Family Entertainment

Movies

At Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Center (Central Mall 053-224-444) and across the street, there are modern, English language cinemas.  At Airport Plaza, (053-283-939) log into: http://www.majorcineplex.com/ Web Site for shows and times (these are not always right!).  Make sure you scroll down to the one in Chiang Mai – it is near the bottom.  Ticket prices are 80-120 Baht depending on the day of the week. 

Bowling

The cost for one game, shoes and ball rental is 50 – 70 Baht, depending on when you go.  Shoe rental is 20-30 Baht—make sure you take your own socks or you’ll have to buy theirs!   Prices vary given the time of day, with no specials on holidays.  Check for daytime specials—often 3games for100 Baht.

Bully Bowl (053-224-444 ext. 19940) open 11am-1am. Located on the top floor of the Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Center (Central Mall) and features neon bowling (using black lights) some evenings.

Lanna Bowl (formerly Chiang Mai Bowl)(053-416-217) open 10am-1amLocated on the inner moat wall across from Computer Plaza, has lanes with rails that can be put up to prevent gutter bowls—really a nice feature if you are playing with young children who want to knock some pins down!  Month by month they have different daytime specials—if you play in the morning you can often have a lane for an hour, and bowl as many games as you want in that time period for 100 Baht. With the change of ownership—they have been advertising 5 games for 100 Baht.

Children’s Play Areas

For a small fee, Kad Suan Kaew (located past Dairy Queen) has padded play areas for running and jumping complete with a ball pit.  At Big C Extra (formerly Carrefour), there is a padded runway and ball pit in the food court that is 30 Baht/half-hour (note--wear socks or you may have to buy some at the store)

Mini-golf

Inter-Minigolf (053-391-093) Located near second ring road near Bosang intersection.  18 hole mini-golf 100 Baht/adult, 60 Baht/child.  Small restaurant on location. Open 10-10 daily.

Ideas for Fun Family Outings

Here are some suggestions of fun ways to enjoy the day with one another. 

Bua Tong Waterfalls—An amazing spring-fed limestone waterfall that is great for climbing to 3 different levels or simply sitting in one of the many pools.  There is no charge and there are stands open to buy sticky rice and chicken for lunch on weekends and holidays (during the week—be safe and take your own picnic).  To get there, drive out of Chiang Mai on the Maejo Road about 48 km.  You will see a blue sign on the left in Thai and English, and a rather fancy entrance on the right, with the sign only in Thai.  No entrance fee.

Chiang Mai Zoo—(053-221-179) Open 8am to 5pm and a great place to hike for the day (or take the tram for 20 Baht, monorail 150 Baht to see more of the zoo—it is really spread out!).  There is a bird show and seal show daily, and the playground at the children’s zoo section is worth a spin.  You can also buy a lunch of noodles or sticky rice for a reasonable price—as well as snacks and drinks. The panda exhibit is an additional 100 Baht adults/50 Baht child or if you live in Thailand, 50 Baht/20 Baht (you will need a driver’s license or work permit).  The aquarium is 450 Baht/350 Baht if purchased at the aquarium gate.  Open 8am- 6pm daily.  Adults 100 Baht, children 50 Baht, (Thai price if you have a Thai driver’s license) parking 50 Baht.  Check out website for special programs (www.chiangmaizoo.com).

Doi Khun Tan—The train from Chiang Mai stops there in the morning and picks up in the afternoon, and so you can have a full day of hiking.  The road there has also been resurfaced for those who want to drive. The national parks are making an effort to up-grade the facilities at many parks, and as a consequence, new sleeping facilities are being built.  Also be forewarned--there is a law stating the entry fee is 200 Baht/Adult 100 Baht/Child for foreigners.  If you have a work permit for Thailand, or a Thai Drivers’ license, some will let you in for the Thai price (20 Baht/10 Baht).

Doi Ob Khan—a fun gorge to explore and get wet, as well as nice camping facilities and a simple Thai restaurant.  Even though it is a national park, there is no admission fee.  To get there, go south on the canal road 7 km past the Samoeng intersection, turn right at the sign and go another 5.5 km to the park entrance.  The actual river is another 2 km past the entrance.  There is no entry fee.

Horizon Village and Tweechol Botanical Garden—located on Doi Saket 10 km out of town (check out their website for a map—www.horizonvillage.net) Beautiful topiary, deer and camel to feed, saltwater pool (100 Baht). There is a small restaurant or take a picnic.  Entrance price includes golf cart ride around gardens, (80 Baht/adult, 30 Baht/child) but can then rent bikes (20 Baht) or, paddle boats (50 Baht).  Open 8-6 daily.  Will also accommodate groups and private retreats.

Huay Gaew Waterfalls—free and close, this smallish waterfall is just past the zoo past the shrine to your left.  There are some fun rocks to climb on as well as some pools to splash around in and there are food stalls right before the falls.

Huay Dueng Dao-Drive past the 700 Year Stadium and follow the signs to this wonderful lake where you can swim, rent paddle boats, and buy a sticky rice lunch.  There is a small admission charge.  There is also a place near the entrance to rent bikes.

Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens—past the Mae Sa Elephant camp—this is one of the few parks that you can go to and not get charged the 200 Baht/foreigner fee—children are 10 Baht, and adults 20 Baht.  There is a beautiful waterfall area right as you go in with plenty of beautiful spots to picnic.  There are trails to hike along, and near the top of the park are well laid out greenhouses.  They have also recently opened a small shop to buy rice and toppings that you can carry out and eat by the waterfalls.

Royal Floral Ratchapruek--located near Night Safari off the Canal Road.  Beautiful gardens, tram ride 20 Baht/person, nice playground for children.  Open 9am-5pm most days.

700 Year Stadium—You can pay a small fee to swim in the Olympic-size swimming pool, and for the smaller children, there are a number of playground toys to use on the grounds (but no trees or shade—so wear sunscreen)

Swimming pools--A number of the muubahns (or housing sub-divisions) have pools that can be used by the public for a fee—favorites include Baan Nai Fun 2 and Palm Springs.  Most of the local hotels charge a relatively hefty fee for pool use.  The Chinese club on Tung Hotel is also recommended (children are only 20 Baht each), and has a separate shallow pool if your children are small.  Juniper Tree makes their pool available on a donation basis. (And if you call a day in advance and space allows, you can also sign up for lunch or dinner at a modest price. 053-140-914.  This is really a handy idea after you’ve been swimming all afternoon.) 

Waterfalls at Mae Rim (there is the national park entrance fee) and Doi Suthep (the road to this park is affected by the rainy season) are both beautiful for hiking.

Relaxation close to home--Several people have reported that they have enjoyed a restful mini-getaway at the Juniper Tree North—the pool is sparkling clean, the grounds are restful, and the meals are yummy, all for an affordable price.  (And you don’t have to drive very far to get there!!)  To book your time, call 053-140-914.

Ideas for Educational Outings

Museums abound in Chiang Mai.  Here are some ideas to be with your family and learn some fun things too. 

• Art Museum—(053-944-833) at CMU, located on Nimanhaman Road.  Collection changes—sometimes can be a bit sparse, so you may want to call ahead to find out about current exhibits. No entrance fee. Open Tues.-Sunday 9-5.
• Air Force Museum—(053-281-012-5) located at the 41 Squadron Air Force Base (near the airport) has a collection of over 30 vintage planes.  Call ahead for available visiting times.  No entrance fee.
• Bug Museum—(053-216-262) The Chiang Mai Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders is an eclectic collection of a local couple, located on Nimanhamen, Soi 13. Pricey—300 Baht/adult, 100 Baht/child but may reduce price for groups—call ahead. Open 9am-5pm daily.
• City Arts and Culture Museum—(053-217-793) located near 3 Kings Monument.  Beautifully restored building that has some fun interactive exhibits. Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30am-5pm daily. 90 Baht/adults, 40 Baht/children.
• Chiang Mai National Museum—(053-221-308) located on Superhighway near Wat Jed Yod.  Contains history of Thailand.  Located. Open 9am-4pm daily. 30 Baht/adults, children are free.
• Hill Tribe Museum—(053-210-872) near the back of the Lions’ Park off of Mae Rim Road has wonderful exhibits about the northern hill tribe people that are kid-interesting.  An added bonus can be the fun of watching the horses from the army camp which are often brought over to swim in the pond next to the museum.  The museum is free.  Open 9am-4pm (Monday-Friday).
• Nature Museum—(053-941-451) The Doi Suthep Nature Study Center is located right before the zoo on Huay Gaew Road at the base of Doi Suthep.  Designed more for older kids, most of multimedia has some English.  Favorite part—the earthquakes!  The museum is 20 Baht/adults, 10 Baht/children.  Open 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday)
• Night Safari—(053-999-050) located off Canal Road before Samoeng intersection.  Open in afternoons 1-4 pm for walking around lake (100 Baht/adult, 50 Baht/child) and evenings (6pm-midnight) tram service starting at 7 pm 500 Baht/adult and 300 Baht/child with discount (250 Baht/150 Baht) if you have work permit or Thai driver’s license. The two tram routes showcase animals in their natural habitats.  Wonderful water show on the lake at 8 pm in the evening.  Food available, or bring your own picnic.
• Stamp Museum—(053-241-200) located in a small building near Mae Ping Post office, across from the police station, open Tuesday-Saturdays 8:30-4:30 pm, Very small collection, but it is great fun for young collectors to purchase stamps here—staff is very friendly and helpful.  No entrance fee.
• Treasury Pavilion—(053-224-237) located on Ratchadamnoen about a km from Wat Prasingh—fun collection of medals, coins, can also purchase unusual coins.  Free.  Closed Mondays.
• Treasury Museum—(053-215-026) across from the Lions Park on Mae Rim—can visit the same outing as the hill tribe museum.  Favorite parts of this museum are wearing slippers to view halls containing all the coins and beautiful cloth.  Free.  Closed Mondays.

Ideas for Family Adventures

Want some thrills?  From camping to ATVing—here are some ideas for your family. 

ATVs—check out these places for tours and rides.  The Night Safari also has ATVs for rent.

• ATV-Chiang Mai Tours (053-290-153 www.atv-chiangmai-tours.com) are located in Mae Rim are open daily and offer mountain tours (1950 Baht/3 hour tour) or track (400 Baht/15 minutes)
• X-Centre (053-297-700 www.chiangmai-xcentre.com) located in Mae Rim has a range of activities including ATVs

Camping

• Camping at Ob Khan (ob is the Thai word for gorge) (086-181-1068) located off canal road about 7 km past Samoeng Road, cross over bridge and continue about 7 more km to the park.  Camping is 100 Baht/person, and includes very clean bedding and tents, as well as a laid fire to use.  Bathroom facilities are also very clean.  Small restaurant to order simple Thai meals, or bring your own food.
• Sankampang Hot Springs- Go out Sankampang Road just a few miles past the cave. You can rent tents and bedding or just a spot if you have your own tent or you can rent a cabin. You can boil your eggs for breakfast in the hot springs or dip your feet in the springs. There is also a hot spring fed pool. It’s like playing in a big Jacuzzi!
• Camping at Doi Intanon—Amazing waterfalls, birding, usually cool, even in the hot season.  Make a reservation on line (www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/nationalpark.asp?lg=2) or call  053-286-728-30
• Houseboats at Mae Ngat Reservoir—a long boat takes you back on the reservoir to rafts with basic accommodations and good Thai food.  Figure about 400 Baht/person for meals and lodging for one day—or just go for the day.  There are many companies—one favorite is Eakachai because of the quietness of being further into the reservoir.  Call 081-950-9420 to make reservations (Thai speaking only).  Can also rent kayaks.

Go Carts

• Chiang Mai Speedway (053-430-059,60-61) offers go-carting for all ages and a professional circuit.  It is located about 8 kilometers south of Airport Plaza on Hang Dong Road or Route 108.  Open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 6 pm. Cost is per 12 minutes: 600 Baht children/adults: 700 Baht/2 seats  (Five persons or above can receive a 20% discount.)

Microlight Flying

• Chiang Mai Sky Adventures (053-255-500 www.skyadventures.info) offers microlight flying with a trained pilot.  1900 Baht/15 minutes or 2900 Baht/30 minutes Also now has balloon flights for 8800 Baht/person.

Rock Climbing—Chiang Mai boasts two places to arrange rock climbing trips.

• Chiang Mai Rock Climbing (053-207-102 thailandclimbing.com) located inside SE corner of moat (map at their website)
• The Peak (053-800-567, www.thepeakadventure.com) located off Chiang Mai Lampun Road (see website for map).

Paintballing/Airsofting

• Hang Dong Jungle Paintball is the original paintball center, located near Hang Dong on the second ring road. Contact 081-746-8261 or 081-031-6707
• X-Centre (053-297-700 www.chiangmai-xcentre.com) located in Mae Rim has a range of activities including paintball for about 600 Baht complete.

Rafting and Kayaking

• Rental from Canoe Club—has moved from the compound of Forestry Dept to near the temple by the old DoiSaket bridge.  Rental of canoes and kayaks 50 Baht/hour.
• Extreme Sports Café from BKK (extremesportscafe.com) and Siam River Adventure a local company (089-515-1917 www.siamrivers.com) are companies specializing in rafting  Price for one day is about 2250 Baht including car, instructor and meals.

Zipline

• Flight of the Gibbons (089-970-5511 www.treetopasia.com) Rainforest canopy adventure that ranges from 2000-2300 Baht.  Multiday packages also available.
• Jungle Flight--081-8858091, 089-7552632, 081-3467969 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) Similar to Gibbon, but prices range 1700-2200 Baht.

NOTE:  National parks have different prices for foreigners / nationals.   If you show your drivers’ license, you get the price for Thal nationals.