Chiang Mai province has enormous choice when it comes to recreational facilities and boasts a multitude of easily accessible tourist and recreational attractions. These include the famous Chiang Mai Zoo and Tribal Research Center in the city center and the many attractions to be found along the so-called 'Samoeng Loop' - which takes in the beautiful scenic areas of Mae Sa and Mae Rim, as well as Samoeng.

The most renowned attractions in these areas being the many splendid orchid farms, butterfly farms, snake farms, elephant camps, botanical gardens, nurseries, antique and handicraft shops.

There are several such elephant camps and shows in Chiang Mai Province, the most memorable being the Mae Sa Elephant Camp near Chiang Dow. The camp is located at km 10 on the Mae Rim to Samoeng road about 30 km north of the provincial capital. Each morning from 9.30 am until 11.00 am trained elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly valued forestry skills. A jungle tour on elephant back, lasting more than two hours through adjacent forests, is offered after the show.