes. Although the zoo is open during the day, the real action happens after dark, when you can view the resident critters from the back of an open-sided tram.