How's CM for family accomodation / kids activities?

[BasilBrush500]

Dear Friends,

I will visit Chiang Mai with my wife and 2 children. Can anyone recommend good accomodation for family that offers reasonable (1-2kms) proximity to centre? Budget of ??? (not sure - whatever it costs as long as it is good value for money) per night. We are also looking for things to do with the children who are 9 and 13 year old boys. Our priorities are 1. Family accomodation with a place for kids to play that is safe (preferably, but not essential - garden / & a swimming pool) 2. Where's there a football field where kids can have a kickabout? 3. Any other outdoor activities anyone can recommend for the kids? Thanks so much for your help / advice. Rgds, Basil.

[northernjohn]

Well there is the zoo with Panda bears and a large Aquarium. Also trails to hike up to Doi Suthep. A museum on Changklan slightly south of the Night Bazaar. Haven't been there yet but the wife is telling me her 10 and 15 year old granddaughters are anxious to go. Haven't a clue as to what is there. Also the Night Safari. There is also a fantastic botanical gardens in that area gardens from all over the world. Will have to ask about it when you get here or some one with a lot more knowledge than I have will come along and tell you about it. All I know is I found it very beautiful and peaceful.

No idea where to stay for a family but I am sure they will have lots of different tour information for you where ever you stay. Lots of brochures at the airport when you arrive.

Come and enjoy I am sure you will not regret it.

[BasilBrush500]

Thanks Northernjohn, That's really helpful. Maybe someone else will be able to give me info on where I can stay/play some cricket/football with the kids. The wife will pour the lemonade and watch - she doesn't play football/cricket.

[Tokay]

I find the zoo to not be anywhere near western standards, but it's worth a visit with your children. You can also take them to an elephant farm to ride and bath elephants. There is the night safari. Ice skating at Central Festival Mall, along with arcade games. Of course they can catch a movie if it's raining or you just want to get out of the heat, we have some great theaters in the new malls. There is a observatory on Doi Suthep, but they have retarded hours. We have a tiger zoo, but do that with caution. I'm sure there is a snake and crocodile farm around here somewhere. Depending on their size and skill, you can do mountain bike rides down Doi Suthep. And there is the infamous (and expensive) zip line in the jungle, kids love that. There is also a cheap one at the zoo right outside of the aquarium, going over the water. 60b I think it is. Lots of fun.

Most places are over priced and they usually stick it to foreigners, but it is what it is.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Top North guest house has family rooms for 600bht/night.

Nice swimming pool too.

Park about 1.5Km on the airport corner of the moat.

Huay Keow park, waterfall and walking trails, at the top of Huay Keow Road, just after the zoo.

[northernjohn]

Top North guest house has family rooms for 600bht/night.

Nice swimming pool too.

Park about 1.5Km on the airport corner of the moat.

Huay Keow park, waterfall and walking trails, at the top of Huay Keow Road, just after the zoo.

Are those walking paths easier or harder than the ones at the west end of Suthep road?

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Top North guest house has family rooms for 600bht/night.

Nice swimming pool too.

Park about 1.5Km on the airport corner of the moat.

Huay Keow park, waterfall and walking trails, at the top of Huay Keow Road, just after the zoo.

Are those walking paths easier or harder than the ones at the west end of Suthep road?

Park and waterfalls very easy, going up a bit harder, but a paved path for a couple of kilometers.

[northernjohn]

Top North guest house has family rooms for 600bht/night.

Nice swimming pool too.

Park about 1.5Km on the airport corner of the moat.

Huay Keow park, waterfall and walking trails, at the top of Huay Keow Road, just after the zoo.

Are those walking paths easier or harder than the ones at the west end of Suthep road?

Park and waterfalls very easy, going up a bit harder, but a paved path for a couple of kilometers.

thanks for the info.