Chiang Mai. The Best New Years Celebration in the World.

When we decided to visit Chiang Mai, Thailand, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I’d heard about its laid-back vibe, vibrant markets, and the famous Lantern Festival, but experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely. From our flights with Emirates and AirAsia to the warm and welcoming energy of the city itself, the trip was packed with surprises and special moments. Here’s a personal recap of our journey, in case you’re planning a similar adventure.

Flying in Style: Dubai to Chiang Mai

Starting our trip with Emirates was a no-brainer. The flight from Dubai to Bangkok was everything we’d hoped for—comfy seats, plenty of movies to keep the boys entertained, and the kind of service that makes you feel a little spoiled. We landed in Bangkok around 6:00 PM, got through customs, and rechecked our luggage for our next leg with AirAsia to Chiang Mai.

Let me tell you, AirAsia is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still appreciate good service. It was a quick, smooth ride, and before we knew it, we were in Chiang Mai. By the time we reached our Airbnb (shoutout to Jayride for making late-night transportation stress-free), it was nearly 2:00 AM, and we crashed hard.

First Morning in Chiang Mai

We woke up the next morning to a totally different vibe from what we’re used to in Dubai. It was quieter, more relaxed—exactly what we needed. The boys and I took a quick walk to a nearby 7-Eleven to grab breakfast essentials (and let’s be honest, snacks too). There’s something so fun about wandering a foreign grocery store and finding new things to try.

The rest of the morning was low-key. We swam in the Airbnb pool and let the boys burn off some energy while Melody and I soaked up the warm weather. After traveling so much, it was nice to ease into our day without a packed schedule.

New Year’s Eve at Tha Phae Gate

New Year’s Eve was the real showstopper. By early evening, we headed downtown to Tha Phae Gate to join the Lantern Festival festivities. The streets were packed, the air smelled amazing from all the food vendors, and the whole vibe was just... happy.

We grabbed sticky rice, chicken kebabs, and even tried crocodile burgers (because why not?). The boys loved exploring the night market and picked up souvenirs—Muay Thai shorts for Anders and tuk-tuk t-shirts for the others. The highlight, though, was buying lanterns and watching the boys light them up and send them floating into the night sky. It was one of those rare moments when time seems to slow down. Midnight fireworks by the river were the cherry on top.

The Magic of Chiang Mai

The Lantern Festival was unforgettable, but Chiang Mai has so much more to offer. Over the next few days, we explored:

1. Elephant Sanctuaries: Seeing these majestic creatures up close was both humbling and heartwarming.
2. Night Markets: I could spend hours wandering these—there’s always something new to see, smell, or taste.
3. Temples: The beauty and serenity of the temples made for a perfect balance to the busyness of the markets.
4. Muay Thai Boxing: The boys were glued to the action, and it was such a cool cultural experience.
5. Sticky Waterfalls: Imagine climbing up a waterfall. It sounds crazy, but it’s an absolute must-do.

Every experience felt unique and added a new layer to our appreciation of Thai culture.

Why Chiang Mai Stole Our Hearts

As a family, we’ve traveled a lot, but there’s something special about Chiang Mai. It’s affordable, warm (both in temperature and vibe), and full of life. The boys loved how different it was from the more structured environments they’ve seen in Europe and the UAE. For Melody and me, it was about seeing them light up with every new experience.

Where We Stayed

For this trip, we opted for an Airbnb with a pool—a win for everyone. If you’re looking for accommodations, I’d recommend checking out Booking.com for family-friendly stays. They’ve got plenty of options, from cozy villas to more modern spots downtown.

Travel Tips for Chiang Mai

1. Flights: Emirates for long-haul comfort, and AirAsia for domestic connections.
2. Transport: Jayride made airport pickups a breeze.
3. Stay: Booking.com is your go-to for great family options.
4. Packing: Bring comfy shoes—you’ll be walking a lot—and light clothing for the tropical weather.

Chiang Mai turned out to be more than a destination—it was an experience. From the excitement of New Year’s Eve to the quiet moments by the pool, this trip gave us memories we’ll carry forever. If you’re thinking about going, just do it. You won’t regret it.