Connecting Culture and Cuisine: Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle Unveils Holiday Season Experiences in Northern Thailand

Surrounded by the lush mountains and tropical abundance of Northern Thailand, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle offers travellers the chance to connect deeply with nature’s healing beauty. “This connection is felt almost immediately,” shares Paweena Waraha, Camp Manager, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. Bringing guests closer to the culture and tradition of the Golden Triangle – with the rich heritage of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar to lean on – is key to Paweena and the team, who curate transformative glamping experiences for guests. “Our off-the-grid experience is especially suited for those who love the outdoors and truly enjoy being surrounded by not just nature’s glory but also getting up close and personal with the diverse culture of the region,” she shares. 

Saa Paper-Making: Preserving a 600-Year-Old Legacy

Guests at the Camp can now discover a venerable tradition of Northern Thailand this holiday season with a hands-on lesson in the intricate art of Saa papermaking – handcrafted from mulberry tree fibres. During a visit to Ban Pang Ha, guests can learn how the artisans transform raw material such as flowers, bark, and wood fibres into delicate, eco-friendly paper from soaking and pounding the mulberry bark to moulding and drying each sheet. “Unravel the designs and techniques that blend tradition and innovation in each unique product, honouring the environment and the community’s heritage,” smiles Paweena. A tradition that dates back 600 years, the technique is linked primarily to ethnic hill tribe groups such as the Tai Lue, who are native to Northern Thailand. These communities have preserved ancient techniques and knowledge of natural material, including the sustainable harvesting of mulberry bark and traditional paper crafting methods.  “Saa paper is used for making lanterns during the renowned Northern Thai festival Loy Krathong, and are a part of Buddhist ceremonies such as merit-making,” she adds.  In addition to paper, the artisans at Ban Pang Ha produce stunning handcrafted items such as lampshades, greeting cards, and decorative art that reveal stories of nature and culture within each fibre. For an authentic experience, the family-run Jinnaluck Miracle of Saa in Ban Pang Ha village is a must-visit. Through the initiative, entrepreneur Jinnaluck Chummongkol has transformed the village into a cultural hub, where visitors can learn about traditional papermaking techniques during a hands-on workshop, and create personalised paper products adorned with local flowers and leaves. “These initiatives have diversified income sources, reducing dependence on agriculture, enhancing economic resilience, and empowering tribal women with a sustainable livelihood,” says Paweena. 

The Art of Bamboo and Rattan Weaving

Another signature craft associated with the Tai Lue people, who are renowned for their weaving skills, is creating intricate and delicate patterns with rattan and bamboo. These intricately woven designs are traditionally used to create household items such as mats, baskets, furniture, specialised tools and even artifacts. In addition to utility, these crafts have been a channel of artistic expression, with intricate patterns and designs becoming a hallmark of the region's craftsmanship. A highlight experience within the Camp premises, the Rattan and Bamboo Weaving lesson is a standout. Leading this program is Sawat Taboonruang, who oversees the expansive landscape and gardens at the Camp. As the Advisor of the Landscape, his interest in gardening and maintaining nature’s bounty drew him instantly to this intimate setting. Celebrating a venerable tradition of the region, and one that has been passed down through generations in his own family, Sawat enjoys teaching guests the art of bamboo and rattan weaving. For guests who enrol for a hands-on experience, Sawat curates the session based on the skill level and interests. “Under the expert guidance of our gardening team, guests can learn to weave a variety of items such as lamps, cups and toys,” he shares. Besides the art itself, what attracts Sawat most about working with bamboo and rattan is their natural sustainability. “The process feels calming and meaningful, as it transforms a simple, renewable material into something beautiful, while honouring both tradition and the environment,” says Sawat. 

Culinary Traditions of Northern Thailand

From November to March, the cool, sun-kissed winter season is the best time to explore Northern Thailand — and to savour the region’s culinary traditions. As guests are treated to a special range of high elevation teas and small plantation arabica coffees that have been carefully selected for their superior qualities, “Waking up to the bird call and jungle views is exotic,” smiles Paweena. “When you have a range of aromatic teas to match your mood, then the mornings are truly blissful.” Guests hop on the Camp’s trusty Land Rover and drive through the mist covered landscape to reach an exclusive breakfast spot along the Ruak River. Here, in a traditional thatched kitchen, Camp Chef Sirintip Sianglert cooks up a delectable breakfast spread that blends heritage with modern influences. “The menu is all heart and fresh ingredients,” says Chef Sianglert. Traditional recipes such as Khao Lam Khao Niew Dam Phueak (roasted bamboo tubes with stuffed with sticky rice, coconut milk, and black beans), and Patongko (doughnuts dipped in soya milk) are served here as a special menu to truly immerse in the local experiences. Fresh ingredients underscore the meal as organic lettuce, free-range eggs, and Phu Lae pineapples take centre stage, while the butterfly pea flower grown in the chef’s garden adds a touch of colour to enliven the artistic presentation. “Farm-to-table sourcing, seasonal ingredients, waste reduction and eco-friendly production are the key to our experience,” affirms Chef Sianglert.  

For Paweena and her team, the goal is simple, that every guest leaves Four Seasons Tented Camp this holiday season feeling connected, empowered, and transformed by the rich culture of the Golden Triangle.