There are few places in this world that are more special than the Four Seasons Golden Triangle. Take it from me, who is lucky enough to experience many of the most magical destinations and luxury hotels in the world, this particular establishment is Cream dela Cream. So, what is it like to check in to the Four Seasons Golden Triangle? After my recent visit, I can tell you exactly what I expect from this gorgeous holiday in Thailand, overlooking Myanmar and Laos.
Golden triangle
If you don’t know the area yet, the Golden Triangle is a small pocket where three neighboring countries collide with the Luak and Mekong Rivers. Those countries are Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. There are three very unique cultures that also share some similarities, making this a very unique place of visit.
Before visiting the Golden Triangle I had no idea what to expect. I painted a jungle-like background, with elephants roaming in the distance, wet days and spectacular sunsets. All of this was true and more.
In many ways, this experience feels like a Southeast Asian version of the Safari. This is especially true in recent years, as this region in northern Thailand has become an elephant sanctuary. Today, the area has many elephant sanctuaries and a handful of gorgeous facilities that provide elephant engagement in a respectful and educational way.
You will also learn about the history of Chiang Rai, a major town in the pockets of Thailand’s Golden Triangle, with a seemingly endless supply of temples.
Lodge: Check in at Four Seasons Golden Triangle
Come this way to the depths of the jungle in northern Thailand, you’ll want to make the most of your efforts by staying at least 4-5 nights. Also, if you choose to stay at the award-winning Four Seasons Golden Triangle, trust me if you say you don’t want to leave!
This property has been on my hotel bucket list for a while since I first wanted an image of a travel magazine property years ago. However, it wasn’t until I planned a bigger trip across Thailand that it made sense to visit, as the isolated location is far more remote than anything.
Compared to several safari style properties in Africa, experience at this lodge is not similar. Here we find ourselves in the middle of the jungle, far from civilization, but not far from the modern luxury of life. All inclusive minibars for first, restocked daily.
The lodge itself is a very oasis. For guest privacy, there is a main pool area with multiple pools and daybeds hidden. They also offer breakfast lunches and dinners daily, where you can find the main restaurant. However, if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere in Sundowner, you cannot miss the opportunity to see the sunset at the Burma Bar, opposite the facility facing Myanmar.
Inside the safari tent
Safari tents are the farthest from tents. First of all, it features sophisticated floorboards and a gorgeous, oversized bathtub. And I don’t know about you, but for me, sleeping in a tent on a camping trip that grew up in Australia doesn’t even resemble this gorgeous canvas tent!
All essentials, including multiple doors and fly screens, are taken care of to prevent jungle creatures from entering the room. They also block out canvas windows that allow you to sleep if you like, but it’s a bit difficult to want to sleep in bed when the lodge serves breakfast elephants every day in the restaurant.
As mentioned earlier, the minibar stocks snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks daily. There are also dried lemon slices for the afternoon gin and tonic. This is enjoyed on an oversized deck in front of the tent.
Inside the rooms with canvas tents, you can choose an indoor bathtub or an outdoor shower. Both are worth enjoying during your stay. And if I said the room was very well equipped I’d take it from me. You never want to leave. But you’ll be rewarded with wildlife encounters like walking with elephants, or wildlife encounters like vintage Land Rover defender and safari-style sundowner.
Four Seasons Golden Triangle Spa
One of the highlights of my stay (though there were many) was a luxurious afternoon for a luxurious 90 minute full-bodied massage at the spa. This is not an old hotel spa. This is an experience in itself. The spa is well surrounded by forests and takes at least 5-10 minutes to walk. This means that you will get complete privacy once there. You will be greeted in an oversized outdoor bathtub with your therapist and your therapist that you can enjoy before and after your treatment. The setting is a perfect fairy tale. The wind slowly blows the trees in the distance, birds sing and adds a soft fan to keep moisture away.
Breakfast with the elephant
Another highlight of my stay was the morning ritual where I enjoyed breakfast with the elephants who call the lodge home. Northern Thailand has become Thai elephant heaven, with many sanctuaries in Chiang Rai and surrounding villages. And the lodge allows you to meet these elephants in meaningful ways, giving them breakfast while learning about the elephant life, or looking from afar as you eat.
Dining and eating at Four Seasons Golden Triangle
And of course, food. Many who have followed my adventures over the years will know that food and food is one of the important measures at my hotel. There is a lot to be said about encountering foreign cuisine, but I really believe you can experience so many cultures on the plate.
Of all the meals I enjoyed during my stay, lunch was my favorite. In the heat of the day, nothing felt more than a cold, fresh salad. And you will never be surprised at how fresh and tasty the fresh produce in Thailand is.
Dinner and breakfast were also memorable experiences. If you like local things or if your home is nostalgic, there are many delicious Thai curry available.
Overall, this is an incredible experience and will certainly fall in the world of World Last History as one of my favourite hotels in the world. This is certainly the top pick for hotels in Thailand, so be sure to add it to your travel list!