Anantara Golden Triangle Resort Chiang Rai

As I talked about in my blog about the Golden Triangle, we stayed at the small luxury resort, Anantara Golden Triangle. I should start by saying that this kind of place is TOTALLY out of my normal budget, but that due to some crafty maneuvering in a silent auction I managed to get 2 nights here and a 2 day mahout course for about US$90. I think it's usually about US$350-500 a night.

I have to say that it was really a fantastic experience and I was so impressed by the service and everyone working at the hotel. Not only was the setting and decor impeccable, but the staff were discreet and friendly. I was most impressed by a guy working in the restaurant who remembered our names after asking once. I know that's their job (heck, it's my job too as a teacher!), but it still impresses me. Besides the lovely setting and wonderful staff, I really enjoyed access to the elephant conservation centre where we took our mahout course. It was nice to see a hotel offering a little bit more. My only regret is that I didn't have enough money to thoroughly enjoy the experience. We could only afford to eat dinner there 1 night and then had to go to some surrounding local eateries for our other meals. It was quite a contrast to go from a gourmet restaurant to the local dive with $1 fried rice. :) But, hey, it was all part of the experience.

I would love to go back here for real and enjoy everything the resort has to offer. From the private dining to the spa services, it has everything that you'd expect from a Thai luxury resort.

If you're into history and seeing the sights, the area offers quite a lot with the Opium Museum across the street and Laos a short swim across the Mekong River.

Check out http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/9652 for more pics of the resort!