Family Budget Chiang Mai Breakdown: A Real Look at Costs with Kids

Let’s just get this out of the way: family budget Chiang Mai travel is totally possible. And not in a “we stayed in a tent and ate instant noodles” kind of way. I mean real travel—comfortable, fun, kid-friendly, and affordable.

The truth is, slow travel can actually save you money once you settle into a place. You’re not bouncing from one city to the next, paying for every meal out, or trying to squeeze all the sights into three jam-packed days. When we stayed in Chiang Mai for a month with our two kids, we ended up spending $3,028.75 USD total. That’s about $108.17 per day for our whole family. That number includes food, a cozy apartment, transportation, coffee (a lot of coffee), and even a couple of doctor visits.

Let me break it all down for you—because if you’re dreaming of traveling slower and spending less, this might just be the inspiration you need.

Accommodation — $1,447.63 total / $51.70 per night

I’ll be honest, this was one of the most expensive per-night stays we’ve had in the past nine months of full-time travel. Chiang Mai threw us a bit of a curveball when it came to finding a place that met all our usual criteria. The options near the Old City or the trendy Nimman area weren’t quite cutting it for our family.

So we got creative.

We widened our search a bit outside the city center, and that’s when we found it—what ended up being one of our favorite vacation rentals to date [click to search on Vrbo]. This place felt like home. Not just a spot to crash, but a space where the kids could play, we could cook, and everyone had room to breathe.

It came fully stocked with kid amenities: indoor toys, building blocks, even a little bike with training wheels. There was an above-ground pool for afternoon dips, and the hosts even included four adult bicycles, which made exploring the area super easy. The house itself was a cozy 2-bedroom, 2-bath with a full kitchen—something we’ve learned makes all the difference when you’re slow traveling with little ones.

Moral of the story? Sometimes you have to zoom out from your usual search zone to find the real gems. It might not be in the heart of the action, but it just might give your family what you actually need: space to slow down and feel settled.

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Eating Out — $191.59 Total

We kept a good balance here—some nights cooking at home, some nights letting someone else do the dishes. It was a mix of Grab food delivery, chill cafés with playgrounds, a few indulgent ice cream stops, and even a couple of farm-to-table spots that made us feel like we were living our best lives.

Here’s where that money went:

Grab Food Delivery – $68.25
Think Uber Eats or DoorDash, but local. We used Grab more than a few times, especially on tired evenings or rainy afternoons. On average, it cost about $8.50 per order to feed all four of us. Not bad for the convenience.

Living the Dream Café – $14.00
This place earned its name. It had an outdoor covered playground, grassy areas, swings, trampolines, and a sandpit. We came here three times because the kids loved it—and we could sip coffee in peace while they played.

Poppy’s Ice Cream – $17.07
We splurged here twice on gourmet ice cream cones that were absolutely worth it. One of those rare finds that feels a little fancy and totally kid-approved.

It’s Good Kitchen – $7.38
Busy, central spot with good food. The kids were thrilled when their rice was shaped like a teddy bear. It’s those little touches that make dining out with little ones just a bit easier.

Street Food Stops – $25.00
There’s something magical about wandering the streets and stumbling upon a stand with sizzling woks or fresh mango sticky rice. Sometimes you’re hungry, and you just go for it. No reservations needed.

Roast8ry – $6.16
We went for the coffee, stayed for the latte art. We got one with a unicorn on top, no joke. Yes, it was pricier, but the artistry was incredible—and our daughter talked about it for days.

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Mama Sandwich Boran – $5.52
Quick, Thai-inspired breakfast sandwiches. It’s part of Roast8ry and super flavorful. Good grab-and-go option when you’ve got early plans.

The Barn Eatery and Design – $12.73
Trendy café with tasty food, but maybe not the best place for hangry toddlers. Lots of people working on laptops, and we definitely felt the pressure to keep the volume down.

100 Flavors Ice Cream – $5.78
You know when the hardest part of your day is choosing from 100 flavors of ice cream? We tried four different kinds. No regrets.

Begin Playspace Café – $14.85
A total win for families. Open to the public on weekends, this café has a dedicated kids’ play area and surprisingly good food. I had a spicy pork quesadilla with Northern Thai flavor and honestly… it was one of my favorite meals.

Ginger Farm Kitchen – $18.32
A beautiful farm-to-table spot right on the farm. Fresh ingredients, lots of space, and a peaceful setting. Felt like a little breath of fresh air.

Ai-Cha Ice Cream – $2.45
Classic vanilla soft serve cones. Simple. Sweet. Totally hit the spot.

Groceries — $614.50 Total

If you’re staying in one place for more than a week, you start to figure out the rhythm—where to get the best produce, what’s overpriced, and which stores are open when you need something last minute (like yogurt or milk at 8pm).

We shopped everywhere from massive hypermarkets that felt just like the U.S. to little corner shops and roadside stands with fresh veggies and eggs. It wasn’t always the cheapest family budget Chiang Mai setup we’ve had compared to other parts of Southeast Asia, but it was solid.

We averaged $21.95 per day on groceries and snacks for our family of four, which gave us plenty of flexibility to cook at home and still grab treats here and there. Since our place wasn’t super close to any farmers markets, we leaned on the big stores more than usual.

Here’s what that looked like:

Lotus’s Hypermarket – $410.09
This was our main go-to. Think of it like a Thai version of Target or Walmart. It had everything—pantry staples, produce, toiletries, and even things like swim goggles and Play-Doh when we needed a boredom buster.

Rimping Supermarket – $105.06
Definitely more upscale, with a wide range of international products and organic options. We popped in here when we wanted things like hummus, cheese, or greek yogurt. A bit pricier, but they had what we couldn’t find elsewhere.

Lotus’s Small Market – $55.04
Smaller than the hypermarket but great for top-up runs. We’d swing by for fruit, snacks, or oatmeal when we didn’t want to deal with a huge store.

Local Market Vendors – $24.75
These were little roadside stands or tucked-away neighborhood shops where we grabbed fresh eggs and tropical fruit. Honestly, I wish we had more access to this, it’s usually our favorite way to shop, both for the price and the experience.

Grab Groceries – $19.56
There were a few days when going to the store just didn’t happen. So we used Grab to get groceries delivered to our door. Super convenient, especially during sick days or full schedules.

Transportation — $184.70 Total

Getting around Chiang Mai was easy and surprisingly fun. Our main go-to? Bikes and Grab.

The vacation rental came with several adult bicycles, and we actually used them. The city is flat and manageable, and biking was a great way to explore nearby coffee shops, markets, or just let the kids feel the breeze.

When we needed to go farther or carry more than a few bananas, we used Grab, which is basically Southeast Asia’s version of Uber. It was cheap, efficient, and—bonus—we got to ride in some of the nicest electric vehicles we’ve ever been in. No language barriers, no price haggling, no surprise detours. Just tap, ride, done.

We never felt the need to rent a car, and we didn’t miss it. Between bikes and Grab, we covered everything from temple visits to grocery runs without stress or confusion.

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Tourist Attractions — $89.61 Total

We didn’t do all the tourist attractions in Chiang Mai—and honestly, we didn’t feel like we had to. When you’re slow traveling, you get to pick and choose what actually works for your family right now. Some days we adventured, and others we just… stayed home and made forts out of couch cushions.

Here’s what we did (and what it cost us):

Hello Mao Café – $19.82
Our kids have really been missing their pets while we travel, so this cat café was a hit. We went twice because they loved it so much. There were about 20 young, playful cats, and the kids had unlimited time to cuddle, chase, and giggle. The café admission includes a drink for each person, and we got to sip lattes while the kids got their fill of furry snuggles. [click to read more about kid friendly activities in Chiang Mai]

Doi Suthep Temple – $1.83
One of the most famous temples in the region, perched on a mountain with a sweeping view of the city. We climbed the iconic staircase with the dragon railings (yes, we carried the toddler) and soaked in the peaceful vibe. Entry for adults is just under a dollar each, and kids are free. [read more about our favorite temples by clicking here]

Manicure + Nail Painting – $20.34
A little mom-and-daughter treat. My girls and I got our nails done at a local salon, which felt like a real luxury without the luxury price. Simple, sweet, and something we don’t always make time for back home.

After School Playspace – $25.29
This was a lifesaver on rainy days. Huge covered play area, climbing equipment, a fish pond, and lots of room to run. We went twice and loved it. Entry is free for adults, but you do need to order a meal or drink while the kids play—and yes, we had our fair share of smoothies and pad thai here.

Begin Playspace – $1.83
Open on weekends only, this family-friendly outdoor playspace had everything: wooden and metal playgrounds, lawn games, ping pong, and big-scale Scrabble and chess. The vibe was laid-back, and the kids had plenty to do while we chatted with other traveling parents.

Wat Chedi Luang – $3.69
One of the most iconic temples right in the center of Chiang Mai. The scale of the ruins is breathtaking. If you time it right, you can even join a Monk Chat (we missed it, but it’s on our list for next time). Entry is minimal, and kids under 4 were free.

Royal Park Rajapruek – $16.81
Hands down the best park we’ve ever been to. It’s massive, like bring-snacks-and-comfy-shoes massive. We’re talking themed gardens from around the world, a working farm, a bug world exhibit, a skywalk through the forest, a golden palace, and even a Mars exhibit. A shuttle runs every 15 minutes and takes you around the whole park. This was a full-day adventure for us, and one I’d recommend to every family visiting Thailand. [read the full blog post on Royal Park Rajapruek]

Miscellaneous — $129.98 Total

This is the category for all the random life stuff that comes up when you’re actually living somewhere and not just passing through. Nothing too flashy here, just the things you buy to make day-to-day life smoother when you’re slow traveling with kids.

Here’s where it all went:

SamundLanna Stationery Store – $5.46
We picked up some colored pencils, crayons, coloring books, and sketch pads to keep the kids busy on rainy afternoons and slow mornings. It doesn’t take much to keep them happy, and this little restock saved us more than once.

Airalo eSIM – $8.00
We use Airalo for data when we’re abroad, and it worked well throughout our stay in Thailand. It kept us connected for everything from calling Grabs to looking up restaurant reviews or finding the nearest snack area in a pinch.

Mayan Gym – $15.00
My husband grabbed a few day passes to a nearby gym. At $1.50 a visit, it was an easy yes for a little alone time and movement. Sometimes you just need that hour to yourself.

Turo Secondhand Market – $1.40
Our kids grow fast, and travel doesn’t pause the laundry shrinkage or mystery stains. We stopped by this secondhand market and picked up a few basics. It was cheap, simple, and exactly what we needed.

Asia Books – $67.33
We’d been re-reading the same books for months, so this was a big but necessary splurge. We got a few new kids’ books and a Kindergarten/1st grade workbook to help keep our oldest engaged. Books are pricier in Chiang Mai, but honestly, so worth it for the fresh stories and learning.

Green Bamboo Massage – $9.04
I finally treated myself to a traditional Thai massage. It was strong, grounding, and exactly what I needed after weeks of carrying toddlers and backpacks. One hour later, I walked out feeling completely reset.

Haircuts – $10.42
The girls and my husband all got haircuts during our stay. Quick and affordable.

Top Charoen Optics – $12.33
I needed a refill on contacts, and while they didn’t have my exact brand, I got a trial pair, a travel-sized solution, and a quick refractive exam all for under $15. Fast, clean, and super easy.

When you’re in a place like Chiang Mai for a full month, these little errands just become part of the rhythm. They might not be what you think about when planning a trip, but they’re the kind of everyday moments that make family travel feel grounded and sustainable.

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Healthcare — $360.18 Total with Reimbursements

One of the biggest concerns families have about traveling long-term is healthcare. And I get it—when you’re far from home, dealing with doctors, pharmacies, or even just finding the right toothpaste can feel overwhelming. But honestly? Our experience in Chiang Mai was organized, professional, and surprisingly affordable.

And yes, we did have a health scare while we were here. But thanks to our travel insurance through SafetyWing, we were fully reimbursed for the emergency hospital visits related to our daughter’s injury. That peace of mind was worth every penny.

Here’s how our family healthcare budget in Chiang Mai broke down:

SafetyWing Travel Insurance – $112.56
We use SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance, and they made the claims process super easy. They reimbursed us in full after submitting the necessary documentation and receipts. If you’re slow traveling with kids, this kind of coverage is a must.

House of Dental Care – $153.85
We all got our teeth cleaned, two adults and two kids, at a state-of-the-art clinic with English-speaking, pediatric-trained dentists. It was spotless, calm, and just as professional as anything we’ve had back home. The kids even said it was fun, which says a lot.

Pharm Fresh Pharmacy – $33.66
We refilled our travel medicine bag with all the basics: ibuprofen, children’s meds, allergy relief, Band-Aids, and some toiletries like deodorant and toothpaste. Easy, quick, and super affordable compared to U.S. prices.

Optic Square – $60.11
After some searching, I finally found my exact brand of contacts and picked up a 6-month supply. Prices were fair and the service was smooth. They even checked my prescription to make sure everything matched.

Bangkok Hospital Emergency Department – $421.66
Our 5-year-old injured her ankle and we weren’t sure how serious it was, so we went straight to the emergency room. She got X-rays, was evaluated by an orthopedic specialist, received a splint and medications, and the whole visit was fast, professional, and thorough. We paid out of pocket and submitted the claim to SafetyWing, who later reimbursed us in full.

Bangkok Hospital Orthopedic Follow-Up – $219.15
We returned a few days later for her follow-up. Again, clean, efficient, and reassuring. It’s never fun dealing with injuries while traveling, but knowing we had quality care and coverage made a huge difference.

Total: $3,028.75 USD

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What We Learned

Transportation:
Using Grab in Chiang Mai was a game changer. It made getting around with kids completely hassle-free, no negotiating prices or worrying about language barriers. But what really helped was having access to a bicycle for small errands. Quick grocery runs, coffee shop rides, or a little solo time on two wheels—it gave us freedom without needing a rental car.

Healthcare:
We kept up with our regular care while abroad, dental cleanings for all four of us, a fresh six-month supply of contacts for me. But we also learned that the unexpected happens. When our daughter hurt her ankle, we ended up at the emergency room and needed a specialist, X-rays, and follow-ups. Having travel health insurance meant we didn’t panic about the cost. We were reimbursed in full through SafetyWing, and honestly, that alone made the policy worth it. If you’re traveling with kids, this kind of coverage is something I’d never skip again.

Things to Do:
The temples in Chiang Mai left a real impression. They were ornate, peaceful, and beautiful in a way that photos just don’t capture. But if there’s one place that really stood out, it was the Royal Park Rajapruek. It was the most well-kept, expansive, thoughtfully designed park we’ve ever visited. It had everything from gardens, cultural exhibits, a working farm, and places for the kids to run and explore. We spent hours there and could’ve stayed longer. It was one of those rare places that checked all the boxes for both the kids and the grown-ups.

Final Thoughts

Slow travel gave us the chance to really live in Chiang Mai, not just visit. We found a rhythm, made space for rest, handled the unexpected, and still came in under a modest family budget. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was meaningful, affordable, and full of everyday moments that made the experience feel rich. If you’re considering family budget Chiang Mai travel, I’d say go for it, you might be surprised how far your money (and memories) can stretch.