{ daydream destination } Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle
Posted: November 17th, 2011 | Author: Jennifer | Filed under: dream destination, Travel Guides | Tags: Asia, hotels, South East Asia, Thailand | 1 Comment »
The Location
There are a few hotels in the world that are on my personal bucket list. This is one of them. I have been to Thailand twice, but never to the northern tip (what can I say – my preference for leisurely beaches always wins out). I can’t remember where I first heard about this place but I’ve been enchanted with it ever since, and I am determined to go there one day. (Note: Chiang Rai is also unaffected by the recent flooding in Thailand.)
The Golden Triangle is the northern-most tip of Thailand. From the elevated platforms of the camp you can see actually the natural triangle formed by the Mekong and Ruak rivers, which also mark the boundaries between Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Four Seasons Golden Triangle has the distinct advantage of being perched right in the centre of it all – a remote and exotic location, perfect for those with a taste for adventure.
At first the words “tents” and “five-star” may seem like contradictory terms. But don’t be misled. These tents may have canvas sides but they are nothing short of luxurious. Picture elegant copper bath tubs, large decks with outdoor daybeds and stunning views of the Mekong River. By night fall the remote location becomes quite apparent as a flashlight bearing guide will be required to guide you safely back to your tent (a Land Rover is also availabe if you don’t feel like making the walk by foot). The encampment is comprised of only 15 tents and the hotel does not allow young children, ensuring that you have an experience that is both private and quiet.
The Hotel
The tents themselves feature hardwood flooring, paddle fans and hardwood and leather furniture. Each room has it’s own distinct theme, but each has the same sort of safari vibe. The sleeping areas feature a large mosquito nets and comfy platform beds. The bathroom is open-plan, and the free-standing tub actually located in the living room. The hand hammered copper bathtub is large enough for two and also features a hand held shower. The outdoor decks are huge at almost 400 square feet. They feature a daybed and a covered hot tub (perfect for rainy days). The tents also feature an outdoor rain/steam shower.
Bonus room amenities include books on local history and culture, binoculars (for watching both the birds and the elephants roaming freely in the fields nearby) plus a refrigerated private bar.
The Extras
The camp is based around some very well-taken care of elephants. These gentle giants will be around to take on your daily excursions to places like the Opium museum, local ruins and markets. You can also feed them in the morning and even help with the bath time. There is also the option of taking your breakfast at the baby elephant camp – and I mean, who wouldn’t want to do that?
The Spa is one of the best features of the camp. Where else can you experience top end spa services in an open walled pavilion in the middle of the jungle, listening the wildlife around you. Treatments after 6pm are conducted in the privacy of your room.
The Burma Bar is another highlight. The bar is a great place to interact with your fellow guests and to discuss the day’s adventures over a glass of wine. The bar stands atop some high stilts making it an excellent place to sit and view the sunset. Plus the staff have been known to give you small paper hot air balloons to release into the dark night sky.
The restaurant features both Thai and Western food. They also offer a few varieties of wines (some are actually Thai). The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with spectacular views of the nearby rice paddies and small lake. A private dining area called the Rice Barn is available for reservation for couples, for those wishing for a truly private experience. The restaurant also offers cooking school, for those who are interested in learning more about Thai cuisine and they offer picnic baskets and meals to go for your tour excursions (extra fees apply for baskets).
Rates include pick up from Chiang Rai (including a boat ride to camp), as well as all food, beverages and many excursions. 3 night minimum stay is required.
Four Seasons Golden Triangle
P.O. Box 18, Chiang Saen Post Office
Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand
T – 66 (0) 53 910-200
Rooms from $79000 THB.
If you are looking to give your space a dose of style- whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.
This is totally on our list, too. We stayed at the Four Seasons in Chiang Mai and recommend that highly. Next time we’d like to do both.