Today’s journey wasn’t one I’d normally write about just a bus ride from Battambang to Poipet, right? But what should’ve been a simple hop turned into a border crossing chess match between Cambodia, Thailand, and our bus schedule.

We left Battambang on a cramped early bus, bags wedged in like Tetris, and arrived in Poipet the day before our Bangkok leg, staying just one mile from the border. We’d booked a 10am bus only to find out the day before that it actually departs from the Thai side. Small detail. Big difference, thanks for the heads up…

Two Borders, Two Timetables, One Shot

Here’s where it got tricky: Thailand opens its side of the border at 8am, but Cambodia doesn’t open until 9am (because of some dispute… it used to be 4am…) even though the bus leaves at 10am Thai time. That only gave us an hour to get through both checkpoints and make it to the bus on time. Tight, we thought impossible having read forums about how slow it is.

So, we decided to set off at 8am sharp, walking straight to the border with our bags, the kids, and crossed fingers.

A Border-Side Game of Chicken

The Cambodian side wasn’t open yet. Staff were sitting at their desks, twiddling their thumbs, while a growing crowd of travellers began to form. Touts were buzzing around offering “VIP lanes” and “express services” and other scams they had on offer so we skipped all that and just went to the office and sat waiting, watching and playing a-z of countries.

At 9am on the dot, the border opened and it was go time. We were near the front, which made all the difference. We got through Cambodian control in minutes, crossed the dusty neutral zone, and joined the queue on the Thai side.

Here’s the thing.

The Cambodian queue on Thailand border had already swelled to 400+ people. However the foreigner queue on the Thai side was around 15 people deep when we arrived, our plan was looking good, however by the time we were at passport control the queue was about 60-70 people behind us!

because we were early, we were processed quickly, pulled into the foreigner lane, and through both borders by 9:20am, even 10 mins later and we would have been waiting behind 70-100 people to give finger prints check visas and it’s slow… so timing was everything!

Planning Pays Off

We reached the Thai side bus stand by 9:30am, drenched in sweat but victorious with 30 minutes to spare. People arriving behind us? They weren’t getting through in time and some had 9am busses booked, which they missed before processing started.

So yeah, it was stressful. But it could’ve been way way worse.

If You’re Doing This Route:

Stay near the Poipet border the night before. Leave by 8am sharp, earlier if you’re anxious we were 8th in the queue at 8am. Skip the touts and head straight to the legit passport control up the steps. Bring patience, snacks, and a sense of humour.

It’s not often bureaucracy, borders, and tuk-tuks all come together in one trip, but somehow… we made it. Next stop: Bangkok.

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We landed in Bangkok ready for a change of pace and our hotel delivered. Perched high above the hustle on the seventh floor, the family friendly swimming pool quickly became Georgia’s new favourite hangout. It’s got slides, floating toys, and little corners to swim around, making it perfect for kids.

Our first day was all about unwinding in Bangkok. Georgia even made a couple of friends at the pool and couldn’t wait to return after dinner. So we did and night swimming under the Bangkok skyline? Pure magic. The city lit up around us, and Georgia swam until the pool lights flickered off.

Day two was less relaxing but part of real family travel in Thailand. We needed to refill Dotty’s epilepsy medication (Keppra), which meant heading to Bumrungrad International Hospital, one of the most well known hospitals in Bangkok.

Now here’s something every travelling parent should know: Bangkok traffic is wild. Whether it’s a 20-minute walk, drive, or bus ride, the time stays the same and the chaos is real. We chose a Bangkok taxi for the air conditioning alone. At 32°C with busy streets and scooters flying down the pavement, it wasn’t worth the drama.

The hospital itself was clean, professional, and helpful but prescription medication in Bangkok can be pricier than expected. Still, when you’re travelling with children who need regular medication like Keppra, peace of mind matters more than the price tag.

Travelling Abroad with Epilepsy Medication: Our Keppra Experience in Bangkok

If you’re travelling with a child who needs regular epilepsy medication like Keppra (levetiracetam), Bangkok can be both reassuring and surprising. Here’s what we learned:

Where to Get Keppra in Bangkok

We went to Bumrungrad International Hospital, popular with travellers and expats. They had Keppra in stock, and the pharmacy staff were efficient and helpful.

You’ll likely need:

• Your prescription or medical documents (digital was accepted)
• Passport ID for the patient
• A bit of patience pricing and stock can vary
• An appointment with a Dr (50-80 pounds)

Cost of Keppra in Thailand

It was more expensive than we expected, but hey we are travelling so don’t have a lot of choice but if you have time prices vary depending on hospital and whether you’re getting a generic or branded version. (we got branded)

Quick Tips for Other Travelling Families:

• Bring a full copy of your prescription, including dosage instructions in English.
• Travel with extra meds if possible customs are usually fine with a letter from your doctor.
• Head to major hospitals for reliable access; most local pharmacies don’t stock Keppra.
• Keep meds in original packaging for customs or airport checks.

Travelling with epilepsy isn’t always easy, but it’s 100% manageable with planning. Bangkok’s healthcare system is solid just budget a bit extra and plan around the traffic.

Bangkok is bold, brilliant, and sometimes bonkers, but we’re settling in. Georgia’s already asking to head back to the pool (again), and we’re plotting our next couple of days with a mix of kid friendly things to do in Bangkok and cool down time in between.

More Bangkok adventures coming soon. But for now: we’re rested, refilled, and back on floaties.

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Today’s adventure took us deep into the historic heart of Bangkok where golden rooftops dazzle in the sun, ancient legends whisper from temple walls, and yes, traffic moves at the pace of a snail on a sightseeing tour.

Getting There: A Journey Through Bangkok’s Wild Streets.

We hopped into a taxi from our hotel in Rama 9, thinking 8 km wouldn’t take long. Forty minutes later, we were still weaving through tuk-tuks, scooters, and buses that looked like they were auditioning for Fast & Furious: Bangkok Drift.

Google Maps claimed the train would take about an hour. Whether that’s accurate or not, we didn’t risk it this time so aircon and a seat won.

Dennis vs Dress Code: Shorts at the Palace? Rookie Error

Upon arrival at the Grand Palace, we hit the first hurdle: the temple dress code. Shoulders and knees must be covered, no exceptions. I’d worn shorts (oops), so I had to grab some lightweight trousers from a nearby stall. Only about 180 baht (£4), and they’ll probably become my new temple pants. Crisis averted.

The Grand Palace: Dazzling, Ornate, and Absolutely Packed

Bangkok’s Grand Palace is, well, grand. It’s not just one palace it’s a sprawling complex of royal halls, museums, and the incredible Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. The detail on the buildings is staggering every spire, tile, and mural tells a story.

We spent a solid two hours wandering through the grounds, dodging crowds, and taking in the golden splendour. If you’re visiting with kids, note that there’s not much shade bring water and go early to beat the heat.

Wat Pho: The Reclining Buddha & So Much More

Just a 10 minute walk from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, home of the 46 metre long Reclining Buddha. It’s hard to describe how enormous and peaceful this statue is photos don’t do it justice, it was huge!

But Wat Pho is more than just the big Buddha. The temple grounds are like a mini city of ancient relics, golden statues, and intricate carvings. You’ll also find cafés, souvenir shops, and some of Bangkok’s best traditional Thai massage from the nearby massage school.

We spent a few hours exploring here, and honestly, it’s one of our favourite spots so far. It’s calmer than the Grand Palace and has a real feeling of reverence and quiet discovery even with kids in tow, dotty had a nap in the pushchair and we took it a bit slower!

When we got back to our accommodation we had enough time to dip in the pool for an hour before dinner, what a full on day!

Tips for Families

Kids under 120 cm go free at both sites. Wat Pho has more space to move around, making it a bit easier with young children. Toilets and cafés are available near both locations. Be aware of scams outside the palace if anyone tells you “it’s closed today,” just keep walking and buy your ticket at the official booth.

Our Verdict

If you’re exploring Bangkok with your family, this duo of temples is a must see. Just be prepared for the heat, the crowds, and the trousers.

Both sites gave us a real sense of Thailand’s rich history and spirituality, and the kids loved spotting all the different Buddha statues some small, some towering over us like peaceful giants.

Where to next? Maybe something with a bit more aircon and a bit less gold… but we’re not done with Bangkok just yet!

The post ✨ Grand Palaces & Golden Giants: A day in Bangkok’s Most Iconic Temples appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Looking for an unforgettable, budget-friendly day out in Bangkok with your kids? Let me introduce you to a hidden gem that blew us away: the Children’s Discovery Museum Bangkok an interactive learning paradise located in Chatuchak that’s completely free and packed with family fun.

What Is the Children’s Discovery Museum?

Thailand’s first children’s museum, the Children’s Discovery Museum opened in 2001 under a royal initiative and was later expanded and modernised. It now spans more than 10,000 square metres across indoor buildings and massive outdoor spaces, all designed to help children learn through play.

It features:

Thor Tawan Building – Science, engineering, and hands-on discovery Rainbow Building – Roleplay zones, art areas, and creativity workshops Culture & Daily Life Zone – Learn about Thai heritage (we didn’t even make it to this one!) Outdoor Adventure Park – Rope bridges, treehouses, splash pads, and more

This place is perfect for ages 3 to 12, with everything designed to be age-appropriate, interactive, and fun.

Entry Fee? Absolutely FREE

That’s right entry is completely free. No tickets, no hidden charges. In the UK, you’d expect to pay £15–£25 per child for this sort of experience. Here, you get an entire day of climbing, splashing, creating, exploring, and learning for nothing.

It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Arrive early we spent the whole day there and still didn’t see everything.

What We Did and Loved

We went expecting to stay a couple of hours. We ended up staying all day and honestly, we still didn’t finish it all. That’s how engaging it is.

Georgia adored the aeroplane play area where she climbed into the cockpit, flicked switches, and imagined flying around the world, it also featured shops for engine mechanics area with real car tv studio and more.

There was a treetop adventure playground a network of elevated walkways, climbing towers, and rope bridges, all shaded and beautifully maintained.

We also love the main building museum it was interactive fun engaging and well maintained. We played with Lego ball pits recycling learnt about solar energy all sorts of fun things in English amazing

And one of the biggest hits?

Dinosaur Excavation: Georgia’s Top Pick

The Dinosaur Dig Zone was a clear favourite. Kids are handed tools and sent off to excavate buried bones in the sand, just like real paleontologists. There are life-sized dinosaurs, fossil puzzles, and loads of room to dig and explore.

Georgia spent ages carefully uncovering bones, brushing them off and proudly showing them to us a proper Jurassic moment. She was completely absorbed.

Honestly, this would be a paid activity anywhere else here it’s free, educational, and just brilliant fun.

What Other Parents Say

We weren’t the only ones raving:

“This place puts most kids museums in the UK to shame. It’s hands-on, well maintained, and packed with things to do.” – Helen M., TripAdvisor

“The outdoor splash park and treetop playground were a huge hit. Free entry is unbelievable for what you get.” – Klook User

“Some exhibits are a little tired, but kids don’t care — the interactivity is fantastic.” – Wanderlog Summary

“My kids didn’t want to leave. We could’ve spent another full day here easily.” – Google Reviewer

How to Get There

You’ll find the museum in Chatuchak Park, just a few minutes from Bangkok’s famous weekend market.

Nearest stations:

Mo Chit (BTS Skytrain) Chatuchak Park (MRT Subway) Both are a 5-minute walk.

Address:

Children’s Discovery Museum Bangkok

810 Kamphaeng Phet 4 Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900

Family Tips Before You Go

Pack swimwear and towels your kids will get wet. Wear easy shoes you’ll take them off a lot indoors. Bring snacks, lunch, and water there’s no café inside. Fully charge your phone/camera there are photo moments everywhere. Arrive when it opens at 10 AM it fills up quickly.

Why It’s the Best Free Day Out in Bangkok

This museum is a rare mix of fun, education, and adventure without the price tag. Whether you’ve got a dino-loving explorer, a budding artist, a curious scientist, or a water splashing tornado like Dotty, they’ll find something here to light them up.

We could honestly go again tomorrow and still find new things to love.

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Bangkok isn’t always about temples and towering malls sometimes, the city’s best experiences are found in its green heart. On our latest day out, we headed to Lumphini Park, a 142-acre urban oasis right in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle.

Morning Playtime and Swinging Under the Trees

We arrived mid morning when the park was already alive with joggers, Tai Chi groups, and families escaping the heat under sprawling banyan trees. Georgia and Dotty made a beeline for the children’s playground on the western side near the Rama VI statue. This area has shaded climbing frames, slides, and swings simple but perfect for burning off some energy.

Lumphini Park was actually the first public park in Bangkok, created in the 1920s by King Rama VI, and it remains a favourite spot for locals to relax. Early in the day, the air is (relatively) cool, and the lakes shimmer in the morning light.

Nearly Boating, Until the Rain Came

After the swings, we strolled over to the large lake in the centre of the park, where you can usually rent colourful pedal boats shaped like swans. We were excited to take one out, but just as we were about to climb aboard, a drizzle started.

Despite it being barely more than a sprinkle, the staff politely told us no boats in the rain a policy that seems to be taken seriously. It’s likely a safety precaution since the lake can get surprisingly choppy, even in light rain. So, our pedal boat adventure will have to wait for another day!

Spotting the Famous Monitor Lizards

Even without the boating, there was plenty to see. Lumphini Park is famous for its Asian water monitor lizards, which can grow over 1.5 metres long. We spotted several lazing on the banks, their long tails trailing into the water.

Locals will tell you they’re harmless if left alone, though their size can be intimidating. In Thai culture, they’re sometimes considered bad luck if they get into your home, but in the park, they’re simply part of the landscape.

Georgia was fascinated, while Dotty wasn’t quite sure whether to be excited or horrified!

Dinner at Coco Ichibanya

When the rain picked up again, we flagged down a taxi (very easy to find near the Wireless Road entrance) and headed back to our local shopping mall.

For dinner, we decided on something comforting: Coco Ichibanya, a popular Japanese curry restaurant you’ll spot all over Bangkok. Their menu is perfect for families think big plates of mild curry with rice, crispy katsu, and plenty of options to customise your spice level.

We went for the Raman. It was the ideal way to warm up after the soggy weather and a long day exploring.

Quick Tips for Visiting Lumphini Park with Kids

Opening Hours: 4:30am – 9:00pm daily

Nearest MRT: Lumphini or Silom stations

Facilities: Playgrounds, pedal boats, running track, public exercise machines, and plenty of shade

Best Time to Go: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat

Bring: Hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a rain cover just in case you get caught in “drizzle” that stops the boats!

The post A Day at Lumphini Park: Swings, Lizards, and Rainy Adventures in Bangkok appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Bangkok is full of surprises, but nothing prepared us for the absolute wonderland that is HarborLand in CentralWorld. If you’ve got kids with energy to burn (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), this place is an absolute must.

We stumbled upon it almost by accident tucked up on the 6th floor of CentralWorld, one of Bangkok’s biggest malls. The moment we stepped through the entrance, the kids’ eyes nearly popped out of their heads. Imagine a technicolor jungle of slides, rope bridges, climbing walls, and ball pits, all cranked up to about 200% of the size you’d expect.

Zones for Every Age and Interest

What sets HarborLand apart is how well it’s laid out. There are themed zones like:

Kids Island Perfect for smaller explorers, with soft play obstacles and mini slides.

Junior Jungle A maze of nets and tunnels, great for adventurous climbers.

Little Land Bright and colourful spaces for toddlers to play safely.

Move Alive Sections designed for older kids to really test their agility and balance.

Our two absolutely went wild I’ve honestly never seen them climb, crawl, and slide so relentlessly. They must have covered every inch of the place at least twice, and still didn’t want to leave.

Safe, Clean, and Supervised

One thing I really appreciated was how safe and well maintained it is. All play areas are enclosed in sturdy netting, and the staff keep a watchful eye without being intrusive. Entry requires wristbands, and everyone wears non slip socks (you can buy them there if you forget).

There are plenty of spots for parents to sit down and watch or recharge, which came in handy because you’ll need the rest while the kids go absolutely bananas.

Practical Details

Location: 6th Floor, CentralWorld, Bangkok

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Admission: Prices vary depending on zones and age, but expect to pay around 600–900 baht per child for all zones. Adults also pay a smaller fee.

It’s worth arriving early to beat the crowds this place is popular with local families and tourists alike, but it’s so big you might not even notice it’s busy

Final Verdict

If you’re visiting Bangkok with kids, HarborLand CentralWorld should be right at the top of your list. Ours spent hours climbing, sliding, and squealing with excitement, and we left with tired legs and big smiles.

It’s not cheap but honestly it’s worth it, we have been to literally hundreds of soft plays and this is by far the best we have ever seen!

It’s the perfect antidote to Bangkok’s heat, traffic, or rainy days just be ready for the inevitable protest when it’s time to go home!

The post Our Day at HarborLand CentralWorld Bangkok: The Ultimate Indoor Playground Adventure appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

After a whirlwind few days exploring Bangkok, we wrapped up our stay in style by jumping on Thailand’s legendary 12 hour overnight train to Chiang Mai.

But first… one more visit to the Bangkok Children’s Discovery Museum.

When your seven year old declares something “the best place ever,” you go back even if you’ve already been. Entry is totally free (a rarity for a place this brilliant), so we spent the afternoon climbing, interacting, and discovering all over again. Georgia was in her element, and honestly, so were we.

Krung Thep Aphiwat: The Biggest Station We’ve Ever Seen

When it was finally time to leave, we rolled our suitcases into Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, and our jaws just about hit the floor. This place is colossal. Imagine an airport terminal mixed with a shopping mall, but full of shiny trains stretching as far as you can see.

We boarded what turned out to be the longest train we’ve ever ridden and it felt like an adventure before it even left the platform everyone was excited!

Second Class That Felt Like VIP

We booked second class sleeper tickets, because first had sold out months ago… but it honestly felt like a treat. The carriage was spotless, the seats converted into comfy beds, and the staff were incredibly kind.

As soon as we settled in, a friendly lady came by to take our dinner order, we skipped that dotty went to bed and Georgia and I went to the dining cart. This was an experience for not just her but me also and we loved it. After dinner, the staff transformed our seats into proper bunks complete with crisp sheets and curtains and hospital corners!

Sleeping was easy, comfy bed pillows and a blanket all while gently rocking with the train, honestly it beats any budget flight, hands down.

Sunrise in Chiang Mai

By 6am, the sun was creeping over the hills of northern Thailand. We woke up to steaming mugs of instant coffee hot chocolate and brownies, and the landscape rolling by lush green fields, tiny villages, and misty mountains in the distance.

An hour later, we rolled into Chiang Mai refreshed, and excited for the next leg of our family adventure.

If you’re weighing up the night train versus flying, honestly, take the train. It’s an experience in itself. You go to sleep in Bangkok and wake up in another world, with none of the hassle of airports.

Quick Tips for the Bangkok Chiang Mai Train

Book early the best bunks sell out fast, especially during peak seasons.

Pack a jumper the air con gets chilly overnight. (Though we didn’t get cold this trip)

Bring snacks, though meals are tasty, it’s handy to have a few extras for hungry kids 12 hours is a long trip.

Embrace the adventure, this is one of those journeys you’ll always remember.

Heading to Thailand soon?

If you’ve got questions about taking the train, or if you’re planning a trip with kids, drop me a comment, I’d love to help.

Follow along for more family travel stories and tips as we keep exploring!

The post 🚂 All Aboard the Night Train: Our Family Journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

I fixed my Berghaus Mule 100 on the hotel balcony in Thailand with nothing but basic tools and a bit of determination.

When you travel full time, your gear takes a beating. Our trusty Berghaus Mule 100 wheeled holdall finally had a wheel fail after it had shattered one too many pavements. Instead of binning it or paying for a repair, I decided to fix it myself with nothing more than a hacksaw, a flathead screwdriver, and a 4 cm bolt from a local hardware store.

What Happened

The original wheel had cracked so badly it was barely hanging on. The axle pin was also worn and starting to pull loose. With no repair shops nearby, I picked up a basic hacksaw and spanner from a hardware store next to our hotel and a replacement wheel set from a local skate shop.

How I Did It

The process was surprisingly straightforward:

Removed the Old Wheel

– To remove the axle, I placed the hacksaw blade between the roller bearing and the case on the axle pin and carefully sawed the pin in half. This freed the broken wheel without damaging the rest of the housing.

– Sourced a Replacement Wheel set I picked up a 75mm x 25mm wheel (from a skate shop in Thailand) that matched the original size. Always measure your old wheel carefully diameter and width both matter.

– Fitted a New Axle which is now a 4 cm bolt with a lock nut to hold the new wheel securely in place.

– Tested It Tightened everything by hand with the spanner. Rolled it around the balcony to make sure it was smooth and solid.

Now the bag is back in action and ready for many more adventures.

Why Share This?

I couldn’t find a single detailed video or guide showing how to replace the wheels on a Berghaus Mule 100. If you have one of these bags and it’s seen better days (or has smashed a few pavements like ours), this simple repair can save you money and keep your gear rolling for years to come and you can do it at your hotel with limited kit!

Watch the Quick Repair Video

More Handy Travel Tools

If you love practical tips and free resources, check out our Make My Drive Fun trip planner:

Plan your next road trip

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Today was one of those classic Chiang Mai days that blend a bit of wonder, a dash of challenge, and plenty of heart. We set off to explore two of the Old City’s most revered temples Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang but as any parent knows, little legs and big feelings can steer the best-laid plans into something uniquely memorable.

Our morning began at Wat Phra Singh, a temple that feels almost alive with history and devotion. The sweeping roofs, the towering golden chedi, and the elegant Lanna architecture instantly caught our girls’ attention.

Georgia was captivated by the intricate murals inside the Viharn Lai Kham and loved spotting the little details mythical creatures, monks with wise expressions, golden lotus motifs. Dotty, on the other hand, wasn’t quite feeling the temple energy today. Sometimes the crowds and the heat can be a bit much, and that’s okay

Instead of pushing on, we decided to slow down and regroup over lunch. We found a cosy café nearby, where everyone could recharge. A couple of drinks, some sticky rice, and a few giggles later, spirits were lifted.

With full tummies and a second wind, we made our way to Wat Chedi Luang. Even after seeing so many temples on our travels, this one still managed to impress. The massive brick chedi partially ruined but beautifully imposing has a kind of gravity that’s hard to describe, it felt like it should have been in Peru!

The Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok) was once kept here. We walked around the base, peeking at the stone elephant carvings and imagining what it must have looked like centuries ago.

Dotty was content to hang out on Ali’s back, happy to laugh at Georgia and us if she wasn’t walking and even though not ideal it’s these quiet moments beside ancient stones that feel the most special.

After a morning of exploring, we headed back to our hotel. Dotty drifted into a well deserved nap, recharging her batteries. Meanwhile, Georgia and I took did some math homework, after Dotty woke up we took the chance to cool off with a swim. There’s something so satisfying about sliding into the water after a day of wandering hot streets it felt like the perfect reset.

Reflections on the Day

Travelling as a family isn’t always about ticking off every landmark or squeezing in every sight. Today reminded us that it’s okay to go at our own pace, to pause when someone needs a breather, and to balance adventure with comfort.

Chiang Mai’s temples have a way of making you feel small in the best sense connected to centuries of stories and traditions. Even if our day wasn’t picture perfect, it was exactly the kind of day we’ll look back on fondly a little bit of history, a lot of heart, and just enough splashing around to end it right.

Tips

If you’re visiting Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang with little ones, start early to beat the heat, bring plenty of water, and don’t feel pressured to see it all in one go. A relaxed pace makes for happier explorers.

The post A Family Day Among Ancient Giants: Exploring Wat Phra Singh & Wat Chedi Luang appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Today was one of those days that reminds you exactly why you travel to laugh, to feel like a kid again, and to see your little ones wide eyed with wonder.

We started off at the Paradise Gallery inside the Tha Sala Interactive Museum, and honestly, it was unbelievable. From the second we stepped inside, it felt like being dropped into a giant storybook.

Georgia and Dotty were off like rockets, running from one room to the next, giggling and shouting for us to hurry up. Each space was a different world one minute we were balancing on the edge of a volcano, the next we were standing inside a dinosaur’s mouth, pretending we were about to be eaten alive.

Me and Ali couldn’t resist getting in on the action. We posed under the Eiffel Tower, hung off cliffs, and staged the most ridiculous scenes you could imagine. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget about being a grown up for a few hours, and I loved every second of it.

Just when we thought we’d seen everything, we discovered the AR zones, and that took it all to another level.

You download the museum’s app, hold your phone up to certain exhibits, and suddenly the art comes alive dinosaurs roar and move, fish swim around your feet, and scenes transform into animations right in front of you. Georgia was absolutely amazed by it. It felt like stepping into a living video game, and even Ali and I couldn’t stop grinning and jumping in to all the art!

It’s hard to pick a favourite part. The giant 3D ocean scenes were incredible Dotty was convinced the shark was real I think. And the fantasy rooms made it feel like you were really there in the moment. And those AR sections were the perfect surprise right when you thought you’d already seen every trick.

Every single corner was made for playing, exploring, and taking the kind of photos you’ll look back on for years.

We ended up spending nearly three hours there, completely losing track of time. By the end, our phones were full of photos and videos, and the kids were tired but happy, still buzzing about the dinosaurs.

After lunch, we wandered across to the Museum of Lanna Folk Life, which was the perfect change of pace. Calm, beautifully presented, and full of little details about Northern Thailand’s traditions. While Dotty had a nap in the pushchair, we took our time exploring the displays and soaking up some culture.

Later on, we wondered through local shops and stumbled on a couple of temples tucked down side streets exactly the kind of little surprises that make Chiang Mai so special.

By the time we finally called it a day, we were all knackered in that really good way, when you know you’ve squeezed every last bit out of an afternoon.

If you’re ever in Chiang Mai, do yourself a favour visit Paradise Gallery is worth every minute, and it’s one of the few places where the adults end up having just as much fun as the kids.

However, if you don’t join in, then like some other people we saw you will be out in 30 mins… live a little and immerse yourself!

Honestly, can’t recommend this day out enough.

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