Ethical elephant encounters, jungle treks, Thai & Italian dining


229, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand Get directions
"As the name suggests, the Anantara Golden Triangle's main attraction is its elephant sanctuary, an ethically-run NGO which offers guests the kind of up-close interactions Dumbo-lovers dream of. You can walk with the gentle giants through fields of lemongrass and bamboo as the soft morning light, feed them watermelon and pumpkins for lunch, or spend the night inside a bubble room as they wander the forest around you. But, the hotel has a myriad of other attractions, too, not least its plot on the Mekong River overlooking three countries—Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos—best viewed at dawn with the amber sunlight refracted through the cloud forest mist." - Chris Schalkx, Lee Cobaj
"Tucked into the lush hills where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, this two-MICHELIN Key hotel offers far more than a sweeping view of the fabled Mekong. It sits at the heart of a region steeped in legend, with ancient Lanna ruins and temples scattered across the misty hills. Days unfold with a spirit of discovery: journey by longtail boat past three countries in one elegant drift; ride bicycles through emerald rice paddies and village lanes; trek into bamboo forests where temples emerge from the trees; and join curated Golden Triangle tours that link the historic towns of Sob Ruak and Chiang Saen. For something altogether unexpected, hop into a vintage Royal Enfield Classic 500 sidecar and cruise through jungle paths and elephant pastures — a thrilling ride through one of Southeast Asia’s most enigmatic borderlands." - Faye Bradley
"Located where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, offering ethically guided elephant encounters, longboat forays, and jungle treks. Romance includes dawn hikes through mist-laced hills or candlelit dinners in a rice paddy." - Faye Bradley
"A memorable experience with elephants in Northern Thailand."
"Nestled at the confluence of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai offers a truly unique experience, blending outdoor adventures with breathtaking natural beauty. But the real magic happens when you descend the wooden steps to your dining area, where you might encounter majestic elephants up close. Here, it's not just about the journey — it's about the extraordinary destination that awaits you, and that could very well involve those majestic creatures at the finish line." - Faye Bradley