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.

The Chiang Mai Zoo is located about 5 km from the city center on Huai Kaeo Road very close to the Chiang Mai Huai Kaeo Arboretum. An American missionary founded the zoo in the 1920's as a small private collection. The zoo was later given to the city after the missionary retired. Since that time it has expanded and improved and is now one of the finest zoos in Asia as well as being the largest in Thailand

The zoo is situated on 200 acres of beautiful land in the foothills of Doi Suthep on the edge of the city. It houses hundreds of different animal species in a forested and natural environment. Within the grounds are two waterfalls, reservoirs, an open park, camping spots, animal breeding areas and little roads winding around the mountainside, affording spectacular views of Chiang Mai City.

The Singapore Zoo recently donated a troop of ten penguins - the first ever seen in Thailand. Gibbons, which are listed as the world's fourth most endangered species, are being bred successfully. Chayo, the baby elephant born at the time of the Leonid meteor shower and who became the symbol of the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, is here with her mother.

The zoo contains a fascinating collection of Asian and African mammals with more than 6,000 animals in total. There are 69 species of mammals, 311 of birds, 15 of reptiles and 60 of fresh water fish. The zoo prides itself on the natural conditions in which the animals are kept and also on the natural beauty of the whole area.

Interesting and educational events for children and adults are constantly being arranged. The zoo has become one of the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai for Thai and overseas families. Entrance fees are between 20 and 40 baht and you can pay extra to take in any transportation such as a tuk tuk since only the truly athletic can explore the whole zoo by foot. It is a pleasant, interesting and scenic way to spend the day.