I’ve always had a penchant for unique travel experiences, seeking out hotels and locations that offer something truly special. During one of my deep dives into the world of extraordinary accommodations, I stumbled upon the Anantara Golden Triangle in Thailand.

　　The moment I read about their jungle bubble experience, I was hooked. The idea of sleeping under the stars in the heart of the jungle, with elephants wandering nearby, seemed like a dream come true.

　　Was it worth the money? (I paid full price! This is not a sponsored review) It was pretty magical. Heres what to know before you book:

　　Table of Contents

　　Toggle Arrival and First ImpressionsI can help you get free extra perksThe Elephant ExperiencesThe Jungle Bubble ExperienceDining and ConvenienceFamily-Friendly AmenitiesThings to KnowFinal Thoughts on Anantara Golden TriangleI can help you get free extra perks Arrival and First Impressions

　　How you arrive and leave are big parts of a 5-star hotel stay, IMHO. It should feel like youre taken care of from the moment you get picked up and it did. Our air conditioned van arrived early, waited until we were ready to go, and gave us a private ride from Chiang Rai to the property.

　　Upon arriving at the Anantara Golden Triangle, I was immediately struck by the serene beauty of the place. Nestled amidst lush greenery and overlooking the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, the resort feels like a secluded paradise in the Golden Triangle, an area about 3 hours north of Chiang Mai and 5 hours from Pai. The vibe of the place transported me back in time, evoking a sense of old-world Thailand with its elegant design and ambiance.

　　Our room, while not the highlight of the stay, was comfortable and well-appointed. It had everything we needed for a pleasant stay, but honestly, we spent very little time there. The real magic of Anantara lies outside the four walls, among the trees, the wildlife, and of course, the elephants.

　　When you stay, the package is inclusive of your meals and a few activities or spa treatments. While the spa is great, definitely do an elephant activity for each day of your stay. You can do a few extras as well for an extra fee, and we did a few.

　　I can help you get free extra perksI have a special relationship with Anantara and can get free room upgrades (where available), resort credits, early check in, and late check out at no extra cost to you when you book through me. Click here to send me an email!

　　The Elephant Experiences

　　One of the unique aspects of Anantara Golden Triangle is their relationship with elephants. The resort invites mahouts—traditional elephant caretakers—from local villages to bring their elephants to live on-site. This ancient practice not only supports the mahouts and their families but also ensures that the elephants are cared for by the people who raised them.

　　Ill acknowledge its not as ethical as staying on a watering hole with wild elephants, like we do on or womens adventure tours in Botswana, but there is no elephant riding and the resort does not buy elephants, perpetuating their domestication. They also work with veterinary students from around the world and one of my friends coincidentally had interned there and spoke highly of it.

　　During our stay, we participated in two group elephant activities: Walking with Giants and Elephant Guardian. Both experiences were lovely.

　　Walking with Giants was a gentle trek through the property alongside these magnificent creatures. It was humbling to be so close to them, observing their behavior and interacting with them in such an intimate setting.

　　The highlight for us, especially for our toddler, was the Elephant Guardian activity. We had the opportunity to feed and bathe the elephants, a hands-on experience that left us in awe of their intelligence and gentle nature.

　　Our toddler was an absolute hit with the mahouts. One particular mahout took a special liking to him, even holding him and bringing him up close to his elephant. The sight of our little one bravely petting the elephant’s trunk is a memory I will cherish forever.

　　We also booked the elephant picnic. Although you get a private experience with two elephants and the other experiences are with a group, we didnt get as much interaction since for the actual picnic the elephants couldnt be around as theyd want to steal our food (I would have shared! JK, I understood), so Im not sure it was worth it.

　　The jungle bubble is another story!

　　The Jungle Bubble Experience

　　The crown jewel of our stay was undoubtedly the night in the jungle bubble. This unique accommodation is an additional add-on to the regular stay and comes with a hefty price tag of around $1,000 for a night. But let me tell you, it’s worth it if you can swing it.

　　When we booked the jungle bubble, I was a bit apprehensive about the logistics. However, Anantara has thought of everything. They provided a private buggy to take us down to the bubble with just our overnight bag. Dinner was delivered to us in the bubble, and the crib was carted down there, too. We had a phone in case we needed anything, but we were also in a little area where we couldnt see anyone else and they couldnt really see us, adding to the sense of adventure and exclusivity.

　　Our bubble was the smaller one, designed for couples, but there is a larger option available for families. Even though we had neighbors in the bubble next door, the setup ensured enough privacy that we barely noticed them. The feeling of being cocooned in this transparent dome, with the night sky above and elephants roaming right in front of us, was surreal. We spent hours just lying there, watching the stars and listening to the sounds of the jungle. It was a peaceful, almost meditative experience that I still think about often.

　　Dining and Convenience

　　One of the practical concerns when traveling with a toddler is meal times. Anantara made this aspect of our stay incredibly convenient. The resort’s all-inclusive package includes full room and board, with their restaurant open most hours, allowing us to order room service without any extra charge.

　　This was a lifesaver, especially on days when our son was too tired to sit through a restaurant meal. The food was consistently good, with a variety of options that kept all of us satisfied.

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　　The main dining area, however, should not be missed. The view from the restaurant is breathtaking, and the opium-triangle themed bar is a great spot to unwind in the evenings. The fusion of local and international cuisines meant there was always something new to try, and the quality of the dishes was top-notch.

　　Family-Friendly Amenities Traveling with a toddler can be challenging, but Anantara Golden Triangle made it surprisingly easy. They provided high chairs, a crib, car seat for the ride, and importantly, noted allergens on their menu and were briefed about his food allergies before we arrived.

　　The large pool with a spacious shallow area was perfect for our son. The poolside area is also well-equipped with plenty of lounge chairs, allowing us to unwind.

　　Things to Know While the north will always be my favorite part of Thailand there are some things to know about when you visit. We went in January and the air quality was already impacted a bit by burning season, which peaks in March.

　　Once Thailands rainy season begins in April, it clears out, but it also gets quite warm. This area is a bit higher in elevation, so its not as warm as Bangkok and the islands can get, but its still hot. This is also when prices are lower, though!

　　A sweet spot for less rain and cooler temperatures would be November and December.

　　Final Thoughts on Anantara Golden Triangle

　　Reflecting on our stay at Anantara Golden Triangle, it’s clear that the experience was much more than just a luxurious getaway. It was an immersive journey into a world where nature and luxury coexist harmoniously, where the past and present blend seamlessly, and it belongs on your Thailand bucket list. The interactions with the elephants, the unparalleled jungle bubble experience, and the family-friendly amenities made it a trip to remember.

　　I can help you get free extra perksI have a special relationship with Anantara and can get free room upgrades (where available), resort credits, early check in, and late check out at no extra cost to you when you book through me. Click here to send me an email!

　　If you’re considering a visit, I highly recommend participating in at least one elephant activity per day. Whether it’s walking with them, feeding them, or simply observing them in their natural habitat, these experiences are what truly set Anantara Golden Triangle apart. The rooms, while not the most luxurious, are comfortable and provide a cozy retreat after a day full of adventures.

　　For those looking for a unique, memorable, and heartwarming experience, Anantara Golden Triangle is a destination that delivers on all fronts. Im glad we chose it for our last stay on our most recent Thailand trip!