Originally established as Khwaeng Mueang Kuet in 1892 and renamed to Khwaeng Mueang Kaen in 1894, Mae Taeng District represents northern Thailand's premier elephant conservation destination. Located in scenic Mae Taeng valley north of Chiang Mai, this district features the world-famous Maetaeng Elephant Park, established in 1996 following Thailand's logging ban in 1989, creating sustainable elephant tourism.
The district's crown jewel is Wat Ban Den in Inthakhin village, recognized as one of Chiang Mai's most distinctive temples with stunning Lanna architecture and unique structural beauty. Mae Taeng's reputation for ethical elephant conservation has earned recognition from Maejo University as a certified green tourism development with 7 Greens certification.
Property investors benefit from established eco-tourism infrastructure supporting over 9,000 annual visitor reviews and growing adventure tourism market. The district's combination of elephant sanctuary heritage, authentic temple architecture, scenic valley location, and sustainable tourism credentials makes it ideal for eco-resorts, adventure lodges, cultural retreat centers, and conservation-focused properties targeting responsible tourism buyers seeking meaningful northern Thai experiences.