The family tour in Chiang Mai for the kids will be a mini-adventure for learning and recreation. This trip is also for a newcomer who has just visited Chiang Mai. It’s a suggestion for planning a trip that can be short or long, depending on your schedule.
After adjusting your physical condition to the local time, you may start with light activities and gradually increase the level of assumption of traveling by plane and taking a direct flight from Europe to Chiang Mai, which was previously available.
Fly a direct flight to Chiang Mai
You can travel by direct flight. Currently, many destinations and airlines will operate and return to this route again. Please check with your destination and alliance airlines that provide connecting flights.
www.flightsfrom.com There is a search engine for flights flying from Chiang Mai. All scheduled direct (non-stop) flights from Chiang Mai (CNX). Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the fourth-largest airport in Thailand. You can fly to 31 destinations with 26 airlines in scheduled passenger traffic.
Overview
Tourists will get a free visa for 30 days in Thailand. Most travel plans are about 21 days long and split into 3 sections [7 days each]: north, south, and central, including Bangkok.
If not, you can plan to travel for 14 days by flying directly to Chiang Mai, traveling around for 7 days, and then going to Khao Lak for 7 days.
These are the travel items I serve to tourists from Europe and Scandinavia. Plans will cover cultures, mountains, beaches, and city life.
Therefore, I have shown an example of a 7-day trip to Chiang Mai so that you can see the overview and use it for your own use.
City tour for 1-2 days nearby, and then go to the countryside to do mini-adventure or soft trekking, and stay overnight on the mountain for 1 night in the middle section.
For example, on a 2-day, 1-night trip to Doi Inthanon, you will complete all activities around Doi Inthanon and not get tired. But if you have other options, a 1-day Doi Inthanon is still the best activity that should be planned.
In the last section back to the city, you will relax with simple activities, go shopping or leisure, and prepare for your next destination.
Day 1
Arrival day
- Tuning for jet lag
- Local market
- Khan Toke Dinner
- Welcome dinner
Day 2
Sightseeing
- Doi Suthep
- Hmong Village
- Bhu Ping Palace
- Wat Pha Lat
Day 3
Doi Inthanon
- Highest Spot
- Nature trail
- Twin Pagpdas
- Royal Project
Day 4
Doi Inthanon
- Trekking
- Karen village
- Waterfalls
- Hmong market
Day 5
Mini Adventure
- Dan Tawada
- Wat Baan Den
- Sticky Waterfalls
- Mini Zoo
Day 6
Elephant Camp
- Elephant Show
- Riding
- Ox Cart
- Bamboo Rafting
Day 7
Departure
- Relax Day
- Yummy Breakfast
- Last one
- Go to airport
Sample itinerary for 7-day
Day 1: Arrival day—Tuning for jet lag
The date of arrival and customization of the jetlag to going outdoors. Because it will help biological clocks adjust faster. Sunlight is also a good help in reducing weariness. When you reach your destination, go for a walk outdoors and make a short trip to the surrounding city.
Mae Kha Canal is a place that imitates Japanese tourist attractions. It’s good to relax in the evening, and it’s not bad before going to the Chiang Mai Cultural Center for a Northern dinner and a show. The Night Bazaar might be another option after that.
Jing Jai Market is an articulation market for going shopping. They also have local food available. Recommend going on Saturday and Sunday mornings, which is better.
Chiang Mai also has a Saturday and Sunday walking street with lots of merchandise. If you come during that time, it would be great.
More activities on my blog, you can choose from below:
Map
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar—https://maps.app.goo.gl/EXb3r7ACMXR2KYdz9
Jing Jai Market—https://maps.app.goo.gl/QRrYag3Jb6wSjH217
Mae Kha Canal—https://maps.app.goo.gl/c2h8PBCZmkvLhTrU9
Saturday Wau Lai Market—https://maps.app.goo.gl/qXJC2YMEprSwNBDe6
Sunday Night Market—https://maps.app.goo.gl/QDDFfc97YG4GJi7D6
Day 2: Sightseeing—Doi Suthep Loop
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is an important temple for those who come to Chiang Mai for the first time, where you can overlook the city view. Climb the 306 steps to the top to reach a beautiful array of shrines and Buddhas, and ring the bells.
It also includes walking around Hmong Doi Pui Village and spending time on the grounds featuring flowers at Bhu Ping Palace. Don’t miss to stop by Wat Pha Lat on the way to see the old architecture in Lanna style.
This loop should have returned to the city for lunch in the late afternoon. Then you may choose to go swimming at the hotel or select additional places.
Spend your evening leisurely for souvenirs at the night market, take a walk along the Ping River, or try some of Chiang Mai’s delicacies like Khao Soi, a spicy and tangy curry soup.
Mae Ping River Cruise: This is a good activity for a family. Slow boat and slow life. It offers very good ice cream and lemongrass water, and the guide explained about some native trees and plants. I highly recommend this 2-hour tour for relaxing and educational purposes.
Day 3: Doi Inthanon (Up)
Check out and move to stay 1 night at Doi Inthanon National Park.
The highlights can be followed; it is not too tight and we can start from the hotel around 9 am.
- Thailand’s Highest Spot: 2,565 m
- Trek on a jungle boardwalk
- Twin Stupas and a beautiful garden
- Lunch at Royal Agricultural Research Restaurant
- Trekking to Pha Dok Sieo Waterfall
- Overnight at Karen Village or Motho Homestay
Kew Mae Pan is a beautiful nature trail, open from November to May, and can be added to your plan if you travel during those periods.
For those who don’t sleep for 1 night, you can choose to go on a one-day trip to Doi Inthanon, just by adjusting the plan a little. Recommend leaving the hotel before traffic hour, around 7.30 am.
Day 4: Doi Inthanon (Down)
On day 2 of Doi Inthanon, you will have time to stop at many places to choose from on the way back to town.
- Explore Mae Klang Luang Village—Karen Tribe
- Fruits and vegetables—Hmong Tribe Market
- Stunning view of the Wachirathan Waterfall
- Lunch at one of my favorite restaurants—Salween Restaurant
- Have a coffee at Kao Mai Lanna Resort
Kao Mai Lanna Resort has a café—Po Liang Bistro. As this is a popular photo shoot location, there are rooms converted from an ancient tobacco curing house.
This tranquil boutique hotel is in an ivy-covered building on a converted tobacco farm. Other amenities include a spa, and an outdoor plunge pool, as well as a yoga studio and gardens.
Day 5: Mini Adventure
Kayaking and climbing: Hop into a kayak and paddle from the dam for about two hours until you reach a floating restaurant for lunch. After that, ride a long-tail boat back to the mainland.
Then drive 30 minutes to the Bua Tong Waterfalls, also known as the “Sticky Waterfalls,” which are a real treat for the kids.
The calcified limestone rocks underneath are porous and feel “sticky” from the streaming water, making them easy to climb. Please take off your shoes and join in, or climb the path alongside them.
You might save your energy and kayaking in the south is much more worthwhile. According to the trend, this activity is becoming less frequent, and choosing to go to Sticky Waterfalls has no cost at all. See on—Mini Adventure Day Trip.
Skyline Jungle Luge Chiang Mai: This activity is exciting and impressive. You will swing through the tall trees and the unspoiled nature of Chiang Mai. See on—Skyline Jungle Luge Park.
The Best Thai Cooking Course: You have to try cooking Thai food to know how adventurous it can be. Or continue reading from my blog—The Best Thai Cooking Course.
The various activities mentioned here can be reserved upon arrival in Chiang Mai.
Day 6: Elephant Camp
Spend the day with lovable elephants. You’ll learn about being a mahout, a trainer, and taking care of the elephants. Practice getting on and off the elephants and how to direct them while riding. Then bathe and feed it as part of its daily care. Select your choice to go with.
Or use the activities of Mae Taeng Elephant Park and Clinic as an option, which can be combined with a mini adventure day trip to Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall and more places nearby where we can do day trips.
On days 5 and 6, I mostly mix it up and travel according to this list: Mae Taeng Elephant Camp-Dan Tawada-Wat Baan Den-Sticky Waterfall
Note: There are a lot of elephant camps around the city, which are separated into small groups. Elephants are social animals and live in large families. However, you should not go to a small elephant camp.
Day 7: Departure to the beach
You’ll have another exciting morning. You’re going to a lovely beach, after all. Take advantage of the time you have free in the morning.
Back to a delicious breakfast. Then I will drive you to the airport to make your departure. Fly directly to Phuket, Krabi, or Samui, depending on the season. Have a good trip.
More days in Chiang Mai
Of course, everyone’s travel schedule is different. You can arrange additional days to relax in Chiang Mai according to your needs.
Travel on your feet in the city. Walking in the morning for 2-3 hours would be great. Have lunch at a hidden restaurant, then ride the Mae Ping River Cruise to escape the city for 2 hours.
You may go to Wat Umong, which is outstandingly different from other temples, and have dinner near the foothill restaurant behind Chiang Mai University, which has many places to choose from.
I have a sample of a walk in the old town. You can read it on the blog: Walking to visit the temples in the old city.
Alternatively, a spa day and massage, or simply relaxing by the pool.
Thai massage has a variety of styles and prices. Shops are scattered in tourist areas. You can look for it conveniently. Most are open from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Here is a paradise for those who love health. I am sure there is a health and spa here that offers good service and good prices and is more luxurious than anywhere else in Thailand.
Other interesting activities
These places can be a pleasant activity if you are coming to Chiang Mai with your family and children. I don’t review much. Since they constantly change their themes, promotions, and offerings, you can allocate time and get an overview of each event on their official website.
I have pinned the locations for each route in the city’s direction.
Around the city
Other interesting places, such as Chiang Mai Zoo, Royal Park Rajapruek, and Chiang Mai Night Safari, can be mixed with your preferences.
Wiang Kum Kam: Tours of these brick ruins of an ancient city & temple are available in serene surroundings. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/hCztUFBeNfZjYZU46
Royal Park Rajapruek’s landscaped grounds feature flowers, plants, & sculptures, plus an elegant commemorative chapel. Map:
Go north
Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir: A man-made lake lined with bamboo huts & eateries serving local dishes, popular for walking & cycling. You will enjoy it and escape the hustle and bustle. It costs only 50 THB per person.
Pong Yaeng Jungle Coaster & Zipline: An adventure park with a jungle roller coaster & activities like zip-lining, tube slides, & bungee jumps. Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ojbmi3AdJZXA3JQ9
Down South
Ginger Farm: The ginger farm may not be huge, but it allows you to stroll through the grounds, appreciating the variety of herbs and vegetation grown throughout the estate.
Exploring the herb garden, a refreshing cup of ginger tea, and some lunch. Activity options are also available for the little ones, making this place both a fun and educational experience.
Grand Canyon Water Park is a water park featuring an inflatable obstacle course, slides, a small zipline, & wakeboarding.
Grand Canyon Chiang Mai: The same water park is next to the right of Grand Canyon Water Park.
Casaka Stables, the premier horseboarding facility in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a world-class private equestrian facility with an emphasis on dressage and show jumping.
East Loop
Dutch Farm: The farm is surrounded by greenery, mountains, fresh air, and Dutch-style decor. You can relax with cute animals such as ponies, sheep, geese, and buffalos.
150 THB entry, and there is food for all the animals. A perfect place to bring kids. horseback riding with multiple different options. Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6HCcH2n75sENmnSk9
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs: an open-air spa with hot springs, pools, & lodging in a lush setting with gardens & picnic areas.
On Horse Farm Chiang Mai: Experienced horseback riding for an hour with a long canter, surrounded by incredible views. Professional and friendly staff. Highly recommended. Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PsxUrpGdsdT99buS8
Baan Jang Nak: A Museum of Elephant Wood Carvings. What a wonderful place to hang out in the shade for a couple of hours.
Related Post
Mae Rim [North Route] and San Kamphaeng Loop [East Route] are good options, please continue to read Routes for a Day Trip. I suggest the direction in each zone, and related articles might be useful.
- Domestic flights to Chiang Mai
- Go to the seaside from Chiang Mai
- How to get around Chiang Mai
- Where to go shopping
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