7 Activities the Whole Family Can Enjoy in Chiang Mai

Escape with your family from the hectic pace of Bangkok to Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai. This mountainous city north of the Thai capital provides a more relaxed vibe while still offering unique attractions that are definitely family-friendly. 

To fully maximize your family’s time, find a convenient Nimman accommodation or ที่พักนิมมาน. The area is centrally located so you don’t have to spend a lot of time commuting to all these must-see attractions.

Here are just some activities you can consider.

1. Experience the Chiang Mai Night Safari

Located at Hangdong, Open: 11AM to 11PM

Modeled after Singapore’s Night Safari, Chiang Mai’s version offers laser light shows and dancing fountains with its main safari attraction. The zoo has 3 animal zones for kids to marvel at—Savanna, Predator Prowl, and Jaguar Trail. Each zone features exotic animals that come from all over the world including Africa and Asia.

While the safari opens early at 11AM, it’s recommended that visitors come after the sun sets to fully experience the wonderful light shows and to see rare nocturnal animals you won’t find in an ordinary zoo enclosure.

2. Be an Elephant Caretaker at Elephant Nature Park

Located at Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing, Open: 7AM to 5PM

Complete your Thailand adventure with an encounter with its beloved symbol, the elephant. The Elephant Nature Park is one Thailand’s rescue and rehabilitation centers for elephants. They are open to volunteers as well as visitors, but they don’t allow elephant rides. Instead, visitors will get the chance to care for these majestic creatures, as well as explore their natural habitat in the vast wilderness of the sanctuary. If you and your kids are looking for a more respectful or ethical way to meet and learn about these gentle giants, this park is where you should go.

3. Take a Nature Hike at the Doi Inthanon National Park

Located at the Chom Thong District, Open: 6AM to 4:30PM

If your family is the outdoorsy type, then this nature park should be on your list of must-see destinations. You can hike up to Thailand’s highest peak while enjoying stunning nature and lush gardens on the way. This scenic park also includes spectacular waterfalls, as well as flora and fauna that are endemic to the region. What’s more, the park is home to Thailand’s northern indigenous peoples with villages that are open to visitors. Learn about their home-grown cultures, and get the chance to take home some of their traditional handicrafts.

4. Shop at the Weekend Night Markets

Located at Wualai Road (Saturday Market) and Tha Pae Gate to Ratchadamnoen Road (Sunday Market), Open: 6PM to 10:30PM

Buy your souvenirs and treats in these weekend night markets to get the best prices. The stalls offer locally made goods for tourists, as well as common household items for the locals. In addition, the market features food stalls with some of the best Thai street food for everyone’s taste, including the pickiest toddlers.

5. Fill Your Instagram with Posts from the Art in Paradise 3D Museum

Located at Tumbol Changklan, Open: 9AM to 9PM

Opened in July 2013, Chiang Mai’s Art in Paradise 3D Museum is touted as the biggest 3D art museum in the world. The 3-story museum features 130 3D paintings that are categorized into 8 themes. These zones are titled Aqua, Zoo, Dinosaur, Surrealism, Classic Art, Lanna, Thai, and Egyptian. If your kids love taking crazy, imaginative photos, this 3D museum is definitely worth your time.

6. Visit the Wat Phra Doi Suthep Temple

Located at Mueang Chiang Mai, Open: 6AM to 6PM

One of the best things about traveling is learning about different cultures, and in Chiang Mai, visiting temples offers a great opportunity to learn about the city’s religious side. While there are a number of great temples in Chiang Mai, the Wat Phra Doi Suthep is one of the most sacred and most spectacular of all. Every part of its architecture tells a story with symbolisms that are deeply rooted in Thailand’s dominant religion, Buddhism.

7. Discover Facts About Insects at The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders

Located at Srimankalajarn Road, Open: 10AM to 4PM

Thailand is well known for its insect-based culinary delights, and while these are everyday fares for locals, the thought of trying out these delicacies might make many westerners cringe. The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders’ vision is to shed some light on these critters and their vital role in the natural environment. In fact, kids will be delighted to know that the museum includes a butterfly enclosure, along with pinned exhibits of fascinating beetles and scorpions.

Chiang Mai is truly a family-friendly destination that’s worth exploring. Spend a week or two here, and you’ll appreciate just how different Thailand’s second the city really is to Bangkok.

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