Amid the dense bamboo jungles of the Golden Triangle, Christmas in Thailand arrives, bringing with it a warm, festive cheer. There’s something truly magical about this time of year, with holidaying families and that tropical vibe in the air.
This year, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle invites guests to celebrate the holidays with a Christmas tree unlike any other. Standing tall, as a symbol of culture and the generosity of the season, the tree is a nod to sustainable elegance and a glorious Golden Triangle holiday.
Craft and Design
Handcrafted by the Camp’s gardener team, it reflects the land, traditions, and community spirit of Northern Thailand. Crafted from bamboo and cogon grass that is found abundantly in these parts, it holds a subtle beauty that is reflective of the local Lanna culture. Both bamboo and cogon grass are natural materials deeply woven into daily Thai life. Chosen for their connection to local craft, these elements bring a sense of warmth while honouring the Golden Triangle’s culture.
The Christmas tree is a lens into the local heritage – a creative departure from shiny baubles, holly and usual X-Mas ornaments. Within two fun weeks of ideating, the team had a eureka moment where they knew how they wanted their tree to look this year.
A Christmas Tree Grown from the Land
Installed in three meaningful locations – welcoming guests in the lobby, under the suspension bridge, and glowing softly in front of Burma Bar overlooking the Ruak River – they serve as festive reminders for guests staying during the holiday season. After all, for many, this is the most important time of the year, best enjoyed in the company of friends and family.
Wooden reindeer and snowmen add sweet, whimsical touches that bring alive the playfulness of the season.
Green Theme and Ethos
The tree embodies the ethos of Four Seasons Tented Camp: to connect deeply with the place and tread lightly on the environment.
Bamboo is a symbol of strength and resilience in Thai culture and is often integrated into the daily life of the locals. It is widely used in traditional Thai homes, bridges, furniture, and crafts, and is valued for its pliant strength and versatility. The chosen materials are biodegradable and seamlessly blend festive with local craftmanship, allowing guests to experience Christmas in a charming and earthy manner. Natural lighting has been leveraged, along with the clever use of low-energy LED bulbs.
As the season gives over, the bamboo and grass used will gently return back to the earth, transformed and repurposed as firewood.
As Paweena Waraha, Camp Manager, reflects, “Every detail of the tree was designed to respect the land and wildlife that surround us. In a way, the Christmas tree this year is a testament to the camp’s mindful green measures, and is a gentle way of using locally found, recyclable material.”
Festive Cheer in the Emerald Greens
As the homegrown Christmas tree heralds in the holiday season, there will be much to look forward to, as the year winds down.
The festive family-style Christmas buffet dinner is a glorious bonanza of seasonal flavours from the three countries that draw inspiration from the mighty Mekong – Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. And, when it’s time to rest and reconnect, families can retreat to their sumptuous tents where special turn-down touches await.
This Yuletide is an enchanting experience of a truly Golden Triangle Christmas.
Rooted in nature, crafted by hand, and glowing with that unmistakable warmth of the festive season at Four Seasons.