Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle and Its Distinctive Design

Amid dense bamboo thickets in the wilds of the Golden Triangle in Northern Thailand, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is the ultimate glamping experience for those looking to get away from it all. Inspired by the age of exploration and the great adventurers that blazed a trail through the tropical jungles in the 19th century, the Camp offers a throwback feel with all the finest Four Seasons luxury. The vision of acclaimed landscape designer and architect Bill Bensley, the aesthetics of the Camp are opulent yet rustic all at once. “Rugged meets romance is how the interiors can be described,” says Paweena Waraha, Camp Manager. “With vintage elements and gilded ornaments blending seamlessly in grand fashion, the Camp is a visual spectacle like no other.”

In Nature’s Embrace

While the remote setting resonates through its outdoorsy common areas, each of the Camp’s 15 tents has been designed to offer solace and sophistication so that guests are spoiled in a uniquely Four Seasons way. Set along a half-mile stretch of the Ruak River, each tent offers extensive views over this picturesque riverine landscape and dense bamboo jungle cover. Well-spaced to ensure complete privacy, the tents are connected via a charming brick path lined with bamboo and feature exotic names such as Hill-tribe, Burmese, and Opium that are suggestive of the destination. The artefacts in each of these tents match the theme, providing an immersive experience that dives into the culture and tradition of the region.

Guests may choose between the luxurious Bamboo Tent or the premium Mekong Tent. “The five Golden Triangle tents feature private outdoor hot tubs, while the Bamboo and Mekong tents are fitted with outdoor lounge and rain shower so that guests may enjoy the extensive veranda space,” she shares.  For larger families or friends travelling together, the Camp also features a stunning two-bedroom Explorer’s Lodge with spacious bedrooms and an expansive deck. This safari-styled accommodation comes with a magnificent outdoor pool with gorgeous views into the surrounding jungle. Custom-made bathtubs and bespoke fittings make the Lodge an experience in itself. “Families with children (10 years or older) will find that the Camp is the perfect venue for spending quality time together, with enough adventure and frolic activities both onsite as well as into the surrounds,” suggests Waraha. With a sanctuary for rehabilitated elephants, the Camp allows for a wonderful opportunity to interact with these majestic animals and their caregivers under careful supervision, and learn about the sustained conservation efforts.

Design-First Adventure

“With the thrills of this evocative natural setting providing the perfect canvas, Bill Bensley’s eclectic eye for antiques and period travel accessories are what deliver a sentimental flourish and authenticity to what is truly a work of art,” Waraha expresses. Hardwood floors and traditional thatched roofs are offset by the exquisite handcrafted furniture and an old-fashioned, hand-hammered copper bathtub that stands as centrepiece. Vintage compasses and fishing implements serve as foils for the premium Thai textiles and carved teak furnishings that adorn the interiors.

An open-air spa perched at the edge of the jungle with an outdoor bathtub offers ultimate rejuvenation, highlighted by lilting birdsong and the murmur of the bamboo jungle. From traditional Thai massage to innovative rituals, the healing power of nature found in mountain botanicals and warming spices are harnessed here to offer maximum benefits.

“The first tented camp of its kind, this low-impact setting with enhanced luxury was designed to tell the story of the Golden Triangle and the Northern tribes that inhabit it,” says Waraha. “The tents were built to offer a true wilderness experience, and feature no walls, no television, and no air-conditioning in public areas – a work of love and a magical destination for any guest who visits.”