Jungle ziplines, ancient temples, and elephant sanctuaries make Chiang Mai a super-exciting destination for kids (and grown-ups, too!). Kid-catering hotels in Chiang Mai are rare, but there are ones with great features for families, like free breakfasts and kiddy pools. We sent our hotel experts to the Northern Thailand city to uncover the best of the best.
Kids will love the Shangri-La Chiang Mai's centerpiece: a massive free-form swimming pool that's the biggest pool in the city. The hotel also has dining options to appeal eaters of all ages, from a casual cafe offering buffet breakfasts and an eclectic lunch and dinner menu to an elegant Cantonese restaurant that boasts the only private chef's table in Chiang Mai. All of the rooms and suites have free Wi-Fi and great views. The location is slightly out of the noisy tourist zone, within walking distance to the Night Bazaar but a long walk to the old city.
With 375 rooms, the upper-middle-range Empress Hotel is one of the biggest hotels in Chiang Mai. It's located just south of downtown in a quiet area, but one with easy access to local attractions. The rooms here have been recently renovated and are in good shape, and offer flat-screen TVs and views out over Chiang Mai. Standard Superior rooms don't come with many extras, but other categories include safes, robes and slippers, and electric kettles. The swimming pool is one of the largest in the city and there are on-site Thai and Chinese restaurants. Although it's an older hotel, recent renovations and reasonable prices make it a good choice for those wanting to stay in a larger property. Wi-Fi is free only for guests who book directly with the hotel.
The Royal Princess Chiang Mai is located in the heart of downtown Chiang Mai, right near the Night Bazaar and Anusarn Market. It has almost 200 rooms, all of which feature flat-screen TVs, safes, electric hot water kettles, and free breakfast and Wi-Fi. The hotel has a decent-sized swimming pool, a Chinese/Thai restaurant with dim sum lunch buffets, and comparable rates to the nearby competition. However, some rooms are small and the area sees a lot of traffic.
A five-minute drive from the historic old city, the 60-room Grand Napat is in Chiang Mai's residential Chang Phueak neighborhood. Modern serviced apartments all have balconies and kitchenettes; some have lovely mountain views. Breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, and airport transportation are free, and there is an on-site Thai restaurant plus a marvelous outdoor pool with a children’s area.
Located in the quiet area of Chang Khlan, this polished, authentic Lanna-style hotel has exceptional Ping River views, restaurants and bars offering a blend of Thai and international cuisines, and a gorgeous outdoor infinity pool with a kids' section. Traditional rooms have furnished balconies, free bottled water, and luxe features like flat-screen TVs over soaking tubs; some rooms have plunge pools and home theaters. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
The Sakorn Residence is a pleasant mid-range hotel located in a quiet area on the east side of the Ping River, about a 20-minute walk from downtown. The rooms here are simple but spacious, and are outfitted with amenities suited to long-term guests, including kitchenettes with large refrigerators in some. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and gym, as well as a cozy restaurant and colorful little coffee shop. Overall, it's a great value, certainly cheaper than many of the competing properties and breakfast is free.