Chiang Mai has a magical blend of culture, kindness, and calm energy that makes it one of our favourite family destinations in Thailand. From feeding rescued elephants to exploring the vibrant night markets and peaceful temples, it’s a place where adventure and mindfulness meet and it’s perfect with kids too!
Our favourite hotel is the Rimping Village, we have stayed here on three separate occasions now and we will always return here. If you’re looking for a way to get your hotel stays cheaper, we got you: How we travel so often (and YOU can too!)
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to purchase through them. Thank you for supporting our travels!
P.s: here’s my go to hiking boots – super affordable and comfy I am on my second pair
1. Why Visit Chiang Mai with Kids
- Gentle pace and walkable areas
- Affordable family-friendly hotels
- Outdoor nature + cultural mix
- Great food and such great value
Chiang Mai is fantastic with kids as you can walk anywhere and everywhere and if you don’t want to walk then you can always grab tuk-tuks! It is the perfect blend of city, but plenty of excursions just out side of the hustle and bustle which gives you the chance to be surrounded by nature.
There is also a big worldschooling community in Chiang Mai and if you venture further North from here to Pai there is a big one there too. You can read more about heading North here: Ultimate Guide to the Mae Hong Son Loop: Tips, Itinerary, and Must-See Stops
2. Where to Stay – Rimping Village Hotel Review
- Family rooms, pool, calm location near the Ping River
- Walkable to the Night Bazaar
- Staff friendliness and breakfast
- why it’s ideal
The family rooms at this hotel are so spacious and travelling as a family of 4 it can sometimes be difficult to find places which give us as parents our own space as well as the kids having space and even a living area. The pool has very rarely had people in it every time we have been there and I think it’s because most people don’t spend long enough at Chiang Mai to chill and unwind, but if you are – you’ll love this pool!
The breakfast is the BEST here, honestly, I wish I could send you over the tastes haha. But, it’s not just the breakfast – if you are at the hotel for 3pm afternoon treats and snacks are also a winner!
The friendliness of the staff here too is second to none as well, no matter what you need help with you’ll get it. The Rimping village is also within nice easy walk to the Night Bazaar which is a hit with us and the kids: street food, henna tattoos and plenty of souvenirs!
This hotel is easily one of our favourites around the entire world, if not our favourite. Don’t stay anywhere but here in Chiang Mai!
We’ve stayed at Rimping Village three times now and it always feels like coming home with spacious rooms, the perfect mix of comfort and calm in the middle of Chiang Mai’s buzz.
3. Top Things to Do in Chiang Mai with Kids
- Elephant Nature Park 🐘 (ethical, educational, easy day trip)
- Include: no riding, rescue elephants, kids learn about animal care
- You can also get access to reduced rate excursions like the elephant nature park by using the travel membership mentioned above.
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar 🌙
- Child-friendly, lively but safe atmosphere
- Great place for dinner and souvenirs
- Tip: go early before it gets busy
- We love getting henna, every time!
- Wander the Old City 🏯
- Explore temples, smoothie stalls, and cafes
- There’ll be stalls dotted around
- Discover the Three Kings Monument
- Perfect for exploring on foot
4. Getting Around & Family Travel Tips
- Grab taxis / tuk-tuks fun for kids and at night they’re all lit up!
- Be sure to cover up when visiting temples, women trousers to your ankles and shoulders covered.
- November to February is the coolest time to visit and you could be able to tie it in with the amazing Loy Krathong festival!
5. The Next Stop – The Mae Hong Son Loop
If you have time after Chiang Mai we would always recommend venturing North and if you can, take your time! Many travellers head straight to Pai from Chiang Mai but we took our time and travelled the loop. You can read all about it here: Ultimate Guide to the Mae Hong Son Loop: Tips, Itinerary, and Must-See Stops
From Chiang Mai, we continued our adventure north on the Mae Hong Son Loop one of Thailand’s most scenic road trips. If you’re looking to move on from city comforts to mountain adventure then you need to embark on this amazing road trip!
Conclusion
Chiang Mai will always have a special place in our hearts. It’s a city that makes family travel feel easy, where culture, kindness, and adventure meet. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, it’s the kind of destination that reminds you why you travel together in the first place.
As always, feel free to reach out to us on IG with any questions, we are always happy to answer and before we finish off I’d like to recommend this handy Thai phrasebook as making effort with their language really goes a long way.
Until the next adventure,
Francesca