MORE PHOTOS
Grande Prairie, Alberta
Canada
4
0
0
$$$
ITINERARY (Full Day)
Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park
Wat Phra Singh
Nong Buak Hard Public Park Playground
nugget’s Advice
Prepare in advance
The Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park is a little ways out of town, so you should bring snacks and water with you. Grab, Thailand's version of Uber, is the easiest way to get there, so ensure you have the Grab app downloaded on your phone ahead of time.
Good to know
Traffic can be busy around Chiang Mai. Make sure you're always walking on the sidewalks when available, and hold onto your little ones' hands. It's also worth warning them about the importance of staying right beside you, on the side that's furthest away from traffic.
Recommended day/time
It can get hot midday, so it's best to start the day with a visit to the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park earlier in the morning. The ideal time to go is between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. (It opens at 9 a.m.)
Recommended time of the year
Thailand can get very hot, humid and rainy in the summer. Also, the pollution can be quite bad in March and April due to the farmers burning the fields. The best time to visit is in the fall, from October to February.
Save Money
A Grab car is the most convenient way to get around Thailand with young kids, and it's also cheaper than haggling over a taxi. Download the Grab app before your visit and buy a cheap local SIM card so you can use the app during your travels.
About This Day
Chiang Mai, Thailand, is well known for its elephant adventures. However, there are many family activities on offer beyond the elephant parks. This day starts with something related to elephants that's a little unexpected. You'll head out of town to the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park. Not only will the whole family giggle at its name, here you'll learn all about making elephant poo paper! Everyone will get a chance to make the paper, and you can even craft a special souvenir for yourself. Next, it's into town to the most beautiful temple in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh. Take some time to wander around the temple grounds to admire the various forms of architecture. Plus, you can receive a blessing from one of the monks. Finish up the day by relaxing in the shade while the kids play in the great playground at Nong Buak Hard Public Park. Enjoy a snack, picnic or a cool drink while the kids burn off the last bit of energy for the day.
Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park
Unnamed Road, A. Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
$$$
The elephant poo paper factory at Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park is quite a memorable and educational family activity. It takes visitors through the process of making paper out of elephant poop from beginning to end. It's a sustainable paper production, as it doesn't require cutting down any trees, doesn't use harsh chemicals and the colour comes from all natural ingredients. Everyone will learn about the importance of sustainability in a fun and interactive way. After the tour, the kids (and adults) have the chance to make their own poo poo paper, then the kids can stop at the craft station when they're finished to make their very own souvenir. My kids made bookmarks, and these are now one of their most cherished travel souvenirs.
DIRECTIONS
The Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park is located 10 km (6 miles) north of Chiang Mai, so it's easiest to get here using a taxi or Grab car. They will know where it is, so you can either plug it into the Grab app or tell the taxi driver you want to come here. Because it's so far out of the way, it might be worth negotiating with them to either picking you up or staying and waiting for you.
TIP
There's a restaurant here, but it's not always open, so make sure you come prepared with your own snacks. There's also a gift shop at the end that is a great place to buy funny elephant poo-themed souvenirs.
Wat Phra Singh
Thanon Samlarn Lane 1,
$$$
The Wat Phra Singh is one of the most beautiful and most popular temples to visit in Chiang Mai. There's such a variety of temples and pagodas here that you should be able to keep the kids entertained for at least long enough to have a quick look around. The main temple is a place of worship, and there are often monks chanting along the side. You can give a small offering and receive a blessing from one of the monks as well. Our girls enjoyed giving to the monks and receiving their small wool bracelet blessing in return. Once you've seen the inside of the temple, there's so much outside to explore. There's the large golden pagoda, a smaller temple with beautiful old paintings on the walls, a reclining Buddha and an area with hundreds of hanging bells. Of course, the kids had a blast walking near the bells with outstretched arms, making them ring ever so gently. It's such a peaceful oasis in the middle of a busy city, and steeped with so much culture and tradition.
DIRECTIONS
If you're coming from the elephant poo paper factory, just have your Grab car or taxi drop you off at the temple. You can also get dropped off at the western entrance into the walled city and walk. The temple is located a few blocks east of the entrance. You'll be able to see it long before you can enter though, as the only entrance is on the east side. It might be worth grabbing lunch before heading to the pagoda, so the kids don't get "hangry" while you're exploring. There are plenty of great restaurants within a few blocks' radius of the pagoda.
TIP
This is a religious site and the temples are still used for worship. Prepare your kids for this ahead of time and ensure they're quiet when entering the temple. It's also necessary to dress appropriately with your shoulders and knees covered. If you're not wearing appropriate clothes, you can rent some at the entrance.
Nong Buak Hard Public Park Playground
Arak Road,
FREE
A playground is always a good family activity after temple hopping, whether you're visiting one temple or many. The playground at Nong Buak Hard Public Park is great because it's fenced in, so the kids are contained from the traffic. There's a ton of green space for the kids to run or chase pigeons. Plus, you can often see the backpackers rope walking across the small pond, which is wonderfully entertaining. The playground is mostly in the shade and there are benches nearby to sit and relax. The bathroom (paid) is also only a few steps away, which is important when visiting the park. Chiang Mai is such an urban city, it's nice to spend time in a bit of greenery, away from the hustle and bustle. Another great thing to do at the park is to have a picnic. It's easy to pick up food to-go from many of the nearby restaurants and enjoy it sitting in the shade at the park.
DIRECTIONS
The park is located at the southwest corner of the walled city of Chiang Mai. It's possible to walk from Wat Phra Singh to the park. When you exit the temple, turn right on Samlarn Road. Walk almost to the moat, until you reach Samlan Soi 7 and turn right. Follow this road to the entrance of the park. It should only take 5-10 minutes. If the kids need a bit of encouragement, there are lots of fruit and ice cream vendors set up on the side of the road for a quick snack along the way!
TIP
The streets in Chiang Mai are busy, and there are very few sidewalks. Hold onto your kids when walking and ensure they walk on the side furthest away from traffic.
Nanya Hotel Chiang Mai
Samlarn Road,
$$$$
WE LOVEDThe family room was very comfortable, and the pool was welcoming and refreshing after a day exploring the city. The rooms were clean, modern and comfortable.
WE DIDN'T LIKEBreakfast was very simple and without many options.
TIPThe family room books up quickly. It's the same price to book two doubles, and they are good at providing side-by-side rooms on request.
STAYED06 December, 2017 with 5 year old, 7 year old
More Thailand itineraries
MORE NUGGET ADVENTURES
