There are few things more refreshing than spending a weekend in Chiang Rai being one with nature and animals.
The Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort is also one of the few places in Thailand that allows the best of all worlds. A breathtaking retreat set against the backdrop of a 64.74 hectares forest, designed by Bill Bensley in 2001, the resort is nestled on a mountain ridge. It offers sweeping views of the Thai borders with Myanmar and Laos aka The Golden Triangle, enveloped in lush jungle surroundings, with the rich cultural tapestry of Chiang Saen.
Though there are 40 rooms, 15 suites and six family suites to choose from, it is the Mekong Explorer Tents that you’re after. These are so exclusive that there are only two at the far end of the property and it gives you the ultimate in glamping. The newest addition to the collection, these tents are for those who like a bit of adventure and don’t mind the sounds of the forest (or gecko) during the night. Perched on a hillside, the tent offers panoramic views of the landscapes and the confluence of the three countries and where the Ruak and Mekong rivers meet.
The tent comes with all the comforts that one may need while spending a luxurious time in a jungle; there is an outdoor bathtub and a private plunge pool overlooking the valley. There are few relaxing things other than having a hot soak while the rain comes pouring down. Tried and tested, it is one of my new favourite ways of luxuriating in a tub!
All the in-room amenities are especially made for the tent and are so unique, it may take you a good 10 minutes to find the mini fridge or the bar!
Being an all-inclusive resort, there is plenty to keep you busy so you may not have to leave the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort. Though, I would highly recommend leaving, in style, in the sidecar of a Royal Enfield Classic 500. Not only is the ride exhilarating, it takes you through the lush vegetation and villages that form Chiang Rai. You’re even driven to the Chiang Saen viewpoint to see the exact spot the Ruak and Mekong rivers meet.
If travelling among the treetops is your thing, then the Sky Bike Adventure awaits. Suspended 40 metres above the vast resort grounds, the ride offers views of the jungle, rice paddies, the Golden Triangle and of course, the elephants chillaxing in their natural habitat. This is also a vantage spot to see the Jungle Bubbles in all their glory.
To commune with elephants in their natural habitat, the Jungle Bubble is a one-night’s stay in a “transparent” room. You read that right, there is no privacy because the elephants have full view of your bedroom. But it has all the comforts of a normal hotel room, like a bathroom and is air-conditioned. Since the bubble is transparent, you will go to sleep looking at the stars and awake with the sunrise, and the sounds of the jungle and the playful elephants outside. There is also an open-air terrace from where you can observe the friendly pachyderms up, close and personal. This is also where dinner is served.
The 20 elephants that live on the property were rescued from logging camps, street begging or circuses, and the guided walk in their footsteps, quite literally, is the highlight of staying at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort. An experienced guid will teach you about the customs of the mahouts and the elephants along the walk. There are plenty of photo-ops as the gentle giants are friendly and will pose for pictures.
None of the dining outlets at the resort is ordinary and while the food is nothing short of exceptional, it’s the views from the restaurants that offer a complete package.
To immerse yourself in the jungle completely, dine at Canopy, the tree-top restaurant. Perched 52 metres above the grasslands, offering expansive views over the Golden Triangle, the capsule’s design is inspired by local beehives. On offer here is breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or a romantic sunset rendezvous. The view from Canopy, as it’s been pulleyed high up, is definitely worth the trek to the top of the hill.
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, look no further than Samsarn. The restaurant is only open for dinner and offers diners culinary traditions of the Golden Triangle's three regions, including locally-sourced ingredients that aren’t really seen on any Bangkok tables.
Sala Mae Nam is the all-day dining and breakfast restaurant. This is one of the best spots to start the day because not only is the breakfast spread vast and filling, the view is to-die-for. Imagine elephants in the mist against a backdrop of lush jungle and a lazy river flowing through. The hills and mountains in the distance only add to the breathtaking views. The restaurant also has some of the best northern Thai food I’ve ever had, with a solid focus on Lanna.
The Elephant Bar and Opium Terrace is where one can retire for after dinner drinks or for lazy day cocktails as it also opens out to the infinity pool. When I visited, the spa was undergoing an extensive renovation, but judging by the skills of my masseur, it is totally worth spending an afternoon in.
If there is one thing that is certain and even more enhanced is the fact that they don’t build places like Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort anymore. Where else can you bask in luxury in the middle of a jungle with elephants at the doorstep?!
