The elephant training center is a very large attraction as well. It is situated about 10 kilometers or so to the south of town on the main Fang road that runs between Chiang Mai and Chiang Dao. You should have been able to spot it on the drive or bus journey up from the big city!

The center itself is really set in a lush garden setting along the Ping River. It is very wide open. There are plenty of tour groups that will take you out here, but what fun is that. Activities include helping to bathe the elephants, elephant trekking, and generally just having a good time with them. This site is highly recommended. The elephants are really treated quite well. They are not trained to perform tricks, but they are trained to help with the labor needs of the local Thai population.