Chiang Mai, nestled in the mountainous region of northern Thailand, is a treasure trove of adventure and cultural experiences that are perfect for families. Known for its rich history, vibrant markets, and proximity to natural wonders, Chiang Mai offers a mix of relaxation and excitement. This guide will help you plan a memorable family trip to Chiang Mai, covering where to stay, where to eat, what to do, and how to get around Chiang Mai with kids.
Getting to Chiang Mai from the Airport
Arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the main gateway to the city, conveniently located about 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the city center. As one of Thailand’s busiest airports, it provides a variety of transport options to get you and your family quickly and comfortably to your accommodation.
Transport Options:
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal. The ride to the city centre typically costs between 160-200 THB and takes about 15-20 minutes. Ensure you use the official taxi service from the airport counter to avoid overcharging.
- Airport Shuttle: Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services. It’s worth checking with your accommodation in advance to see if this is an option.
- Public Bus: Bus No. 4 connects the airport to the city center. It’s a budget-friendly option but may not be the most convenient with young children and lots of luggage.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Apps like Grab and InDrive are popular and reliable in Chiang Mai. They offer a convenient alternative to traditional taxis and often have fixed prices, which can be reassuring for travelers unfamiliar with local rates.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai with Kids
Finding the right accommodation is crucial when traveling with kids. Chiang Mai offers a range of family-friendly options, from luxurious resorts to charming boutique hotels.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
- Location: Riverside
- Highlights: This luxurious resort offers spacious rooms, a large pool, and a variety of family-friendly services. Its proximity to the Night Bazaar makes it convenient for evening outings.
- Kids’ Amenities: The resort offers a kids’ club and babysitting services, allowing parents some time to relax while the children are entertained.
Rimping Village:
- Location: Wat Ket area
- Highlights: This boutique hotel has a homely atmosphere, large family rooms, and a saltwater pool. It’s located near local markets, providing a glimpse into everyday life in Chiang Mai.
- Kids’ Amenities: Families can enjoy free bicycles for rides around the area, and the staff are known for their warm and welcoming attitude towards children.
Zensala Riverpark Resort:
- Location: Riverside
- Highlights: This modern resort boasts a quiet location with beautiful river views. It’s perfect for families looking to relax away from the hustle and bustle.
- Kids’ Amenities: The resort offers family suites, a swimming pool, and spacious gardens for children to play in.
Rainforest Boutique Hotel:
- Location: Near the train station
- Highlights: This budget-friendly hotel features two swimming pools and a lush garden setting, providing a relaxing retreat for families.
- Kids’ Amenities: The hotel has family rooms and friendly staff who go out of their way to make young guests feel welcome.
Where to Eat in Chiang Mai with Kids
Chiang Mai’s culinary scene is diverse and delicious, offering everything from traditional Thai dishes to international cuisine. Here are some family-friendly restaurants and cafes where both kids and adults can enjoy a great meal.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes
Carp Coffee
- Location: Hang Dong District
- Cuisine: Japanese and Thai
- Highlights: Sit in sunken booths to enjoy your food and drinks. You can feed the fish as you wait for your meal. Have a walk around the narrow garden themed paths and don’t forget to checkout the toilets!
The Salad Concept:
- Location: Nimmanhaemin Road
- Cuisine: Healthy salads, wraps, and smoothies
- Highlights: This restaurant allows you to customize your salads, making it easy to cater to picky eaters. The fresh ingredients and healthy options are a hit with health-conscious parents and kids alike.
Rustic & Blue:
- Location: Nimmanhaemin Road
- Cuisine: Farm-to-table, international
- Highlights: With its outdoor seating and play area, Rustic & Blue is perfect for families. The menu features a variety of organic and healthy options, ensuring everyone in the family finds something they love.
Cat House Restaurant:
- Location: Old City
- Cuisine: Thai and Western
- Highlights: Cat House offers a relaxed vibe with an eclectic menu that includes both Thai and Western dishes. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere is welcoming for families, and there are plenty of kid-friendly options available.
Ice Love You Ice Cream:
- Location: Old City
- Cuisine: Desserts and ice cream
- Highlights: This ice cream parlor offers a wide variety of homemade ice creams, making it a perfect treat spot for kids. The creative flavors and colorful presentation will delight young visitors.
What to Do in Chiang Mai with Kids
Chiang Mai is packed with activities that will keep the whole family entertained. From interacting with animals to exploring cultural sites, here are some top family-friendly activities.
Top Family-Friendly Activities
Sticky Waterfall:
- Description: The Sticky Waterfall, officially known as Bua Thong Waterfall, is a unique natural attraction located about an hour north of Chiang Mai. Renowned for its unusual limestone surface that provides excellent grip, this waterfall offers a safe and adventurous climbing experience for visitors of all ages.
- Highlights: Kids can enjoy the thrill of climbing up and down the waterfall, feeling the cool water flow over their feet without slipping. The hands-on experience of navigating the limestone formations is both exciting and memorable, making it a highlight of any family trip to Chiang Mai. In addition to climbing, families can picnic in the lush surroundings, explore nearby trails, and splash in the shallow pools, ensuring a fun-filled day immersed in nature.
Jungle Coaster:
- Description: The Jungle Coaster is an exciting attraction located in the lush forests near Chiang Mai. This thrilling ride allows visitors to zip through the jungle on a rail track, experiencing the beauty of the tropical landscape at high speeds.
- Highlights: Kids and adults alike can enjoy the adrenaline rush of speeding through the trees, with stunning views of the surrounding jungle. The Jungle Coaster offers a unique and safe adventure, with adjustable speed controls that let you decide how fast you want to go. The hands-on experience of navigating the coaster’s twists and turns is both exhilarating and memorable, making it a standout activity for any family trip to Chiang Mai. In addition to the coaster, the site often features other activities such as zip-lining and rope courses, ensuring a full day of fun and adventure in the heart of nature.
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park:
- Description: This national park is home to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple and beautiful natural scenery.
- Highlights: A visit to the temple involves a cable car ride or climbing a long staircase, both of which are exciting for kids. The panoramic views of Chiang Mai from the temple are breathtaking. The park also offers hiking trails that are suitable for families.
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden:
- Description: The Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, located in the Mae Rim district near Chiang Mai, is a beautiful and expansive botanical garden showcasing a wide variety of plants from Thailand and around the world. It offers a peaceful retreat where families can explore diverse plant collections and stunning landscapes.
- Highlights: Kids can enjoy the adventure of walking along the elevated canopy walkway, offering breathtaking views of the garden and surrounding mountains. The garden’s themed sections, including the Orchid Pavilion, the Rainforest Glasshouse, and the Herb Garden, provide educational and interactive experiences. Families can take leisurely strolls along the well-maintained trails, enjoy picnics in designated areas, and learn about the importance of plant conservation. The serene environment and engaging displays make the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden a memorable and enriching highlight of any family trip to Chiang Mai.
Elephant Poo Poo Paper:
- Description: The Elephant PooPooPaper Park, located near Chiang Mai, is an eco-friendly outdoor museum that showcases the process of making paper from elephant dung. This unique attraction combines fun and education, offering families a hands-on experience in sustainable practices and recycling.
- Highlights: Kids will be fascinated by the interactive tour, where they can learn about the entire papermaking process, from collecting the raw material to the final product. The park offers various activities, including making their own paper and decorating it with natural dyes and stamps. This hands-on experience is both educational and memorable, making it a highlight of any family trip to Chiang Mai. In addition to the papermaking process, the park features beautiful gardens and a gift shop with eco-friendly products, ensuring a fun and enlightening day for all ages.
Sunday Walking Street Market:
- Description: This vibrant street market is held every Sunday evening in the Old City.
- Highlights: The market is a feast for the senses, with local crafts, street food, and performances. It’s a great place for kids to experience local culture and try new foods. The lively atmosphere and variety of sights make it an exciting outing for the whole family.
Astro Park:
- Description: The Chiang Mai AstroPark, operated by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), is an impressive center dedicated to astronomy and space science. Located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, this park offers a range of educational and interactive experiences for families.
- Highlights: Kids can marvel at the wonders of the universe through the park’s state-of-the-art telescopes and interactive exhibits. The highlight of any visit is the planetarium show, which provides a captivating journey through space and time. The AstroPark also offers hands-on activities, such as building simple telescopes and learning about the stars and planets. The engaging exhibits and knowledgeable staff make the experience both educational and memorable, ensuring it stands out as a highlight of any family trip to Chiang Mai. In addition to stargazing and planetarium shows, the park features beautiful outdoor areas perfect for a family picnic under the stars, making it a well-rounded and enlightening adventure for all ages.
Additional Tips for Traveling with Kids in Chiang Mai
Weather Considerations
Chiang Mai has a tropical climate, with three main seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (March to June), and the rainy season (July to October). The cool season is the best time to visit, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. During the hot season, make sure to keep hydrated and apply sunscreen frequently. In the rainy season, be prepared for sudden showers and bring waterproof gear.
Health and Safety
- Hydration and Hygiene: Ensure kids stay hydrated, especially in the hot season. Carry water bottles and encourage frequent drinking. Use hand sanitizer regularly and encourage good hand hygiene.
- Mosquito Protection: Use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants in the evening to protect against mosquito bites. Consider using mosquito nets if your accommodation provides them.
- Travel Insurance: It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Check that the insurance includes coverage for activities like hiking or visiting wildlife parks.
Local Customs
- Respect for Temples: Teach children about the importance of respecting local customs, especially when visiting temples. This includes dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees), removing shoes before entering, and keeping noise levels.
A Complete Guide to Visiting Chiang Mai with Kids
Chiang Mai is a fantastic destination for families seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. With its rich history, friendly locals, and array of family-friendly activities, it offers something for everyone. From ethical elephant encounters and interactive art museums to vibrant night markets and delicious dining options, Chiang Mai promises an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults.
Whether you’re feeding elephants, exploring ancient temples, or enjoying a meal at a kid-friendly restaurant, every moment in Chiang Mai can become a cherished family memory. By following this comprehensive guide, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable adventure in one of Thailand’s most captivating cities. Safe travels and happy exploring!
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