A slower pace, mountain views, and space to explore—Chiang Mai quickly became one of our favorite places in Thailand.
We spent several weeks in Chiang Mai with our kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite places in Thailand.
After Bangkok, everything felt softer. Slower streets. Easier days. More room to explore without feeling rushed.
It wasn’t just about the big experiences. It was the rhythm we found in between them that made this place feel different.
If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai with kids, here’s what we actually did, loved, and would recommend.
Outdoor Adventures & Day Trips
Some of our favorite experiences happened just outside the city.
Sticky Waterfalls + Mae Ngat Dam
One of the most unique places we’ve visited—yes, you can actually climb this waterfall.
Climbing the Sticky Waterfalls was one of the most unique things we’ve done anywhere. The mineral-rich limestone creates a natural grip under your feet, so you can actually walk right up the waterfall itself. There were a few slick spots where algae had built up, but for the most part the footing felt surprisingly steady—more like climbing a staircase than a waterfall.
Our middle and youngest went up and down multiple times with my husband, while one of our kids—who usually avoids photos—was suddenly posing and fully into it. Later they told me, “If you ever want photos of me, just take me somewhere like this.”
And honestly, that might be the best review a place can get.
We paired this with a visit to Sri Lanna National Park, hopping on a longtail boat that carried us across Mae Ngat Dam to a secluded lakeside lunch. It ended up being even more beautiful than we imagined.
The longtail boat ride to the restaurant took about 20–30 minutes, winding through the curves of the lake before opening up to a quiet floating space.
It wasn’t busy at all. Just us and one other local family.
Our son ended up making a friend there, and they ran back and forth across the dock, laughing and playing despite not speaking the same language—while we watched from a safe distance, soaking in one of those simple travel moments that sticks with you.
We spent time lounging on nets over the water, looking at giant catfish and rhino fish, and enjoying a peaceful meal surrounded by the landscape of Sri Lanna National Park.
It was one of those days that felt simple but unforgettable.
Read the full experience here: [Sticky Waterfalls + Mae Ngat Dam With Kids]
Hot Springs Near Pai & San Kamphaeng
We visited hot springs both near Pai and outside Chiang Mai, and they each offered something a little different.
The hot springs near Pai were a few hundred baht for entry. We stayed about an hour, but it’s easy to imagine spending longer if you’re looking for a slower, more relaxing stop.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs ended up being one of our unexpected favorites.
Entry was also a few hundred baht, with an additional small fee if you want access to the mineral bath pool. It was absolutely worth it for us.
Cooking eggs in geothermal water was a highlight—and somehow some of the best we’ve ever had.
We stopped to buy eggs along the roadside before entering the park, but they do sell them inside as well. Cooking eggs in the geothermal water was a highlight, and somehow they ended up being some of the best we’ve had.
There were also massages available, net lounging areas, and shaded seating along the warm mineral stream, making it easy to settle in and stay awhile. Just keep in mind that swimming or sitting in the foot stream isn’t allowed, so it’s more of a place to relax alongside the water than in it.
The kids weren’t sure about this stop at first, but once we found the pool and started cooking eggs, everything shifted.
Strawberry Picking
Strawberry picking ended up being one of the simplest and sweetest experiences we had.
The berries were incredibly fresh, and the smell alone was enough to surprise us.
It was one of those small, hands-on moments that didn’t feel like a big attraction, but ended up being something everyone genuinely enjoyed.
Pai (Overnight or Long Weekend)
We also made our way to Pai, where we explored Lod Cave, visited hot springs, and stopped at small roadside cafes.
The drive itself is part of the experience, with winding mountain roads and scenic viewpoints along the way.
Unique Local Experiences
Watching umbrellas made and painted by hand gave the kids a whole new appreciation for the process behind them.
Watching artisans create and paint umbrellas by hand was fascinating. Seeing the process from start to finish gave the kids a deeper appreciation for the work behind what might otherwise just feel like a souvenir.
Poopoopaper Park
This was one of those places we almost skipped… and ended up being glad we didn’t.
Poopoopaper Park is an eco-focused park where paper is made from elephant dung. It sounds unusual (and it is), but it’s also surprisingly educational.
It wasn’t an instant favorite for everyone at first, but after watching the process and reflecting on it later, it became more meaningful.
Museum of Makers
This felt more like a tourist stop than a traditional museum, but there were still some neat things to see.
It’s worth a quick visit if you’re nearby, but not something we’d build a full day around.
Markets & Food in Chiang Mai
Markets ended up being one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways for us to eat in Chiang Mai.
It’s incredibly easy to find fairly priced, great local food, and if you have kids (or just want variety), international options are usually available right alongside it.
Our favorite market was Chamcha Market. It felt mostly geared toward tourists, but still had unique items, including handwoven and hand-dyed hemp fabric that we hadn’t seen elsewhere.
Jing Jai Market was also nice, but felt more tourist-driven, similar to the Coconut Market.
Warorot Market was a completely different experience. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but in a good way. We visited multiple times and found something new each time.
The night markets, especially the ones tied to events like the 49th Flower Festival, were probably the biggest crowd-pleasers for our family.
Markets made it easy to find something everyone loved—no overthinking required.
Some of our easy wins:
Coconut ice cream with peanuts and sticky rice
Steamed buns
Tanghulu
Pad Thai
Stir-fried chicken with basil
One of the things we appreciated most was how easy it was to find food everyone would eat without overthinking it. Markets made that simple.
Slow Days (Our Favorite Kind)
Some of our favorite days weren’t big adventures at all.
Those slower days at cafes or laying by the pool gave everyone time to reset and made the bigger adventure days more enjoyable.
How Many Days Do You Need in Chiang Mai With Kids
3–4 days: highlights and one or two day trips
5–7 days: a better pace with kids
2+ weeks: where Chiang Mai really shines
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai With Kids
The best time to visit is generally November through February.
Burning season typically runs from late February through April, when air quality can vary due to agricultural burning.
We visited at the end of the good season and were fortunate that the smoke stayed away during our time there.
Getting Around Chiang Mai With Kids
Grab is easy, affordable, and works well for most city travel.
But for us:
Having our own car gave us the freedom to explore Chiang Mai at our own pace.
Grab was great and cheap, but always needing to wait for one, or risking being in a more remote area and not being able to get one, made having our own car feel like a luxury.
When we wanted to go, we could just hop in and go.
That flexibility changed how we explored. We didn’t have to plan every outing—we could just go.
An International Driving Permit made everything simple and hassle-free.
Is Chiang Mai Good for Kids?
Yes. Chiang Mai is one of the easiest places we’ve traveled with kids.
There’s a balance of adventure, food, and slower moments that makes it work really well for families.
Things to Be Aware Of
Heat depending on the time of year
Crowded markets
Some tourist-heavy experiences
What We’d Do Again
Sticky Waterfalls + Mae Ngat Dam
Exploring markets
Keeping a balance of slow and active days
Final Thoughts
Chiang Mai felt like a place where travel and real life blended together.
Not just big experiences, but the in-between moments too—markets, slow mornings, unexpected stops, and days where we didn’t rush anything at all.
That balance is what made it one of our favorite places to stay as a family.
Learn more about our slow travel life and how we worldschool as a family.
The Curious Compass Co.™ 