Noah, Eden, and Jonah have been traveling with me their entire lives. So far the three of them have been to at least 22 countries, 4 continents, and almost every state in the United States. Needless to say, when I ask them what the best family vacations were, they had more than a few opinions! 

They quickly fired off an assortment of places we have been. It was interesting to hear what they picked, some of them I knew, but other ones were a complete surprise. After some serious conversation with them, we’ve narrowed it down to 17!

Top 17 Family Vacations You will Never Forget!

1. Singapore

Singapore is in all of our top ten picks. My oldest, Noah considers Singapore to be a utopia because of its cleanliness and orderliness. Oddly enough, we were only in Singapore for two days, making it one of the shortest stays we have done anywhere. It only took one day for us to fall in love with this city. We recommend walking around Marina Bay where the architecture is insane and definitely visit some parts of the Marina Bay Gardens. I can assure you that your kids have never seen anything else like this! The kid’s favorite hotel here is the Fairmont Singapore. For more ideas on what to do and where to find the best milkshake see my article: Singapore Travel Guide.

2. Cancun

Cancun has so much going on, and don’t worry, it’s safe. We spent a week there and basically had a non-stop adventure! The entire area is set up well to accommodate any kind of family and literally any type of budget. Families will appreciate luxurious, all-inclusive resorts with kid’s clubs and teen clubs. While the kids are off doing their own thing parents can head to a spa or the bar. There isn’t a bad beach anywhere in the area, so plan to spend at least two full days beach bumming.  While you are there, be sure to see Mayan Ruins, swim in a cenote, eat lots of Mexican food, and go ATVing. 

For a list fun family things to do in Cancun check out this post: 12 Adventurous Things to do in Cancun. I recommend staying at The Grand in Cancun or at another one of the  11 Best All-inclusive Resorts in Cancun for Families.

If at some point you head over to Cozumel (you totally should), check out my post: 13 Things to do in Cozumel. I recommend staying at Allegro Cozumel.

3. Thailand

Thailand is absolutely incredible and I wasn’t surprised it landed in my kids top three places. You can basically go anywhere in Thailand and have an interesting experience. I recommend visiting at least these three places when you go: Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. Although they each have some similarities they are completely different experiences.

Phuket

Phuket is one of Thailand’s islands and it’s extremely kid friendly. My kids thought taking a Thai cooking class was cool and they loved going to the beaches and interacting with elephants and tigers. To find the elephants on the beach check out my post: Swimming with Elephants in Thailand. And for more help planning your trip to Phuket see my article: 5 Day Phuket Itinerary with Kids.

Bangkok

Bangkok is massive so there are loads and activities. The kids loved biking through the city despite the heavy traffic and they were thrilled when we stumbled across monstrous milkshakes. To read more about taking Bangkok to kids, check out my article: Two Days in Bangkok with Kids.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is an easy city to get around and it has tons to see and do. The city has an incredible night market where you and your kids could shop for hours. Here you will find interesting things to purchase like leather journals, bracelets, and tuk-tuks made out of soda cans. There is an elephant sanctuary where families can care for elephants and of course the food is outstanding! I recommend staying at the Shangri-la and taking a food and city tour by bike. Learn more about visiting Chiang Mai with kids in my article: 4 Things to do in Chiang Mai with kids.

4. New York City

New York City is currently Noah’s #1 and in Eden’s top 3 and in my top 15. The kids love the many dessert experiences here like Serendipity and  Black Tap. Both places have outrageous over-the-top desserts. They all enjoy hanging out in Central Park and Bryant Park, both parks have lots of free activities. At Bryant Park, kids can play kubb, while parents grab a drink at the little outdoor bar there. In Central Park, there are multiple playgrounds.

Visiting the 9/11 memorial is a must and if the kids are 10 or older tour the museum. Kids enjoy touring the Statue of Liberty, but not necessarily Ellis Island. If you do, go to Ellis Island to look for your family’s name on the wall. If you want to do a bus tour I recommend The Ride, especially if your kids are teens or tweens. I think going to a Broadway show is a must, but this is expensive and not worth it if your kids hate musicals or might possibly sleep through it. Good plays for kids are Wicked, Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera.

Remember the further out you can plan a trip to New York the cheaper the trip will be. Here are 15 Ways to save money in NYC.

We’ve been to NYC more times than we can remember. Check out our New York City Travel Guide to help you plan your own epic NYC getaway!

5. Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii is another place that all three kids agree on and Oahu is their top island followed by Kauai. On Oahu, their favorite thing to do is sit at the pool or sit on the beach.

The kids recommend hanging out at the beach on North Shore to check out the waves and do some shopping. While you are up there have shrimp from Giovani’s Shrimp truck and get shaved ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice. If you feel like getting active rent a paddleboard at Sea N Surf and paddle up the Anahulu River and look for sea turtles. The last time we went we saw five huge sea turtles.

Also, fun in Oahu is parasailing in Waikiki and hiking to the top of Diamond Head. When you get done hiking Diamond Head, stop by Shimazu Shave Ice for massive shaved ice.

For more help planning your family’s Oahu vacation read our Oahu Travel Guide. 

I highly recommend staying at Disney’s Aulani if possible. 

6. Orlando

Orlando would probably make any kid’s list. With it being home to Disney World, Sea World, Discovery Cove, and Universal Studios a family could spend a month and do something different every single day. Universal Orlando is a must once each kid is tall enough to ride all the roller coasters and the new water park, Volcano Bay is fantastic. Besides the theme parks, there are all sorts of other fun things to do like swamp tours through alligator-infested waters, knight tournaments at Medieval Times, and within a short drive lots of beaches.

7. London

London also made it high on the list of the kid’s favorite places. We visited during Thanksgiving a few years ago and everything we did was awesome. There is so much to see and do that you can easily spend a week or two here and never run out of activities. Some of their favorite things were seeing the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, eating at Borough Market, and doing the Tower of London tour. Both boy’s least favorite thing to do is the bus tours. I personally appreciated how many free things there were to do in London. For more London ideas and tips, see my article: London with Kids.

8. Negril, Jamaica

Negril, Jamaica is Jonah’s #1 pick, and if I was his age, I think this would possibly be my #1 too. We recommend staying at Beaches Negril. This is an all-inclusive resort geared specifically for families. Highlights of staying here include:

• Sesame Street parade and BBQ party where families can dance with the characters, DJs lead dances, flame throwers perform, and more.
• Ice Cream Machine – The kids loved the ice cream machine which they visited a minimum of three times a day. (Don’t judge me, it’s vacation!)
• Snuba – Even kids can snuba at Beaches Negril and they do not have to have any experience to do this. The instructors are fabulous and it’s an activity the kids will never forget.
• Multiple pools, a lazy river, a water playground, and hot tubs.
• Miniature golf
• Video game lounge
• Kid’s club

9. Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado is another destination that is enjoyable year-round. During the summer the kids enjoy biking around town, riding horses around the mountain, and visiting the Epic Discovery adventure park set up on the mountain. In the winter the skiing is excellent. My kids have skied since they were little and appreciate the extensive skiing found in Vail. If you do not ski, this is a great place to learn.  For more info, check out our Vail Travel Guide. 

10. Silvies Valley Ranch

Visiting a dude ranch is a completely unique vacation. You can have an experience as a family that just can’t be had unless you are on a working ranch. Here you can shoot guns, interact with baby goats, hit the spa, experience gourmet dining, participate in a cattle round-up, and much more. They even have four golf courses on the ranch. Golf lovers will flip out over the reversible golf course that’s right I said reversible! With a little bit of everything, your family is sure to have an incredible time. To get a feel of the overall ranch read about our Silvies Valley Ranch Experience.

11. Greece

Greece is an epic experience because let’s face it, there’s no other place on earth like it. It basically doesn’t matter what part of the country you visit, you will never have a bad meal, you will experience history and culture like never before. I can state this as a fact because we’ve traveled all over Greece and it’s all been wonderful. 

Athens

Chances are high that one way or another a Greek vacation is going to take you through Athens at some point. Plan to spend at least a day here so you can visit the Acropolis before heading out to the islands. At night during the sunset dine at Savvas, their rooftop overlooks the Acropolis. Hotels can be difficult to get for a family, you may want to stay in an Airbnb.

Mykonos

A one of a kind city and gorgeous beaches await you in Mykonos. Teens and parents alike will love Mykonos City full of white-washed buildings. Also, if you can get a sitter or if your kids are old enough to stay at the hotel alone plan to go out. Mykonos has one of the best nightlife experiences in the world.

• For more advice, check out my post: Mykonos with Kids

Santorini 

Here you will have the opportunity to see things you’ve never see before like Red Beach. Perissa, the black beach is also worth visiting if you’ve never seen one before. There are two towns built into the sides of the island, both of which are worth spending time in, Fira and Oia. In Oia, you will see one of the greatest sunsets in the world. 

• For more things to do and where to stay check out my post: Santorini on a Budget. 

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is from biblical times and many of their historical sights have withstood the test of time. (Okay, I know what you are thinking. Yes, all of Greece is from biblical times.) They basically have ruins or a gorgeous church around every corner. The food scene is excellent here. For a list of things to see and do check out my post: Thessaloniki on a Budget. 

Kassandra

Can’t afford to splurge on the islands? Head here instead. Here you will be greeted with that famous aqua water and glorious beaches. Go shopping in Pefkochori and grab lunch at Agora Beach Bar. I highly recommend staying at Alexander the Great Beach Resort in this area. 

12. Australia

If you can get yourself to Australia, do it! Australia is just as fabulous as everyone says it is. There are so many varied experiences to be had throughout the country.  Try to plan a minimum of 9 days in the country. More than two weeks would be better. 

Whitsunday Islands

If swimming the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, then this should be your first stop. Whitehaven Beach should also be on your bucket list. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

Melbourne

If you’ve got a family of foodies, Melbourne is sure to delight. They have the most over-the-top, whimsical food creations you’ve likely ever seen. In between beautiful meals stop by the Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes and the graffiti alleys. The alleys in Melbourne are really cool. 

• Where to eat in Melbourne

Great Ocean Road 

One of the top road trips in the world is driving the Great Ocean Road. Along the way, you can stop at dozens of scenic overlooks and take in the magnificent rock formations like Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles. You can enjoy one of the many nice beaches where kids can swim and play in the sand. Plus, there are animal encounters. Pull over to look for koalas in the trees and feed the birds at Kafe Koala. Be sure to stop at the Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos. 

13. Texas

We are originally from Texas so it was no surprise that Texas made the list. The kids have been all over Texas and they recommend eating lots of Tex-Mex food and visiting the following cities: Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi.

San Antonio

San Antonio has a ton of stuff for families to do. Here you will find a massive zoo, Fiesta Texas theme park, the famous San Antonio River Walk, and just outside of town is Schlitterbahn the #1 water park in the world. When visiting plan at least one full day at Schlitterbahn, half a day at the river walk, and float the Comal river. Our favorite restaurants in San Antonio currently are Ocho, Toro Kitchen + Bar, and Rita’s on the River. 

In San Antonio, I recommend staying at Hotel Emma.

Plan your entire trip with our San Antonio Travel Guide.

Dallas/Fort Worth

The Dallas, Fort Worth area is packed with stuff to do for families. Over in Fort Worth will love the rodeo at the stockyards. Be sure to go when they have bull riding. Also found in the stockyards is a fun maze and Texas-themed shopping. Plus, they do a daily cattle drive. Our favorite restaurants in Dallas include Meso Maya for dinner and El Jordan Cafe for breakfast. Just north of Dallas is Addison, TX which is jammed packed with great restaurants. 

14. Honduras

Honduras is easily one of our top vacations, according to me. Unfortunately, the kids remember very little of the trip. I recommend going to Roatan and Copan. These two places are no where near each other and two extremely different experiences. What they do have in common is affordability!

Roatan

Roatan is one of the Bay Islands and along the 2^nd best barrier reef in the world. The reef is near the shoreline making it extremely easy for kids to snorkel. Jonah was 4 when we visited and he was able to snorkel. Also fun here is zip lining and paddleboarding.

Copan

Copan is a Honduran city that borders Guatemala. Here you can go horseback riding up a mountain, go zip lining on one of the longest zip lines in the world, and visit an incredible hot spring.

15. Panama City Beach

Another family favorite in Florida is Panama City Beach. The beach has soft, powdery, white sand. It isn’t as big as many of the beach towns, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to do. Go mini-golfing and go-carting, spend the day at the beach, or shop around at Pier Park. Spend one day bopping around Scenic 30A, where you will find tiny beach towns like Seaside or Rosemary. Renting some bicycles is a perfect way to explore this area. Another interesting spot worth venturing out to is Sandestin’s Baytowne Wharf. Here, families can indulge in boutique shopping, zip-lining, ropes courses, an arcade, and unique eateries.

Use our Panama City Beach travel guide to plan your entire vacation.

16. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is super cool country with a wide variety of things to do. The food was consistently good, the activities were exciting and the people were so nice. Whether rafting down a volcano’s raging rivers in a tube near La Fortuna to chilling at a beautiful beach on the Pacific or the Atlantic everyone is going to enjoy the country. Costa Rica Travel Guide

17. La Paz

La Paz features miles of white sand beaches and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure including paddle boarding, kite surfing, kayaking, SCUBA diving, whale watching, swimming with whale sharks, sportfishing, hiking, mountain biking, and much more. If you want your kids off their devices and outside doing stuff you will love it here. Plus, the food is unbelievably good. 

Plan your own trip with our La Paz Travel Guide for Families. Plus, Best Places to Stay in La Paz, Mexico and Best Beaches in La Paz.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it, the best of the best family travel locations. There are hundreds of other places that could have made the list but didn’t. These were ones that just barely missed making our list: Las Vegas, Bavarian Alps in Germany, Paris, and house boating on Lake Shuswap in British Columbia. Like Honduras, my kids do not even remember house boating up in Canada, but if they did (well not Jonah, he had yet to be born), I am sure it would have made it onto the list.

Where are your favorite places to take your kids on vacation? We are always taking recommendations and planning our next family vacations. Yes, plural. Why take just one vacation? I think you should take as many as possible, big trips, weekend getaways, family reunions, you name it. These are all opportunities to have fun, spend time together and make the most memories possible. And don’t delay. Noah’s a high school senior and he’s about to move on with his life. (Oregon State University #Bragging) And y’all, I straight up ran out of time with him. You will run out of time, so make today count.

Read Next:

16 Insanely Awesome Girl’s Trips

11 Best Places to Snorkel with Kids Around the World

The post 17 Incredible Family Vacations appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, the capital of northern Thailand, is one of the best family holiday destinations in Southeast Asia, according to Thailand Hill Tribe Holidays and I couldn’t agree more. There’s a plethora of activities for kids, and plenty for mum and dad to enjoy too. From its fascinating hill tribe villages and ethnic minority culture to elephant sanctuaries and waterfalls.

The only problem you’ll have is finding time to fit everything in! The area itself is very photogenic, surrounded by lush tropical forests and lofty mountain landscapes. There’s a lot to discover outdoors, and trekking is one of the most popular activities on offer here. The other benefit of traveling to Chiang Mai is that it provides great value for money. Accommodation, attractions, and food are comparatively cheaper than Bangkok and the touristic islands of the south. So if you’re traveling as a family, it’s a much more cost-effective destination.

10 BEST Things to do in Chiang Mai

Bike and Food Adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Visiting a Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary

Rotorua, New Zealand

A trip to New Zealand is on the bucket list for many because of the ever-changing stunning scenery, fascinating Maori culture, hospitable people, and beautiful nature. According to Fun Traveling with Kids, there is no better place to start your family vacation in Aotearoa (the land of the long white cloud aka New Zealand) than in Rotorua.

Rotorua combines lots of things that New Zealand stands for: steaming lakes, bubbling mud pools, impressive geysers, as well as a rich history of Maori culture. It offers lots of (free) fun activities for children of all ages.

How about glow-worm watching, kayaking, cycling, soaking in natural hot pools, going for a tree walk up on huge Californian coastal redwoods? Or,  watch a cultural performance in a traditional Maori village, try the healing mud pools or go rock climbing. 

Rotorua is home to the world-famous luge, which was invented here in 1986 and is an exciting fun activity for all ages. Smaller children can go down the luge with an adult. The Skyline luge also offers stunning views of Lake Rotorua and the surrounding area.

You can go up on the Gondola which is a little adventure in itself. If going down the hill on the luge is not on your bucket list then just relax at the family-friendly cafe and enjoy the picturesque views.

Rainbow Springs Nature Park

Another of our favorite and highly recommended activities is a visit to the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, which is situated next to the luge.  You can easily spend a whole day there.

One of the main attractions here is the native Kiwi bird (national icon) who you can admire in their natural habitat.

With a day pass, you can go back in the evening and watch the Kiwi in the outside area (without a glass window) which is an incredible experience.

Throughout the day you and your children can watch the Eels feeding, Trout feeding, exotic birds, and Water Dragons, just to name a few.

Kid love ‘The Big Splash,’ an adrenaline-racing water ride that plunges down a 12-meter drop and is included in the admission fee. The trip lasts 9 minutes and takes visitors through New Zealand’s history.

After all the excitement, it is time to relax in the large picnic area and hand-feed some farm animals.

For more information on fun activities for families in Rotorua and the surrounding area, please click here.

New Zealand North Island Itinerary with 10 Essential Stops

Tasmania

A Tasmania road trip is a bucket list item for many travelers, old and young; and according to Claire’s Footsteps it’s a fantastic place for families to visit in 2018. Little ones will love the nature’s playground that Australia’s most beautiful state provides; there’s amazing day hikes, magical forests to play in, and stretches of coastline with water that screams out to be swum in.

Take your children to the enchanted Liffey Falls for a tranquil picnic, race them up Stanley’s ‘The Nut’ which is an ancient volcanic plug and then enjoy exploring the colorful town afterward, or – if they’re feeling energetic – challenge them to a climb up the famous Cradle Mountain. They’ll certainly be sleeping well after summiting this peak!

Tasmania is definitely a children’s paradise, but there’s plenty for the adults to enjoy as well. Drive up to the top of Hobart’s Mount Wellington for a breathtaking sunset that all the family will love, or enjoy the city’s picturesque waterfront and the Salamanca Markets. Or give your children a history lesson at the Port Arthur Historic Site – Australia’s most famous convict location – and enjoy an after-dark ghost tour.

The best type of accommodation when traveling in Tasmania is camping. There are campsites all over the island state, with lots of facilities perfect for little and big ones! If your kids aren’t exhausted after the day hikes, let them splash around in a campsite pool, spring onto a jumping pillow, or play on the swings and slides that are part of many campsites.

End the day with an Australian-style barbecue and one of the gorgeous sunsets that Tasmania is famous for.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney is one of those places you could take the kids for a weekend or even a week and there will also be plenty of places to return to next time.

The first place you should take them is Circular Quay, the main hub for the city’s ferry network. Take them on a ferry ride out on the harbor – all ferries leaving the Quay, pass between the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and a journey across the Harbour is a memorable way for them to see the sights and for you to get your bearings.

Sydney has a huge range of attractions geared towards kids, and many of them are clustered around Darling Harbour, just to the west of the CBD. These include a huge open-air playground with climbing frames, swings, fountains and a carousel just outside the city’s main visitor center, and a host of museum attractions including the Sea Life Aquarium, where you can walk under a tunnel looking up at sharks.

One of Sydney’s best attractions is Taronga Zoo, which is located on a hill with stupendous views of the Harbour and city. The giraffes have the best views in town, looking across to the Opera House and skyscrapers. You can also camp out overnight in the Zoo, joining a Roar and Snore sleepover.

Sydney also has lots of great parks where the kids can burn off any excess energy. We love the one at Rushcutters Bay with its Greek café, and the new, more central one at Barangaroo, which has fantastic views of the Harbour Bridge.

For an evening out, the traditional funfair at Luna Park is a great place to take the family, with rides suiting everyone from toddlers to teenagers.

Two Days in Sydney

Christchurch, New Zealand

Costa Rica

For something more rustic, you can hike 30 minutes through a national park to get to Manuel Antonio Beach, where you can lie in the surf while listening to howler monkeys in the background. If you’re keen to get off the beaten track, the Osa Peninsula has Corcovado National Park, the best diving and snorkeling on Cano Island, horse riding on the beach, and you’re likely to find a beach all to yourself without the need to look too hard.

Mérida, Mexico

Mexico Cassie knows Mexico isn’t always the first place you might think of for a family holiday but she thinks Mérida is a whole other ball game. This colonial city in the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the safest cities in Mexico and is consistently voted one of the best places to live in the world. It is also the only city in Latin America to win the ‘Cultural Capital of the Americas’ title twice (2000 and 2017).

The city itself is split into two distinct areas: the crumbling but beautiful old town where locals and expats are working hard to restore it to its former glory, and the newer areas to the north of the city, where you will find every modern amenity, should you need it.

Here your kids will never be unwelcome anywhere, not in restaurants, not during any festivals or dance nights on the Santa Ana Plaza, and certainly not whilst exploring the city.

While the water isn’t potable, this doesn’t mean you have to worry about salads, fruits, or drinks you pick up as no one drinks the water, and everything is made with bottled water, even cheaper the incredible juices you’ll need by the gallon as you wander around the city.

When you’re done with free walking tours, beautiful old churches, and museums, take your kids on a horse and cart ride around the city, visit one of the two zoos (the one in town is older and not exactly modern but it has a nice little train and a good playground while the one out of town is much more modern and has a great weekend water play area for kids), gobble up incredible ice cream at Polá, take the kids to bounce on trampolines and bouncy castles with locals in Parque de las Americas after 5 pm every day.

And then, only then, do you even need to start thinking about the incredible activities outside the city: from the archaeological wonders of the world (Chichén Itzá is only the scrapings on the barrel, quite frankly), to beaches just forty minutes away, Mérida’s location is incredible. Within an hour you can visit flamingos in their natural environment or within three hours you can swim with turtles and see monkeys in the jungle.

Ever heard of cenotes? These are basically freshwater sinkholes, a local phenomenon, revered by Mayans and enjoyed massively by all: grab a life jacket and jump in!

Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda is a top pick for a family-friendly destination.

Just a few family-friendly things to do in Lake Garda are heading to one of the Theme Parks like Gardaland. They are within a 10 min drive of Peschiera del Garda. Not only will the kids enjoy it, but the big kids will too!

For animal lovers, you could visit Parco Natura which has a safari drive around, and the fauna park where you can explore on foot. If you wished to visit Verona, then it is only 20 mins by train from Peschiera del Garda. It is a great day out, exploring the streets, enjoying Italian cuisine, and learning about the history of the city.

If you want great views of Lake Garda, head up the cable car to the top of Monte Baldo. The second cable car rotates 360 degrees, which our boys absolutely loved. Once at the top you can go hiking, or just make your way to the viewpoints for some stunning views. Find a spot and enjoy a picnic with some serious views. If you are lucky, you may even see parachutists jumping from the mountain and flying down above Lake Garda.

Not only are there many family-friendly places to visit while at Lake Garda, but the locals were so friendly and helpful whenever we needed help. The restaurants were also great for kids, especially our boys who are gluten and milk free.

We would highly recommend Lake Garda to families who love to explore but also to the ones who want to just sit back and relax. Whatever you love doing while on holiday, Lake Garda is the destination for you.

Ireland

Ireland is a fantastic country to visit with family. Famous for its stunning green scenery and friendly attitude towards visitors, the country is safe, beautiful, and rich in cultural traditions that are sure to capture the imagination of adults and children alike.

People come to Ireland for many reasons, ranging from nature to cultural attractions.

According to Marta Correale from Learning Escapes you and your kids love to outdoors, Ireland is a real treat. The country has many hiking trails suitable for all ages and levels of fitness: near Dublin, the Wicklow mountains offer beautiful views accessible also to families with young kids, while the more remote West has hiking from moderate to strenuous as well as great surfing, cycling and horse riding opportunities.

If you love beautiful scenery, but prefer to avoid strenuous activities, Ireland is the place for you. Some of its scenic drives (Kerry, Antrim) are stunning and they will make you see some incredible views from the comfort of your car!

For culture lovers, Ireland has many surprises. Irish history dates back to prehistoric times and the country has many invaluable historical sites. Newgrange dates back to the Neolithic, mysterious round towers bring us back to medieval times and the countryside is dotted with castles dating back to different moments of Irish history.

Ireland is used to tourism and the attractions tend to be well organized to receive visitors even when accompanied by young kids. The country is proud of its friendly attitude (they call it ‘Ireland of the welcomes’) and indeed, travelers of all ages feel welcome here. You can find more information and a family-friendly Ireland itinerary here.

14 Things To Do In Dublin, Ireland

Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa is a fantastic country for a family holiday that will leave you with long-lasting memories and Planet Pilgrims highly recommends Cape Town

Cape Town is an AMAZING city to explore with children. There’s not only the wonderful aquarium and of course Table Mountain and the breathtaking Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens with the fun ‘Boomslang’ walk, but there are also many restaurants that totally cater to children. There’s Deerpark Café with a massive play park in front of the restaurant. Parents can enjoy mountain and sea views and kids can roam around while waiting for their meal. In case the weather is not playing along, there’s Primi Piatti in Seapoint with a massive indoor playground including childminders.

Not even an hour from Cape Town you can explore the Cape Wine lands. At Spier Wine farm parents will enjoy a lovely wine & chocolate tasting while the kids can sample 2 different grape juices with wine gums. They’re also given an activity book. You can explore the wine farm with an audio walk from the Voicemap app. Download the app while on wifi and then download the free walk which will teach you all about the sustainable farming style of Spier and how they try to improve every single time.

If you decide to head to Kenya for a safari we recommend Conway’s Africa. 

Colombia

Hokkaido, Japan

2 Aussie Travelers recommends Japan and the northern island of Hokkaido as a top pick for families. It’s less crowded and intense than many other parts of the country which can make it less overwhelming for younger family members, but it still has all the unique culture, food, and history that makes Japan such a fascinating and fun place to travel.

If you travel in the wintertime then the snow and ice festivals in Hokkaido are great fun for the whole family. There are 8 in total but the Sapporo snow festival is the largest. In addition to the vast ice and snow sculptures, there is family-friendly entertainment and an entire site dedicated to interactive play for children. At the Tsudome site, you can whizz down ice slopes and slides on giant inner tubes or toboggans, take a ride on a snowmobile, have a go at traditional bamboo skiing on the beginner slope, hideout in an igloo, or make your own snowman.

Other popular snow festivals are in nearby Otaru and Asahikawa. Of course, Hokkaido has some of the best powder snow in the world so if your family likes to ski or wants to give it a try for the first time a Hokkaido ski resort such as Niseko is a great place to start.  While you’re there make sure to try out a traditional Japanese onsen to soak and relax after a day whizzing down the slopes or making snow angels, bliss!

Hokkaido isn’t only a winter destination, though, like the rest of Japan the cherry blossoms in spring and fall leaves are popular times to visit and summer brings many fireworks and festivals.  The space and diversity of natural spaces in this part of the country are also perfect for active family adventures including rafting, cycling, and hiking.

Japanese food is a highlight of any visit and you can get it all here, it’s one of the best places in Japan for super fresh seafood but it’s also famous for its produce and dairy. Most children will love trying the Hokkaido cheese tart which is like a less rich version of cheesecake and the creamy delicious local ice cream.

Jersey, England

The Crowded Planet highly recommends Jersey, a tiny island in the English Channel! Jersey is the southernmost island in the British Isles and despite its small size, it manages to pack in a whole variety of sights and activities, making it ideal for a family or multi-generational holiday.

 

There are great beaches, and some of the most dramatic tides in the world – a low-tide walk is not to be missed and the little ones will enjoy collecting seaweed and shells, looking at anemones, and seeing an environment that is normally underwater. There are also some great coastal walks – parents will enjoy the views while kids will love Jersey ice cream, which is readily available pretty much anywhere in summer.

 

A place that the whole family will love is Jersey Zoo, opened by conservationist Gerald Durrell and supporting a whole host of conservation projects throughout the world. If you’re after a true adventure. it’s possible to go on ‘safari’ at the zoo and stay in glamping tents, giving you the feel of being in the wilds of Africa without having to worry about malaria or bugs. Another great reason to visit Jersey with kids is that the island is really small, so you won’t have to spend much time driving around, leaving you more time to enjoy your holiday!

Lombok, Indonesia

There are plenty of things to do in Lombok for you and your kids according to Wanderlust Storytellers! Lombok is still largely untouched by tourism, which means that you and your kids can spend a wonderful and relaxing time on this island. Apart from extraordinary and luxurious resort pools, there are plenty of things to check out around here. There are a number of stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, mountains, and a crater lake to venture out to. Alternatively, if you are after a more cultural experience, you can also visit one of the local villages. That way your kids can see how Lombok natives live, play, and they can perhaps try some of the local yummy cuisine as well. 

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls may have been known as a honeymoon destination, but the area is quickly becoming family-friendly according to the Two Traveling Texans. Both kids and adults will be in awe of the Falls and find plenty to do.  It will definitely be a trip that the whole family will always remember.

First, walk along the boardwalk and see all three waterfalls that makeup Niagara Falls – the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls.  If you want to splurge, I am sure the whole family would love to do a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls.  After you have admired Niagara Falls from a distance you will want to get closer.  First, I would recommend going on either the Hornblower Niagara Falls Cruise or the Maid of the Mist, just be sure to wear your ponchos.

Next up, get even closer to the Falls on the American side at the Cave of the Winds.  You will feel tropical storm force conditions on the Hurricane Deck.  Then, go to the Canadian side for the Journey Behind the Falls attraction, where you can see the backside of the Horseshoe Falls.

Further down the river, kids may enjoy the Whirlpool Aero Car which crosses the river high above some of the most intense rapids in the world.  If you want to see the rapids up close, you can do the White Water Walk. Kids might also enjoy Niagara’s Fury, a 4-D experience or the 3D IMAX movie about Niagara Falls.  In addition to the falls-related attractions, there is also an indoor water park, a Ferris Wheel, a huge arcade, a Butterfly Conservatory, and a miniature golf course.

If you plan on seeing several attractions, there are some pass options that will save you money.  For attractions on the American side of the Falls, you can purchase the Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass.  The Canadian attractions are discounted through the Adventure Pass Classic.

10 Best Things to do at Niagara Falls

Where are you headed this year? Leave a comment below!

More Family Travel Ideas

13 Cool Hotel Rooms for Kids

Vacations for Teens

24 Top Off the Grid Vacation Locations

15 Incredible Family Vacations

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post 15 Awesome Family Travel Destinations for 2025 appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, and if you’re a foodie like me, you know that it is also home to some of the best food in the country. 

With its mix of Northern Thai and international flavors, it’s no surprise that Chiang Mai has become a mecca for foodies around the world. 

One of the reasons why I love Chiang Mai is that you can find any kind of food you’re craving. And some of the best food in town costs just a couple of bucks!

As someone who has lived in Chiang Mai and eats out for nearly every meal, I can confidently say that I know all the best places to eat here. Whether you are looking for traditional northern Thai dishes or an international restaurant experience, Chiang Mai has everything to offer when it comes to great food. 

But how do you decide where to eat? To help guide your tasty explorations, here I’ve compiled a Chiang Mai food guide of my must-try list of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai.

Best Places to Eat in Chiang Mai

1. Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom

Chiang Mai is famous for Khao Soi, a spicy coconut noodle soup, so it’s only right we kick off the list of best places to eat in Chiang Mai with the best khao soi!

Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom is a must-try restaurant in Chiang Mai. Believe me, I’ve eaten at dozens of khao soi restaurants in Chiang Mai, and this one is the best!

It’s not only famed for its strong flavor and great balance between coconut and spiciness but also the fact that Netflix filmed an episode of Somebody Feed Phil here – which is a testament to its quality. 

The local I met at the restaurant told me you’ll often have to wait in line outside before getting a table – despite how popular they are, they still charge an amazingly low price of 60 baht (less than $2 USD) per bowl!

Chicken khao soi is the most traditional, but you’ll want to order the beef khao soi here.

Location: 53 Suriyawong 5 Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100

What to Order: Beef Khao Soi

Price: 60 baht

2. SP Chicken

SP Chicken is one of the most popular places to eat in Chiang Mai, especially for travelers – and for good reason! 

Located in the Old Town, SP Chicken serves up amazing grilled chicken that’s so delicious, you’ll probably come back before you leave town. Order a half chicken per person (whole chicken for 2 people) plus sticky rice – and don’t be shy about asking for extra sauce! I like to order the green papaya salad too.

One thing to keep in mind when visiting SP Chicken is that it’s so popular, they often run out of chickens – so make sure to get there early! Even with its popularity though, SP Chicken still offers amazing value at a great price; you won’t regret eating here.

If you don’t mind a short trip to the Nimman neighborhood, Roast Chicken Wichienbury is even better (more down below!). 

Just around the corner from SP Chicken lies Akha Ama Cafe – one of the best coffees you’ll find in Thailand. Head over if you need a pick-me-up after gorging yourself on chicken!

Location: 9/1 ถนน สามล้าน ซอย 1 พระสิงห์ Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Chicken and sticky rice

Price: 190 baht for whole chicken and sticky rice

3. Changphuak Suki aka Suki Koka

Whether you are a local or just visiting Chiang Mai, Changphuak Suki in the Chang Phueak night market, located just outside of the moat, is one of the best places to get a true taste of real Thai cuisine.  While living in Chiang Mai, I ate here a couple of times a week!

It’s so popular that you’ll have to take a number and wait to be seated – yes, even at a humble food stall! 

The wait is usually about 15-20 minutes but can be up to an hour during peak times. While waiting, you can wander around the night market to pick up some snacks.

When it’s finally your turn, you’ll see your number flash on the screen – time to order at the register! Ordering is made easy with their picture menu. All you have to do is choose between a dry stirfry or soup dish for your base and select your protein. I like to go with the dry noodles and pork combo – it’s delicious! You can also add extra noodles or veggies (cabbage) if you’re feeling extra hungry.

Once you get your food, all that’s left to do is enjoy! I pour the provided sauce right into the bowl. The sukiyaki here is worth the wait – the flavors are rich yet subtle – and I know I’m not alone in thinking that as I always see people coming back for more.

Changphuak Suki in Chiang Mai is a must-visit for any foodie traveler, and definitely one of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai!

Location: นพรัตน์, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Dry Noodles with Pork

Price: 55 baht

4. Chang Phueak Khao Kha Moo Pork Leg Rice (Cowboy Hat Lady)

Every Chiang Mai food guide will tell you about the famous Cowboy Hat Lady, a food stall in a humble night market that serves Chinese-style pork leg rice. The stall was made famous by Anthony Bourdain.

Chang Phueak Khao Kha Moo Pork Leg Rice is a must-try for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. The tender braised pork melts in your mouth.

I’ll be honest, this place was a bit of a letdown for me – I had high hopes based on every blog I read about the best restaurants in Chiang Mai, and I didn’t find my dish to be as flavorful as I hoped. A bit bland, even, although the pork was very tender. Maybe they were having a bad day!

Despite my own experience, it’s still worth trying this authentic pork leg rice. Everyone has different tastes, and so many people love it here! My friend swears by this place and comes for dinner a couple of times a week. 

It’s so cheap, and you can try everything else this small night market has to offer while you’re there! 

Location: ประตูเมือง Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Pork Leg and an Egg with Rice

Price: 60 baht

5. The House by Ginger

The House by Ginger, located in the Old Town, is one of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai if you’re a traveler without a tight budget. 

My friend and I came here after a full day of scooter adventures, and we were starving. We found it by accident after being turned away from Baan Landai (below) without a reservation. 

The platter of appetizers was delicious. All of the dishes we ordered were amazing. We licked the plates clean!

And don’t forget about their cocktails – they are worth trying! 

The food is high-end Thai with elevated classic dishes, which may be pricey for Thai standards but still affordable if you’re traveling from a Western country. 

If you’re looking for an amazing dining experience with unique flavors and excellent service, The House by Ginger is for you.

Location: 199 Mun Mueang Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Appetizer Platter, Fresh Spring Rolls, Pineapple Fried Rice

Price: 

6. Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine

The Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine restaurant in the Old Town deserves its place on the Michelin food guide!

As one of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai, it’s necessary to make a reservation several days in advance, as it can get quite busy even during the low season. My friend and I visited early on a weeknight and still couldn’t get a table!

The menu offers a great selection of dishes, featuring unique takes on traditional Thai cuisine. The pork ribs in red wine sauce are particularly delicious, as well as the lotus flower salad and pomelo shrimp salad. You should also try their mocktails or wine selection for an extra special experience.

While more expensive than most Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai, Baan Landai Fine Thai​​​​ Restaurant is worth every penny, definitely not a tourist trap (although it is mostly visited by tourists). If you’re looking for a truly special dining experience in Chiang Mai, look no further than Baan Landai Fine Thai Restaurant. 

Location: 252/13-14 Prapokklao Rd ถนน ศรีภูมิ Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Mocktails, Pork Ribs in Red Wine Sauce, Crab Fried Rice

Price: 1,000+ baht

7. Neng Earthen Jar Roast Pork

Located a bit outside of the tourist areas across from a Mercedes Benz car dealership, Neng Earthen Jar Roast Pork serves unpretentious street food that both locals and tourists love! 

Inside, the place gets busy but there’s plenty of seating and you can watch as pork is cooked in huge clay jars. 

The skin is crackling crispy while the fat melts into the tender pork meat. The chicken here is also delicious. My recommendation is to enjoy it with sticky rice. I also had a side of very spicy papaya salad which was amazing (be sure to ask for just one chili if you can’t handle a lot of spice). 

Overall, Neng Earthen Jar Roast Pork offers great value for money and a truly unique dining experience that can’t be missed when you’re visiting Chiang Mai – one of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai!

Location: 50300 Chang Wat Chiang Mai, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Muang Samut Rd

What to Order: Roasted Pork

Price: 70 baht

8. Papaya Salad and Sausage Lady at the Sunday Night Market

If you can plan your itinerary to be in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, don’t miss the Sunday Night Market!

There are a few food courts on the walking streets, plus food vendors scattered all around, but I usually head straight for the main food court. Try everything that catches your eye, there are no wrong answers! 

Be sure to try the Papaya Salad (Som Tom) made by the lady in the main food court – she makes my favorite papaya salad in town. I usually grab a piece of fried chicken from the stand next door to snack on while I wait for my freshly made papaya salad to be ready.

Then grab a sausage from the stand on the other side of the court (you’ll find it easily because there’s always a line). Choose between sour or spicy sausages. Or do yourself a favor and try both!

It’s easy to see why this market is one of the most popular places to eat in Chiang Mai!

Location: Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Everything! Papaya salad, sausage, meat skewers

Price: 20-60 baht per item

9. Pad Thai Por Kong

Pad Thai is one of the most popular dishes for travelers to eat while in Thailand, and I love family-run Pad Thai Por Kong!

The friendly family serves up some of the best Pad Thai in Chiang Mai from the parking lot in front of their home. It doesn’t get more local than that! 

They aren’t open too late so be sure to arrive before 8 pm before they close up. 

The portions are huge. I got the shrimp pad Thai and went to bed very happy that night. You can also try pad thai with wonton instead of noodles, or get a mix of both. 

They have a fridge full of cold drinks (help yourself) and a powerful fan to keep you cool. 

Pad Thai may not be the most adventurous dish you can eat in Chiang Mai, but this place serves up some of the best in town!

Location: 205 Ratchamanka Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Large Pad Thai with Shrimp and Egg

Price: 80 baht

10. Aroy Dee

At Aroy Dee, I had the pleasure of meeting someone for lunch when I first arrived in Chiang Mai. It’s not a fancy place, which is what I love about it! You can come for a quick lunch and try all sorts of Thai dishes to see which one you like.

The basil pork (krao pow) was incredibly flavorful and paired nicely with the fresh fruit smoothie. My friend was very happy with her curry.

Aroy Dee has an extensive menu of classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Sauteed Morning Glory, and Pineapple Fried Rice – all at an inexpensive price. 

Service was fast and friendly, and they were even willing to make the food less spicy upon request. 

With so many delicious options in Old Town, Aroy Dee stands out as one of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai.

Location: 157 Mun Mueang Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300

What to Order: Khao Soi, Fried Rice, and Fruit Smoothies

Price: 80 baht

11. 100 Flavors Craft Ice Cream

There’s no better way to end a hot day in Chiang Mai than with delicious ice cream – a stop at 100 Flavors Craft Ice Cream is an absolute must! 

This small-batch, craft ice cream shop boasts over 100 different flavors, ranging from strange creations such as khao soi, salted egg, durian, Downy fabric softener, and mango sticky rice to more traditional flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. They even offer delectable vegan sorbet options! 

The only downside is that they don’t allow customers to try any of the flavors before buying – so it’s a bit of a gamble. But isn’t that part of the fun?

Location: 25 Suthep Road, Srivichai Soi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: 100 Flavors to Choose From!

Price: 1 scoop is 45 baht

Best Places to Eat in Chiang Mai’s Nimman Neighborhood

12. Sushi Umai

I am a sushi addict and snob, and cannot go a week without eating at Sushi Umai in the trendy Nimman neighborhood!

As someone who is used to paying a lot of money when I eat sushi in New York City, I am shocked by how cheap and high-quality Sushi Umai is. 

My bill for salmon sashimi, a large roll, and a couple of pieces of sushi is usually less than 1,000 baht. If your bill is over 1,000 baht, you can use your credit card.

They can get crowded at dinnertime, so your safest bet is to make a reservation if you don’t want to wait. As a solo diner, I’ve only ever had to wait 5 minutes for a single seat at the bar.

The food comes out extremely fast here, almost too fast. So if you want to enjoy a leisurely dinner, order a few bites at a time!

Location: 12 12 Nimmanahaeminda Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Salmon Sashimi, Hotate Mentaiko Sushi, Spicy Salmon Aburi Maki Roll

Price: 900 baht

13. Roast Chicken Wichienbury

Sorry to all you SP Chicken lovers, but Roast Chicken Wichienbury is actually the best chicken restaurant in Chiang Mai, and it’s a secret the locals are keeping from you! If you’re able to get to the Nimman neighborhood for lunch, this is one of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai. 

SP chicken is really good too, but I like this place even more. Plus, it’s even cheaper, and they don’t run out of chicken.

Wichienbury serves roast chicken with a sweet and sour type of sauce on the side.  I usually order half chicken for myself, plus sticky rice and a papaya salad. It’s not unusual for the papaya salad to come out last.

Help yourself to some free filtered ice and water, or pop open one of the soft drinks left at your table. When it’s time to pay, just walk to the staff and ask for your bill. There’s a sink at the back to wash up after you eat.

My only complaint is that Wichienbury, like most chicken places in town, is only open for lunch! 

Location: QXWC+P45, Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 11, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Chicken and sticky rice

Price: 100 baht

14. Ging Grai

Ging Grai is one of my new favorite restaurants in Chiang Mai – I’ve eaten here multiple times. I love that the menu organizes the dishes by region, so you know where your dishes originated from!

The food is flavorful, fresh and features dishes from all over Thailand. I’ve tried the green and red curries, their Pad Thai, stewed pork, and tom yum – all of which were excellent. 

Their mocktails are also really good! 

The restaurant has two floors with more seating upstairs, so don’t be discouraged when you see it looking busy. 

It’s a bit more expensive than some nearby eateries, but the quality of food and service makes it well worth the money. 

Highly recommend it if you’re looking for an excellent meal in Chiang Mai’s Nimman neighborhood.

Location: เลขที่ 18 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 11, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Pad Thai, Red or Green Curry, Stewed Pork

Price: 350 baht

15. Mu’s Katsu (near Nimman)

I didn’t think I’d like katsu as much as I did, but boy was I wrong! 

This little hole-in-the-wall restaurant is a must-visit if you’re ever in Chiang Mai. Mu’s Katsu is the best katsu restaurant in the city.

They specialize in Japanese-style fried pork and chicken cutlets doused in flavorful Japanese-style curry, served on rice, but they also do other dishes like gyoza.

The katsu here is really tasty. It’s lightly battered and served with a variety of sauces depending on the type of katsu you order. If you’re asked if you want an egg, the answer is yes.

I’m drooling just thinking about this place!

Location: opposite, Nimmanahaemin Soi 8, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Demi Glaze Katsudon

Price: 150 baht

Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai for Vegetarians

16. Goodsouls Kitchen

Goodsouls Kitchen is an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans visiting Chiang Mai. I didn’t eat meat for years before I started traveling, so I know how hard it can be to find quality vegetarian restaurants when traveling!

With a diverse menu of vegan options and healthy alternatives such as smoothie bowls, pasta, and gluten-free dishes available – Goodsouls earns its spot as one of the top restaurants in Chiang Mai. The mushroom burger here is their signature dish and it’s delicious!  Don’t leave without trying their vegan desserts and milkshakes. And the Thai food is good too!

The portion sizes are generous, the ingredients are high quality, and there is always plenty of seating available. It’s also nice to have air conditioning to take a break from the Thailand humidity! 

Plus they take credit cards which can often be difficult to find in Chiang Mai. 

Altogether, if you’re looking for a great vegetarian restaurant in Chiang Mai then look no further than Goodsouls Kitchen!

Location: 52 Sinharat Rd Lane 3, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Smoothie Bowl, Mushroom Burger, Milkshake

Price: 250 baht

17. Reform Kafe

Reform Kafe is one of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai for vegetarians. The combination of delectable dishes and a charming ambiance makes it a top choice for plant-based food enthusiasts. 

You can find gluten-free options here too, just keep in mind it’s all made in the same kitchen with the same pans as the rest of the food.

Whether you’re craving a vegan burger or some of the best vegetarian khao soi in Chiang Mai, you’ll find it here! The papaya salad and fried tofu are some other favorites.

The staff members are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They are more than happy to accommodate dietary restrictions or offer recommendations based on individual preferences. Don’t be afraid to tell them what spice level you want!

With its chill vibes and magical atmosphere, complete with trees and water features like fountains and a koi pond, it makes for a wonderfully relaxing spot to enjoy some food.

Location: 1 4 Sri Poom Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

What to Order: Vegetarian Khao Soi

Price: 250 baht

Top Places to Eat in Chiang Mai FAQs

Does Chiang Mai have good food?

Chiang Mai has some of the best food in Thailand! Whether you’re looking for a traditional Northern Thai dish like Khao Soi or something more familiar like pad Thai or green curry, you’ll find it in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai also has great international restaurants, something that many Southeast Asian cities don’t have!

What is the most popular food in Chiang Mai?

The most popular food in Chiang Mai is Khao Soi, a Northern Thai dish made with egg noodles and curry. It is usually served in a bowl topped with crunchy fried noodles and garnished with lime. Other popular dishes include Pad Thai, Green Curry, Papaya Salad, Tom Yum Soup, and Sticky Rice with Mango. 

Conclusion: Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai

If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Chiang Mai, then you won’t be disappointed. As a proud food snob, I can tell you that the Northern Thai food of Chiang Mai gives the rest of Thailand a run for its money when it comes to delicious eats!

You can’t leave town without trying the best khao soi in town at Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom or the hidden gem Wichienbury for a tasty lunch of chicken and sticky rice. When you need your sushi fix, head to Umai Sushi in Nimman!

With all of these amazing restaurants available, visitors can easily find delicious meals while enjoying the city’s unique culture and vibrant atmosphere. 

So if you’re looking for some of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai, look no further than these top restaurants.

Read Next:

Bike and Food Adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Shangri-La Chiang Mai

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post 17 Best Places to Eat in Chiang Mai appeared first on Mommy Travels.

With so much to do here, Chiang Mai is a great place to set up for a longer trip. You could easily spend a month here while you explore the surrounding region. Conversely, you can get a lot out of just 3-days in the center of the town.

Either way, read on to find out the best things to do in Chiang Mai.  Tick some of these off when you visit and you’re sure to fall in love with Thailand.

1. Visit Elephant Nature Park

Sadly, Thailand has a dark history of abusing animals to improve their tourism.  From drugging tigers to riding elephants. As visitors, we have an ethical obligation to avoid perpetuating this abuse.

Most of the elephant sanctuaries in Thailand abuse their animals.  Any elephants that do tricks, including riding, have been severely abused in the past to make them do this.  Please avoid any places that offer elephant riding or tricks.

Fortunately, there is one park which I can wholeheartedly recommend.  Elephant Nature Park is the best elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai.  This is a haven for rescued elephants and offers no riding, bathing, or tricks.  The elephants here mostly have sad pasts but are now cared for and allowed to roam free as wild animals should.

You will need to book your spot at Elephant Nature Park very far in advance, so make sure to check availability when you book your flights.  It’s also more expensive than other parks due to the limited numbers – but we didn’t mind as we saw this as a contribution to the elephants.

2. Doi Suthep

And for good reason.  The regal, 1,676m high mountain towers over Chiang Mai.  Atop the mountain, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep looks out over the city.  The beautiful temple is one of the most sacred and revered in all of Thailand.  Every child in Chiang Mai learns the fabled story of Doi Suthep at school.

In the 14th century, King Kuena was persuaded to build the temple by a Buddhist monk who offered him a bone relic of Buddha.  The king searched for the right spot, but couldn’t find one, so he tied the relic to an elephant and set it loose. The elephant walked through forests for days before settling on the top of Doi Suthep.

With that in mind, you can’t really make your way to Chiang Mai and not visit this temple!  

The easiest way to get here is by GRAB or taxi, whereas the cheapest is to jump on the back of a songthaew heading there.  Once you arrive, you’ll have to climb a very long staircase to the temple.

3. Spend a night in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a whole separate city to Chiang Mai, but it still deserves a spot on this list.  If you have the time to spend a night (or two) here, then it’s well worth doing so as the drive will take you roughly 3-hours each way.  If you’re short on time, it’s definitely do-able as a day trip – you just won’t be able to fit everything in!

The main reason people visit Chiang Rai is to see the breathtaking white temple or Wat Rong Khun.  This is one of the most beautiful temples in all of Thailand, if not the world. Unlike most temples, this is built more as a piece of art that details Thai beliefs than as a place to pray.  

The best way to visit Chiang Rai, especially if you have just a day, is by booking a tour with a local operator.  If you’re a very confident driver, consider driving there.  

4. Explore the Old City

If you’re staying in Chiang Mai, then you should definitely consider staying in the Old City.  It’s the most traditional part of the city, unsurprisingly, and it is a great place to visit to experience the culture, history, and religion in Chiang Mai.  What better way to do this than to rent a room here?

Whether you decide to stay here or not, you’ll want to set aside about 4-hours to explore the entire area by foot.  The old city is a perfect square with four crumbling, historic walls. Within the confines of the walls, you will find an eclectic mix of hipster eateries and cafes, juxtaposed with ancient temples.

There are over 300 temples in Chiang Mai, with a lot of these found in the Old City, so you will definitely keep yourself busy.  

Make sure to visit our two favorites:  Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. If you’re short on time, or the kids are getting restless with all the temples, just visit these two and give the rest a miss.

You can take a bike and food tour of Chiang Mai that will take you all through this area. 

5. Doi Inthanon National Park

At 2,565m above sea level, Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in Thailand.  Doi Inthanon National Park is a 482 square kilometer park that contains the mountain.  

The park’s natural beauty is a culmination of jagged mountain tops, dense rainforest, and wild waterfalls.  Thanks to its protected status, the park is home to a diverse range of fauna, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.  It is a popular destination for bird watching with over 362 species of birds coexisting within the park.

In terms of getting to Doi Inthanon National Park, you have two main options: book a tour, or hire a driver to take you there.  Either way, the drive will take about 90-minutes each way. Once there, the park can be traversed by foot if you are reasonably fit.  Otherwise, a lot of the park can be explored from a vehicle.

• Remember to pack a jacket as, unsurprisingly, it can get chilly.

Once in the park, the two main activities are hiking and visiting the local villages.  The former is a great way to get in touch with nature, whilst the latter has a significant cultural aspect to it – we would recommend doing both!

6. Shop & Drink Coffee at Nimmanhaemin Road

Nimmanhaemin Road, aka Nimman, is the popular, hipster-y part of town.  You’ll run into a lot of young, hip Thai locals, as well as hordes of expats who call Chiang Mai home.  Nimman is the reason Chiang Mai has earned a reputation as one of the hottest spots in the world for digital nomads.

The top thing to do here is to shop.  Maya is a large, air-conditioned mall at the start of Nimmanhaemin Road.  Here you’ll find a lot of the larger, more well-known brands. As you explore further, including Nimman One across the road, you’ll find tonnes of smaller, boutique shops where you can find some cool clothes and souvenirs.

For coffee-addicts (like myself), Nimman will be somewhat of a paradise.  It has an impressive coffee-brewing scene, with countless little coffee shops tucked down alleyways along the road. 

Ristr8to is perhaps the most renowned on Google, where you’ll be sure to find a great cup.  Graph cafe serves the most unique coffees we’ve ever tried – think high-end cocktails with coffee instead of alcohol.

7. Explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar 

Chiang Mai has a lot of markets – and no trip to this city would be complete without checking a few out.  The best of the bunch is definitely the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

From around 5 pm stalls begin setting up shop in the middle of the street around Tha Phae Road.  After a couple of hours, the market has sprawled out to encompass numerous blocks and streets.

It can be confusing to navigate.  The best way is to either start at Tha Phae Road and work your way South, then return on the other side of the road, or you can do it the other way around.  Otherwise, feel free to get lost down the alleyways – people set up shops literally everywhere so just go and explore!

You’ll find all your typical souvenirs and clothes at this market, so it’s a great place to stock up.  However, amongst the mass-produced products, you can find some real, authentic gems (metaphorically, not literal gems).  

Finally, remember to haggle.  The prices here aren’t fixed – as with most markets in Southeast Asia.  If you want a bargain, negotiate down.

8. Grand Canyon Water Park

Chiang Mai has its very own Grand Canyon – and you should absolutely pay it a visit!  Within a large canyon (technically a quarry), you’ll find a lake and water park that yourself and your family can splash around in – a great way to spend a day and cool off in the heat.

Getting here takes just a 30-minute drive – book a GRAB or hail a taxi.  It should cost about 200 THB. Once you arrive, there are two parks. You’ll want the Grand Canyon Water Park.  Admission fees are 450 THB for adults and 350 THB for your little ones.  

Once here, there’s a ridiculous number of activities to try.  Go ziplining over the canyon, test your Ninja Warrior skills on the obstacle course, slip down some huge slides, or roll around in giant hamster balls (aka zorbs).  More activities include wakeboarding, cliff jumping, and water-cycling.

9. Bike and Food Tour

Biking through the city is quite exhilerating, but it’s even better when you get to indulge with local foods. During the tour will learn lots of history, see quite a bit of the city you wouldn’t have otherwise seen, and of course enjoy lots of amazing food. Learn more about this Chiang Mai bike and food tour.

10. Get a massage at the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institute

This is your opportunity to find out what it’s like to get a massage from prisoners.  Although it’s a very safe and professional place, you may wish to leave the kids at home for this one!

The Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institute is a prison that aims to reskill its inmates to prepare them for a life free from reoffending when they get out.  Studies have shown that programs such as these significantly reduce recidivism – or the rate of reoffending.  

Few places can offer you a way to give back to society whilst indulging in a relaxing massage.

The institute itself is managed professionally.  There are prison guards there in case emergencies arise, however, the prisoners all act appropriately.  They have been trained for at least 6-months and are fully capable of giving a great massage.

Our suggested place to stay in Chiang Mai is Shangri-La Chiang Mai. The luxury Shangri-la property in Chiang Mai is super safe and is loaded with amenities. You can relax at the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, and play giant chess. They have a special lounge you can upgrade for where you basically have around-the-clock access to food and drinks. The rooms are quite spacious and you can get connecting rooms so families can be near each other. All rooms have fully stocked minibars. There is an on-site kid’s club near the fitness center where kids can take various classes for a fee and should you choose the entire family can take a Thai boxing lesson together. 

Guest Author: Delilah Hart is a freelance writer and full-time traveler from New Zealand.  She’s working her way across the world in search of beautiful places to photograph and write about.

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I’ve always wondered how it would feel to be so close to an elephant, to stand in front of this almighty creature and realize how tiny humans are compared to them.

In Chiang Mai I found many tour organizations offering day trips to one of the sanctuaries. Before I booked any tours, I did my research. I wanted to know how the better ones operate and if my visit would contribute to the well-being of the elephants.

Which elephant sanctuary to choose?

While researching I read that many sanctuaries give the elephants chains or use hooks. They use those tools to make sure the animals behave towards the visitors and to force them to do tricks.

The only way to discover a sanctuary’s practice is by reading experiences from other travelers. I’ve read so many sad stories and negative accounts of sanctuaries, but I haven’t found many featuring the positive side.  Don’t get me wrong, elephants belong in nature and should be completely free. But in some cases, elephants have been abused for a long time and are not able to survive on their own anymore. They’re forced to give tourists rides, to do tricks or to carry wood for days straight. These elephants aren’t the wild animals they were at birth, either, and they deserve a safe place.  A sanctuary can be just that.

Elephant Nature Camp or Into The Wild Elephant Camp

I decided to go with either Elephant Nature Camp or Into The Wild Elephant Camp. There were more sanctuaries that probably also treat them well, but for these two sanctuaries, I was convinced that they weren’t involved in bad practices. Neither sanctuary has any known history of abusing the elephants. My first preference was Elephant Nature Camp, but it was fully booked. So I contacted Into The Wild by phone. What I really liked about Into The Wild is that they kept the tour groups small.

Although there was still a spot for me when I called two days before, I would definitely recommend booking even earlier. Over the phone, the sanctuary gave us some information about what to expect and what to wear while visiting. You can also find this information on their website: ​‘Into The Wild’​. I could choose from two different programs: a half day or a full day program. Doing a full day meant you would leave a little later, and you’d learn to make vitamins from herbs and feed them to the elephants. Since I’m traveling on a budget and it didn’t seem too exciting to make vitamins, I chose the half day visit. That cost me 1700 Baht (+/- 50USD). A full day would cost 2400 Baht (+/- 75 USD).

An Unforgettable Experience

My alarm went off at 6:00. The elephant sanctuary had arranged transportation, and they picked me up at my hotel at 6:30. I hadn’t been up that early for a while, and it took me some time to wake up fully.  We picked up more people along the way. It was almost a two-hour drive to the sanctuary, which was located in a jungle just outside Chiang Mai.

We stopped to get coffee and breakfast. After that, an employee of the elephant sanctuary took our names and entrance fees. We continued the journey, and it became bumpier as we went through the jungle!

We arrived at the sanctuary at 9:00, where Pai, the owner, was waiting to welcome us. He was very friendly and told us some background information. He led us towards a big open area surrounded by water and trees. I immediately got a happy feeling when I saw this wide area and saw with my own eyes that they were not kept in captivity in a small area.

There are no fences, and the elephants even have a river, they can play in. The area was so big and open that I couldn’t even see the elephants! Pai wasn’t using any hooks or other tools with which he could hurt the elephants, which confirmed the things I’d read. He asked us to be very kind to him, since the elephants can be very protective over their care takers. He took us to the center of the area and instructed us to stay calm when the elephants were with us. He made this strange noise, a loud roar, and then the elephants started running towards us. Quickly, we climbed onto a platform high off the ground, it was higher than the elephants. Pai educated us on the history of the elephants (two old and two young ones), how they take care of them, and how we should behave during our stay there. Being told this much information made me trust the sanctuary even more.  

When the group was ready to have contact with the elephants, we came down from the platform and divided into smaller groups to give the elephants some food. Locals were there to assist; they all worked together to make our experience the best it could be! When the elephants finished eating all the bananas and sugar cane, we went for a walk. The elephants  listened to Pai, and he guided them only using his voice. We could choose which elephants to follow because they had the freedom to go where they wanted. It was funny to watch elephants listened the young elephants play.

Next, it was time for a mud bath! The little ones went in immediately, and we had the best time getting them completely covered in mud. When the elephants went into the river, we followed them for a swim. As we all cleaned ourselves off, I realized that it was so good to see everyone (including the locals and the elephants) enjoying themselves. We had a simple but tasty lunch,  and then it was time to say goodbye. I arrived back at my hotel around 14:00 after this incredible morning of interacting with elephants.

Looking back on this experience

It made me very happy to see that the elephants were treated so well.  For the first time, I realized how much money it costs to take good care of the elephants. Elephants may eat up to 300kg a day and can drink up to 50 gallons of water a day. The tour fees are used to feed the elephants, maintain the land and to pay the workers. Most of the elephants had been  used in a circus or badly treated as a tourist attraction before they were saved by the sanctuary. It was reassuring to discover that there are several sanctuaries that give them large, safe areas in which they get healthy food and are treated with lots of love.

How to get to Chiang Mai!

There are multiple options to get to Chiang Mai. You can take the bus, train or fly to Chiang Mai. I travelled from Sukhothai (a city that’s on the route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai) by bus. Most roads in Thailand are good, so travelling by bus is an easy option. A bus is also convenient if you want to visit places between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, or if you are coming from Pai. If you want more comfort, you can also take a flight to Chiang Mai or travel by train.

Once you arrive, I recommend staying at Chiang Mai Shangri-la.

Tip: For an overview of all travel options, have a look at the in-depth travel guide from GeckoRoutes of how to get to Chiang Mai. This website was incredibly useful when I was planning my trip to Thailand!

Guest Author: Maarten Cox is the author of GeckoRoutes, an online travel guide for transportation and activities in South East Asia. Their detailed guides explain step-by-step how to get from A to B for hundreds of different routes. Visit their website to start saving lots of time and money on your next trip to South East Asia.

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Bicycle Food Tour in Chiang Mai

While in Chiang Mai, Thailand I highly recommend going on a bicycle/temple/history/food tour with Grasshopper Tours.

One of the coolest experiences we had the entire time we had in Thailand was in Chiang Mai on this tour. The scenery, the food, the knowledge our guide dropped on us; all of it was so fantastic.

Seven Miles of Fun

On this tour guests bicycle for 7 miles through bustling streets, alleyways covered in graffiti, and over bridges. In addition to biking the city tourists get tours of multiple temples. They promised that on their tour you would get “postcard-worthy photos” and boy did they deliver! Just look at that first photo. I think it’s better than a lot of postcards I have seen!

Historical Buildings and Temples

Our first stop was the Three King Monument at the City Navel. The Three King Monument is a sculpture of the three Kings aka founding fathers of Chiang Mai: Mengrai, Ramkamhaeng and Ngam Muang. During this first stop you have your first drink on the tour. You taste different kinds of tropical fruits found in Thailand from Miss Nong. Miss Nong has been selling high quality 100% fresh fruit juice at the city’s navel for almost 10 years. 

Our tour guide went in depth on all the things we saw and ate. Sadly, it was too indepth for me and I wasn’t taking notes, so I cannot share all the info here. I guess you will just have to go to Thailand and take the tour for yourself.

Wat Inthakin

My favorite part was watching the sunset behind Wat Inthakin, a small Buddhist temple with traditional Lanna architecture, once the site of the sacred city pillar within the in the heart of the old walled town.

Making Wishes

At one of the temple pagodas, you might have the chance to make a wish Thai style! If you are able to do this. I regret not letting my kids do this when we were there. I thought we were on a time crunch only to figure out that we had plenty of time in this area. More than enough to have let each of them make a wish. So when you take this tour, know that you have plenty of time to do this!

Wet Market

Eventually bicyclists make way to a food market for an in-depth view of a Thai wet-market that is guaranteed to be memorable. Basically, any trip to a wet market is memorable. We could not get enough of them when we were in Thailand. They whole thing just seemed wild to us.

As you go along the guide explains various types of Northern Thai foods while putting together a dinner feast that guest enjoy at the market. 

The Market has a lot going on and one of the first things we do is order food, that we will then come back and get later. You can stop and watch a food seller making chili paste and stop by a stall selling curries, stews and soups. I did a Facebook live stream while we walked around and it’s not the best quality, but still super interesting.

All the dishes are authentic Chiang Mai cuisine, but there was  nothing too weird or too strange. No bugs or snakes unless you want them like my kids did. The boys ate fried crickets as part of their dinner! I didn’t even pay them to do this, they just did this all on their own! I thought it was disgusting, so of course I filmed it!

Enjoy A Thai Feast

By the time the guide gets done ordering food you will have quite the feast of Chiang Mai style ‘Som Tum’ for dinner. This is a picture of our dinner. Sadly, I cannot explain each dish, but they were all awesome.

After dinner at the market you are not done. There are still more stops to make.

We biked over the river to enjoy Mae Salong tea and a traditional Thai dessert in a peaceful riverside setting.

There is so much packed into this one tour that if this is the only thing you do in Chiang Mai you will have gotten a solid sense and experience of the city.

Book this tour!!

Biking with Kids in Chaing Mai

Now you may be a little uneasy biking with kids in Chiang Mai and you should be. You need to make sure that all the kids are extremely comfortable riding a bike. You are cycling along side traffic multiple times and the traffic in Thailand is no joke. Also, never let a child bike without a helmet. Regardless of which tour company you decide to use, make sure they have helmets. Different tours have different minimum ages. My youngest child was 8 or 9 when we went on this tour and there is no way I would have done it if he was any younger than that. If your child is 7 or under I do not recommend doing a bike tour at all. It’s not just the bicycling, it’s also the child not panicking when there’s lots of traffic and their physical endurance. Many children are just too small to be able to bike 7 miles in a short period of time.

If you are looking for more things to do in Chiang Mai be sure to read our 10 Best Things to do in Chiang Mai. If you are planning on visiting an elephant sanctuary be sure to read our article about going to an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai. 

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

I highly recommend staying where we stayed, Shangri-La Chiang Mai.

Should You Get Travel Insurance?

Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a fan of Travelex insurance, because of the variety of options. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Unfortunately, Noah had a seizure while we were out at Phi Phi island. Thankfully, I had gotten coverage that included airlift. So, needless I always recommend getting some sort of coverage. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance here.

Read Next:

10 BEST Things to do in Chiang Mai 

17 Best Places to Eat in Chiang Mai

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Shangri-La Chiang Mai is a super safe, family-friendly luxury hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Your family will love staying here when you visit this exciting city. With amenities like the largest hotel swimming pool in Chiang Mai and a massive breakfast buffet, kids will be in heaven. Parents will too, as they are pampered in the on-site spa or when they are having a cocktail by the pool. At this point, we’ve stayed in a lot of luxury hotels, but the Shangri-La Chiang Mai quickly become one of our favorites. The hotel is safe, loaded with amenities, and extremely family-friendly.

The Safest Hotel in Chiang Mai

Each time you arrive at the hotel you have to go through security. They don’t pat you down like the TSA does, but they do make you enter through a metal detector and run bags through an x-ray machine. They also check every vehicle that goes through their driveway.

At first, I didn’t like this. I was put off by the security. I was worried that maybe Chiang Mai is an unsafe city and I should not be there with the kids. I ask them what the deal was and they informed me that many dignitaries stay here and they want to keep them safe. I was happy knowing that I was at the most secure hotel in Chiang Mai.

Horizon Club Lounge

Our family’s favorite thing about staying here was the Horizon Club Lounge. The Horizon Club Lounge is a private lounge for those staying on certain floors. When you are traveling with kids, things are just easier when they can eat or drink whenever they need to. (All day, every day!) I could quickly and easily take my kids to the lounge for a snack and a drink. One morning we opted to have breakfast up there instead of at the main restaurant, and every item we ordered was fantastic.

In the evenings they have wine and beer and heavy appetizers. They offered so much food I found it to basically be dinner even though they do not say it is.

Horizon Club Privileges

• Personalized check-in and checkout
• Complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails
• Concierge service – They have a local activity book and can help you book all of your activities.
• One complimentary suit pressing per stay and shoeshine service
• Private club lounge with complimentary wired Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Choice of international newspaper
• Private meeting room and computer stations

Family Friendly Rooms

Both of the rooms we stayed in were spacious with plenty of room for families. Since we were a family of five we had to get connecting rooms. In one room there was a large king bed and in the other room there were two twin beds and a rollaway. Our first night there they left us this fun welcome plate of goodies.

Chi The Spa

My favorite adult amenity was Chi The Spa. My friend and I left the world behind as we were immersed in this private sanctuary. Upon entering, guests are greeted with a drink and a snack. When you are taken back to your room, it is not just some room down the hall. Instead, you are taken over to your own private oasis.

To start off your treatments, they first wash your feet. After your feet are clean, you lie down and begin whichever massage you have chosen. They, of course, offer Thai massage. If you have never had a Thai massage, you are in for an experience!

Swimming Pool

Shangri-la Chiang Mai has the largest swimming pool in Chiang Mai. It is a quiet retreat and they have a large hot tub next to the pool as well. There is another hot tub inside in their fitness facility along with a steam room and a sauna. Their fitness center is quite impressive and even offers classes.

In the fitness center is a kid’s corner where kids can take various classes for a fee. Sadly, we were not here long enough to take advantage of this. I would have liked my kids to have taken a Thai language class.

Thai Boxing Lessons

We did end up taking a Thai boxing class as a family and it was awesome! Learning something new as a family is not only a fun way to connect, but it’s a great way to delve deeper into the culture. Thai boxing is one of Thailand’s most popular sports and a beginner lesson is easy enough for any age.  The lesson lasted an hour and we all learned some basic skills.  All of us learned some basics of Thai boxing. It is an excellent workout and anyone can do it.

Here is a Facebook live video of the kids during our lesson. They all did great! Even I did okay.

Amenities

• 24-hour room service
• Satellite/cable television – Thai Disney channel is quite interesting.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Air-conditioning – Thailand is hot. Always stay somewhere that has air conditioning!
• Fully-stocked mini-bar including complimentary tea and coffee
• A pillow menu for all suites and Horizon Club rooms featuring a selection of feather, anti-snore, buckwheat, foam and bolster type pillows.
• Laundry – Noah decided to fully utilize their laundry service while I was out one day. They came by and ask if we had any laundry and he decided that he should have his clothes washed. I was a little irritated about this, but it did not cost that much and they did a lovely job.
• Giant Chess – Outside by the pool is a giant chess set, so of course, we had to play. I got beat twice and I was a sore loser both times.

Check the current rates for this hotel.

Fun Fact: The Bachelor series filmed here during Becca Kufrin’s season when she was the Bachelorette back in 2018. Becca and her guys stayed here. She stayed in the Lotus Suite. This suite is a 2,300-square-foot corner suite decorated with chandeliers, Thai crafts, and of course gorgeous orchids. The suite also has stunning views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows. Rates for this suite start at $800 a night!

Have you been to Chiang Mai? Where did you stay? I would love to hear about your trip in the comments below.

If you are looking for things to do in Chiang Mai see my other articles:

10 BEST Things to do in Chiang Mai

Four fun things to for families in Chiang Mai 

Visiting a Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary

Go on a Bike and Food Adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand

17 Best Places to Eat in Chiang Mai

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