In Thailand, the elephant, or chang, is the national animal, celebrated in everything from artworks in royal palaces and temples to the name of one of the country’s favorite beer brands. But as human populations grow and forests are destroyed for cash crops, elephant habitats shrink. The animals are often pitted against farmers, deployed as beasts of burden, or forced to entertain in unethical elephant camps. Thankfully, there has been a growing realization of the work that needs to be done to protect the country’s elephants with a host of progressive camps leading the way in conservation efforts. At Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle elephants are central to the appeal, with guests offered unique opportunities to get up close with the gentle beasts, especially during breakfast and dinner times. The camp’s luxurious tents, meanwhile, are situated high in the treetops and boast open-plan spaces and large outdoor decks, some with hot tubs.
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