Love the outdoors but want to experience it in style? Try 'glamorous camping' aka glamping – our guide to glamping hotspots in Asia is perfect for exploring mountains, deserts and nature parks in the region.
If camping hasn’t been on your radar since the school days, and the idea of pitching a tent under the stars conjures up visions of creepy crawlies and dinner out of a mess tin, then we think it’s time you took a look at the ultimate camping experience: glamour + camping = glamping! Take yourselves out of the city and mix up your usual tried-and-tested overseas vacation destinations at one of these amazing glamping spots in Asia.
Hintok River Camp, Thailand
Relax in Hintok River Camp’s natural spring pool and soak up the River Kwai’s serene ambiance (well, as serene as it can be with your tribe in tow). Located near Hellfire Pass, you can trek with the kids and visit historical sites in the area as well as hang out with the resident sheep. The safari-tented resort also has a cute family play area.
Hintok River Camp, 109 Moo 9 Ban Wang Khamen, Tambon thasao Ampur Saiyoke, Kanchanaburi, 71150 Thailand
Mahoora Luxury Safari Camp, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been at the top of our ‘fave holiday ever’ list for quite some time now, but it looks like we need to get ourselves back there for a visit to one of the Mahoora Luxury Safari Camps. The wow factor at these glamping spots is all about the amazing wildlife you’ll be sharing the area with: keep an eye out for leopards and elephants! Conservation is high on the agenda too, which makes it an ideal pick for teaching your kids more about the environment.
Mahoora Luxury Safari Camp, various locations around Sri Lanka
Amanwana Resort, Moyo Island, Indonesia
Choose from a jungle tent or an ocean tent, but either way you won’t beat a great outdoors experience than by waking up to the sights of Macaque monkeys and rusa deer making an appearance outside your tented suite each morning. Flora and fauna take centre-stage here in this unspoilt wilderness, while the Flores Sea boasts some of Indonesia’s most stunning snorkelling and scuba-diving spots for the mer-folk of the family.
Amanwana Resort, Moyo Island, West Sumbawa Regency, Indonesia
SUJÁN The Serai, India
A tent with a private walled garden, heated dip pool and jacuzzi jets you say? Camping just got seriously luxurious at SUJÁN The Serai where you’ll find 21 glamping tents in a variety of styles all a far cry from a roll-out mat and sleeping bag. If you’re feeling especially decadent, try the royal tented suite which has its own spa and separate dining and lounge tent areas to really up the glamping-factor. It goes without saying that there are butlers on call too…
SUJÁN The Serai, Village Bherwa, Chandan Jaisalmer 345001, India
The Beige, Siem Reap, Cambodia
We’ve conquered Angkor Wat in the past, but we fancy ramping up the fun-factor with a return trip that includes glamping overnight at The Beige in Cambodia. Each tent is kitted out for maximum relaxation (think aircon and wifi!) which is just what you’ll need after a day of touring around the historical sites in the area. Once nighttime descends, soak up the jungle vibes from your private terrace – or head to the spa! Food is all prepared with a local flavour, is organic and mostly sourced from The Beige’s own farm. We also need to take a moment to talk about the infinity forest pool, which is suspended above the ground for a clear view of the surrounding forest, and the private driver and maid available to every residence! Kids are absolutely welcome, which seals the deal on this fam-friendly luxe pick.
The Beige, Svay Chek Road, Svay Chek Commune, Angkor Thom, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand
Located in the natural surrounds of Northern Thailand’s border between Laos and Burma, Four Seasons Tented Camp is the perfect glamping escape from city life with your older tweens and teens (kids age 10 and up only here, folks). Expect decadence all the way with tents boasting wooden hot tubs, outdoor showers, fully inclusive drinks and food packages. You’ll interact with elephants in their natural habitat, explore mountain trails and bamboo jungles and for the experience of a lifetime, catch the sun rising over the Laos mountains and Burmese plains, before heading back down to the elephant bathing pool.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand
Natra Bintan Crystal Lagoon, Bintan
Easy-peasy is always a pull when it comes to traveling with kids in tow, and it doesn’t get much easier than hopping on a ferry over to Bintan. Glamping resort Natra Bintan awaits you with tented decadence boasting four-poster beds, alfresco jacuzzis, and even private gardens where you can have a BBQ dinner by your tent. Water sport fans will also be in heaven with a heap of aquatic activities including standup paddling, wakeboarding and jetovators.
Natra Bintan Crystal Lagoon, Treasure Bay Bintan, Jln Raya Haji, Lagoi, Riau, Indonesia 29152
Pine4Rest, South Korea
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city at Pine4Rest, a cluster of glamping tents nestled in a dense forest in Gapyeong, South Korea. Get in touch with nature as you listen to the sounds of the natural rivers flowing and the rustling of pine tree leaves. But being in the forest doesn’t mean you skimp out on the amenities like air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Let the children enjoy some crisp fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature!
Pine4Rest, 645 Dangmokgail-gil, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Canvas & Orchids Retreat, Cambodia
Opt for the ultimate outdoor hideaway and book a glamping holiday at Canvas & Orchids Retreat in Cambodia for a fam vacay with a difference. Kids (and adults) will soon forget all digital devices as they explore jungles and waterfalls in this stunning pocket of the world. The floating (yep: FLOATING!) glamping tents are decked out with top-notch furnishings and mod-cons including flat screens: We can definitely picture ourselves on a private balcony sipping a cocktail or two soaking up the stunning views of Cardamom forest.
Canvas & Orchids Retreat, Koh Andet Island, Tatai, Cambodia
Sandat Glamping Tents, Ubud, Bali
Reconnect with the family without the constant white noise of television and phones and head to Ubud’s rice fields for a luxury tent stay in the prettiest of locations. The five spiffy glamping tents each come complete with a private infinity pool, crafted bamboo beds and a luxe indoor bathroom!
Sandat Glamping Tents, Jalan Subak Sala, Banjar Sala, Pejeng Kawan, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Happy glamping!