Mae Rim

Working elephants can be seen being trained at the elephant camp near Mae Rim (20 km (13 mi.)) north of Chiang Mai; the camp itself is another 7 km (4 mi.) beyond the village). Demonstrations take place daily and all Chiang Mai travel agencies arrange excursions.

With the Thai government having introduced, for reasons of conservation, a total ban on the felling of tropical hardwoods, the supply of trained working elephants now far exceeds demand. Several hundred "unemployed" elephants consequently rely for their subsistence on an allowance from the State. This is supplemented by income from tourists eager to learn more about training and caring for these endearing pachyderms, animals which have always had such an important part to play in Thailand's history. Visiting VIPs are sometimes treated to an "elephant spectacular" arranged by King Bhumibol, as many as 40 to 50 of the creatures being gathered together from the surrounding area.

Tours of the Doi Inthanon National Park leave from Mae Rim. They last from one to several days and use elephants for transport.