Camp It Up

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Visitors who want to enjoy the jungle treks and wildlife of remote northern Thailand in five-star comfort will have their wish granted when Four Seasons opens its "tented camp" in February 2006.

Located near the town of Chiang Saen in Thailand's northernmost province, Chiang Rai, the resort (fourseasons.com/goldentriangle) will offer sweeping views of the Mekong River and the jungles of Laos and Burma on the opposite banks. And while all accommodation is in the form of tents, guests need not fret about spending sweltering nights under moth-eaten canvas, for the Four Seasons version includes air conditioning, individually themed ethnic décor, rain showers, freestanding baths and hardwood floors. There will be a riverbank restaurant serving Thai, Laotian, Burmese and Western cuisine, while sundowners can be enjoyed at the plantation-style Burma Bar.

Gentle diversion will come in the form of a couple of spa salas and a fleet of swanky river boats for Mekong safaris — but the real highlight will be an adjoining elephant reserve. Here, guests will learn to become mahouts and be able to ride their behemoths through the surrounding jungle. As you would expect, the cost of this rainforest fantasy is just as hefty. Rates start from $2,399 for two, for a low-season two-night package.