Just 15kms north of Chiang Mai is a wonderful outdoor playground often overlooked by tourists to Chiang Mai. The Mae Sa Valley offers a plethora of sights and activities for visitors. The botanical gardens and lovely ten-tiered Mae Sa waterfalls are the chief nature attractions, but there is also a lovely elephant camp straddling the tumbling river, an orchid farm, and a selection of animal shows, including monkeys, dogs and snakes. You can also work up some adrenalin bungy jumping or riding ATVs.

See these gentle giants up close. The entertaining shows are included in the entry cost and definitely worth seeing. Football-kicking and painting are favourite acts among the elephants. The Exhibition Hall features displays of rare stories and photos of newborn elephants. There is also a collection of hunting equipment and weapons used in past elephant hunts. You can also purchase bananas to hand-feed the elephants and take photos with them. For an additional charge, you can ride an elephant. The charming restaurant about half a kilometre up the road straddles the river and is a good place to eat. Open: 08:00-14:30.

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