Located around 15km north of Chiang Mai, the Mae Sa Valley is a picturesque area that has become the venue for several tourist attractions.
Given its touristy image, many travelers avoid it altogether. However, while plenty of tour buses head out this way, with a rented vehicle you can have a lot of fun picking out the places that interest you, and everywhere is easy to find as they’re all right beside the road.
The most popular places along the valley are the elephant and tiger camps, as well as the orchid farms, but the options don’t end there. You can also go bungy jumping or ATV (all-terrain vehicle) riding and even explore one of the country’s most impressive botanical gardens. There are also snake farms as well as crocodile and monkey shows, and lots of places to stop off for a drink or meal along the way.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even keep going after the Mae Sa Valley until you reach the junction where a right turn takes you to Samoeng. If you turn left here, you can return to Chiang Mai via the Samoeng Loop, which makes a fun day trip.
Where to Go
- Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden: Admire one of Thailand’s best horticultural displays.
- Sainamphung Orchid Farm: Take souvenir photos posing beside these colorful blooms.
- X-Centre: drive a buggy, do a bungy jump, play paintball or get dizzy in a Xorb Ball.
- Mae Sa Elephant Camp: Watch elephants dancing and painting pictures, then take a ride on one.
- Mae Sa Snake Farm: Cuddle a cobra and watch handlers living dangerously.
- Mae Sa Monkey Centre: Watch monkeys picking coconuts and riding bikes.
- Mae Sa Waterfall: Enjoy an expensive picnic beside this small cataract.
- Wild Asia Crocodile Show: Watch the crocs resist the temptation to bite their trainer’s head off.
- Tiger Kingdom: See if you can work out what keeps these creatures so docile.
Getting There
By rented vehicle, head north out of Chiang Mai on H107 for about 15km. After passing through Mae Rim, turn left on to H1096 which runs right through the valley. Just about every tour company in town offers tours of the valley, taking in some of its most popular attractions.
Need to Know
- Worth it? Despite its touristy image, most people enjoy spending a few hours in the valley.
- What to do: Watch shows performed by elephants and crocodiles, hug tigers, visit waterfalls or botanic gardens, plus many other activities.
- Best time to go: November to February for the best weather.
- How long: You could easily spend a full day in the valley if you want to see several of the attractions here.