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Lanna Cafe is far more than just a coffee shop. Relax by and swim in a natural river near Chiang Mai
Lanna Rock Garden is a must visit on your way along the Samoeng loop. It’s also become a popular day escape for people from Chiang Mai who just want to get away and into nature. While it is a bit far from the centre of the city (it will take about an hour), combine a visit here to other attractions along the way such as Ma Chill Dee Bunny Cafe, The Royal Train Garden, and Valley Coffee, and it becomes a full day out making the drive worth it!
The whole family will enjoy the open green space, being surrounded by nature, putting your feet in the river, and maybe even having a family picnic.
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Eat, play and relax in nature
Lanna Rock Garden is set on a huge plot of land with a fruit tree farm, a scenic river running through it and an enormous open green space. It’s so large and naturally beautiful that local organizers have hosted Chiang Mai’s very own music festival Jaithep here for two years running and will return for a very special new year’s eve party to bring in 2020!
Most of the grassy areas are well kept leaving lots of space for you and the kids to run around, play tag, football/soccer, Frisbee or any other sports you can think of! On windy days I bet it would be a perfect spot to fly a kite. With Lanna Rock Garden located on such a large plot of land, there is plenty of nature spots to explore. Be sure to take a walk around and look for cool insects and birds and possibly some other wildlife! Keep you eyes out for the water buffalo.
The highlight is the river though! Make sure to bring a swim suit and towel, or an extra pair of clothes when you visit Lanna Rock Garden. Someone is sure to want to go in the water! The water level is sometimes just deep enough to take a dip in at the far ends while elsewhere it’s nice to put your legs in. The kids usually end up making mud castles or splashing each other. The current isn’t strong at all because usually there isn’t much water in the river, but it can get rather high during rainy season or following a very heavy rain shower.
While the kids are running around, exploring, or playing in the river, you can relax either in a gazebo, or on a picnic mat. In fact, it’s one of the best spots for a family picnic in Chiang Mai. Bring your own mats or towels to sit on and even your own food and drink. Just be sure to purchase a few things from the restaurant.
When is the best time to go to Lanna Rock Garden?
The best time to visit here is when it’s hot out (which happens to be all the time!) and you or the kids want to take a dip in the river. Because it is a river, and it is a rather wide one, you likely don’t want to visit during the heavy rainy season. Sometimes the rainy season begins as early as May, but typically gets really crazy anytime between July to October. During or following a heavy downpour the river may rise and the current may become very strong. There is also the danger of flash flooding, so you need to be very careful and keep an eye on the weather. It’s also a nice place to escape the city life and reset while you relax in nature.
It’s most popular to come to Lanna Rock Garden in the afternoons when it’s hot out, so you can expect the gazebos to be full up by 3 pm. Getting there just after lunch is a good bet! Have lunch at one of the many other cafes and restaurants along the way such as The Village.
What kind of food do they have at Lanna Rock Garden?
Food
Their menu is very small and moderately priced. You’ll find a mix of popular Thai staples and a few western snacks like French fries or sandwiches. It does take forever for any food or drinks to come out of their tiny kitchen so order early and be prepared to wait. Most of the time we come here after lunch so we don’t need to order food and will just order a bunch of drinks instead. Try lunch at The Village which is on your way up Samoeng Road. It’s got a playground!
Drink
Coffees are rather high in price, but you are here enjoying the incredible scenery! They also serve the local Thai beers, have soda pops, smoothies and cold teas too, however they don’t serve wine!
How to get to Lanna Rock Garden?
Head south on Canal Road (the 121) until you get to the 1269 (Samoeng Road). Hang a right and continue straight for about 20 minutes. When you see an antique steam train on your left, you’ll know you’re nearly halfway there! You’ve just passed The Royal Train Garden Resort which is another must see stop along the Samoeng Road!
Continue driving and you’ll shortly see Valley Coffee on your left. This means you’re nearly there! Only about 10 more minutes but you need to keep you eyes peeled for signs. The turn into Lanna Rock Garden is rather ridiculous. It may be one of the sharpest turns you’ve ever taken as the bend in the road literally turns back on itself. Expect to make a hard turn to the left. Just follow this road straight, right into Lanna Rock Garden’s tree farm of longans (I think, or they may be mango trees).
Along the way and beyond Lanna Rock Garden are loads of things to do, in fact there are many days worth of activities along the 1269.
Hours: Open Saturday’s and Sunday’s only from 9:30 am – 6 pm
Good for ages: all ages!
Phone: 086 914 8833
Kids Menu: No
High chairs: No
Playground: Yes
Wheelchair or stroller accessible: some areas
Pet friendly: No
Child friendly staff: No
Birthday parties: No
Prices: $$
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lannarockgarden/
Location: Google Maps
Things to consider
Bring sun cream and hats because there’s not much shade if you can’t get a gazebo hut. Kids and adults are welcome in the river and you don’t need swim suits. Many people just get wet in their clothes and change afterwards or just dry off in the sun.