Family Adventure in Chiang Mai: Exploring Culture and Nature

A Day of Discovery

Today was all about embracing the wild side of Chiang Mai, followed by a touch of artistic expression. It’s amazing how much you can pack into a single day when you’re surrounded by so much to see and do! From exotic animals to inspiring art, Chiang Mai continues to surprise and delight.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Its Good Kitchen. I must say, the name doesn't lie; it was indeed a good start to the day! I opted for a classic Thai breakfast, while David went for something a bit more familiar to him. Thandi, of course, chose pancakes – a surefire way to get her excited for the day ahead. Fully energized, we set off for our first adventure: the Chiang Mai Zoo.


Explore Chiang Mai Zoo, a captivating destination showcasing diverse wildlife amidst lush surroundings in the heart of Thailand.
The Chiang Mai Zoo is nestled at the foot of Doi Suthep mountain and spans a vast area filled with lush greenery. The zoo houses a variety of animals, and it was clear that Thandi was absolutely thrilled. We saw everything from majestic elephants to playful monkeys, and even a pair of adorable pandas. Thandi was particularly fascinated by the giraffes, craning her neck to get a better look at them. David, ever the comedian, tried to imitate their long necks, much to Thandi’s amusement. We spent a good few hours wandering through the zoo, taking in the sights and sounds of the animal kingdom. I was impressed by the zoo's commitment to creating natural habitats for the animals, though it was a bit disheartening to see some of the enclosures looking a little outdated. We decided to take the tram to save our energy for the rest of the day. The January weather was pleasantly warm, but walking around the entire zoo would have been quite tiring.

Next up was the Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium. Walking through the underwater tunnel, surrounded by hundreds of fish, was a truly magical experience. Thandi was wide-eyed as sharks and rays swam overhead, pointing and giggling with excitement. I found myself just as captivated, marveling at the diversity of marine life. It’s moments like these that make traveling with family so special – sharing the wonder and awe of discovering new things together.


Explore the captivating wonders of marine life and exotic animals at Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium, a perfect family-friendly attraction in Thailand.

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

After our aquatic adventure, we were all feeling a bit peckish, so we headed to Aroy Dee for lunch. This restaurant came highly recommended, and it certainly lived up to the hype. The food was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the prices were very reasonable. I opted for the green curry, while David tried the Pad Thai. Thandi, predictably, went for the chicken fried rice. We all left feeling satisfied and ready for our next adventure.


Experience authentic Thai flavors at Aroy Dee in Chiang Mai - where every dish tells a story.
Our final stop for the day was Elephant Parade. I had seen these colorful elephant statues all over Chiang Mai, and I was curious to learn more about the organization behind them. Elephant Parade is a social enterprise that donates 20% of its profits to elephant welfare and conservation projects. The story of how it started, inspired by a Thai elephant named Mosha who lost her leg after stepping on a landmine, was truly touching. We took a tour of the museum, learning about the organization's work and the plight of Asian elephants. Thandi loved seeing the vibrant garden filled with life-sized baby elephant statues.


Discover a unique selection of handcrafted elephant-themed souvenirs at Elephant Parade in Chiang Mai, supporting local artisans and conservation efforts.
The highlight of our visit was the workshop, where we got to paint our own elephant statues. Thandi was in her element, splashing paint and glitter with abandon. David and I tried to be a bit more artistic, but Thandi’s enthusiasm was infectious. We all ended up covered in paint, but it was worth it. We now have three unique elephant statues to remind us of our day at Elephant Parade Land, and the important cause it supports. I also picked up a few small elephant figurines to give as gifts back home.

Before heading back to Sri-Pat Guesthouse, we decided to have dinner at Redbox Restaurant. It was a bit of a splurge, but we wanted to treat ourselves after a long day of exploring. The restaurant was elegant and refined, and the food was absolutely divine. It was a perfect end to a perfect day. Chef Dan came out to greet us, which was a lovely personal touch.


Savor authentic Thai cuisine at Redbox Restaurant in Chiang Mai – where every dish is a flavorful journey into Thailand's culinary heritage.
As I sit here writing this, I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience Chiang Mai with my family. It’s been a whirlwind of adventure, culture, and delicious food. And tomorrow promises more discoveries, as we plan to visit Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, Wat Chedi Luang, and the Three Kings Monument, immersing ourselves further in the rich history of this city. Perhaps we'll even sneak in a cocktail at Nophaburi Bar after Thandi is safely tucked in bed. For now, though, it’s time to rest and recharge for another day of exploration.

I’m also mindful of the air quality, which I read can sometimes be a concern in Chiang Mai during this time of year due to agricultural burning. I’ll be sure to check the local conditions before we head out tomorrow and pack masks if necessary. It’s important to be prepared so that we can fully enjoy our time here.

Tomorrow, we’re planning a temple tour, and I’m excited to see more of Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage. I also need to remember to pick up those rain ponchos and travel adapters that I forgot to pack. It’s always something, isn’t it?

In the meantime, goodnight from Chiang Mai!