Four Seasons Tented Camp: Elephant Adoption in the Golden Triangle, Thailand

When Four Seasons opened its luxury camp in Thailand's Golden Triangle, it launched a new travel trend for adventure-seekers to "rough it" without denying the creature comforts. Five-star tents, like tree houses, are outfitted with teak wood floors, hand-hammered copper tubs, outdoor rain showers, and sundecks with day beds. Guests discover the mysteries of the Golden Triangle-- the region wedged between northern Thailand, Burma and Laos-- on three or four-night adventures: elephant-trekking through the tropical jungle, hiking mountain trails, venturing out on river excursions down the mighty Mekong, discovering the cultures of the hill tribes. But perhaps the best part of the experience is the elephant rescue program. The six elephants at the Four Seasons Golden Triangle were rescued from city streets and now play an important role at the camp. Guests have the opportunity to help by making donations to the elephant adoption program.