Destination: Northern Thailand / Golden Triangle

Northern Thailand and region

Northern Thailand shares borders with Myanmar and Laos, as well as with the Central Plains and Isaan. This section is to include Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Sukhothai.

The Golden Triangle (สามเหลี่ยมทองคำ Saam Liam Thong Kham) is in Chiang Rai Province, in the far north of Thailand. The name was coined in the 1960s to refer to the opium-cultivating regions of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand but nowadays the northern Thai tourism industry uses it to refer to the tripoint where the three countries meet. Locals call this spot Sop Ruak, since this is where the Mekong meets the Ruak River.

The weather here is always cooler than the rest of the country, with an average temperature of 77° — the perfect climate for enjoying the verdant beauty of the mountains, hill tribe villages, botanical gardens, and coffee and tea plantations.

FOUR SEASONS TENTED CAMP GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Golden Triangle region
SIZE: 16 rooms
DESIGNER/ARCHITECT: Bill Bensley

My first and best choice if in the region.

Hidden within exotic bamboo jungles overlooking Myanmar and Laos, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle offers tailor-made, all-inclusive experiences in sumptuous tented accommodations, accompanied by a comprehensive list of activities. Take an excursion to colorful local markets and temples, then absorb the tropical tranquility with an open-air massage among the treetops. Enjoy sundowners at the Burma Bar, then share unforgettable dining experiences in a safari-camp atmosphere at the Nong Yao Restaurant. The two-bedroom Explorers’ Lodge, with its own private pool, enhances stays at the tented camp.

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PART OF MY FOUR SEASONS PREFERRED PARTNER PORTFOLIO

ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE ELEPHANT CAMP & RESORT
Golden Triangle region
SIZE: 61 rooms

Perched on a jungle ridge in northern Thailand overlooking the border with Myanmar and Laos, Anantara Golden Triangle immerses you in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Wake up with Elephants in our unique transparent Jungle Bubbles. Enjoy the “Golden Triangle Luxury Explorer” package, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as round-trip transportation from Chiang Rai airport and an opium-museum visit. Choose your activities: elephant experiences, local tours, a spa treatment, or a cooking class. Rest in luxurious accommodations: a Deluxe Three-Country View Room, Three-Country View Suite, or Three-Country View Family Suite.

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FOUR SEASONS CHIANG MAI
Chiang Mai
SIZE: 99 rooms

A haven of well-being set in a valley of rice fields, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai offers 64 elegant pavilions with outdoor decks, as well as 23 residences ranging from one to four bedrooms, and 12 one-bedroom pool villas, each with gardens and a private pool. Inspired by the social harmony of Thailand, The Spa offers rituals based on ancient native herbs, spices, and oils. Indulge in private dining at the Orchid Nursery or a culinary journey at Khao, Rim Tai Kitchen, or Terraces. Wellness experiences, ranging from active to cultural, include lessons with an in-house yogi, rice planting, and cycling around Mae Rim Valley.

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PART OF MY FOUR SEASONS PREFERRED PARTNER PORTFOLIO

ANANTARA CHIANG MAI RESORT
Chiang Mai
SIZE: 84 rooms

Step beyond the striking teakwood wall and into a world of exotic exclusivity at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. Set on the grounds of the former British consulate in the center of the ancient capital, Anantara is firmly rooted in the 21st century with clean lines, polished woods, and plenty of glass. Carefully chosen artifacts accent the 84 modernly minimal rooms; book one overlooking the tranquil Mae Ping River. The colonial consulate building now houses a pan-Asian restaurant. Relax by the waterfront pool or in the spa and get in a Thai frame of mind with an elephant trek or a visit to the hills.

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REMOTE LANDS:
GOLDEN TRIANGLE EXPLORATION – THREE COUNTRIES, FIVE DAYS
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Visit three countries in five days on this tour of the Golden Triangle. The borders of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand come together in the northern province of Chiang Rai, and this tour is the perfect way to get a glimpse at all three. From scenic drives to the heights of Doi Ang Khang and tuk-tuk drives through Tachilek, to longtail boat rides down the mighty Mekong, this diverse tour offers a little something for every type of world traveller.

This itinerary is an example. All trips are 100% bespoke.

My Virtuoso Northern Thailand Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.