What should you pack for Chiang Mai with kids?
Pack light, breathable clothes for every child, plus a sun hat, high-factor sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and comfy sandals with a back strap. Add one light layer for cool evenings, a compact rain jacket, insect repellent and a small first aid kit. Bring one outfit per child that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits. Most other things are easy to buy in town if you forget them.
Pack for the kind of day you'll have. A typical family day here mixes temples, a market, a garden or park and a lot of walking in between. Two or three changes of quick-dry clothes per child, washed as you go, beats a heavy case full of outfits that never get worn.
Leave space for the things kids really use: a favourite water bottle, a small toy for tuk-tuk rides and a soft bag they can carry themselves. Pharmacies and convenience stores in town stock sunscreen, rehydration sachets and nappies, so there is no need to pack a month of supplies.
How do you pack for the Chiang Mai heat and sun?
The heat is the main thing to plan for. Choose loose cotton or linen, wide-brimmed hats with a chin strap, UV sun tops for younger children and sunglasses that stay on small faces. Pack more sunscreen than seems sensible and reapply after any water play. Electrolyte sachets and a small clip-on fan make the hottest afternoons far easier for everyone.
The hot season runs from March to May, with April the hottest month. Even outside those months, the midday sun is strong. Light colours help, and so does one long-sleeved sun top per child for longer outdoor stretches.
Plan around the clock. Keep outdoor play for the morning and the golden hour before sunset, and save the middle of the day for lunch, a nap or somewhere shaded. Our family itinerary for Chiang Mai is built around that rhythm.
What do kids need for the rainy season?
For the rainy season, add a lightweight rain jacket or poncho per child, sandals that cope with puddles and a dry bag for phones and spare clothes. Showers often arrive in the afternoon and pass, so you rarely lose a whole day. Pack quick-dry shorts in place of denim, and keep one full change of clothes in the day bag for splashy walks home.
Rainy season runs from June to October, with August and September the wettest. The hills turn green and the air feels softer, which many families love. Umbrellas get awkward when you're holding small hands, so ponchos are the easier choice.
Mosquitoes are busier in wet weather, so pack a repellent suitable for children and a soothing cream for bites. Our guide to a July or August family holiday in Chiang Mai has more ideas for wet-weather days.
Do you need warm layers or face masks in Chiang Mai?
A light layer, yes. In the cool season, from November to February, nights and early mornings feel fresh, so pack a thin fleece and long trousers for each child. Face masks matter later in the dry season, when smoke haze can build. Well-fitting children's masks are worth packing if your trip falls between late January and April, and an air quality app helps you plan outdoor time.
In the cool season, nights often drop to about 15 to 18°C. That feels chilly after a warm day, especially on early starts to the mountains. One warm top per child is plenty, as days stay pleasant. See our November family trip guide for what that season looks like on the ground.
Haze often starts to build from late January or February, with March the peak of the burning season. Children's masks in the right size are hard to find in a hurry, so bring them from home. Check air quality each morning and move busy plans indoors on heavier days.
What should go in the day bag for outdoor days?
Keep the day bag simple: water for everyone, sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, wet wipes, plasters, a light layer and a few snacks. Add a temple-ready top and a thin scarf, plus a spare set of clothes for younger children. Slip-on shoes save time at temples and anywhere shoes come off. A small bag of coins and notes helps with market stalls and snacks.
Garden days are where this bag earns its keep. Shaded outdoor spots give children room to run while parents sit down, and a round of mini golf is an easy way to fill an afternoon at a pace kids choose. If that suits your plans, here is what to expect at our garden course.
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Course | 18-hole garden mini golf in Chiang Mai |
| Booking | None needed, walk in |
| Opening hours | Every day, 09:00 to 18:00 |
| Time needed | About 1 to 2 hours per round |
| Food and drink | Cold drinks, snacks and ice cream on site |
| Seating | Shaded garden seating |
| Extra games | Cornhole, board games, frisbee |
| Groups | Groups, birthdays and events welcome, message ahead |
Late afternoon is the sweetest time for outdoor play, as the light turns golden and the heat eases. Pack the hats anyway.