🌿 Little Forest Chiang Mai
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.
