Are you planning a family trip to Chiang Mai and wondering if the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is the right choice for you? As a mother of a five-year-old daughter, I know how important it is to find a hotel that not only caters to adults but also makes a stay enjoyable and stress-free for the little ones. We recently had the pleasure of staying at this beautiful riverside resort in March 2025, and I’m excited to share my honest thoughts.
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Overall, our experience at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort was absolutely fantastic, and I can say with confidence that it is a wonderful option for families. From the moment we stepped into the soaring, open-air lobby, we were enveloped in a sense of tranquility and luxury. The resort’s design is stunning, blending contemporary style with traditional Thai elements, and it truly felt like a relaxing oasis.
Pros and Cons: A Quick Look
To give you a clear overview, here’s a quick list of what we loved and what could be improved for families.
Pros:
- Exceptional Location: The resort is located right on the banks of the Ping River, offering a serene and picturesque setting. It’s a short walk to the famous Night Bazaar, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle to feel like a true escape.
- Stunning Ambiance: The high-ceilinged lobby and beautiful grounds create an immediate sense of resort-style luxury and space.
- Spacious Rooms: We were upgraded to a suite, which provided ample space for our family to spread out and relax.
- Kid-Friendly Amenities: Our daughter was thrilled to find her own set of children’s slippers in the room, and the restaurant had dedicated kid-sized plates and cutlery.
- Delicious & Diverse Breakfast: The breakfast buffet was one of the highlights of our stay, with a wide variety of high-quality options, including a delicious avocado toast that you can order from the menu.
- Accommodating Staff: The hotel staff were incredibly kind and attentive, always making an effort to interact with our daughter and ensure our family’s comfort.
Cons:
- Limited Kid-Specific Facilities: While the hotel is very welcoming to families, there aren’t dedicated kid’s clubs or extensive playgrounds. The main pool is a great spot, but if you’re looking for a resort with a water park or structured children’s activities, this might not be the best fit.
- Pool Use Timing: We didn’t get a chance to use the pool ourselves due to our schedule, but we saw many families with kids enjoying it. It’s important to note that the pool area can get busy.
Our Family Room Experience: The Suite Life
One of the greatest benefits of our stay was the generous room upgrade we received. We were given a spacious suite, which was an absolute game-changer for our family of three. Having a separate living area meant that after our daughter went to bed, my husband and I could still enjoy some quiet time without having to sit in the dark. The room was beautifully decorated, with a comfortable king-sized bed and a luxurious bathroom.
For families, the room offered several thoughtful touches. As soon as we checked in, we found a pair of tiny children’s slippers waiting for our daughter—a simple gesture that made her feel special and welcome. The bathroom was well-appointed, and the separate shower and bathtub made bath time with a child much easier. The large windows offered a lovely view, and the overall cleanliness and comfort of the room were top-notch.
Kid-Friendly Activities & Amenities
While the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort doesn’t have a specific kids’ club, it is still very well-equipped to handle families with children. The main infinity pool is a stunning centerpiece of the resort, stretching along the river. Although we didn’t get a chance to swim ourselves, we saw plenty of families splashing around and having a great time. The pool’s size and design seemed perfect for both adults looking to relax and kids wanting to play. There were also plenty of lounge chairs for parents to supervise from.
Beyond the pool, the resort’s open spaces and peaceful atmosphere are perfect for a family looking to unwind. While there are no dedicated playgrounds or game rooms, the beautiful gardens and riverside walk provide a lovely backdrop for a leisurely stroll with your little ones. The resort’s relaxed pace is its greatest strength for families who want to escape the usual hectic holiday schedule.
Dining for Families: A Breakfast to Remember
The breakfast buffet at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort was a highlight of our stay. The selection was incredibly diverse, offering everything from traditional Thai dishes to Western favorites, and an array of fresh fruits, pastries, and juices. The quality of the food was exceptional, and there was truly something for everyone.
For picky eaters like my daughter, there were plenty of safe options like pancakes, waffles, and a variety of cereals and breads. The best part for us was the à la carte menu, where you could order specialties like the incredibly delicious avocado toast—a must-try! The staff was also very attentive to our needs. They immediately offered a high chair for our daughter and provided her with her own set of colorful kid-sized plates and cutlery. We chose to sit on the terrace, which offered a beautiful view of the Ping River, making for a truly memorable dining experience.
For the Parents: A Blissful Escape at the Spa
As parents, it’s crucial to find moments to recharge, and the Anantara Spa provided the perfect opportunity. We took turns visiting the spa, and having that time to refresh individually was a key ingredient in making our trip so special.
The spa is in a separate, quiet building, which instantly sets a relaxing tone. We had only booked the time in advance, deciding on the specific treatment once we arrived. I chose the Anantara Signature Massage. Upon arrival, I was welcomed with a soothing lemongrass and pandan tea during the consultation. The private treatment room was incredibly serene and even had its own shower. My massage began with a relaxing foot bath, followed by a fantastic oil massage that was pure bliss.
Afterward, I was led to a second-floor relaxation area to enjoy some chamomile tea, and to my surprise, it had a beautiful pool view! It was a perfect, peaceful moment to end the experience.
Final Verdict: Would We Stay at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort Again?
After our wonderful stay, the answer is a resounding yes! The Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is the perfect choice for a family that values a relaxing and luxurious retreat over a resort packed with kid-specific attractions. It’s best suited for families with kids who want to experience the beauty of Chiang Mai from a peaceful, yet convenient, riverside location.
The resort’s stunning aesthetics, impeccable service, and spacious rooms make it an ideal base for exploring the city while providing a tranquil sanctuary to return to. We especially recommend it for families with kids who appreciate great food, a sophisticated, laid-back atmosphere, and the opportunity for parents to unwind at the spa. While there may not be a designated kids’ club, the warmth and accommodation shown by the staff and the beauty of the resort itself more than make up for it. We can’t wait to go back!
