During my two-part birthday trip to the Golden Triangle, we spent four nights at the 16-key Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, located near Chiang Rai, Thailand. This is not your typical Four Seasons property, as you’d expect, given its remote location and tented accommodations.
Continue reading: Review: Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand (How Fun!)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Epic stay (and review!) That's certainly the nicest long-tail boat I've ever seen. Beautiful views. Yummy-looking food. Wild how nearly everything, showers, spa, etc. is out-doors. (Yeah, that heat and humidity will getcha. Worst I've ever experienced was Namibia without AC). Have been to other parts of Thailand (and Laos, Myanmar), but not to the north, so you've inspired me to wanna visit someday, Ben. Looking forward to your other posts related to this trip (especially about activities!)
This seems unpleasant...I mean for $3,000/night i'd expect good a/c. I have no issue roughing it or even going without A/C, but again for 3k/night you need to get good a/c.
While at home, I go to the gym very often. However, if I am paying $3k per night at a place like this in a unique location like this, the gym is the last place I plan to spend my time while on the trip. I will have enough time to catch up on the gym when back home.
Eh…not really impressed. You could get the same views from several locations within the U.S. A misty river surrounded by lots of trees….oooh la la….! with tents and massages to boot! (You really flew to the other side of the planet for this?)
The elephants are a bit much. Not a fan of wild animals walking thru the lobby.
The comments below prove that some people will never be satisfied. Great write up, Ben. My colleague was there maybe a month before you and had basically the exact same thoughts. As for the preserve itself, it's quite well regarded and they do some great work. Your comment about Chiang Rai not having much tourism made me laugh though. I think it's the time of year you visited and maybe you got lucky. Granted I haven't been there since before COVID, but it was incredibly busy.
Thanks for the review. I stayed here in 2023 and enjoyed it thoroughly, although agree it might need a few extra amenities. I think they were adding plunge pools to all accommodations when I was visiting, which helps to cool off. I remember the red curry in the restaurant was heavenly. Quite upset that during my visit the bridge to Myanmar was closed. Hope that you got over there to visit! I did visit a border town with heavy Yunnan influence and had some tremendous noodles though.
Great review Ben. I spent part of my honeymoon here ten years ago and my wife and I still talk about this place. Sure it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it was definitely a unique and incredible experience. Thanks for bringing me back!
What part of the US has an uninterrupted jungle ecosystem?
Hawaii at a push but that's as annoying to get to from Miami as Thailand
Do you consider US territories? Puerto Rico has some ‘jungle-like’ spots. Go hiking in the El Yunque National Forest (NE of island; former St. Regis, now Four Seasons is nearby). Just 2-3 hours flight time from Miami.
In another post, I had mentioned that you might want to combine a visit to Capella Hanoi (which I know is on your list) with Shinta Mani Wild tented camp in Cambodia. Both are designed by Bill Bensley and Wild seems like it may be an even nicer experience than this Four Seasons. Instead of a long tail boat arrival, at Wild you can zipline directly into the bar where a cocktail will be waiting for you (those who don't care to zipline can take a Jeep)
I love the river boats they use in that part of the world.
I am hoping your adventure included going into Burma/Myanmarlooking forward to more stories about that
The hell that some people are forced to live in Burma/Myanmar is truly terrible.
Looks awesome! We use the same longboats pretty much throughout South East Asia.. by the way if you liked this resort, at some point give the Marriott Mulu in Sarawak a try. I'm not affiliated in any wau with them but just came back from staying a week there and it's giving me similar vibes (though the animals there are bats and swallowed instead of elephants)
Your arrival via boat with a ceremony, plus the overall nature of the property, gave White Lotus vibes. 🙂
I was fortunate to stay here with family back in 2010 when the property was a lot newer. It was an amazing experience. The camp was also pretty empty then since it was the hot season and only a few months after the red shirt protests in Bangkok which pushed down tourist numbers pretty substantially (we also almost canceled because of it). The interiors at least look just as well kept as when I was there and it looks like the Land Rovers are holding up after another 15 years of use.
Back then you were actually allowed to ride the elephants during the elephant experiences, though it was in the style of the mahouts (bareback, sitting on the animal's shoulders) rather than on a howdah or bench as in the touristy elephant shows. The mahout would command the animal to kneel and tell you how to climb up and where to sit, then guide the elephant on a short walk before letting you back down.
I come to this site because I value other people's opinions, both Ben and often the comments. The comments I'm referring to below are people just looking for something to complain about and don't add any value. Bug difference.
As commented below, the step-by-step intro gave me White Lotus vibes for sure! Did they have a security guard on duty too?
The food styling looks truly spectacular!
What is important to note, local farmers use slash-and-burn practices to clear crop residue, with March and part of April being perhaps the worst time. As a result, they generate pollution levels that are one of the worst in the world.
Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai are the best to enjoy definitely around November - January.
I once tried to book lunch at this property as I was staying next door at Anantara elephant camp but got rejected. They cited my children's young age. While I do understand there is an age limit for accommodation at the resort, it seemed a bit strange they would deem a dining experience to be a safety concern. For what it's worth, Anantara is same level of luxury (without the tents), have a bubble house, and you get truly excellent value with GHA Titanium double upgrade benefit esp considering they have only 3 categories of rooms. I think a stay at either place would provide lifelong memories.
Anyway, thanks for sharing as I have always been curious about this property but never got a chance to see it for myself.
@Lucky, would you pick a luxury safari in Africa over this golden triangle experience? The pricing is not that different for those of us who don’t have free vouchers. Golden Triangle Four Seasons used to be a lot cheaper pre-Covid. But now it’s priced as a luxury African safari, so I wonder if one should prioritize African safari over this one or if this one is substantially unique compared to safaris in Africa.
Considered Anantara or FS for a stay in Chang Mai later this year, but was ultimately dissuaded when I learned from a TA that they chain the elephants (to prevent property damage).
Not judging though... travel ethics... especially for those of us into luxury/frequent travel... can get particularly messy. I've certainly crossed lines other people wouldn't (even visiting the UAE is dubious, and I enjoy it plenty).
If you want Big 5, then 100% splurge on Singita, &Beyond, Wilderness, etc. anywhere in east or southern Africa. If you just want elephants and some temples, northern Thailand gets it done, but you don’t have to stay at a FS there. (Ironically, there is a FS in the Serengeti.)
The elephants cannot cross the flimsy suspension bridge because they are too heavy . duh .
If the uninitiated tourist crosses the river and goes into the forest , he will be plagued by jungle rot on his feet and mosquito bites . Only for the tough Gurkas .
Nothing about Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp? The properties are immediately next to one another and, I believe, are angling for the same guests.
For something similar with what i think seems overall more luxurious would the Rosewood Luang Prabang... the tents, locations, cuisine, everything has been curated to respect and discover the area and local culture.
Just looked this property up and this is a great recommendation - thanks for mentioning.
I like the concept of this Four Seasons but not sure I could handle the accommodations (for that price point certainly)