If you are planning to take your family to Chiang Mai and still not sure how you would keep them entertained? No worries, I’ve got you covered on this one. As a Chiang Mai local and have a 3-year old daughter myself, I have made you a list of fun, exciting and even adventurous activities. The activities below are great for the whole family to spend time together and have a blast in Chiang Mai.

08.00 Into the Wild Elephant Camp

Photo credit: WildElephantCamp

Into the Wild is located in Mae Wang district in Chiang Mai. It is about one hour drive from the city center and I suggest you leave the hotel by 07.00 Hours. The place is small and has been running for almost 3 years now by a lovely local couple; Dream and Siwa. There are a total of only 4 female elephants; Wongduen 37 years old, Mokae 35 years old, Ae-jer 4 years old, and Phendao 3 years old.

You are probably wondering that there are so many elephant camps here in Chiang Mai, why am I recommending this one right? First and foremost, Into the Wild is the real sanctuary for the elephants. Even though they are small in numbers of only 4 elephants, but Dream told me, the areas for them to roam around are the whole 3 mountains stretched as far as you could see. The camp is in the lush green forest with a river running through and this is the perfect environment for elephants. Dream, Siwa, and the team treat the elephants just like their own family members and let them do what they want. No commands are given, no pushing, no hitting, and of course, no ridings.

The second reason is that they limit numbers of guests up to only 10 people per group. You can really get to know your elephant and ask your guide as many questions as you want. Once you are introduced to your elephant, you will get to walk along with her to see the real life of an elephant. You will get to see what she will pick to eat in the forest. Or if she finds a spider on the way, what would she do?

After having been walking in the heat, the elephant will get really warm. Then you will get to help cool down your elephant by giving her a mud spa treatment. Putting the mud on her will help her cool down much faster than on her own. After the mud spa, you will get to give her a bath in the river and that will help you cool down yourself too.

Around 11.00 hours, lunch will be served in banana leaves. After you finish your lunch, you can feed the banana leaves to the elephants too. And that’s my last reason; zero waste.

Half-day package is 1,700 Baht/person (Including transfers & lunch).

FB: @IntoTheWildElephantCamp

13.00 Bamboo Rafting

After lunch, a good way to relax and enjoy the beautiful town is the ride on a bamboo raft along the river. There is one lady; Auntie Buasaun, who lives nearby the elephant camp and she can arrange the bamboo rafting tour for you. There will be one guide paddling you from the village along the way down the river to the busy area of Mae Wang. The river is running through lush greenery and see locals working on the fields. It is a slow flowing river and totally safe for small children too. This will take about 45 minutes.

The fee of a bamboo raft is 500Baht/raft (including a guide and fits maximum 4 adults).

15.00 Nic's Restaurant & Playground

Photo credit: Nics Restaurant

Nic’s Restaurant & Playground is a very family friendly place and has been well-known for its playground and its food for almost 7 years now. A massive unique bamboo adventurous playground is Nic’s landmark. There are also a trampoline, a slider, and a football pit which was just recently completed.

Apart from the playground, Nic’s offers excellent varieties on the Thai & Western food and drinks menu. They have great cocktails, a great wine selection, tapas, delicious main courses, kids menu and desserts too. They pretty much have all that you need. There are many seating areas both outdoor close to the playground and inside an A/C room. But if you come with small children, I would recommend you choose the table next to the playground. You can let the children have fun and getting adventurous while you enjoy excellent food and drinks and still can keep an eye on them from your table.

Recommended menu: Garlic Shrimp 170Baht, Pork Schnitzel 270Baht, Spaghetti Seafood 320Baht, Massaman Chicken Curry 170Baht, Spider Pizza(for kids) 150Baht, After Eight Mint Brownie with ice cream 140Baht

87 Moo 1, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong, Gps: 18.7335320, 98.9385877, Hours: 11.30 – 22.00 Hours every day

Playground, Parking: Yes

FB: @Nics.Restaurant

18.00 Chiang Mai Night Safari

Photo credit: Chiang Mai Night Safari

It’s been a very exciting and adventurous day. But your children or even you still have some energy left? How about taking your family to the night safari? Chiang Mai Night Safari cares for about 1,400 animals from over 134 species. I suggest the guided tram ride through the night safari. Take the first tour at 18.50 hours and it will last about one hour. You will be sitting on a tram and the tour guide will explain about all the wildlife that usually come out after dark. You will be able to get up close to giraffes, zebras, or red kangaroos. And if you are lucky enough, you will be able to spot some white tigers, lions, or spotted hyenas too.

Tickets; Adults 800Baht, Children 400Baht, Hours: 11.00 – 22.00 Hrs every day

FB: @Chiangmainightsafarifanclub