Golden Triangle Thailand

Here, train to drive and trek an elephant through Thailand's tropical jungles, hike on mysterious mountain trails, venture on a river excursion down the mighty Mekong, or discover local cultures. On the camp grounds, pathways along the hillside lead to secluded accommodations nestled in the midst of a magical natural forest environment.

Upon arrival at the camp, guests will receive traditional mahout outfits. First, learn the golden rules of how to behave around elephants , then the basic vocal commands, then how to get on and off safely. Accompanied by the elephant's own mahout, guests learn the basic commands needed to drive an elephant, a skill they will have an opportunity to practise on an exploration of the Thai jungle.

Guests wanting to experience a customary daybreak in the jungle are invited to join the mahouts as they get the elephants ready for trekking by bathing and scrubbing the gentle giants in the river or pond.

Sundowners will be served when the sun begins to set over the horizon, after which the elephants will be released into the jungle for night feeding.

Start your day with a sunrise elephant trek and watch the sun rise from behind the mountains of Laos, casting a warm light over the Mekong River. Setting off at 6:00 am, the trek is offered during the winter season, when the mornings are cool, the skies are clear and a beautiful sunrise is pretty much guaranteed. It is the ideal next adventure for those who have already completed basic mahout training. To an accompaniment of the dawn chorus of birdsong, the trek takes guests up to the Camp Peak, the highest point of the Camp, where you can welcome the new day from atop you elephant, or from the viewpoint sala with a cup of freshly-brewed local coffee in hand.

After taking time to enjoy the sunrise, and perhaps a second cup of coffee and a pastry or some fruit, the elephant trek heads back down the hill to the bathing pool, where the gentle giants (and guests, should they be willing to get wet) enjoy some much-deserved playtime in the water. Truly an unforgettable way to start the day.

In a longtail boat, guests cruise the Mekong River, passing villages and temples. Guests can also visit the town of Chiang Saen by car, where they can explore a local market, stop by a temple, or do some shopping. Your own private guide accompanies you on your excursion. 

The Jungle Gym exercise session starts with stretching at the pool deck, breathing in cool, clean air while gazing at the slowly flowing Ruak River and the mysterious plains of Burma directly opposite. Next, a one-kilometre (.62 miles) guided uphill hike on the Camp's Jungle Trail leads to the Camp Peak, the highest spot of the property, for breathtaking views of the Mekong River and the mountains of Laos as one takes a moment to catch one's breath.

The course then continues with a downhill trail to Burma Bar for cold towels and water, after which it's an 800 metre (875 yard) run, jog or walk back to the Camp's main restaurant Nong Yao. This leg of the course is also shared by the Camp's resident elephants, so encountering an elephant-jam is always a possible hazard on this workout.

Finally, the Jungle Gym session ends once again at the pool deck, where it's time for some weight training with dumbbells or a spot of jump-rope, before slipping into the soothing waters of the Camp's free-form swimming pool or whirlpool to soothe those tired muscles.

This is a year-round self-guided activity peaking at bi-annual migration seasons. Bird books and binoculars are available in all tents and at Burma Bar and Nong Yao Restaurant.

Learn the secrets of traditional Thai, Laotian and Burmese cooking from our master chefs at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. Use local fresh ingredients combined with distinctive regional flavours to create dishes with unique northern Thai appeal. Special cooking classes include a trip to the wet market in Chiang Saen. Fees apply.