Chiang Mai, Thailand’s “second city”, is many visitors’ second stop in Thailand after Bangkok, and many immediately fall in love with it.Understandably so, as it is indeed one of Asia’s great cities, and it has been a cultural crossroads for centuries.

Chiang Mai has mastered its role as the perfect host over the ages, and the 21^st Century is no exception. The only difference now is the number of activities and attractions available to children of all ages, from 2 to 92. 

All children love animals and the giant pandas at the Chiang Mai Zoo are a big draw, all the more so since they had baby Lin Ping, the only baby panda in Southeast Asia at this time.After the zoo, you may want to relax on the tram touring around the night safari, enjoying even more animals and an exciting light show.

Rounding out the evening might be a visit to the famous Night Bazaar, where all manner of gifts and souvenirs can be found, from textiles to jewelry to painting to ethnic handicrafts.After seeing the Akha people in the Night Bazaar, you’ll probably want to visit a mountain village while you’re in the north, be it Akha, Karen, Lisu, Lahu, Hmong, or Yao.Daytrips are available, but spending at least one night in a comfortable guesthouse in a village may well be the highlight of your northern sojourn.