🌿 Little Forest Chiang Mai
After months on the road, Smiths On Tour found calm and creativity at Little Forest Chiang Mai. From crafting lanterns to Thai cooking and the Yi Peng Festival, this peaceful eco-retreat is the perfect escape for families seeking culture, connection, and slow travel experiences in Thailand.
A Family Retreat Filled with Culture, Calm & Connection
After months of travelling across Malaysia, we found ourselves back where our hearts kept leading us — Chiang Mai, Thailand.
We’ve fallen in love with this place. There’s something about the mountains, the creativity, the kindness of the people… and the sense of peace that makes us feel at home every time. When we left the UK in search of a better lifestyle — more freedom, more time, more connection — we never imagined Thailand would pull us back the way it has. But it did.
🧘♀️ Taking a Break from the Noise
After months on the move, cameras rolling and devices constantly buzzing, we decided to take a digital detox. No YouTube filming. No social media scrolling. Just us — mum, dad, and Tilly — reconnecting as a family and refocusing on what truly matters.
It was during that search for peace that Little Forest Chiang Mai quite literally found me. I don’t even remember how — maybe fate, maybe Facebook — but I spotted it while researching where to see the Yi Peng Lantern Festival.
When I saw the photos of small clay houses, lush gardens, and families making lanterns and krathongs together, I knew this was it.
🏡 Welcome to Little Forest Chiang Mai
Just 35 minutes outside the city, Little Forest Chiang Mai is a peaceful homestay retreat surrounded by tropical greenery and sounds of nature. You’d never believe you were so close to the hustle of the Old Town.
The heart of this place is Auntie Orn, the warmest host we’ve met on our travels. She greeted us like old friends — there were dogs, cats, and family members all around, instantly making us feel at home.
We were lucky to collaborate with Little Forest (one of the perks of being content creators), and it turned into one of our most memorable stays yet.
🌸 A Cultural Experience Like No Other
Our days were filled with creativity and Thai culture. We learned how to make lanterns, krathongs (small floating offerings made of flowers and banana leaves), and woven bamboo mats for meditation.
We took part in Thai cooking classes using local ingredients and even tried out a homemade herbal steam room and aromatherapy bath — all outdoors in nature.
It was pure magic.
Have you ever stayed somewhere that just felt right — where everything slows down and you actually feel part of the culture rather than just observing it? That’s exactly how Little Forest felt for us.
🏮 The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Auntie Orn took us to the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival in Lamphun, a nearby province, in the back of a pick-up truck (what an adventure!).
The entire town was glowing — hundreds of colourful lanterns hung across streets and temples, while locals released floating krathongs down the river to let go of past energies and make wishes for the future.
It was completely free, and the atmosphere was breathtaking: music, market stalls, families laughing, food sizzling, and the sky full of light. Watching the lanterns rise together felt symbolic — all of us making wishes for new beginnings.
Have you ever experienced a festival that left you speechless? Because this one did.
🧒 Why Little Forest Chiang Mai Is Perfect for Families
If you’re travelling with kids or teens, this is exactly the kind of place that creates memories for a lifetime.
🌿 Hands-on learning: Every activity here has meaning — from making clay homes to understanding sustainability and local craftsmanship.
🪷 Worldschooling heaven: Tilly learned about Thai culture, creativity, and the environment — no screens, no lessons, just living and learning.
🧺 Space to connect: There’s something beautiful about sharing quiet moments in nature as a family.
🍜 Delicious home cooking: Auntie Orn’s kitchen is full of local, fresh flavours — comfort food that hugs the soul.
🐾 Family of friends: The mix of people, pets, and laughter made it feel like home instantly.
💬 Our Honest Thoughts
After so many months on the road, we needed time to slow down, breathe, and remember why we started this journey. Little Forest Chiang Mai gave us exactly that — space to reflect, laugh, and dream about what’s next for us.
Of course, not every part of travel is easy. Living out of suitcases gets tiring, and planning where to go next is always in the back of our minds. But when you find places like this, it reminds you why you left the 9–5 in the first place.
Have you ever thought about taking your family somewhere slower, simpler, and more soulful?
Enjoying a natural herbal bath followed by a steam in the steam room!
🌏 Our Family Verdict
We can’t recommend Little Forest Chiang Mai enough for full-time travelling families, digital nomads, or anyone who just wants to disconnect and recharge. It’s affordable, creative, and deeply cultural — a true hidden gem that offers more than just accommodation.
We left feeling inspired, refreshed, and full of gratitude. And yes… we’ve officially fallen in love with Thailand all over again.
If you’re heading to Chiang Mai, check if Auntie Orn has space at Little Forest Chiang Mai — trust us, you’ll want to experience this one for yourself.
Until next time,
The Smiths On Tour
🧳 Still on the road. Still searching. Still in love with the journey.
Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
Chiang Mai is a family travel gem! Smiths On Tour explore temples, markets & creative spots—discover why it’s Thailand’s best destination for kids & parents.
The Magical Mountain City That Stole Our Hearts ❤️🌿
Why This Northern Thai Gem Is Perfect for Full-Time Travel Families
Hello, travel fam!
We’ve explored some seriously epic spots on our world adventure so far—temples, tacos, tuk-tuks—you name it. But Chiang Mai, Thailand? This isn’t just another pin on our digital nomad map. It’s the first place that made us pause and say:
“Wait... could we actually live here!?”
No joke. Chiang Mai might just be our soul-city. It’s the one that made us feel instantly home, and trust me, that’s not easy when you’re travelling as a family, hopping from place to place with no fixed address—chasing that feeling of community and comfort.
We met SO many people who said the same thing: Chiang Mai gave me a warm hug and I never left. Or if they did leave, they found themselves circling right back. And now, we totally get it.
If you are looking for a local place to explore local culture and relax near the city centre of Chiang Mai- then try out Little Forest Chiang Mai! I
👉 If you want to see what The Little Forest Chiang Mai is all about then click here for a full blog update of what we did as a family there!
🌟 First Impressions: Wait... Why Is It So Quiet!?
Most big cities blast you with honks, buzz, and chaos. But family travel in Chiang Mai starts with something unusual:
Silence.
Okay, not total silence (it is a city), but an unexpected calm. Even with all the motorbikes zooming by (hundreds of them—seriously), there’s no honking, no shouting. Just an unspoken politeness that creates a sense of peace. It felt like the whole city was on chill mode, and it instantly calmed our own family travel chaos.
💛 That Warm Thai Welcome
The moment we stepped off the plane, we felt it: an overwhelming wave of kindness and peace.
The Thai people have this amazing way of making you feel welcome without saying much. Just smiles—endless, genuine smiles. Whether it’s the guy serving pad Thai at the night market or the local grandma giving Tilly a wave, the warmth is real. It lifts your mood and somehow makes everything feel lighter.
As parents, it’s everything we want for our daughter: kindness, connection, and confidence to be herself (elephant pants and all).
🏯 Temples, Jungle Views & Nonstop Fun for Families
Now let’s get into the good stuff—because traveling with kids in Chiang Mai is honestly a dream. The city is full of nature, culture, and non-stop family activities.
🌿 Why Chiang Mai is Perfect for Family Travel:
Jungle + Mountains: Just a short drive from the city and you’re in lush hills with jaw-dropping views. We took a scooter up to Doi Suthep and couldn’t believe the view over the city. Pure magic.
Temples Everywhere: Golden rooftops glitter on every corner. Don’t miss Wat Phra That Doi Suthep—our favorite temple perched high in the hills. A little spiritual escape with panoramic views.
Markets Galore: The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Sunday Walking Street, and dozens of other local markets offer food, crafts, and quirky souvenirs. Perfect for adventurous little eaters and curious mini shoppers!
Botanical Gardens & Waterfalls: Just outside the city, places like Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden and Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls make for perfect kid-friendly day trips.
Swimming Pools + Zoos: There are loads of outdoor pools, including family-friendly ones like Sireeampan and Eco Resort Pool.
Our first time at a Cinema in 8 months… in Chiang Mai you can watch films in English with Thai subtitles (amazing!)
🏠 Living the Dream (Without Breaking the Bank)
One reason full-time travel families love Chiang Mai? It’s affordable AND comfortable.
Accommodation: Think 3-bedroom houses with gardens for around £300/month. Seriously. Check Facebook expat groups or sites like Perfect Homes Chiang Mai for long-term rentals.
Nimman Area: Our favourite neighbourhood! Joe’s totally obsessed with Nimman (and rightly so). It’s trendy, packed with cafes, coworking spots, and other expats, all while keeping its laid-back charm.
Food: Hello, budget heaven! Meals start from just £1-2, and you’ll find everything from street food legends to hipster vegan cafes. Plus, the coffee scene is next level.
Transport: Car and bike rental are super cheap in Chiang Mai, we found some amazing deals. We went with Gondal Rentals who was great and at an affordable price too (they don’t have a website but are on google if you type in Gondal Rentals Chiang Mai).
Yes this telephone box was in our Air BNB accommodation, pretty cool!
🏫 Chiang Mai for Long-Term Family Life
Planning to stay longer or considering slow travel with your little ones? You’re in luck!
👩🏫 Education & Learning Opportunities:
Top-rated international schools (like Panyaden and Lanna International).
Private tutors available for Thai, English, maths, Muay Thai (so cool), or even cooking classes.
Great visa options: The DTV (Digital Nomad or Training Visa) lets you stay long-term while learning a new skill (like Thai cooking or language!).
And bonus: Chiang Mai is cooler than much of Thailand, thanks to its elevation—perfect for families who melt in the tropical heat (aka, us 😅).
☔ Rainy Season PSA (Because #RealTalk)
Chiang Mai is nestled in a valley, so yes—it can flood during the rainy season. But it’s not the whole city, and plenty of areas stay dry. We stayed in Nimman and had zero flood drama. Just check local tips and stay a bit elevated (literally and figuratively!).
✨ Final Thoughts: Is This Our Forever Place?
We’re still travelling (because adventure calls!), but Chiang Mai definitely feels like more than just a stop. It’s a place we could see ourselves living in—raising Tilly with nature, kindness, colour, and community.
If you're a full-time travel family, or even just curious about travelling with kids in Thailand, Chiang Mai should be high on your list. It’s calm, cultural, colourful, and surprisingly easy to live in.
📍 Quick Tips for Family Travel in Chiang Mai
✅ Use Facebook expat groups for budget-friendly long-term rentals
✅ Stay in Nimman for modern comforts + great food
✅ Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for views and a culture fix
✅ Try Muay Thai classes or Thai cooking lessons as a family
✅ Check out Sticky Waterfalls—super fun and safe for kids
✅ Avoid flood-prone areas in rainy season (May–October)
✅ Explore night markets for dinner and handmade treasures
🌏 Chiang Mai, You’ve Captured Our Hearts
This city gave us peace, play, and possibilities. Whether you're just stopping by or scoping it out for a long-term stay, Chiang Mai is that place. The kind of place that makes you pause, breathe deeply, and maybe... stay a while.
Honestly, We miss it already!
Planning a family trip to Chiang Mai? Whether you’re a full-time travel family or on a short visit with kids or tweens, Chiang Mai offers tons of family-friendly activities, perfect for slow travel and worldschooling adventures. Go ahead and read the 🧭 Top Things to Do in Chiang Mai for Families (Kid-Friendly & Tween-Approved!)