Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

Did the all-inclusive explorer package, with a night in the family bubble. The property is great, and the location in the Golden Triangle is perfect. The spa is fair, but the masseuses are rather good. The food dishes were rather good. Walking with the Giants is neat, except for a group of 6 to 10 people with you though. The place has some obvious downfalls and oddities I would not have expected, and you feel it throughout the stay. Most of it was a reflection of poor management and leadership on the property, not a reflection on the person trying to provide the services. The all-inclusive option was a mess. Was a fixed menu with alcohol and premium foods not included. Food service would take hours. There would be no one in a restaurant yet if you didn't raise your hand and try to make things happen, nothing would. They also ran an event one night, causing you to pay for the same food options while closing the restaurant, forcing you to pay for food one of your all-inclusive nights. You would have several different people come to your table immediately after sitting, but somehow multiple times still did not get your drinks. They ask you to show up about 15 minutes before an activity to have a drink. Expect to show up, not be able to get your drink, and then for them to be late with the activity too. There is a new casino. It's rather loud. Don't expect to sleep well in the bubble because of this. It's more quiet in the actual rooms. In general, the bubble was a neat offering, and luxurious, yet I was rather disappointed in the bubble experience. The butler didn't know anything about the elephants except their names and ages. The rooms are fair. There is a massive tub/shower setup. This doesn't drain water perfectly so it creates a funky damp cave smell. Room service behavior was odd. We had to leave notes to refill the mini fridge and stupid stuff like that or they wouldn't do it, which also negates the all-inclusive aspect. I do my best to not drink alcohol. There was kombucha in the mini-fridge, but when I asked for it no one had any idea what it was or that they served it. The front desk called at 10:30 PM, waking us up, to say our checkout time was moved 30 minutes earlier. That would be fine if we were checking out the following day, but we were not, we had days. They could have contacted us at any normal time or next interaction. Upon leaving, the driver arranged by the hotel was 20 minutes late anyway, so it was rather meaningless.

Excellent! This is not just a hotel but an EXPERIENCE! Beautiful room with breathtaking views, wonderful food, and the staff were the kindest, most accommodating people! Walking with the elephants was incredible, the spa was luxurious, the pool and bar were wonderful. Absolutely 5 star all the way around. We were so sad when it was time to leave!

This was a world class lodging experience in the jungle of Northern Thailand. We had the best experience walking with elephants, going to a local market to buy produce and cook a three course meal, and enjoying their lovely spa. The staff was incredible, from Ton and Moon in the dining room to Nissa, the vet. I can’t recommend this place enough.