Chiang Rai with Kids
The White Temple, the Blue Temple & a Giraffe Farm

This is the image of Chiang Rai, and kids take to it more easily than they do an ordinary temple, because it looks like something out of a fairy tale — an all-white hall covered in glittering mirror inlay, a bridge lined with reaching sculpted hands, and tiny details across the whole site for children to spot and point out. It is a contemporary work by the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, still being added to year after year. The grounds are easy to walk; photography is usually not allowed inside the hall (watch for signs). Go early to beat the crowds and the heat.

If the White Temple is the white one, this is its blue counterpart — an ordination hall in deep cobalt blue picked out in gold, with a glowing white Buddha that stands out against it. Kids love the bright colour, and it photographs beautifully from every angle. The temple is small, so the visit is quick, which makes it an easy pairing with the White Temple and the Black House on the same day. It is still an active place of worship, so keep it quiet and respectful.

This is the number-one pick for kids in Chiang Rai — a huge farm and park with several things to do in one place. There is a zone where you feed giraffes and zebras up close, sweeping green tea fields and flower meadows to photograph and run around in, bikes to rent or a tram to ride around the grounds, and a zip-line and adventure activities for older kids and teens. Cafes and restaurants are on site, so you can easily make a full day of it. It is open and exposed, so bring hats and water.

If the White Temple is bright and light, the Black House is its opposite — strange enough that kids remember it. It is a cluster of black teak buildings set in a large garden, the life's work of the artist Thawan Duchanee. Inside are wood carvings, animal horns and curios that feel dark and mysterious, like another world. Older kids enjoy the oddness and the atmosphere, while younger ones can run around the garden between the buildings. Some pieces are intense and brooding, so it suits curious kids more than easily-spooked ones.

Have you ever seen a kid's face when they get to boil their own egg in a hot spring? It is a simple thing children love. Chiang Rai has several natural hot springs; the popular ones are Mae Khachan, on the road in from Chiang Mai, and Pong Phrabat, near town. There are pools to dip your feet in, eggs to buy and lower into the hot water, and some sites have private mineral baths. It makes a gentle activity on a cool day — kids get to play and eat warm boiled eggs. The boiling pools are genuinely hot, so keep children close.

On a day when you want the kids in the water and out in nature, Chiang Rai has several waterfalls near town. Khun Korn is a tall, beautiful fall but it takes a forest walk to reach, so it suits families whose kids can manage the trail. Huai Mae Sai and smaller spots have shallow pools that are easier for little ones to play in. The water is fairly cold in the cool season, so pack a change of clothes and grippy shoes. Pick the spot that matches your kids' ages, and keep them close — the rocks are slippery.

A good family trip needs a day that is not rushed, and green tea terraces stepping down a hillside are exactly the kind of place where everyone gets to breathe. Choui Fong has open lawns where kids can run among the tea, and a cafe with a wide view that serves green tea and the kind of treats kids go for, like matcha cake and ice cream. The air up here is cool, and it photographs beautifully from every angle. It is a relaxed activity that pairs well with a scenic drive — a good way to round off an afternoon.

Chiang Rai is home to several ethnic communities, and it is a chance for kids to learn about ways of life different from their own — watching weaving, silverwork and hill farming. Many communities have cultural centres or craft shops that welcome visitors appropriately. Please visit with respect — ask before photographing people, do not treat anyone as an exhibit, and buy crafts directly from the makers. Choosing a tour or community-run visit led by local people is the best approach for both your family and the community. It works best for school-age kids and up, who are starting to take an interest in culture.

At the far north of Chiang Rai is the Golden Triangle, where the Mekong River marks the point at which Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Kids get a kick out of standing in one spot and seeing three countries at once. There are riverside viewpoints, a giant Buddha, and a short boat ride on the Mekong that is fun and not tiring. The area also has museums telling the region's history. It is a half- to full-day trip that pairs well with the old town of Chiang Saen (it is a fair drive from town, so allow travel time).

After a full day out, round it off with an easy stroll in town. The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar runs every evening with plenty to eat, a seating area with live music, and toys and souvenirs for kids to pick. On Saturday and Sunday nights there is also a lively Walking Street. Northern dishes like khao soi (curry noodles) and nam ngiao, along with local sweets, are easy to find, so kids get to try something new in a relaxed setting. By day, Chiang Rai also has several garden cafes with corners where kids can play — a good mid-day break.