Chiang Saen, Thailand
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Three-country jungle outpost
Open-air terraces look across the misty confluence of Myanmar and Laos, while rescued elephants graze in the bamboo forests below.
“The accommodations, all with balconies, have teak floors and are decorated with northern Thai objects and textiles.”
What it’s good at
Gold
Rescued elephant encounters through bamboo forests, longtail Mekong expeditions, and transparent jungle bubble lodges across 160 acres.
Silver
Attentive staff offering poolside hand scrubs, dedicated bubble lodge butlers, and seamless private Mekong boat transfers.
Silver
Northern Thai Lanna architecture, indigenous hill-tribe textiles, and an on-site mahout village overlooking three converging nations.
Outside the door
On a jungle hilltop overlooking the Mekong and Ruak rivers, looking out over Myanmar and Laos.
What they say
Two MICHELIN Keys
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Asia
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
The contrast between the ageless and unspoiled natural setting and the high-gloss modern hospitality of the resort could hardly be greater.
The rooms
Polished teak floors and raw silks frame deep terrazzo bathtubs, with private balconies opening onto built-in daybeds facing the jungle valley.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa & gym
Leave the phone upstairs.
Spa suites feature private steam rooms and al fresco terrazzo tubs, offering northern Thai therapies like Yam Khang heated-iron massage.
At the table
Sala Mae Nam serves regional northern Thai curries over valley views, while the Elephant Bar pours evening drinks among tribal artifacts.
How it began
The retreat partnered with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to establish a lifelong jungle sanctuary for rescued street elephants and mahouts.
Somewhere apart
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a jungle hilltop overlooking the Mekong and Ruak rivers, looking out over Myanmar and Laos.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
Outside the door
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.