Platinum Paradise: Our Stay at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
As an Anantara Elite Platinum member, I’ve come to appreciate the subtle perks that elevate a good trip into a great one—early check-ins, room upgrades, attention to detail. But our stay at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort went beyond that. It wasn’t just a luxury getaway. It was a full-on reset. Peaceful, immersive, and honestly—unforgettable.
I traveled with my wife and her best friend Kat, and the three of us made the most of every moment. Between the views, the elephants, the food, the spa, and a barista who could moonlight as a cocktail artist, it felt like the perfect blend of adventure and indulgence.
Welcome to the Triangle
The resort sits high above the Mekong River, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. From the balcony of our suite, the view stretched across fog-laced jungles and winding rivers. Every morning felt like waking up in a dream.
Thanks to the Platinum status, check-in was seamless. We were greeted with cold towels, lemongrass tea, and that signature Anantara hospitality—effortless, warm, and personal. Our suite? Spacious, private, and tastefully decked out in Northern Thai design, with every comfort you could ask for.
The Elephant Experience
We didn’t join the Elephant Camp experience this time around—mainly because we’d done something similar during a past trip to Phuket. But in hindsight, we kind of wish we had.
Our friend Kat went for it, and hearing her talk about it afterward made us realize how different—and special—it is here. The Anantara Golden Triangle partners with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, and the focus isn’t on spectacle—it’s on ethical, respectful interaction. No chains, no riding, no shows. Just elephants in their natural element, roaming freely and cared for by dedicated mahouts.
Kat came back glowing, moved by the experience of simply walking with the elephants through the forest. It wasn’t just an activity—it was something meaningful. Watching her reaction made us regret skipping it. What we had done in Phuket didn’t compare, and now we know—next time, we’re not missing it.
A Taste of the Region at Athita
One evening we ventured out to Athita, a restaurant tucked away nearby that came highly recommended. Turns out, the hype was real.
We ordered their bestsellers, and not a single dish disappointed. The grilled river prawns were smoky and sweet, with just the right hit of tamarind. The Northern Thai sausage came with sticky rice and fresh herbs that balanced out its richness. The Khao Soi was the kind of comfort food you crave long after you’ve left—a creamy coconut curry broth with tender noodles and crispy garnish. We finished off with a classic mango sticky rice, executed with restraint and balance. Nothing was overdone. Just clean, bold flavors that felt rooted in place.
Resort Mode: On
The rest of our time? We stayed close to home base—and why wouldn’t we?
The infinity pool was the kind of spot you can lose hours in. Cool water, warm sun, and panoramic views of the Golden Triangle made it almost meditative. When we weren’t poolside, we were at the spa, getting some of the best massages we’ve ever had. It wasn’t just pampering—it was deep, healing work from therapists who clearly knew their craft.
But what really made the trip feel personal was the bar. Not because it had the most extensive drink list (though it was solid), but because of the bartender—more of a drink artist than a mixologist. We told him what we liked—floral, spicy, herbal, not too sweet—and he created custom cocktails on the spot. No menus. Just flavor, vibe, and surprise.
Every night became its own tasting session. The drinks evolved depending on our mood. One night fruity and bright, the next smoky and complex. Paired with good music, late-night chats, and Kat’s endless energy, it made for some of the best memories of the trip.
The Takeaway
What stood out about this experience wasn’t just the luxury—it was the depth. The feeling that everything, from the elephants to the drinks, was curated with intention. That the resort wasn’t trying to impress with flash, but rather with authenticity, beauty, and care.
Traveling with my wife and Kat turned out to be the perfect trio. We each found our own rhythm at the resort—whether that meant lounging by the pool, diving into spa treatments, or laughing over another mystery cocktail. And by the end, we weren’t just rested—we were recharged.
Would we go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Some places stay with you long after you leave—and Anantara Golden Triangle is one of them.