Forget what you thought camping was. Forget the damp sleeping bag, the mystery meat sizzling over a gas burner, and the dubious ablution block that looks like it hasn’t seen a mop since Whitlam was in office. Dusit International has just turned the idea of “camping” into something rather grander and, dare I say, nobler with its new management of Tantawan Tented Camp in Chiang Rai.
Here, amid the mountain air of northern Thailand, “camp” means teak furniture polished to within an inch of its life, bathrooms where the only wildlife is the designer soap, and views that would make even the most jaded Instagrammer weep into their oat latte.
A Tent With a Mission
This isn’t just about creating a luxury hideaway for those who fancy a spot of glamping. Dusit is planting its ‘Tree of Life’ sustainability programme right into the red earth of Chiang Rai. And, unlike the corporate wallpaper many hotel chains paste over their websites, this one has roots, thirty-one of them, to be exact, each tied to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Yes, you can sip your wine under the stars, but know this: every cork popped is meant to ripple benefits through the local community and the environment. It’s the kind of high-minded ambition hoteliers like to boast about, but in this case, the evidence is literally on the table.
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- Natural textures bring warmth and authenticity, creating a refined yet inviting retreat.
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- Soft, natural tones and handcrafted details define the interiors at Tantawan Tented Camp.
Farm to Fork, With a Side of Soul
Let’s talk food. No hospitality story worth its salt skips the menu. At Reu Doo Gaan, the camp’s open-air dining venue, every plate comes with provenance. The Sunflower Organic Farm supplies much of it, where the vegetables are genuinely organic, the eggs are free-range, and the herbs are fragrant enough to make a Michelin inspector swoon.
But here’s where Dusit sharpens the point: the farm doubles as a residential home for ethnic minority girls, supported by the non-profit Friends of Thai Daughters. These are young women who might otherwise be vulnerable to trafficking — and instead, through Dusit’s hand, are being offered education, training, and a ticket to professional futures in hospitality.
It’s one thing to talk about “sustainability.” It’s another to link free-range eggs, girls’ education, and future hotel managers in the same sentence. Dusit, quite remarkably, does just that.
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- Elegant interiors feature natural materials and modern comforts, including double vanities for added convenience.
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- Ensuite bathrooms with free-standing tubs and rain showers enhance the sense of comfort.
A COO With a Conscience
Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International
Even Dusit’s executives are rolling up their sleeves on this one. Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, is clear-eyed about what’s at stake:
“Managing Tantawan Tented Camp gives us a fantastic opportunity to bring the Tree of Life vision to life beyond our branded properties and showcase our commitment to having a positive impact wherever we operate. From sourcing food directly from the farm to providing education and training for girls and young women, this property shows how sustainability and hospitality can work hand in hand.”
Now, that’s not your average corporate boilerplate. Read between the lines and you can hear a company eager not just to win the sustainability sweepstakes but to leave something behind apart from hotel bills and discarded pool towels.
Fun, Firelight and Family
Of course, even the noblest holiday needs a bit of play. Tantawan Tented Camp comes equipped with its own pool framed by palms and wildflowers. In this outdoor amphitheatre, guests can watch films under the stars (yes, there’s a bonfire), and for the adventurous, a menu of activities ranging from archery to elephant visits.
If you fancy something more civilised, they’ll even pack a forest picnic of artisanal breads, local cheeses, and salads fresh enough to slap you awake.
Families are treated to hands-on workshops that span pottery, glass painting, and the enchanting Lanna art of Tung making colourful banners once waved at temples and festivals, each design humming with spiritual symbolism. It beats your teenager returning home with yet another keychain.
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- Cool waters meet mountain views at Tantawan Tented Camp.
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- Outdoor movie nights, held under the stars, are just one of the memorable experiences on offer.
Deals That Sweeten the Pitch
Dusit knows the way to a traveller’s heart: a good deal. To launch its stewardship, Tantawan offers a “Stay 3, Pay 2” package from THB 9,450 per night (about AUD 400). Naturally, breakfast for two is thrown in.
If that’s not tempting enough, there’s also a two-night half-board voucher at THB 23,900 (about AUD 1,000). Pick it up at the Thai Tiew Thai travel fair in Bangkok this August, or if crowds make you itch, online at dusitshop.com.
Beyond Chiang Rai
Tantawan joins a curious little club of properties Dusit manages beyond its core portfolio, each independent, distinct, and operating under Dusit’s quietly watchful eye. Seapine Beach Golf and Resort is in Hua Hin, Green Lake Resort is in Chiang Mai, and Chainarai Riverside is back in Chiang Rai. It’s a balancing act of standard and soul, allowing individuality while retaining that layer of polish guests expect.
The Last Word
So what do we have here? A tented camp that serves not just cocktails but conscience. A pool where the reflection includes the surrounding hills and perhaps a glimpse of a better model for tourism.
For travellers who want more from their journey than a suntan and a buffet wristband, Tantawan may be the real deal: a place where luxury finally shakes hands with responsibility, and where a few nights under canvas (albeit very expensive canvas) could leave a lasting legacy.
In a world drowning in greenwashing, this retreat feels refreshingly honest. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is worth pitching a tent for.
By Kanda Limw
