It always feels like summertime in Bangkok, the exception being the few days when the temperature drops. When that happens, many Bangkokians grab the opportunity and swiftly head up north for winter camping Thai-style. This time, ditch the ordinary tents and get cozy with some lavish camping instead. We've got a few spots to choose from:
The Campville
Until Feb 1, 2020
Perched atop a mountain ridge, The Campville is mere steps away from a cliff and offers sweeping 360 degree views of the Khao Kho mountain range. Its location makes for the perfect place to lie on the grass on a cool winter night and gaze at a sky sprinkled with stars, or watch the sunrise while being hugged by a misty sea of fog. On-site, the 63 safari-style tents come with medium-sized mattresses, clean calico fabric floorings and strings of fairy lights hung all over the inside of the tents for a touch of romance. Couples can opt for the two-person tents (B1,500 a night) and big groups can opt for those that fit up to four people (B2,500 a night). Prices include breakfast from an à la carte menu, but not the barbecue grill dinner set, that comes with an extra charge of B299. Every Saturday night, there is live music at the camp's communal garden, which is brightly lit by more fairy lights. Accommodation prices on the nights of Dec 28-31 are higher: B2,000 for a two-person tent and B3,000 for a group of four.
206 Moo 13, Khao Kho district, Phetchabun / fb.com/thacampvillekhaokho, 092-536-4271.
The Camp Land
Until Feb 29, 2020
This rustic campground houses six spacious safari-style tents, which come with modern comforts like medium-sized beds, oil lamps and warm blankets, plus extensive patios all decked out with cushion seats and coffee tables, starting at 1,000 a night for two. You would feel like you are wading through clouds in the morning, when the place gets enveloped in the misty layer of fog. Expect a homely vibe as the owners cook and serve daily breakfast themselves. When evening arrives, you can grill meat and vegetables for dinner and warm yourself up by the fire pit. Be warned; the camp advised that sometimes the temperatures drop to 15C. So make sure to pack enough jackets and thick clothes to keep warm.
150 Moo 6, Khao Kho district, Phetchabun / fb.com/thecampland, 088-008-8566.
Camp Chiang Mai
Until Jan 26, 2020
Situated in the leafy district of Mae Rim, this expansive rice field-turned-campground is home to 38 tented pavilions, 40 minutes north of downtown Chiang Mai. Each tent comes with a sizeable bed, a coffee table, a fan and furnishings that include a comfy bean bag and rattan lamps swinging from the ceiling. The double and twin tents are priced at B1,750 (for two), the family tent at B2,050 (for three) and a gang tent at B4,200 (fits up to four). All accommodations come with free Wi-Fi and a breakfast buffet, offering local cuisine. When nightfall comes, guests are encouraged to gather around the campfire. There, they can purchase a barbecue set dinner, which comes with grilling equipment and ingredients for B450. Do visit the nearby Mae Sa Waterfall, where a moderately difficult hike takes you to the 10-story waterfall.
32/2 Moo 5, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai / thecampchiangmai.com, 093-996-9992.
North Star Valley
Open all year
If you wish to experience a legitimate "back to nature" retreat, head to North Star Valley in Mae Rim, where nine futuristic-looking tents shaped like bubbles sit peacefully. With their transparent structures, the tents harmoniously blend into the natural surroundings. Each comes with an air-conditioner, a large bed, electrical sockets, a private deck and a bathroom. The premium bubble comes with a fancy outdoor bathtub. For guests who demand absolute privacy, this spot might not be your cup of tea. But it's definitely worth stepping out of your bubble (pun intended) to give it a try and experience the magic of sleeping amid a dense forest and under glittering stars. Plus, you don't have to go far to eat as the camp offers an on-site cafe/restaurant. There is also free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Rates are B3,500 a night for two people in a regular tent and B3,990 in the tent with a bathtub (prices include breakfast for two).
77/9 Moo 1, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai / bit.ly/2Okhg2e, 080-565-1111.
Rustic Camping
Until Feb 1, 2020
In sleepy Kabin Buri district, Prachin Buri, Rustic Camping makes a fine choice for a retreat. The site is secluded from the outside world. But nestled in the centre of the campground is a big open space that gets turned into the "pub in the woods", when night falls. The space gets lit up by strings of fairy lights, with picnic tables and hay bales scattered around for guests to settle down on while enjoying free-flow beers, cocktails and soft drinks from 6pm to midnight. Every Saturday night, the stage also features small concerts by guest artists and local bands. The camp offers fancy tents in soft cream, with interiors furnished with big comfy beds and floors that are paved with thick polyester fabrics. Price per night is B2,000 a person, inclusive of breakfast, dinner and the free-flow drink buffets. Once there, head to Prachin Buri's popular whitewater rafting spot, Kaeng Hin Perng, where many rafting packages are available for big groups or even just two people (call 081-3432786).
28 Saphan Hin, Na Di district, Prachin Buri / fb.com/RusticCampingTH, 081-343-2786.
3199' Mountain Camp
Nov 23 to Feb 22, 2020
Encircled by tropical greenery and magnificent mountains, 3199' Mountain Camp is a laid-back camping spot in Wang Dong, 30 minutes away from downtown Kanchanaburi. The expansive, lush campgrounds contain a plethora of exciting activity areas like a midsize water park, hiking trails, an orchard, a cafe and this year's special: a dance floor. The site offers tents in three different zones: up close to the mountains, by the pool for those who love having the convenience of jumping into water anytime; and the so-called island, hugged by natural streams, for guests who crave absolute privacy. Each tent comes with electrical sockets and a fan. The usual price is B600 per person, per night, except for Saturdays and holidays, when it is B800. Rates include a breakfast buffet and a generous dinner barbecue. Reservation through reservation.roomscope.com/1398/th or Line ID @3199cafe.
226 Moo 4, Wang Dong sub-district, Kanchanaburi / fb.com/3199MountainCamp, 096-770-9696.
Doowall Hotel
Open all-year
One of Chiang Rai's glamping spots is a short drive away from the iconic, whitewashed Rong Khun Temple. The property contains the usual types of accommodations that hotels have, including Deluxe rooms that come with a private pool for B3,290 a night. However, the six small camping pavilions on the lush green grounds of the property are built specifically for guests, who want to experience being close to nature without compromising on modern comforts. Inside each pocket-sized pavilion, one can find calming shades of white and soft brown, minimal furnishing and a private bathroom. When hunger strikes, there's a café-slash-restaurant on site, serving Western-style baked goods and local-cuisine dishes, along with classic drinks. The rate is B1,990 for two guests, with breakfast. Book a stay between Nov 22-Dec 22 as Rong Khun Temple will be hosting its first, grand light festival with B100 million worth of multimedia light displays, using 100 laser projectors and 3D projection mapping techniques.
180, Moo 1, Buasalee sub-district, Chiang Rai / fb.com/DoowallHotelCR, 080-289-4544.
The Season Camp
Until the beginning of April
Situated 1,628m above sea level, The Season Camp boasts a remote, secluded location far from the city. The retreat is about two hours from the town centre, on a hilltop property full of trees and spectacular views. Each of the tents contains a bed, lamps, toiletries and electrical sockets. Rates start at B600 per person per night with a breakfast buffet. There is also an optional barbecue set dinner for two for B449. The camp makes for a pretty camping spot in picturesque, open woodland. While there's no Wi-Fi available at the campsite, mobile data works just fine. G
Tap Tao sub-district, Thoeng district, Chiang Rai / fb.com/Theseasoncamp, 083-275-1461.
