One of the twin stars in the galaxy of the tourism mogul – Thailand is Chiang Mai. Famous for its stupas, and natural beauty, this place is not only a place for the elders to have a fun holiday but also ideal for a great vacation for the kids. It has some extremely exciting outdoor and indoor activities for children of all ages.
A wonderful destination for families with kids, Chiang Mai offers accommodations that are reasonably priced and restaurants that are easy on the purse. With attractive destinations, pleasant climate, amazing architecture it is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand. October – mid-February is the best time to visit Chiang Mai. Better to avoid the months of February to May since it is on the hotter side of the temperature scale.
Click here to know about the 15 reasons to visit Chiang Mai.
Let see some of the interesting places that can go on your itinerary for a fun and engaging family vacation with kids, to Chiang Mai.
1. Seeking blessings at the Wat Chedi Luang:
As it is said ‘Start your day with prayers’. So is it here. Start your trip with your kids by visiting some popular temples the city is famous for. Wat Chedi Luang, the temple of the big stupa is in the center of the city and is known for its stunning beauty. People throng the temple not only to seek the blessings of Lord Buddha but also for its mesmerizing architectural splendor.
Timings: 7:30 to 17:00
Location: 103 Prapokklao Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Entry fee: 40 baht for Adults and 20 baht for kids
2. Visiting Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep:
This 14th-century temple, one of the top Chiang Mai attractions is situated on top of a mountain offering you 360 degrees of breathtaking views of the city below. You can also visit Wat Umong, a tunnel temple situated at the base of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Located amidst forested areas with a lake filled with tortoise and fish, this temple is unique in a way that it has underground tunnels that the children will surely enjoy for it gives a feeling of adventure. Wat Phrathat is one of the must-see temples of Chiang Mai.
Timings: 6:30 18:30
Location: 9 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Entry fee: Adults – 100 Baht and Children – 50 Baht
3. Have some beast time at the Tiger Kingdom:
Children love to have some over the top experiences and sharing them with their friends. Chiang Mai has a perfect place for this kind of experience. The Tiger kingdom at the Rim Tai area.
We usually are used to seeing these beautiful beasts in pictures or at the nearest, in a cage or on a safari, but here the case is very different and unique. You can not only go close to these cats but also take care of them as though they are your pets. You will be allowed to feed them, cuddle them, take them for a walk, and whatnot.
Head straight to this kingdom of fierce yet gentle beasts for some unique, once in a lifetime experience.
Location: Rim Tai, Amphoe Mae Rim, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50180
Timings: 8:00 to 18:00
Entry fee: approx 700 Baht
4. Going on a thrilling Night Safari:
Want to be in the wilderness at night?
Then book yourself in the open-sided tram for one of its kind Savannas Safari and Predator Prowl and you can walk along the Jaguar trail. The children get to see wild animals such as Bengal tigers, rhinoceros, elephant, lion, zebra, antelope, lamas, emus jaguars, and many more. Click away instagrammable photos, soak in the dancing fountain at the Fountain Plaza, and don’t miss the unmissable laser light show, a must-see after dark which is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai with kids. Be there after sunset to see more animals in action and for the laser show. This is one of the best outdoor activities to do in Chiang Mai.
Location: 33 Moo 12, Nhong Kway, Hang Dong
Timings: 11:00 – 23:00
Entry fee: adult – INR 1900 Child – INR 950
5. Adventure at the Flight of the Gibbons:
In the middle of the rain forest is a 7 KM zipline, Flight of the Gibbons. You get to traverse through treetops, across bridges, and descend down the rock faces, with the wind rushing across your face. At 800m it has Asia’s longest single flight and if you are lucky you can see the gibbons too. Two professional guides will assist you in this mind-blowing adventure. You are tied with safety ropes and the trained staff will tie and remove the rope for you. This is one of the best things in Chiang Mai.
Location: Ban Mae Kampong, Chiang Mai Province
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 17:00
Entry fee: INR 10000
6. Visiting the ethical Elephant Nature Park:
A park that has been winning accolades worldwide for the rehabilitation center of rescued Elephants. The elephants are friendly. However, you don’t get to ride them. The kids get to feed the elephants with banana and sugar, walk them to the river and play in the mud pits with them. One of the must things to do in Chiang Mai with toddlers.
Location: Office on Tha Phae Road
Entry fee: From 1,700 baht per adult, 1,300 baht for children under 10 years of age
7. Fun learning at the Elephant POOPOOPaper park:
An eco-friendly museum park where the kids get to enjoy making ‘art from waste’. Can’t believe it right! One of the best things in Chiang Mai where the children get to tour the park and get hands-on experience of making paper, bookmarks, dairies out of elephant dung. There are no elephants here. However, the elephant’s dung called PooPoo is used for a fun-filled session of keeping the crafty kids busy.
Location: about 18.5 km north of Chiang Mai, Mai Rim
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:30
Price: 100 baht per person over 5 years old
8. Exciting time at the Chiang Mai Zoo:
Want to see the excitement on your child’s face, take him or her to the zoo. The squeal of delight when they see the animals is reason enough for you to take them to Chiang Mai attractions, the Zoo where the great pandas are a star attraction.
In a land covering 200 acres, Chiang Mai zoo has over 400 species of animals and birds. The special features of the zoo are the Nakornping walkthrough Aviary home to over 800 birds and where you get to feel like you are walking in a forest, freshwater aquarium, twilight zoo and Thewan and Thewee, the 2 pandas who are the main attractions in the zoo
Location: 100 Huay Kaew Road
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00
Price: 150 baht for adults, 70 baht for children.
9. Experience madness at the Art in Paradise:
One of the biggest illusionary museums in the world for its 3D effect, Art in Paradise is one of Chiang Mai’s attractions. The whole building running into many floors is divided into 6 zones such as dinosaur zone, underworld zone, and so on, where children and adults alike can click pictures posing against the paintings on the walls and floors. The instagrammable photos will make you feel like you are sitting on a flying carpet, being eaten by a crocodile, hanging over a cliff, standing on top of lava, and so on because of the 3D effect. Don’t forget your cameras!
Location: 199/9 Chang Klan Road, Chang Klan, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 21:00
Price Range: 300 baht for adults, 200 baht for children
10. Suan Buak Hat:
For an easy, open-air excursion, Suan Buak Hat, a public park in the southeast corner of the old city, provides plenty of open space, shady trees, and a playground for kids to run around and let themselves go and enjoy themselves thoroughly.
Location: Arak Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, 50200
Timings: 6:00 to 21:00
Entry Fees: 100 Baht
Final Thoughts:
Chiang Mai poses itself as this vacation hub that is most suitable for the adults, but there are so many places that might interest kids as well. Above are a handpicked few, that you can add on your short family vacation to Chiang Mai.
However, there are a whole lot of experiences and activities that your child will not be able to get anywhere else other than in Chiang Mai.
Bon Voyage!