Tamed elephants have served Thai people for centuries whether in the battlefronts, in ceremonial parades, transporting people and goods on top of assisting in the thriving teak industry. In return, Thai people came to their rescue when times became rough for the elephants to survive in the wild. Hence elephant camps were launched throughout the country to protect breed and nurture the elephant species. The cause in turn became one of the biggest tourist attractions in Chiang Mai, as much as in Thailand.

Chiang Mai is famous for housing many such camps including Mae Sa Elephant Camp, Mae Wang River Elephant Camp as well as Taeng Dao Elephant Camp. At Mae Sa Elephant Camp near Chiang Dow, visitors can spot elephant painters gleefully holding the paint brush in their trunks and blotting the canvas randomly in rainbow hues. Some of these elephants improve their talents and develop a unique art style eventually, producing more aesthetically enriched paintings. And best of all, visitors have the privilege of purchasing these rare fresh paintings on site. While maintaining highest standards, Mae Sa Elephant Camp host special events for Children’s Day – where children get to learn more about elephants first hand, and Thailand’s National Elephant Day – where the world’s biggest elephant feast is held.

Mae Wang River Elephant Camp is another attraction in Chiang Mai, nestled in a breathtaking countryside carpeted with jade paddy fields and surrounded by blue rolling hills, where the largest Thai hill tribe - Karen hill tribe, lives.

Visitors can relax at hotel like Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai, after exploring the tourist attractions in Chiang Mai in addition to an elephant ride, elephant show, Mae Wang River cruise and a pleasurable sightseeing tour in the countryside.