My husband and I are looking for some suggestions for how to spend 2 days, 2 nights outside of Chiang Mai but without having to fly somewhere (12/22-12/23). Can anyone recommend a spa outside of the city that may also be a good base for a day trip to the elephant camps with half day hikes or rafting?

I haven't been yet but since we are tossing around our options for the same thing and there have been no responses I thought I would chime in!

We are considering visiting nearby Chiang Dao and staying at Chiang Dao Nest. It looks amazing and the day trips are enticing!

Good luck!

We are also considering Chiang Dao, and have a reservation for Chiang Dao Nest 2, it appears the other place is boooked for the time we will be there.
Does anyone have any feedback on this resort?
The reviews on this board seem to favor the Elephant Conservation Camp in Lampang...but it does not seem that you can do the other activities we are interested?

You could go to the Chiang Rai/Golden Triangle area and try Anantara

Gloria - how would one get to that area? By flying or renting a car? I'm seriously considering renting a car and exploring the countryside when I'm there....but I'm worried the rental rates will be too much, they wont have automatic transmissions, etc etc....

I'd get a driver who has a car. Price is very reasonable and it's worry free-- a superb use of money in my opinion.