THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND

Thailand, located in the center of mainland Southeast Asia, boasts a variety of landscapes including bustling metropolises and dense jungles. Even after visiting three times, I remain captivated by the vibrancy of its capital city, Bangkok, and the beauty of its jungles.

During a recent expedition with my daughter, our journey began in Bangkok—a cosmopolitan hub of 9 million on the banks of the Chao Phraya River (translated as “River of Kings”). Bangkok’s history spans over two centuries but its fairly recent evolution from a humble riverside trading village into Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and colorful capital is truly remarkable.

Here ancient traditions seamlessly intertwine with the 21st century. Intricately carved temples scattered throughout the city are illuminated by a sun that reflects almost blindingly from sleek skyscrapers. In the busy streets, thousands of motorbikes flow in rhythmic waves. Every turn reveals makeshift shrines and colorful tuk-tuks—three-wheel motorized taxis—whose drivers promise riders a great fortune at the ride’s end.

We chose Anantara Siam Bangkok for our short stay. Stepping out of the Anantara car, we crossed a body of water peppered with lily pads and entered immense glass doors opened by staff dressed in chut thai (traditional Thai garb). Once in the lobby, the city’s commotion disappeared. Hundreds of orchids perfumed the air with an intoxicatingly refreshing scent, and hand-painted silk ceilings and an immense mural made entirely of hand-woven Thai silk added color to the gleaming white space. After checkin, we were led to our room via an open-air courtyard filled with greenery and anchored by a koi pond. The sumptuous, colorful accommodations were exactly what this weary traveler had hoped for; the rich fabrics enveloping the suite felt like a warm embrace.

After the lengthy day of travel, the spa was an itinerary must. We chose the Anantara Signature Massage, which stimulates circulation and deeply relaxes muscles—the perfect remedy for jet lag.

Fully restored after our treatment, we dined at Biscotti, a Michelin Guide-listed Italian restaurant on the hotel’s ground floor. Mesmerized by the chefs in the open kitchen, we devoured Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, Focaccia Mascarpone, and Pappardelle Bolognese, topping off the feast with a creamy Tiramisu. Perfection.

Before exploring the city the next morning, we started with a hearty breakfast at the open-air Parichart Court. We decided between an array of Indian stews, Asian noodle dishes, yogurts, cold cuts, egg stations … the options were endless and delicious.

Bangkok was once crisscrossed by thousands of klongs or canals and was known as the “Venice of the East.” Although many klongs were filled in over time, the city still boasts more than 1,500. So, a tour of the klongs and the River of Kings was a sightseeing must. Departing from our hotel’s sister property, Anantara Riverside Bangkok, we joined our guru or guide, Diamond, on a wooden longtail boat eager to glimpse the floating markets and flower-laden boats.

We cruised along Klong Dao Kanong past traditional wooden canal homes perched—many precariously—over the river, offering a glimpse into local life. We disembarked at Wat Ratchaorot—a gorgeous temple built during the Ayutthaya period boasting Thai-Chinese architecture with intricate carvings and a giant reclining Buddha.

Back in the boat, we traveled down Klong Bang Luang, a canal once lined with aristocratic residences. Once again on land, we participated in the Thai custom of feeding catfish for luck. Hundreds of fish slithered over each other competing for the brightly colored pellets. We visited The Artist’s House, made famous by TikTok videos, where we created a traditional Thai mask. While crafting our treasures, we were treated to a traditional Thai puppet show incorporating ancient myths and legends.

For lunch, our guide led us down a tiny street to a “restaurant” consisting of one table next to a stove. Our Pad Thai and sweetened Thai tea were delicious—we could hardly believe it was made in such a tiny, streetside kitchen.

Sated, we boarded our boat en route to Wat Paknam Phasi. Deep in the network of canals in the oldest part of the city sits a 187-foot (the height of a 20-story building) Buddha clad in gleaming bronze that looms over the Klong Dan waterway. Be sure to get a photo from your boat—we have a great picture of the two of us with Buddha’s face peering over our shoulders. A walk through the beautiful gardens and waterfalls led us into the temple where we admired a gorgeous neon-painted dome and a 26- foot glass stupa (Sanskrit for “heap”), called the “Cosmic Stupa.”

Returning to the resort, we passed The Grand Palace and Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)—two of the city’s iconic sights. Bidding farewell to our guru, we headed to dinner and a captivating Thai cultural performance on the banks of the river. Khon—the art of Thai dance—incorporates graceful hand gestures, colorful costumes, and quite a bit of fire breathing. It was thrilling.

Our exhilarating day ended as we watched nightfall transform the city into a sea of lights with neon signs illuminating the night markets and rooftop bars.

Bangkok boasts contrasts and surprises that captivate and enchant. If you can, allow at least two to three full days as there is so much to see! The Grand Palace is a must and to experience it all will take several hours.

We left the big city for Chaing Rai to begin exploring the enchanting world of elephants at Asia’s premier elephant camp— Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort.

Nestled in the lush, rolling hills of northern Thailand, the camp is a sanctuary of tranquility and beauty. The area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet on the banks of the Mekong River is known as the Golden Triangle. The hotel sits perched high on a hillside, offering unparalleled views of Laos’ majestic mountains, Myanmar’s winding riversides, Thailand’s verdant plains, and the Mekong River.

After check-in, we followed a walkway cut through the jungle to our suite, which boasted two terraces, a living room, sleeping quarters, and an enormous bathroom equipped with a retractable wall for the bather craving a breathtaking vista.

Visible from our suite was our dinner destination—a “nest” elaborately woven from “twigs” in a towering tree. The chef guided us up a path toward the resort’s shrines where we set intentions before entering the nest for our treetop dining experience. Once seated, the nest ascended via a motorized apparatus to the treetop. While the view from our room was breathtaking, we now had a panoramic bird’s eye view of the three countries, the rivers, and darling elephants enjoying an evening stroll with their mahouts or caretakers.

Our elaborate “Gourmet Odessey” dinner picnic featured a “savory expedition” that included delicacies like local burrata with sliced prosciutto, arugula, and olive oil, bruschetta with sweet basil and kalamata olives, and seared king scallops in gazpacho and mint chili oil topped with sliced white truffle. The “sweet venture” portion of the picnic included a rose and pumpkin mousse with sour cream, a coconut crème brûlée, and kaffir lime financier with local vanilla and passion fruit compote. We dined like queens. As the sun slipped below the horizon, our nest gently descended concluding our arboreal adventure. This experience was just one of the extraordinary and unforgettable moments offered at this unique retreat.

Early the next morning, we eagerly arose for our elephant adventures. Clad in denim mahout gear, we hopped in a jeep and headed down the drive to the camp. The resort is world famous for its elephant camp established in 2003 along with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to help elephants in need. Following a 1989 logging ban, thousands of mahouts were left without work and were forced to beg alongside their elephants on the streets. To date, more than 60 elephants have been rescued. Today, 20 of these elephants, accompanied by their entire mahout families, live in the resort’s jungle.

In a picturesque thatch-roofed “kitchen,” my daughter and I prepared medicinal food for two of the resort’s older elephants. Our ingredients were neatly arranged in gleaming steel bowls: rice; tamarind (for aiding digestion); pellets; bananas; salt; and grain. Over the next 20 minutes, we worked to combine the ingredients into delicate balls. Once complete, we handfed Boon Rod and Ja Thong who devoured every morsel. After the meal, it was time for their bath. To keep cool, elephants like to toss dirt on their backs and heads—it was now time to shower them head to toe. We had such fun perching on our tip toes as we tried to reach the top of these towering creatures who loved being bathed.

Once the elephants were clean, Boon Rod filled her trunk with water to playfully shower us.

Following this adventure, we embarked on the Jungle Bubble Experience—another bucket list escapade! An elaborate ironwork buggy carried us from the resort into the jungle where we found elephants grazing in front of three gigantic transparent “bubbles” perched on a raised wooden deck peppered with several conversation vignettes and a plunge pool. The bubbles housed two bedrooms and a lounge. Two concealed bubbles provided privacy for the bathrooms.

Our attentive butler served us a four-course dinner as our pachyderm pals munched on piles of bamboo. Rustling leaves and the melodious calls of exotic birds provided an ambient soundtrack, and a dazzling tapestry of stars emerged, inviting us for a post-meal dip in the plunge pool. That night, we slumbered under this canopy of stars surrounded by our wise and gentle companions.

The next morning, as the sun rose, our elephant friends trumpeted a welcome to another glorious day. We were greeted by the buggy driver who whisked us off to join the resident veterinarian, three elephants, and their mahouts on their daily walk. We meandered together through the sprawling forest as the vet regaled us with tales of elephant behavior and biology and watched as the gentle giants splashed in the Mekong River. Their playful splashes created rainbows in the sunlight, melting our hearts. We adored the interaction between Bo and Chok Petch (the resident baby). Bo is not Chok Petch’s biological mother, but she has taken on a maternal role with the slightly naughty youngster.

Before saying our goodbyes, we shared berries with our leathery- skinned friends who never turned down a treat.

To feed our bodies, we visited Sala Mae Nam where we feasted on traditional northern Thai cuisine. The restaurant is located at the heart of the resort and its expansive terrace welcomes the most beautiful views. A favorite dish was the Chef ’s Khao Soi Gai, a delicious northern-style yellow noodle coconut curry with chicken.

When not frolicking with elephants, our preferred pastime was lying in the poolside cabanas that overlooked the infinity pool. The pool was surrounded by pines, palms, and flowering trees gently swaying in the breeze while butterflies floated from flower to flower.

You mustn’t leave the camp without visiting the spa. We began our treatment while seated on floating beds overlooking the jungle. Piano and flute melodies hung in the air as our masseuse gently washed our feet in a rose-scented bath. The massage incorporated my favorite technique—warm herbal compresses. After the treatment, we enjoyed a dip in our private plunge pool overlooking the Golden Triangle—relaxation at its finest.

With heavy hearts we bid farewell to our 15,000 lbs. playmates, knowing that all great things must come to an end. Until next time!

This Thai itinerary is ideal for travelers who seek the brilliance of city lights, unforgettable encounters with nature, and the incomparable luxury of Anantara resorts.

For more information, visit anantara.com.