March 29, 2024

Chiang Mai for Children and Teens: Leisure Activities in the Northern Capitol of Thailand

Chiang Mai is the northern capital of Thailand. It is surrounded on three sides, horse shoe style, by lush mountains. It is an ancient city of great beauty but it also has a modern appeal to families with young children and energetic teenagers.

This city has an abundance of leisure activates and teenagers and children are always enthralled by a visit to a zoo and the one in Chiang Mai is sure to please. This zoo is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain and is home to more than 6000 animals and over 4000 species of birds. It covers a very large area so hiring a car or jeep is recommended. For peace and quiet motor-bikes are not allowed inside the zoo. There are many picnic areas and a zoo for children with an adventure playground. The Twilight Zoo is one the many attractions of this magnificent zoo. Here the animals can be seen in their nocturnal habits. For details about opening times etc the zoo can be contacted at admin@chiangmaizoo.com

In and around Chiang Mai there are numerous opportunities to observe elephants at the Elephant Training Center, monkeys at the Monkey School, Insects at the Insect World and butterflies at the Orchid and Butterfly Farm. A well planned itinerary can cover a lot of these in one day. But that is not the only way to experience Chiang Mai.

The beauty of Chiang Mai can be enjoyed with a Sky Adventure. It is certainly a new exciting way to capture those holiday snapshots. A lightweight video camera is ideal to record the magnificent views of the city below. Reservations for this adventure are recommended. This activity is not for the faint hearted.

For those who prefer terra firma a visit to the elephant training center is ideal. There is no better way to survey the surroundings than from the lofty heights of a gentle pachyderm. Elephants have always been an important part of Thai culture and here they are dearly loved and highly respected. Once at the school, original masterpieces painted by the elephants can be bought to add to the holiday experience. An adult male elephant can weigh up to 4500Kg but its heart beats only 28 times per minute.

The monkey school, which is worth visiting, is about 20km. north of the city. Here it is possible to interact with the monkeys and take in a show. The show last for about 45 minutes giving some time to relax before heading back to the Chiang Mai Speedway. Here go-carts can be hired for as little as 200 Baht and if it speed is the daily requirement for pleasure look no further. All the thrills and spills are available here with go-carts available for the very beginner to the serious racer.

With so many activities available in Chiang Mai for the energetic teenager it is important not to forget about some quality shopping and once again this city has an abundance of shopping opportunities with designer shops and boutiques around the city. However; shopping is only complete once a trip to the Night Bazaar has been made. Here the array of goods on offer is mesmerizing and the prices are bewildering.

There is so much to see in Chiang Mai it is difficult to know where to start but The Three Kings Monument found in the old city would be a good place to start.

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