Chiang Mai is a vibrant yet relaxed city located in northern Thailand. This area is home to the highest mountain in Thailand, offering plenty of hiking opportunities, beautiful waterfalls, endless temples and wats to explore, and friendly locals! We visited Chiang Mai with our kids and are excited to share our top recommendations for a family-friendly trip. Check out these must-do activities for families visiting Chiang Mai.
Sticky Waterfalls. This was a huge hit with the kids! About an hour north of Chiang Mai, you’ll find the sticky waterfalls that can be climbed and explored. You’ll actually be climbing up waterfalls! Don’t worry, it’s not overly steep, and there are ropes to assist in some areas. It’s a major tourist attraction – I recommend finding a local guide to drive you to the falls and show you around. They can also take charge of taking photos so you don’t get your phone wet! Bring along water shoes, and wear a swimsuit. Our 8-year-old did great, climbing the waterfalls multiple times. Some sections have an easy incline, while other areas require the use of handy ropes installed for assistance. It made for a fantastic afternoon and far exceeded our expectations. Pro-tip: Stay to the left side of the falls for an easier climb.
Take a Bike Tour. This is for the older kids in your group. Book a guide to lead you on a bike tour of Chiang Mai. You’ll explore roads, alleys, temples, and more during your tour. I would never have ridden a bike in a bustling city in Thailand – but with a guide to show the way and help me understand the customs and expectations around cycling in this city, it was an absolute blast! Kids aged 13 and up who are skilled at biking, along with adults, will love a bike tour!
Check out the Air Diamond Cafe! On your way to the Sticky Waterfalls, you can stop by the Air Diamond Cafe, which features a real jumbo jet in a parking lot with a cafe inside! You can sit in the cockpit, try on a captain’s outfit, and even play with the life jackets. We took some fun photos doing things you would usually get reprimanded for on an airplane. It was a great way to break up the drive to the Sticky Waterfalls. The admission price includes a drink or coffee.
A cool place to hang out after a day of seeing the sites is STORIES. Situated along the river, this kid-friendly spot features a playground and plenty of space for little ones to run around. In the evening, you’ll enjoy the lights on the bridge and the surrounding riverfront area. They offer an extensive menu of food and adult drinks. This is definitely our go-to spot for drinks while the kids play.
Go to a cat cafe. Letting the kids hang out in an air-conditioned cat cafe can be super fun. We went to the Mali Cat Cafe & Bar and let the kids play with the cats for an hour. It was a nice afternoon activity that let us all have some downtime.
Make some Poo Poo Paper! This hands-on activity lets you craft your own paper from elephant dung. At the Elephant Poo Poo Park, your tour guide will teach you everything you need to know, and more, about making paper from poo. Don’t worry, it’s sanitized in large boiling vats before you handle it. They will lead you through the fun and humorous task of making your own paper and then decorating it to create bookmarks, journals, and more.
