Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
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.
🌟 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!
