Anantara or Four Seasons Golden Triangle?

The two resorts look similar but their prices are very different. Does it really worth going to the FS? Who has ever been to any of them ? Thks for yoru help.

Anantara or Four Seasons Golden Triangle?

Quite different sorts of places.

Similarities...they both have an elephant program through the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation. Very good organization and very good program. www.helpinglephants.org They are both in the Golden Triangle area. They are both owned by Minor International.

Differences...The Anantara is a much bigger property in terms of number of rooms. The Four Seasons does not accept children under age 16. The Four Seasons in an all-inclusive place (check their website to see the exact inclusions, but just about everything). The Anantara is a usual style resort hotel, with everything being an extra charge. You may find you spend a good bit of money there once you add in the cost of meals and drinks, elephants, excursions and spa.

Is it worth going to the FS? Depends entirely on you, what you want and expect, and your budget. I%26#39;d say if the cost is a significant concern for you, the worry about cost/value might somewhat spoil the stay for you. But if you are prepared to spend that kind of money, then it is a lovely place witih top service and a stunning layout and location.

Anantara or Four Seasons Golden Triangle?

Thks a lot for your reply. Any information about rainy season? Unfortunately we can travel during the month of august only and I know that this not exactly the right period. Any activities whici might be closed?

Rainy season is green season. The Golden Triangle gets a fair amount of rain, but not usually all day every day for days on end. On the website www.helpingelephants.org there is a record of temperatures and rainfall amounts and number of rainy days from the head elephant guy. We are going to go the Anantara in August and quite look forward to it...we don%26#39;t mind rain, love the lush green of the trees and foliage in this season, and know that the eles especially enjoy the mud. IF, however, you are looking to sunbathe all day, then it%26#39;s not the right time of year for that, though you should still get enough pool time between rain showers. The best part is the prices are quite low compared to other times of year.

Activities that might be closed? Well, if it%26#39;s pouring, mountain biking might not be so fun...or then again, it might be extra fun. On occasion, secondary roads become adventurous. Sometimes there are floods....though usually a bit later in the rainy season. I don%26#39;t see any reason why you couldn%26#39;t enjoy all activities if you are not upset by periodic rain, often downpours...but like I said, they don%26#39;t usually last all day every day,

My husband and I visited the Four Seasons Golden Triangle last November. This is not a hotel; it is an experience. If you can afford the tariff you should go there.

I fell in love with the elephants, as I am sure everyone does. After my day of elephants, I returned the next morning to bathe them.

Not sure if you%26#39;ve already made your decision whether to stay at the Anantara or Four Seasons. I%26#39;ve just returned from the Anantara and had a fabulous time there. I can%26#39;t compare it to the Four Seasons experience (which I%26#39;m sure must be lovely being the FS), but I think the Anantara was worth every penny. Three of us booked a suite which comes with complimentary internet connection, cocktail every night, and six pieces of laundry (very impt when getting dirty with the elephants). We did a one day mahout training course, a three country tour of Chiang Rai, Myanmar and Laos, had two massages each, ate all meals at the hotel and all in all, we spent US1,122 each (including airfare from Singapore to Chiang Rai). Incredible value. FS would have cost much more.

reptiles