Enjoy some family fun in the water! Float, swim, kayak or cliff jump at the quarry at The Grand Canyon Chiang Mai
Not to be confused with the Grand Canyon Waterpark, GrandCanyon (no space) is a nice swimming hole with some fun water activities for everyone.
The GrandCanyon Chiang Mai is located next to the to the Grand Canyon water park on the right hand side. Here, they offer a small beach, tubing, paddle boarding, kayaking a floating football or soccer pitch and an inflatable water park! We haven’t been since they updated it but it’s safe to say it looks BETTER than ever! We can’t wait to go, especially because it’s one of the most affordable family activities in Chiang Mai.
Also be sure to check out the other great water parks in Chiang Mai too.
Are the activities kid friendly at GrandCanyon, Chiang Mai?
As long as your child is comfortable in the water and can fit into a life jacket the size of the one my daughter is wearing in this photo, then yes! The canyon, which is actually formed from an old quarry, has quite a few child friendly things to do. There is tubing, swimming, and paddle boarding. Although, you can see from the picture that the boards are quite well used.
In addition to that, there is a floating soccer or football pitch area where the family can kick a ball around. If you’ve got one, bring a Frisbee along or a set of badminton too! The very brave ones will enjoy diving or jumping into the water from the high platform, and for the even more daring, there is cliff jumping! Just to the right of this shot is the jump off point. Having tried it, it’s quite a thrill!
The Grand Canyon is also quite a popular hang out for teenagers. The canyon has recently begun to host teen friendly parties, which are also very family friendly during the daylight hours.
Is the GrandCanyon Chiang Mai safe?
There was a lifeguard on duty the entire time we were there and was enforcing that everyone wear life jackets. Shortly after taking the photo of my daughter in her life jacket, the couple in that shot were asked to come out of the water to put on life jackets. Even if you claim you can swim, you still have to wear one!
The only complaint we have is that there is little shade down in the beach area. Up near the restaurants are the only areas that provide a reprieve from the hot sun.
Where do you keep your belongings?
When we were there, there wasn’t much in the way of safe-guarding your belongings. It was very much a trust thing where you left your things in a pile and hoped no one touched them. If you go with a few family members, you could always assign a person to watch over your things, but in general, we find locals and tourists alike to be very trustworthy.
How much does the GrandCanyon cost?
Compared to the Grand Canyon Waterpark, this canyon is way more affordable for a whole family! At only 50 baht per person to swim, you’ll have a lot of fun for very little. It’s only 150 baht to use all the facilities including the new inflatable water park, the kayaks etc. and if you are daring enough, try the zipline for 300 baht. The best part is that there was no dual pricing!What does the ticket include?
Each 150 baht ticket includes access to all water activities and toys – tubes, paddle boards, life jackets, etc. When it gets busy, the DJ gets going and puts on some really good beats.
Is there food and drink available at the Grand Canyon?
You’re not supposed to bring in your own food or drink, but they didn’t check our belongings like they do at the waterpark next door. When you get hungry, there are two restaurants to choose from. One is conveniently placed a short walk from the beach area, while the other is quite a hike back near the main entrance. Each restaurant offers different types of food and drink. For example, if you’d like more choice, or a large beer instead of a small one, it’s worth the hike to the larger restaurant at the top of the quarry.
Food is reasonably priced for an attraction, although the beer and other non-alcoholic drinks are over priced.
Can you enter if you don’t want to swim?
You are still very welcome to enter the park, however, the entry fee remains the same, unless you are a child. You can hang out at one of the two restaurant sections or grab a tan on the beach!
Is the water in the quarry clean?
The Grand Canyon waters have been declared safe for swimming. That being said, you probably don’t want your kids drinking the water. The water looks like fresh lake water and has a lovely temperature; not too cold and not warm.
When is the best time to go to the GrandCanyon?
Anytime! The canyon is open all year round! It’s nearly always blazing hot at some point during the day, even in rainy season. You can expect it to be busier during peak season, which goes from October to March. Off-season, which runs from June to September, is when you could have the Grand Canyon all to yourselves! Family party time!
How to get to the Grand Canyon
If you are driving your family to get to the Grand Canyon, simply head south down the 121 (Canal Road) and keep your eyes peeled for signs on the right hand side. Follow the signs for the Grand Canyon Waterpark as it is right beside this water attraction.
It takes about 30 – 40 minutes depending where you are coming from. Otherwise if you are visiting Chiang Mai, you could rent a car, take a songtaew or taxi, or even rent motorbikes for the family. Chiang Mai is also home to Grab, which will take you practically anywhere for a great price!
Hours: Open 9 am- 7 pm daily
Entrance fee:
50 baht baht to swim
150 baht to use all the water toys
300 baht for zipline
Pet friendly: NO
Parking: FREE. Parking for cars and motorbikes across the street.
Facebook page: Grandcanyon Chiang Mai
Location: Google Maps
Things to consider
Make sure you have sunscreen and apply it often! Wear hats too as there is little shade down near the beach and water play area.
If you are in town for a while, consider another family day out at the Grand Canyon Waterpark right next door – it’s full of adventure!
