Where are the best picnic spots in Chiang Mai?
The most reliable family picnic spots in Chiang Mai are Nong Buak Haad Park in the Old City, the lawns around Ang Kaew reservoir at Chiang Mai University, the bamboo huts at Huay Tung Tao lake and the gardens of Royal Park Rajapruek. Each offers shade and room for children to roam. Pick by how far you want to travel and whether you would rather bring food or buy it there.
Nong Buak Haad Park sits in the south west corner of the Old City moat. It is small and leafy, with a pond, fountains and lawns under big trees. Locals jog here and families spread mats in the shade. It suits a short picnic squeezed between temple visits or market stops.
Ang Kaew reservoir at Chiang Mai University has a lakeside path with Doi Suthep rising behind the water. The grassy banks are easy for small legs and pushchairs, and the campus feels calm on weekends.
Huay Tung Tao is a lake below the mountains where bamboo huts sit along the shore. Vendors bring food to your hut, so you can arrive with nothing but a towel. Children paddle at the edge while adults stretch out in the shade.
Royal Park Rajapruek is a landscaped botanical garden with themed gardens, pavilions and wide lawns. It feels more polished than the city parks and suits a slower afternoon with grandparents in tow.
Which picnic spots have the most shade?
Huay Tung Tao gives the most dependable shade because every bamboo hut has a roof. Nong Buak Haad has mature trees over much of its lawn. Ang Kaew and Royal Park Rajapruek have shady pockets, but also long stretches of open grass in full sun. If shade is your priority, arrive early enough to claim a good spot under the trees.
Shade moves through the afternoon, so set up on the east side of a large tree if you plan to stay into the late afternoon. A light mat and a couple of cushions make a covered hut or a patch under a canopy far more comfortable than a bare bench.
If someone in your group struggles with heat, our guide to what to do when Chiang Mai is too hot for temples has indoor and shaded options for the warmest days.
What should you pack for a picnic in Chiang Mai?
Pack more water than seems sensible, insect repellent, sun cream, hats, a waterproof mat and a bag for rubbish. Choose food that holds up in the heat: sticky rice, grilled chicken, fresh fruit and crackers travel well. A small cool bag keeps drinks cold for longer. Bring a ball or frisbee so children have something to do once they have eaten.
Markets around the city sell excellent picnic food, so you rarely need to cook. Pick up mango, pineapple and grilled skewers on the way and eat them soon after buying. Leave mayonnaise-based dishes and chocolate at home, as both suffer quickly in the warmth.
Mosquitoes gather near still water, so apply repellent before you sit down at Huay Tung Tao or Ang Kaew. Take all your rubbish with you. Bins at smaller parks fill up fast on weekends.
What can children do after the food is finished?
Children rarely stay on a picnic mat for long once the food is gone. Feed the ducks and fish at Nong Buak Haad, walk the lakeside loop at Ang Kaew, splash at the edge of Huay Tung Tao or explore the gardens at Royal Park Rajapruek. A frisbee or ball turns any open lawn into a playground, and a garden activity nearby can stretch the afternoon further.
Pairing a picnic with something active keeps everyone in good spirits. A round of garden mini golf fits naturally here. It is outdoors and gentle enough for grandparents, and it gives restless children a clear target. Our 18-hole course also has lawn games and shaded seating, so the picnic mood carries on.
For more low-cost ideas to fill a weekend, see our list of cheap things to do in Chiang Mai with kids.
Mini Golf CNX at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Course | 18-hole garden mini golf |
| Opening hours | Every day, 09:00 to 18:00 |
| Booking | None needed, walk in |
| Time for a round | About 1 to 2 hours |
| Food and drink | Cold drinks, snacks and ice cream on site |
| Seating | Shaded garden seating |
| Lawn games | Cornhole, board games, frisbee |
| Groups and birthdays | Welcome, message ahead so space is set aside |
When is the best time of day for a picnic in Chiang Mai?
Late afternoon suits most families. The midday sun is strong, so arriving after the hottest hours means cooler grass and longer shadows for photos. Early morning is the other comfortable window, with quieter parks and fresher air. Avoid the middle of the day unless you have a covered hut or deep shade to sit under.
Plan the afternoon backwards from sunset. Arrive, eat while the shade is good, then let children play as the light softens. If you are bringing several generations together, our ideas for three-generation outings in Chiang Mai cover pacing for both toddlers and grandparents.