Been in Thailand for about half of my life but I've been to Chiang Mai only twice, both a long time ago and the last time with a local friend whom I stayed with and we didn't do anything but hang out at his very nice home.

Some might even recall I'd previously made urgent inquiries about accommodation etc - and people were REALLY helpful -- but trip was postponed until now. Next week I will finally be there with my wife, 2 small kids and my parents (75 and 85) and while I have some things planned I'd like to benefit from the vast reserves of knowledge held by you CM Expat types (or frequent visitors to the area).

I'm interested in things to do for kids, interesting places to eat, and basically whatever tips you might have...

As I always say with all sincerity, I really appreciate people taking the time to help.

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A more specific question:

How expensive would it be to get a (fairly large) vehicle with driver on days when needed and any recommendations as to where to secure such a service? Our budget is fairly tight so it might not be feasible but I am interested (especially since my stepdad isn't real strong these days)...

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A more specific question:

How expensive would it be to get a (fairly large) vehicle with driver on days when needed and any recommendations as to where to secure such a service? Our budget is fairly tight so it might not be feasible but I am interested (especially since my stepdad isn't real strong these days)...

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Check with Northern Motors on the east side of the city just on the outside of the Moat.

As close as I can get you is it is in between the South East corner of the Moat and Tha Pai gate. I am sure others will be able to be more specific and may be have better recommendations. Also don't know what your parents would be interested in but in Wat Chedi Luang (sorry about the spelling) in the old city they have a little gardern on the north side where you can sit and talk with the monks about any thing. They are trying to improve their English and will talk about any thing you want to talk about. It dosen't have to be all about Buddhism.

Good Luck

A more specific question:

How expensive would it be to get a (fairly large) vehicle with driver on days when needed and any recommendations as to where to secure such a service? Our budget is fairly tight so it might not be feasible but I am interested (especially since my stepdad isn't real strong these days)...

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Check with Northern Motors on the east side of the city just on the outside of the Moat.

As close as I can get you is it is in between the South East corner of the Moat and Tha Pai gate. I am sure others will be able to be more specific and may be have better recommendations. Also don't know what your parents would be interested in but in Wat Chedi Luang (sorry about the spelling) in the old city they have a little gardern on the north side where you can sit and talk with the monks about any thing. They are trying to improve their English and will talk about any thing you want to talk about. It dosen't have to be all about Buddhism.

Good Luck

Great stuff, thanks very much.

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Bring the kids to Nicks playground.,http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581560-nics-restaurant-and-playground/ combine it with the .

Night safari walking route during day time which is nice and cost you only 100.-THB per person. ( go at 15:00 than they feed the animals )

A trip up to Mo Cham where the strawberry fields are is very nice and you can combine this with Doi Suthep temple.

Look for a reliable driver / guide on Tripadvisor.

Have fun !

Eat at Boat (restaurant) Huey khaw road can't beat the price and not too cheap kind of family meal.

18.807198,98.956963

Taweechol Gardens are a great day with the family. Doi Saket Rd.

Krisadadoi resort has lovely gardens as well and is a nice morning / afternoon trip. On the Sameong Rd.

Huay Tung Tao lake is another nice day out for the family. Just off the 700 year stadium / Canal Rd.

I agree about Nic's restaurant and playground, kids will have a great time.

You guys are really great! So appreciated.

Anyone else got some ideas, by all means contribute...

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A trip to the zoo might be exciting for the kids. They have a walk through aquarium Have been told it is not that great went once my self and thought it was lacking but Little kids tend to see things differently than I do.The Panda bears are a great attraction. Plus the rest of the zoo might delight kids. Or for that matter you might find it enjoyable. A bit of walking involved.

Tiger Kingdom, pet a large tiger inside it's cage.

Bamboo rafting, on the road to Doi Inthanon

Elephant show/ride, just outside Mae Rim

Mae Ngat dam in SriLanna National Park near Mae Tang, long tail boat ride across reservoir to floating restaurant 'Eakachai'

Walk up the Pilgrim's Trail to Wat Palaat, near the top of Suthep road by Channel 7 mast, very pretty only 3Km.

Day out swimming and walking at 'Ob Khan' national park and river in the mountains near Hang Dong.

Edited January 9, 201313 yr by TommoPhysicist

Lemontree restaurant on Huay Kaew over the road from Central.

kantoke dinner behind carrefour/big c

Kao Mao Kao Fang jungle restaurant is a must visit.

Galare restaurant at the very end of Suthep Rd also.

Edited January 9, 201313 yr by DaamNaam

How expensive would it be to get a (fairly large) vehicle with driver on days when needed and any recommendations as to where to secure such a service? Our budget is fairly tight so it might not be feasible but I am interested (especially since my stepdad isn't real strong these days)...

http://www.chiangmainews.com/classifieds_job/view.php?id=45545

Tweechol (Horizon) a definate for kids and your parents

Night safari great for kids with lots to do

zoo / aquarium if you have not done it before

San Kamphang hot springs for kids and parents / combine with some horse riding at cowboy bar

Elephant /rafting Mae Tang you can combine both and parents should enjoy it too

Mini golf can be fun on the Mae On road can be enjoyed by all ages

Chiang Dao market and caves

Sunday walking market (more for the women than men) but find a bar to sit in or a good pizza at Girasole and let the women shop

Lots of good golf options and spas

Kantoke dinner

Ping River trip

Mukatha (bbq on the table) restaurants

Mae Jo University show should be soon

Iain

Asked my 5 year old daughter the following without prompting (all her answers)

Best food - Francescas for pizza

Best thai food - Chiang Mai Land swimming Pool

Best play ground restaurant - Nics playground (but dont eat there) - Yummy Pizza for food and play

No 1 Chiang Mai attraction - Night Safari but the zoo is good too

A more specific question:

How expensive would it be to get a (fairly large) vehicle with driver on days when needed and any recommendations as to where to secure such a service? Our budget is fairly tight so it might not be feasible but I am interested (especially since my stepdad isn't real strong these days)...

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You can get a very nice, new, modern, clean mini-van with professional driver for about 1700 THB per day + fuel. They will pick you and your family up between 7:00-8:00 each morning, take you wherever you want to go and then return you to your hotel around 10:00 P.M. When the g/f's family comes to visit from Hat Yai they usually find the driver with photos of the mini-van on pantip.com but I'm sure someone here can make a personal recommendation. Most of the drivers are very helpful, will assist and escort the older folks, help them in and out of the van, not drive too fast, and will recommend the best and most scenic route based on the list of places you hand the driver.

Have a nice time.

Taweechol Gardens are a great day with the family. Doi Saket Rd.

Krisadadoi resort has lovely gardens as well and is a nice morning / afternoon trip. On the Sameong Rd.

Huay Tung Tao lake is another nice day out for the family. Just off the 700 year stadium / Canal Rd.

I agree about Nic's restaurant and playground, kids will have a great time.

+1

Some great recommendations there.

Khum Khantoke for dinner and traditional show should be on the list (or another Khantoke place, but this is the nicest).

Phuping Palace and the area around there. Hmong village is nothing special. Bring jackets this time of year!

Edited January 10, 201313 yr by elektrified

I feel very fortunate to have this resource. By all means keep it coming if there's more to add...

Thanks muchly.

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Iain: Thank you for all that and please thank your daughter for me. Her contribution is highly valued given her particular qualifications.

Elektrified: Excellent stuff. Cheers!

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Iain: Thank you for all that and please thank your daughter for me. Her contribution is highly valued given her particular qualifications.

Elektrified: Excellent stuff. Cheers!

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Beginning to look like you should plan on a stay of at least 2 months.

Iain: Thank you for all that and please thank your daughter for me. Her contribution is highly valued given her particular qualifications.

Elektrified: Excellent stuff. Cheers!

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Beginning to look like you should plan on a stay of at least 2 months.

Indeed. And to think, I already had some basic plans -- which I may abandon entirely now!

You've got me thinking though HD - maybe I should have mentioned we'll only be there a week...

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Edited January 10, 201313 yr by SteeleJoe

You won't miss the horrible pollution,smoke,smog once you leave that's for sure. And you will be healthier for it too!

You won't miss the horrible pollution,smoke,smog once you leave that's for sure. And you will be healthier for it too!

There's always one, isn't there?

As great as Thai Visa can be (like on this thread) it wouldn't be Thai Visa if in the midst of a well meaning and uncontroversial thread on a totally innocuous topic, someone didn't show up with a bitter comment adding no value at all.

Cheers!

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