Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort อนันตรา สามเหลี่ยมทองคำ แคมป์ช้าง แอนด์ รีสอร์ท — Hotel in Chiang Saen district

Our family (including 12 and 15 year old girls) just returned from a two week visit around Thailand, and our two days spent at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort were hands down the highlight of our trip. Upon arrival, we were whisked to our two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite with an oversized balcony that overlooked Burma (Myanmar) on the left and Laos on the right, with elephants in the foreground on the hotel property, and greeted by a "family of elephants" made out of towels, flowers and leaves on our bed.

Our first full day started out with our own private cooking class with a chef from the hotel. He took us to a local market, bought us some sweets and local Thai coffee and tea, and explained the various foods and spices. We then went to explore a local temple and the border where you can take a boat across to Laos. Just when we thought we were done, we were taken to an off-the-beaten-trail where a local woman cooked us an amazing breakfast out in the open with a dirt floor and her adjacent small garden.

We returned to the hotel for our private cooking class with the chef. He taught us how to cook each dish and after doing so, we sat and ate what we cooked, one dish at a time. He was lovely and it was a joy to cook with him.

After a quick break, we had a family Muay Thai (Thai boxing) class with a professional fighter. Although half of our group have a martial arts background and the other half does not, our instructor was patient and got everyone moving and sweating and learning something new. He even brought each one of us into the boxing ring for 3 minute rounds while he held the pads, which was fun.

After a quick shower and change, we jumped in a jeep to be taken to our “dinner by design” experience. We had each pre-selected our dishes and the chef we cooked with earlier was going to prepare them for us. What we didn’t know was the setting of the dinner, until the jeep drove us through the jungle and pulled up to a private dining gazebo and area with our own group of elephants. From the "welcome note" written in silver pen on a large banana leaf, to the beautifully set table, to the outstanding service, to the view of our elephants, to the pacing which allowed us all to feed, play with, hug, and "be one with" the elephants all evening, this was a night to remember. The food was expertly prepared by our chef, who juggled all of our individual requests, including our daughter who is a vegetarian. At the end of the evening, they presented us with a thank you note written on a paper lantern that they lit on fire and let our daughters release up into the sky. It was such a special experience...certainly one none of us will ever forget.

The next morning, before leaving, we we fit in one more private walk with the elephants. We were guided by a local vet who shared her knowledge of these incredible animals with our group. We walked with the elephants, gave them a bath and enjoyed their company.

I can't say enough about the staff--from the bartenders who kept our daughters busy with magic tricks and mocktails, to the cleaning staff who kept the suite impeccable, to the front desk team who attended to our every needs. This is a special place with adventure to be had at every turn. If you are planning to visit Thailand, don't miss the opportunity to visit this special resort and experience all they...

If you are looking for a very peaceful location with full of adventure and culture. This is just the right place for you!

Since we arrived at the resort. We were welcomed with the refreshments and were tided with a local bracelet which was made by the R-Kha tribe. I can't remember the meaning of it but I'm sure it will bring us luck and protection.

Once we entered to our room and were surprised with the decorations for our honeymoon. There was a super cute elephant chocolate and a bubbly drink too. Our room can see the river which we can see Laos and Myanmar as well. Just unbelievable! Moreover we can some elephants are roaming around. We were so excited.

The next day morning we had a walk with the giants. It was an easy walk but so much fun. We learnt a lot from Vet Weane. She is so passionate and shared us the story which we were grateful. All of the elephants at this place were very well taken care. We also had a walk around the resort. It's a very beautiful and peaceful place indeed. After walking with the giants, we met P'Peark, a cute but handsome buffalo. Please be careful. He doesn't like us to say he is short but yes.. he is a little short hahaha.

In the afternoon, we had a trekking with a gentleman tour guide. Apologies, we can't recall his name but he is so kind and showed us all around the area in the mountains and village. It brought me back the memories when I was little and played in a field.

Next day, we had a side car ride. It was sooooooo cute and fun! We were taken to explore to the view points, village, temple, farm! One of our favourite activities. Thank you for our rider two gentlemen who showed us around.

We had spa too! We booked the spa by nature. It's not easy to go there but the team made it easy for us. We jumped in a cool jeep car. WoooooW, we were impressed already. Just a jaw dropper once we were arrived. It's magical location and romantic ambience. Massage therapist are professional. Thank you Khun Chom and Khun Ann who welcomed us. They are so friendly and professional. After the massage, there will be a set of afternoon tea. Just love it!

In the evening, we dined at the special event. There were many local dance show. Amazing show, Amazing food... our tummy were happily crying. It was Just AMAZING!!!

We can't forget about our breakfast too... ooohhhhh so so so good. So many options, we were so spoilt. Whatever we want. We were given. Love the ambience and everything.

On the departure date, the Anantara Team never just let us go easily. The team prepared us a garland for us to praying the ancient Buddha. It was a very meaningful farewell. We were giving a hand waving once our car was moving (we didn't want to go T.T)

Thank you for your amazing service and amazing team. Thank you once again Khun Chom, Khun Ann and spa team, Khun Neang, The Bar Team, The breakfast team, Khun Fon front office, Khun Alti, Vet Weane and Mahoot and all the Giants...

My husband and I flew from Bangkok to Chiang Rai to stay at Anantara Elephant Camp. We were thrilled to escape Bangkok and spend some relaxing time in the mountains. However our excitement was very short lived, unpon arriving at the hotel we heard very loud construction noises. It turns out that the hotel is in the middle of a major construction project and didn’t inform us until we arrived. The entire lobby, lobby bar, and reception area were all under construction as was one ENTIRE side of the hotel. Additionally a small house was being constructed right outside of our room. The side of the hotel completely under construction is the side next to the pool, so enjoying the pool is impossible. The noise from the construction was loud and constant. The smell from the fumes being used to seal the floors in the lobby made eating dinner at the main restaurant impossible. We had to eat all meals inside the Italian restaurant which is windowless. One of the main attractions to this resort is the amazing views you are surrounded by, clearly we didn’t want to eat inside. During the day the noise from the construction was so loud the staff recommended sitting inside during meals. Additionally the main pool hot tub was broken and no one even bothered to turn on the filters for the pool so it was filled with bugs. My husband and I could not have been more disappointed. This stay was part of our honeymoon and it was very unpleasant. We have always stayed at banyan tree hotels, four seasons or six senses and never at a Anantara property before. We were very excited to give this hotel group a chance and shocked at how bad our experience was. The staff were absolutely lovely and apologized constantly for the noise but when I asked why were weren’t told in advance no one had any answers expect to say that we should have been. The hotel manger happened to be on vacation during our stay (great time to not be at the resort). The on duty manger said it was immediate work that needed to be done due to a storm but when I pointed out that half the hotel was covered in bamboo scaffolding (which must have taken a long time to put up) and that a laminated card was in our room saying they would be doing maintenance projects during the dates of our stay- no one could explain. We were comped one night of our stay and I appreciate that but I had to ask numerous times about how this situation was going to be made right. I had to complain and arguing which was the last thing I wanted to be doing. We would have never stayed at this resort if we knew about the construction. Overall we felt tricked by the hotel. Clearly they knew about how extensive the renovations were and how loud the all day long construction was and choose to say nothing. I can’t imagine a worse business model to instill brand loyalty in...