Mae Rim (Thailand)

At Mae Rim I first discovered elephant camps, a place where you can see them play, paint... The elephants of Maesa camp even have a world record for the biggest painting. Although it may seem like an interesting experience, especially if you are traveling with a family, I advise against it. It's better to go to a proper park where the elephants are free.

Other than the elephants, you can admire the view of the rice paddies and other fields clinging to the sides of the mountains. There are also the botanical gardens: what with the one created by Her Majesty the Queen, the royal project at Nong Hoi, and the orchid farm (accessorized with butterflies), nature is truly honored at Mae Rim. If you only want to see one museum, it should be the one at the university, Darapirom Palace, which is inside an old royal building.

I have already stayed at Mae Rim. Even though it is close to the big town of Chiang Mai, it's a good choice if you want to stay somewhere a bit different, and avoid the big town for somewhere near but much more countrified, more "real".