Family Adventure in Chiang Mai: Exploring Culture and Nature

Spiritual Sanctuaries and Culinary Delights

Today was a beautiful blend of history, culture, and, of course, amazing food. As much as I love Bristol, there's something about exploring new places with my family that fills me with such joy. It's days like these that remind me why I started this blog in the first place – to share these incredible experiences with all of you and hopefully inspire your own adventures.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Cafe de Thaan Aoan. It’s a charming spot, and Thandi was particularly thrilled with her pancakes. David and I enjoyed some strong coffee and delicious bagels. I always appreciate a good cup of coffee to kickstart a day of exploring. The cafe itself had a lovely atmosphere, quite cozy, and it was a perfect way to ease into the day. I think it’s important to start the day off right, especially when you’re traveling with family. A good breakfast sets the tone for a day of happy memories.


Experience the best breakfast and dessert delights at Cafe de Thaan Aoan in Chiang Mai - where flavors meet tradition.

After breakfast, we headed to Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, often called the 'Temple of the Lion Buddha'. The temple was founded in 1345 and it is home to Chiang Mai's most sacred relic—the Phra Singh. The intricate details of the Lanna architecture were breathtaking. Thandi was fascinated by the golden decorations and the serene atmosphere. I found myself reflecting on the history and artistry of the place, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. It's amazing how these ancient temples can still evoke such strong emotions.


Experience the spiritual serenity and architectural beauty of Wat Phra Singh, a historic Buddhist temple in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Next on our list was Wat Chedi Luang, a temple with a history dating back to the 14th century. The massive chedi, though partially damaged by an earthquake in 1545, still stands tall and impressive. We learned that King Saen Muang Ma started its construction in 1391 to house his father's ashes. The temple grounds also house the city pillar (Sao Inthakin) of Chiang Mai, a sacred object believed to protect the city. I found the mix of ruins and active worship incredibly moving. Thandi was curious about the elephant statues at the base of the chedi, and we spent some time talking about their significance in Thai culture. It's these little moments of connection that make traveling with family so special.


Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Wat Chedi Luang, a must-visit Buddhist temple in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Visiting these temples is more than just seeing beautiful structures; it's about connecting with the spiritual and cultural heart of Chiang Mai.

Our final temple visit for the day was to the Three Kings Monument, which commemorates King Mengrai, King Ramkhamhaeng, and King Ngam Muang, who were instrumental in founding Chiang Mai. The monument is located in front of the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre. It was a great opportunity to teach Thandi about the history of the Lanna Kingdom and the importance of unity and cooperation. The monument itself is quite striking, and it's clear that it holds a special place in the hearts of the local people. It was constructed in 1984, cast in bronze and dark copper, and stands at an impressive height of 2.7 meters.


Experience the rich history of Chiang Mai at the iconic Three Kings Monument, a tribute to the legendary rulers of the Lanna Kingdom.

After a morning of temple hopping, our stomachs were rumbling, so we made our way to The Swan Burmese Cuisine for lunch. I had heard great things about their Tea Leaf Salad and Mohinga. David and I were eager to try some authentic Burmese flavors. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere and the staff were incredibly welcoming. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including the recommended Mohinga and Tea Leaf Salad, and everything was bursting with flavor. Thandi even enjoyed the milder dishes, which was a win! It’s always a joy to introduce her to new cuisines.


Experience authentic Burmese cuisine in Chiang Mai at The Swan – where traditional flavors meet modern hospitality.

In the late afternoon, after our temple visits and the delicious lunch, we took a break to relax and recharge at our guesthouse. Thandi was delighted to play with her travel-sized dollhouse. This downtime allowed us to process the day's experiences and prepare for our evening plans.

As the sun began to set, we ventured out for dinner at Kiti Panit, known for its traditional Lanna cuisine. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully renovated 130-year-old teak mansion that was once the first general store in Chiang Mai. The ambiance was incredible, and the food was even better. We tried several Northern Thai specialties, including Khao Soi and Hung Lay Moo, and each dish was a culinary masterpiece. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with cultural immersion and delicious discoveries. The wine list is versatile, and the staff is pleasant and provides terrific service. Kiti Panit is a Michelin selection and it retains quite a cosy atmosphere.


Discover authentic Thai cuisine at Kiti Panit in Chiang Mai - where tradition meets flavor in a historic setting.

To cap off our evening, David and I decided to sneak away for a quick drink at Nophaburi Bar | Thai Cocktail. We sampled some creative cocktails made with local Thai spirits. It was a small, stylish, and cozy bar with a warm atmosphere. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the day. Thandi was already asleep, so it was nice to have some adult time to connect and enjoy each other's company.


Discover Nophaburi Bar, a vibrant cocktail haven in Chiang Mai where unique Thai-inspired drinks meet a lively atmosphere.

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

As I sit here writing this, I’m already looking forward to tomorrow. We’re planning to visit Art in Paradise Chiang Mai and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre. I think Thandi will especially enjoy the interactive exhibits at Art in Paradise. And of course, we’ll be exploring more of Chiang Mai’s culinary scene, with breakfast at Goodsouls Kitchen - Vegan Restaurant, lunch at Nun's Restaurant, and dinner at The Good View Bar & Restaurant Chiang Mai. I am also planning to do some shopping at Rojana Art & Souvenirs.

Today was a reminder of why we love to travel as a family – the shared experiences, the cultural immersion, and the delicious food. It’s these moments that create lasting memories and bring us closer together. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share these adventures with my family and with all of you. Until tomorrow!