What are the extra costs or add-ons at Grand Canyon Water Park in Chiang Mai?

Food and drink

You must know that you cannot bring in your own water or snack. They check your bag on the way in and keep anything in a bag marked with your name for you to pick up later. Not to worry though, as there are two restaurant areas, and neither are that expensive. The first eating area is located on the ridge overlooking the waterpark, while the other one is down by the action. We found the one down by the water much nicer and it has an indoor air conditioned area. To give you an impression of costs, water  is 15 baht, lasagna is 150 baht, French fries 80 baht, and a can of beer is 70 baht. All outdoor eating areas are covered and shaded.

Wake boarding

Grand Canyon is the first and only place to offer wake boarding in Chang Mai and it’s a very popular activity. Perfect for teenagers, mom or dad, give it a try! Instead of being pulled along behind a boat, here you are pulled along by a pulley system that runs the length of the quarry.

Lockers

Lockers are 50 baht (150 baht deposit) for the whole day.

GoPro

GoPro’s and holders are available for rent if your family wishes to record the Grand Canyon experience! The price was 400 baht for the day when we were there and it included the USB stick that you would take home.

Swimsuits

If for whatever reason you didn’t travel with swimsuits, you can rent them or purchase them at the waterpark.

What if you don’t want to swim?

Not swimming? No worries! You are still very welcome to enter the park. Entry for non-swimmers is 200 baht and you can hang out at one of the two restaurant sections or in the shaded lounge chairs.

Is the Grand Canyon Chiang Mai safe?

The attention to safety was at a level we’ve never experienced before in Chiang Mai. Everyone who is going in the water is required to wear a life jacket and they have toddler sizes! We were amazed at how attentive staff members were at ensuring children’s life jackets fit properly, and how when we were in the water, at times the latches would come undone and suddenly there’d be a lifeguard there reattaching snaps and pulling on straps to ensure your safety. 

Some of the floaties were missing holders, but otherwise they were in good shape! And you will be in incredible shape after a day at the park too.It’s a full body workout!

The lifeguards were always aware of our movements and would follow our group as we traversed over the inflatables. At first we were wondering why they were following us, but the reason became very apparent once one of us fell in, which happened quite often! In order to pull yourself back onto the inflatable, you require a lot of strength. Even very fit adults were struggling to climb out of the water. But not to worry because the incredibly strong lifeguards will reach down and pull you back onto dry land! Your family will always be under a watchful and helpful eye.

Is the water clean?

The Grand Canyon is built within an old quarry. Before it was a commercialized attraction, we would swim in it – and that was before any water safety tests had been done! Prior to opening, the waters were tested and filtered to some degree, and have been declared safe for swimming. That being said, you obviously don’t want your kids to drink the water, but other than that it’s safe. The water looks no different than fresh lake water, although the water in the kid’s pool does seem to come from a source other than the quarry and it also appears safe.

When is the best time to go to the Grand Canyon?

It’s open all year round! Even in rainy or cool season, temperatures average 30 degrees Celsius during the day, which is plenty hot enough to go on a water adventure! However, there is an advantage depending on the time of year you go. We went during off-season and were treated to two free full-size shower gels, two free zipline tickets, and non-swimmers got a 50% discount to 100 baht for entry. Tourist season is considered high-season and goes from October to March. This is when you can expect it to be quite busy. Off-season is usually rainy season which runs from June to September.

Where do you keep your belongings?

There are lockers available for rent. It only costs 50 baht for the entire day (with a 150 baht deposit) and you can safety pin the key to your life jacket or swimsuit. We recommend the locker because you are not allowed to wear jewelry of any kind on the inflatables, so you really do need a secure place to keep any watches, earrings, rings etc. Alternatively, if you have a family member who isn’t swimming, they could watch your things as you try to get the kids to use up all their energy in the waterpark!

 

How to get to the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Waterpark offers songtaews back to the city at specific times priced per person. Rides are only offered back to the ‘old city’ between 2-2:30 pm, 4-4:30 pm, 6-6:30 pm, and 7-7:30 pm daily. The cost decreases the more people you have. a single or double rider is 150 per person, 3-4 people costs 120 each, 5-7 people costs only 100 per person and 8 or more riders costs 80 baht each.

Otherwise, to get to the waterpark you could rent a car, take a songtaew or taxi, or even rent motorbikes. Chiang Mai is also home to Grab, which will take you practically anywhere for a great price!

If you are driving your family yourself, simply head south down the 121 (Canal Road) and keep your eyes peeled for signs on the right hand side.