SD › Thailand › Chiang Mai Family Hotels
Updated: October 17, 2020
The 3 Best Hotels for Families in Chiang Mai
1. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Riverside, historical, chic design and functional for families. The wing of suites across the road resembles a carpark, but the setting of the hotel is superb: built around the whitewashed century-old former British Consulate, which now houses a fashionable restaurant. Well-designed but unremarkable, the suites are similar inside, with a fully-equipped kitchen, dining room, laundry, and 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms – but not all have an attached bathroom or outside window. The infinity pool on the rooftop offers wonderful views of the city, mountains and river. But the hotel rooms are more appealing: ultra-modern, with an open-plan bathroom, plenty of storage space and huge balcony for views of the garden or river. And the pool is long and inviting. The location is also ideal: quietly removed from the Old City bustle (but only a short taxi trip away), along a quiet dead-end street parallel to the river, and within walking distance of the food stalls and cafés at the Night Bazaar.
2. Le Méridien Chiang Mai
Fashionable décor, prime position and functional for families. Easily seen from the centre of the Old City, this is one of very few high-rises in the immediate area, so views of the city and hills are unobstructed from most rooms. The standard Deluxe Rooms are stylish but unexceptional, with a long sofa next to the full-length window, and an undersized bathtub. These rooms can squeeze in an extra single bed, and some suites can cater for a family of 4. The infinity pool on the rooftop isn’t huge, but beautifully designed with spouts, ‘waterfalls’ and wooden decking. A children’s pool is attached, while the café also offers special menus for the younger ones. Along a road dotted with internationally-known fast-food outlets and home to the renowned Night Bazaar (with limitless food stalls and cafés), it’s 5 minutes by tuk-tuk to the Old City and walkable to the Ping River.
3. Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort
Marvelous mountain retreat, ideal for families but really remote. This self-described ‘Heaven in the Hills’ is admirably underdeveloped, with just 55 rooms and villas. Many are distant, and most paths are steep, however, so buggies are provided. The very spacious Valley Deluxe Rooms feature modern facilities and an old-world charm; the suites are even more serene, stylish and comfortable; and the Pool Villas are separate, secluded and sumptuous. Each can accommodate 1 or 2 extra single beds. The hillside lagoon-shaped pool offers abundant shade, gushing ‘waterfalls’, and a splash area for children. The young ones would also relish the outdoor games area, kids’ club in a mock tree house, and range of activities offered, including hiking. The isolation – 1 hour past elephant camps and crocodile farms from the Old City and airport – is offset by free shuttle bus services. There are a couple of cafés nearby, but the hotel restaurant offers world-class meals (and views) at reasonable prices.
4. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai – luxury
Fantastic location in rice paddies outside of the city’s buzz. Fun kids activities, cooking classes for adults and older children, and loads of outdoor activities. Villas are huge and come in 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom layouts. (Note: Hotel is a 30 minute drive outside of central Chiang Mai – but very close to some of the area’s outdoor attractions like elephant riding.)
5. Yaang Come Village – moderate
Large family suites (which are often sold out) in a central location near the night market. Nice pool amid grounds that evoke a traditional Thai village (sort of).
6. Centara Khum Phaya Resort & Spa – moderate
Awesome pool, breakfast buffet, and swim-up suites. Located a little outside of Chiang Mai, the Centara feels like more of a resort than a hotel. The huge Royal Lanna Pool Villa sleeps 6.
7. SK House 2 – budget
I love this place. Simple clean rooms can easily fit a family of 4 or 5 (with an extra bed). The staff is very friendly and helpful. Located away from the tourist crowds but still an easy walk to shopping and restaurants. There’s a medium-sized pool next to the restaurant.
These hotels have large suites or family rooms
- Rimping Village
Large family rooms. Very nice property.- Kodchasri Thani Hotel Chiang Mai
2 bedroom penthouse suites are large and luxurious (and expensive).- Oasis Baan Saen Doi Spa Resort
Grand Suites have 2 bedrooms and private jacuzzis. The Presidential Pool Villa sleep family of six.- Villa San Pee-Seua
Family suites and family apartments (3 floors, 3 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms). But not a central location.- Empress Hotel Chiang Mai
Family suites have 2 bedrooms and a living room.- Lanna Boutique Village
1 and 2 bedroom villas sleep families of 4 and 5.- Central Guesthouse
Inexpensive family rooms sleep 4 and 6. Good location too.
Just found your website and I am enjoying exploring it. We are headed to SEA in April/May. This is a loose itinerary. Travelling with 2 kids ages 11 and 13. I am wondering if it seems rushed or doable.
Thailand:
1. Bangkok – 3 nights
2. Koh Samui – 4 nights
3. Chiang Mai – 3 nights
4. Chiang Rai – 2 nights
Laos:
1. Huay Xai – 1 night
2. Gibbon Experience – 1 or 2 nights
3. Luang Prabang – 5 nights
4. Vang Vieng – 2 nights
5. Vientiane – 1 night
Vietnam:
1. Hanoi – 2 nights
2. Halong Bay – 2 nights
3. Hoi An – 3 nights
4. HCMC – 3nights
Cambodia:
1. Siem Riep – 4 nights
2. Phnom Penh – 2 nights
Many thanks,
Tricia
I think it’s doable, certainly a lot of fun. If I were to change anything (with the goal of slowing down a little) I would take 2 (or all 3) nights from HCMC and spend them in Hoi An. Hoi An is a great town and 5 or 6 nights would give you a bit of a breather where you could stay in the same hotel, unpack your stuff, and relax a bit. But otherwise, looks great.
Hi David,
We have 6 nights to explore northern Thailand. Is there anywhere else besides Chiang Mai that you would recommend with kids?
Thanks
Faye
Chiang Rai has some good family-friendly things to do. Ayutthaya makes a good stopover on the way north (and then catch the overnight train to Chiang Mai).
Hi David. Nice posts. We will travel to Bangkok in April for 10 days. I am also thinking to get away to Chiang Mai in the middle of the trip with 2 kids (10 and 6). Are 4 days enough? Fact that we may only have 2.5 days to tour around. What are top priorities? Is it worth travelling there if we can only squeeze 4 days (including air time)? Or just stay in BKK in the entire trip?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Maria
Yes, it’s definitely worth it. The flight from Bangkok is short and the airport is pretty close to central Chiang Mai. Visit some waterfalls (and swim), elephant camps, and the night market. Chiang Mai is good for cooking courses and market tours (kids love both).
Hi David, we are travelling to Karon beach for Christmas and New Year’s. I want to break the trip up with a few days somewhere else. We are two families with kids aged 9 and 5. Where would you recommend Bangkok or Chiang Mai? What are the pros and cons for each or do you have any other recommendations? Thank you, Emma.
Both are great places but very different. Bangkok is a huge city with lots to see, malls and western shops, and frenetic energy. Chiang Mai is much smaller, feels more like a cultural destination with lots of temples to see, much more relaxed but also fewer kid-friendly destinations (though there are the elephant camps which most kids love). Also, I’m sure you’re already flying through Bangkok so no added travel is necessary, whereas Chiang Mai is another flight. The Bangkok to Chiang Mai overnight train is a lot of fun.