Family Adventure in Chiang Mai

A Day of Royal Gardens and Painted Elephants

Today was a day of exploring the natural and artistic beauty that Chiang Mai has to offer. With Klara and Naomi by my side, we ventured out to experience the Royal Park Rajapruek and Bhubing Palace, followed by a visit to the Elephant Parade. It was a day filled with vibrant colors, fragrant flowers, and the unique charm of northern Thailand.

Our day began with breakfast at Café de Thaan Aoan. I opted for the green curry fried rice, needing that spice to wake me up properly. Naomi, of course, chose the pancakes, and Klara went for a mango smoothie bowl. It’s quickly becoming a family tradition to start our days with good food and even better company. This cafe had a really cozy atmosphere, a perfect way to start the day.


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

After breakfast, we headed to the Royal Park Rajapruek. The park was built to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej and it truly is a sight to behold. The gardens stretched out as far as the eye could see, with flowers from all over the world blooming in harmony. Naomi was especially excited about the Orchid Pavilion, where she ran around, pointing out her favorite colors and shapes. I must admit, even I was impressed by the sheer variety and beauty of the orchids.


Discover the beauty and tranquility of Royal Park Rajapruek, a captivating blend of nature and Thai culture in Chiang Mai.

We hopped on the tram to explore the vast grounds, passing by themed gardens and exhibition halls. The Royal Pavilion, with its stunning architecture, was a highlight. Climbing the steps, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the park. It felt like we were on top of the world, surrounded by nature's splendor. The air was fresh, and the atmosphere was serene. I’m not usually one for overly manicured gardens, but this place had a charm that was hard to deny.

It's not just about seeing the sights, but about experiencing the culture, tasting the flavors, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Next on our list was Bhubing Palace, the winter residence of the Thai royal family. Located on a mountain near Chiang Mai, the drive up was scenic, with winding roads offering glimpses of the lush landscape. The palace itself was beautiful, built in traditional Thai style, and the gardens were meticulously maintained. We learned that it was built in 1961 to accommodate the royal family during state visits and to receive foreign dignitaries. The cool mountain air was a welcome change from the city's heat.


Explore the royal heritage and stunning gardens of Bhubing Palace in Chiang Mai, a serene escape into Thailand's cultural richness.

The rose gardens at Bhubing Palace were particularly impressive, with temperate plants that are not commonly found in Thailand. Klara, with her love for all things botanical, was in her element, snapping photos of every bloom. Naomi enjoyed running around the gardens, discovering hidden pathways and fountains. The whole place had an air of tranquility, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Leaving the palace, we decided to indulge in some lunch. We found ourselves at Reform Kafé - Vegan Garden Restaurant. Now, I'm not usually one for vegan food, but Klara insisted, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The restaurant was set in a beautiful garden, with lush greenery and a relaxed atmosphere. I ordered a vegan version of Khao Soi, a northern Thai specialty, and it was delicious. Naomi enjoyed a big plate of fruit, and Klara had some plant-based cake. It was a refreshing and healthy meal, a welcome change from the richer foods we'd been eating.


Discover the best vegan garden restaurant in Chiang Mai offering delicious plant-based dishes in a serene setting.

Our final stop for the day was the Elephant Parade shop. I had read about it and Naomi has been asking to go since we saw some of the painted elephants around town. This social enterprise organizes the world's largest art exhibition of decorated elephant statues. The aim is to raise awareness and funds for elephant conservation, which is a cause close to my heart. The Elephant Parade is in Chiang Mai until January 6th, so we were lucky to catch it.


Discover a unique selection of handcrafted elephant-themed souvenirs at Elephant Parade in Chiang Mai, supporting local artisans and conservation efforts.

Naomi was absolutely mesmerized by the brightly painted elephants, each one unique and beautiful. We learned that the inspiration behind the Elephant Parade is an elephant named Mosha, who lost her leg after stepping on a landmine. Mosha has since become a symbol of hope and resilience, and her story touched us all.

We ended up buying a small elephant figurine for Naomi, which she promptly named Ellie. It was a perfect souvenir, a reminder of our day and a symbol of our commitment to supporting elephant conservation. I was particularly impressed by the artistry and the message behind the Elephant Parade. It's a great way to combine art with a meaningful cause.

For dinner, we decided to try Le Coq d'Or Restaurant. I’d heard good things about it, and Klara was in the mood for French cuisine. The restaurant was located in an English Country House, which gave it a unique and charming atmosphere. The service was impeccable, and the food was delicious. I ordered the Wagyu steak, which was cooked to perfection, and Klara had the salmon. Naomi, ever the food critic, declared the French fries to be the best she'd ever had.


Discover the exquisite flavors of Thai cuisine at Le Coq d'Or Restaurant in Chiang Mai - a must-visit culinary destination.

As we sat there, enjoying our meal, I couldn't help but reflect on the day. It had been a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and artistic inspiration. We had visited royal gardens, learned about elephant conservation, and indulged in delicious food. Most importantly, we had spent quality time together as a family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we’re off to the Elephant Nature Park Office. Naomi is particularly excited about this. I’m looking forward to seeing these majestic creatures up close and learning more about the important work being done to protect them. We’ll also be trying out Its Good Kitchen for breakfast, The Swan Burmese Cuisine for lunch, and Favola Chiang Mai for dinner. It promises to be another day filled with adventure and discovery.

It's funny, before moving to Berlin, I never imagined I'd find myself in Thailand, exploring royal palaces and elephant sanctuaries. But life has a funny way of surprising you. And I'm grateful for every moment of it.

Back in Berlin, Yaad Vibes is doing great. I’ve got a solid team running things, so I can relax and enjoy this trip with my family. But I do miss the kitchen sometimes. There's something about creating a dish from scratch, infusing it with love and flavor, and seeing the joy on people's faces when they taste it. That's a feeling you can't replicate, no matter how beautiful the scenery or how exotic the location.

But for now, I'm content to be a tourist, a husband, and a father, exploring the wonders of Chiang Mai with my two favorite girls. And who knows, maybe I'll find some inspiration for a new dish or two along the way.

Until tomorrow, take care and keep exploring!