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Overview
 Chiang
Mai, Thailand's second city in the northern hills, has much more
than you'd expect for kids. In the city surprisingly, there's
an ice rink, a couple of bowling alleys, lots of excellent (and
good value) places to eat, and cinemas if they bored with cultural
sightseeing and shopping.
Outside the city - it's all about adventure! River rafting,
canoeing, bamboo rafting, elephant-trekking and visiting hilltribe
villages are the main activities both for adults and children
in this stunning area.
Most hotels and guest houses have basic facilities, with swimming
pools even in the more remote hill resorts, but don't expect kid's
clubs or too many special activities. People visit this region
for the scenery and adventure activities - and the kids love it!
They don't want to be in the hotel! It's possible to hire bicycles
and take family rides around several of the resort areas and within
the old part of Chiang Mai city. Alternatively take an elephant
trek to a hilltribe village, go hiking or travel along the river
in local "longtail" boat. For both older and younger
kids - it's the adventure of a lifetime!
Below are a few suggestions for a comfortable stay when you're
not out and about.
Amari Rincome - Chiang Mai
 One
of Chiang Mai's first resort hotels, it doesn't have that "big
hotel" feel. Cosy and traditional style, friendly, efficient
and welcoming for kids - local expat mums often meet here. The
swimming pool, is big; plenty of room and clear views to keep
an eye on younger kids. There's also a toddler's pool, tennis
court (all equipment supplied) table tennis and jogging track.
The coffee shop serves a good buffet breakfast with selection
of juices, American and Asian breakfast options to please the
fussiest of teenagers! Items like omlettes cooked on the spot,
so no congealed eggs!!! Choice of eating outdoors on the terrace,
or in air-conditioning.
Great Location - not far from Chiang Mai's historical walled
city and around 500 metres from the largest shopping centre in
northern Thailand. Inside the shopping mall is a cinema complex,
bowling alley, theatre, food hall and ice skating rink! Just ten
minutes from Chiang Mai Airport, so the kids don't have a long
drive after you've arrived and perfectly situated for exploring
Chiang Mai city or for day-trips into the northern highlands.
There's also a shuttle service to the night bazaar.
Plus point: Children under 12 years old sharing the same
room with parent(s) get an extra bed free of charge (maximum
1 child per 1 room) Breakfast not included.
Angkhang Nature Resort - Angkang
 Part
of the Royal Angkhang Research Station, under the Royal Project
Foundation, Angkhang Nature Resort offers comfortable chalet type
accommodation, excellent views over the valley below and good
food - both international and Thai. An easy and fascinating 3
hour drive from Chiang Mai, close to the Burmese border, the mountain
location, cool climate and the scenic beauty of the surrounding
countryside make Angkang a great place to enjoy birdwatching,
trekking, mountain-biking or the fresh mountain air.
No special kids facilities at the resort, but the staff are friendly,
there's a video library, (TV and video recorders in the rooms)
and you can hire bicycles from the hotel to ride around the extensive
grounds at the The Royal Angkhang Research Station - the main
local attraction. Set up in 1969 under the auspices of His Majesty
King Bhumibol, it's a research centre focusing on crop substitution
to develop new crops for the Hill tribes, but it's set out like
a national park and has lots of different areas to explore like
a national park. Our kids loved exploring the winding rock gardens
(big rocks) tasting varieties of fruit and generally just biking
around the place. Remember to bring warmer clothing at night as
it gets cool.
Dusit Island Resort - Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai
 Lots
of sports and leisure facilities at this resort including a huge
swimming pool plus kid's pool, children's playground, tennis courts,
fitness centre, traditional Thai massage and herbal sauna, Jacuzzi,
steam rooms, jogging track, snooker and games room. Plenty of
room for extra beds in these spacious rooms overlooking the Kok
river. Baby-sitting service available. Better for families with
small children as it's not that close to city facilities, but
a great retreat for parents.
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