Anantara Golden Triangle’s Elephant Camp and Resort in northern Thailand recently installed transparent spherical, high-tech polyester structures for immersive stays among its roaming elephants, allowing guests to see the gentle giants up close from the comfort of air-conditioned, fully furnished chalets.
While guests view the elephants from the safety of an elevated deck, alfresco meals prepared by private chefs are served at these Jungle Bubbles, each containing up to two bedrooms, a living space, outdoor deck and plunge pool.
The camp provides adventure tours to ethically interact with elephants, including The Elephant Guardian educational tour about the history and customs of mahouts and their relationships with their elephants. Camp teams share traditional knowledge about honouring these animals and teach visitors to make medicinal food for older elephants.
The guided jungle walk with elephants and their mahouts allows guests to watch the animals swim in the river, play, snack on leaves and interact with one another, while resident veterinarians share knowledge on elephant anatomy, behaviour and nutrition.
A special experience during the 90-minute cruise on the Mekong River up to the Golden Triangle involves being greeted at the jetty by a welcome committee of elephants, and on the Elephant Picnic, visitors can enjoy gourmet hampers accompanied by elephants eating their own snacks.
The Elephant Camp works in partnership with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, which has rescued elephants from illegal logging camps, the streets, shows and harmful practices. Guests can donate towards the upkeep, food, medical care and rescue of elephants by sponsoring an elephant or going on tours to fund the foundation.
