Perched on a hillside in the Golden Triangle, at the border between Myanmar and Laos, the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort combines immersion in the jungle, views over the Mekong, and a recognized commitment to elephant protection. It stands as one of the most distinctive accommodations in the Chiang Rai region—both a premium resort and a platform for scientific research.

Why choose this property

• A rare location, elevated above the Golden Triangle, with sweeping views of the Mekong confluence and three countries visible from the grounds.
• An integrated mahout camp backed by a scientific research and conservation program dedicated to Asian elephants.
• A spa set deep within the jungle and an infinity pool oriented toward the mountains of Myanmar and Laos.
• Rooms with balconies overlooking the Mekong, furnished in modern Thai-inspired design.

Atmosphere and setting

The resort takes full advantage of its steep terrain: buildings cascade through the vegetation, terraces open onto the valley, and internal pathways wind between bamboo groves, teak trees, and clearings. The atmosphere is that of an upmarket jungle lodge rather than an urban hotel. Silence prevails, punctuated by distant trumpeting from the elephant camp and birdsong from the Mekong basin.

The décor blends dark wood, Thai textiles, and contemporary lines. Common areas—bar, restaurants, lounges—emphasize expansive windows and panoramic terraces to capture the borderland views.

The rooms

Rooms are spacious, with modern Thai-inspired furnishings. Each features a balcony facing the Mekong, ideal for observing the river and the Laotian bank below. Volume, fine materials, and natural light define the ambiance in a refined, comfortable register.

Services and experiences

The elephant camp and conservation program

This is the signature of the place. The camp welcomes rescued elephants from street tourism, guided by their mahouts and a team of researchers. The program combines care, behavioral observation, and scientific studies. Interactions offered to guests are designed to respect the animals: gentle approaches, forest walks, educational workshops with the mahouts. To deepen your understanding of these magnificent creatures, you can extend the experience with an ethical elephant encounter in the region.

Spa and wellness

The spa sits at the heart of the jungle, in open-air pavilions overlooking the vegetation. The menu features traditional Thai massage, Ayurvedic treatments, and signature rituals of the brand.

Pool and dining

The infinity pool offers clear sightlines to the mountains of Myanmar and Laos. For dining, the resort offers several venues, from contemporary Thai cuisine to terrace dinners facing the river.

Location

The resort sits in Chiang Rai province at the precise point where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. This region, long marked by opium history, is now a territory of jungle, tea plantations, and hill-tribe villages. Allow around an hour's drive from Chiang Rai airport, through a landscape of forested hills.

What to see and do nearby

• Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple), close to Chiang Rai town.
• The House of Opium and Hall of Opium, two museums chronicling the region's history.
• Akha and Yao hill-tribe villages, accessible on half-day excursions.
• Mekong River cruises toward Laotian border villages.

Planning your stay

The Anantara Golden Triangle fits naturally into an itinerary combining northern Thailand, Chiang Mai, and the Golden Triangle. To build a bespoke journey featuring this property, explore our Thailand travel ideas.