Traveling with kids can be a daunting task. As a parent, you have to plan out every single detail to ensure your little adventurer gets the best experience. Thailand bustles with a rich culture and religious heritage but for kids, all this is trivial. Chiang Mai has long been a bucket list destination for many travelers. But is it the ideal Thai city to visit with kids?
The charming cultural capital of northern Thailand isn’t just for backpackers and temple enthusiasts. It’s also a fantastic destination for families with kids! From interactive museums to thrilling adventures in nature, here are five activities that will make your family vacation to Chiang Mai unforgettable.
Elephant Sanctuary
Chiang Mai offers a unique opportunity for families to connect with nature and wildlife, particularly elephants. Elephants play an important role in Thailand’s logging industry, but habitat destruction has led to a decline in their population.
Visiting an elephant sanctuary delivers a wholesome experience for kids. It offers the chance to interact closely with elephants, learning about their behaviour and the importance of conservation efforts. Many sanctuaries promote responsible practices, prioritizing the well-being of the elephants focusing on education, rehabilitation and conservation.
This gives you and your kids an opportunity to observe elephants in their natural environment and participate in proper interactions, such as feeding and bathing these beautiful creatures. Some of the elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai include; Elephant Natural Park, Lana Kingdom Elephant Sanctuary, Elephant Retirement Park, and the Elephant Care Park.
Visit the Temples
Chiang Mai is famously known for its for its ancient temples. Two must-visit temples, especially if you’re traveling with kids being Wat Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang. Wat Doi Suthep offers breathtaking views of Chiang Mai city. Getting there is part of the adventure as you can either opt for a scenic drive up the winding mountain road or take a fun-filled cable car ride.
Once at the temple, your kids will be amazed by the intricate golden stupas, elaborate carvings, and the calm atmosphere coupled with the opportunity to ring the giant bells for good luck and take in the scenic views of the city below.
Wat Chedi Luang, located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old city, is another must-see with towering captivating structures that kids will love exploring. They can learn about the temple’s history through the educative signage and even participate in monk chat sessions to ask questions about Buddhism and Thai culture. Both temples provide excellent opportunities for cultural enrichment and learning.
Chiang Mai Night Safaris
Night Safaris offer families a memorable experience amidst a variety of wild animals in the heart of Mae Hia’s sub-district. Beyond the captivating walking trails and the thrilling night safari, there’s a wide array of activities for kids to enjoy.
The highlight of the Chiang Mai Night Safari is the nightly Laser Light Show, a mesmerizing spectacle where a massive fountain serves as the stage for an immersive performance. Here, water dances in harmony with bright lights and captivating sound effects, creating an unforgettable audiovisual experience that delights the young ones.
The themed night safari offers a range of activities perfect for kids to do. From educational animal encounters to interactive exhibits, there’s something to cater for every kid`s interest like feeding giraffes or learning about nocturnal creatures in an engaging and hands-on environment.
The safari’s ambiance in the wilderness, adds to the thrill of the adventure. As families explore the park’s winding trails, they’ll encounter various wildlife, from majestic lions to playful meerkats, creating memories that will last a lifetime for your kids.
Visit the Art in Paradise Museum
One standout experience that promises fun and creativity for kids is a visit to the Museum of Art. The Museum of Art in Chiang Mai is a place for illusion art with over 130 illusion paintings on its walls and floors offering a unique 3D experience that allows people to appear as if they are in the picture.
The museum offers kids to step into a world where they can interact with the artwork blurring the boundaries between reality and illusion. Children will delight in the opportunity to pose with the paintings, creating memorable photos that appear as if they are part of the scene.
From walking on a tightrope to escaping from ferocious animals, the museum’s exhibits spark the imagination and encourage playful exploration. Let your kids unleash their creativity as they engage with the art, finding new perspectives and hidden surprises around every corner.
You can join in the fun too, capturing these moments of joy and amazement. Whether you’re posing as superheroes flying through the sky or diving into an underwater adventure, the Museum of Art offers your kids an everlasting experience.
Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium
Engage your little ones with wildlife at the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium. Chiang Mai Zoo offers scenic view alongside fascinating wildlife exhibits. With over 400 animal species, including elephants, tigers, chimps, hippopotami and rhinoceroses, there’s plenty to for you kids to see and learn about.
One of the highlights of the zoo is its commitment to creating natural habitats for the animals. Ramps and walkovers in many enclosures, like the giraffe and zebra exhibit, allow you to get up close and personal with the zoo’s inhabitants. It’s a unique opportunity for kids to observe these majestic creatures in an environment that mirrors their natural habitat.
The zoo offers various activities for families to enjoy together like taking a leisurely stroll through lush greenery while spotting exotic birds and playful primates swinging from tree to tree. Take on a guided journey through different habitats and participate in feeding sessions or watch captivating animal shows.
Enjoy Your trip with your little adventurer
Whether you’re exploring the jungle or immersing yourselves in local culture. Enjoy a satisfying experience with your family while bonding over delicious Thai cuisine. Chiang Mai offers endless opportunities for family fun activities. So, pack your bags, grab your little adventurers, and enjoy a wholesome Chiang Mai experience.
