Anantara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand

photo from TripAdvisor

Many hotels are able to offer their guests transport, perhaps to the airport or even to explore the surrounding area. Few can claim an on-site elephant camp housing 34 pachyderms! The Anantara Golden Triangle has no need of gimmicks, it sits in the heart of lush bamboo forest, housing rooms of supreme luxury enjoying awesome views over Laos and Myanmar. The onsite elephants are a regular part of rural Thai life and guests can get involved in many aspects of their day to day life, either riding them through the jungle or learning about their husbandry from the mahouts.

An elephant 'drive' at sunrise. A dip in the river. Treks through bamboo groves and rice paddy. A rare glimpse at life in a traditional mahout's village. The Elephant Camp at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa is designed along the lines of the traditional mahout's villages found in the hills of Northern Thailand in the days when logging employed the majority of Thailand's elephants.

The Royal Thai Government, with Royal support, set up the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC) to act as a central body for the conservation of elephants, both domestic and wild and the communities that depend on them for their livelihood. Anantara Golden Triangle is proud to host the Northern extension of the Centre's activities.

A true highlight of the Anantara Experience at Anantara Golden Triangle, the Elephant Camp and its resident cast of jumbo beauties offers guests a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Some of the activities include:

Elephant Driving
A skilled mahout can guide his elephant through its working day with around 70 soft commands, light touches behind the ear and years of understanding between the elephant and his master. But did you know that anyone can drive an elephant? A short half-hour lesson will teach you the basic commands and actions, give you the thrill of riding on the neck of this magnificent beast and having it respond to your commands.

Elephant Trekking
A trek through the forest will include many habitat types from thick bamboo to riverine flood plain and an ideal chance to see the birds and small mammals that inhabit the area.

Elephant Bathing
During the hot weather, elephants love nothing more than to take to the water. Bathing is fun to watch and even more fun to take part in! Take a pair of sandals and some shorts down to the Ruak River or the bathing pool, help the mahout and really get to know the elephants.

Forest Living Skills
Ask the mahouts to share their knowledge of edible herbs and jungle medicines for human and elephant. And learn the best places to search for the insects that spice up the diet of the mahout!

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100