Awaken to the wonders of wildlife: Discover Asia’s top luxury tented escapes

Glamping has become a major trend across Asia, with new luxury tented camps being established in some of the region’s most untouched, scenic locations.

Among the newest arrivals are the soon-to-debut Cardamom Tented Camp and Bill Bensley-designed Shinta Mani Wild in southwest Cambodia, as well as Rosewood Luang Prabang nestled in the jungles of Laos.

What's more, many of Asia’s prime destinations offer thrilling safari-style experiences where you can spot elephants, gibbons, and leopards in their natural habitat.

"It’s a unique experience compared to an African safari," says John Roberts, director of elephants at the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, to Dinogo Travel.

"The forests and wildlife offer a more personal experience. Even in the heart of tiger, leopard, rhino, sloth, and bear territories – with an experienced guide, you can safely explore on foot, focusing on birds, butterflies, and plants while also encountering larger mammals."

Craving an adventure without compromising on luxury? Here’s a list of the best luxury tented experiences in Asia.

Cardamom Tented Camp

A joint venture between YAANA Ventures’ sustainable travel group, Cambodia’s Wildlife Alliance, and Thailand's Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Cardamom Tented Camp is located on a protected piece of land that was once a hotspot for illegal logging and poaching.

Only accessible by boat, the camp features nine luxurious tents with views over the Preak Tachan river and surrounding grasslands, nestled between Botum Sakor National Park and Southern Cardamom National Park in southwestern Cambodia.

"The wildlife is gradually returning after years of relentless poaching," says Roberts, the sustainability and conservation director at the camp, part of the Minor Group, based in Bangkok.

"We have sightings of Asiatic wild dogs, clouded leopards, mouse deer, sun bears, hog badgers, gibbons, macaques, elephants, and much more," he adds.

The tented experience is enhanced by a riverside restaurant, a floating pier, and a variety of safari-style excursions – guided by Wildlife Alliance rangers – where guests are likely to encounter diverse wildlife.

"Choosing camps and lodges that are dedicated to forest conservation is crucial," advises Roberts.

"These places usually boast the best guides, who are often former local poachers or research scientists – sometimes even both," he adds.

The camp is scheduled to open on November 1.

Shinta Mani Wild – The Bensley Collection

A new initiative from renowned resort designer Bill Bensley, in collaboration with Wildlife Alliance, Fauna & Flora International, The Royal University of Phnom Penh, and the Cambodian government, Shinta Mani Wild seeks to create an exceptional wildlife sanctuary.

Nestled between three national parks – Kirirom, Bokor, and Cardamom – in southwest Cambodia, the 15 luxury tents offer an intimate connection with nature.

A typical day may include a variety of adventures, from river journeys through what is considered Southeast Asia’s last untouched estuarine system, to treks through forests where you can encounter wild elephants, gibbons, and bears.

For the best chance to witness animal migrations, visit during the dry season, from November to March.

The exquisitely designed tents blend Cambodian architectural styles with nostalgic retro elements, evoking the era of colonial expeditions.

When it opens in mid-2018, the resort will feature a restaurant and bar overlooking a waterfall, offering locally sourced cuisine, a spa, and a focus on conservation efforts supported by The Shinta Mani Foundation.

Rosewood Luang Prabang

Set to open in early 2018, Rosewood Luang Prabang will be located just 10 minutes outside of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Laos.

It’s glamping redefined – imagine being surrounded by dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, open-air showers, private dining decks, and a collection of 23 opulent villas and luxury tents in a pristine natural setting.

Alongside its chic accommodations, Rosewood will feature a Laotian bistro, a bar, and the highly anticipated Rosewood Spa.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

Clawfoot tubs, antique furnishings, open-air showers, expansive decks – the all-inclusive Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle takes guests back to the golden age of exploration, thanks to the vision of renowned resort designer Bill Bensley.

The camp features 15 tents nestled in the jungle, along with a grand Explorer’s Lodge offering two separate bedrooms and a private plunge pool.

Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle – where northern Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge – the camp is surrounded by lush jungles, open grasslands, winding rivers, and a sanctuary for rescued elephants.

In the mornings, the elephants make regular visits to the camp, engaging in bath time rituals with their mahouts (elephant trainers), and can often be seen roaming freely through the vast sanctuary.

On the property, guests will also find a bar with stunning sunset views, an open-air Thai restaurant, a wine cellar offering private tastings, cooking classes, and a spa that appears to float amid the jungle’s tranquility.

Amanwana

Nestled on its own private island and marine reserve in eastern Indonesia, Amanwana redefines the camping experience.

Situated on Moyo Island, the resort’s 20 luxurious “tented suites” feature high ceilings, air-conditioning, hardwood floors, king-sized beds, and expansive windows.

The two types of tents – one nestled in the jungle, the other by the beach – are just a short walk from the coastline, where snorkeling and scuba diving offer glimpses of vibrant reef life.

On-site, you’ll find an open-air restaurant and the Jungle Cove Spa, offering the perfect chance to relax surrounded by macaque monkeys and tamarind trees.

For those seeking more wildlife encounters, jungle treks around the island promise an abundance of animal sightings.

That is, if the animals don’t come to you first: Various species, including deer, are known to roam near the tents in the early mornings.

Sandat Glamping Tents

Nestled in the lush jungles and rice paddies surrounding Ubud, in central Bali, Sandat Glamping Tents features five luxurious tents and three lumbung – traditional Balinese thatched-roof bungalows inspired by old rice barns.

The charming accommodations blend Balinese cultural elements with romantic touches from Italy, where the brand first introduced its glamping concept near Venice in 2009.

Each room is distinct, many showcasing flowing drapes, Venetian-style chandeliers, four-poster beds, and private pools.

After a day spent exploring temples, biking through rice paddies, or rafting on the river, unwind at the lounge and bar, dine at the cathedral-like bamboo restaurant, or enjoy a private dinner under the stars.

For those seeking a wellness retreat, the property’s yoga pavilion – a beautiful bamboo structure surrounded by rice paddies – is one of the most serene spots on the property.

Elephant Hills

As one of Thailand’s pioneering luxury tented camps, Elephant Hills brings the tropical jungle right to your doorstep.

The company operates two distinct camps, both located within Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand, each offering its own unique experience.

As its name suggests, The Elephant Camp offers guests the chance to interact with these gentle giants, many of whom have been retired from the logging industry.

Visitors can enjoy observing the elephants in their natural environment, and even have the opportunity to bathe and feed them at designated times throughout the day.

Meanwhile, the Rainforest Camp is set on the serene Cheow Lan Lake, offering easy access to canoe rides and trekking excursions.

Perhaps the highlight is the tranquility. Guests can open their tent flaps to find themselves just steps from the still waters of the lake – a calming way to begin the day.

To experience both glamping locations, travelers can choose the Jungle Lake Safari, which includes a night at the Elephant Camp and two nights by the lake.

Damodra Desert Camp

Offering a unique take on the safari experience, Damodra Desert Camp in northern India reveals the stunning beauty of the desert.

Here, guests can explore the expansive, wind-swept dunes of the Thar Desert, located just 18 miles from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, without sacrificing modern comforts.

The Swiss cottage-inspired tents feature air-conditioning, private patios, and vibrant furnishings that reflect the local culture.

During the day, visitors can enjoy camel safaris or try their hand at sandboarding on the majestic dunes.

As night falls, the camp comes to life with live music and traditional Indian feasts – all under the vast, starlit desert sky.

Norden Travel

Owned and run by a local Tibetan couple, Norden Travel, located in China’s central Gannan region, offers a glimpse into the stunning pastures and rich cultural heritage with eight pinewood cabins and four luxurious yak-hair tents.

The rustic decor and hardwood floors offer a perfect blend of sophistication and coziness – it’s the kind of place where you could easily escape and find peace.

Each tent and cabin is unique – some tucked away in the brush, others perched along the river – but all feature outdoor seating, stoves, and serene, pastoral views.

While not quite a safari, a trek through the surrounding mountains and hills might offer sightings of gazelle, pheasants, yaks, and of course, sheep.

Additionally, the camp arranges horseback riding, visits to nearby villages, guided hikes, yoga sessions, and private tours of Labrang Monastery, one of the six major Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

SUJÁN JAWAI and Sher Bagh Relais & Chateaux

A rustic haven in Rajasthan, SUJÁN JAWAI features 10 white canvas tents equipped with all the modern luxuries you could desire, including an on-site spa, restaurant, swimming pool, yoga sessions, and more.

Set against the backdrop of the sandy Aravalli hills – a three-hour drive from Jodhpur or Udaipur in northern India – the camp draws inspiration from its wild surroundings, with leopard motifs, wildlife photography, and vibrant red accents scattered throughout.

With a luxurious tent as your base, you can tailor your experience to be as relaxing or adventurous as you wish.

Activities include private bush picnics, sunset game drives, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and indulgent campfire dinners.

There’s also a half-day trip to explore the stunning Ranakpur Jain Temple and the 15th-century Kumbhalgarh Fort – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Simply strolling around the property – which plays an active role in big cat conservation – you'll encounter a rich variety of flora and fauna to marvel at.

For the ultimate experience, join a guided Jeep safari where the camp’s experts will take you through grasslands, granite hills, and serene lakes to spot leopards, antelopes, crocodiles, boars, and flamingos.

SUJÁN JAWAI’s sister property, Sher Bagh, immerses visitors in 1920s-style safaris within India’s iconic Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve.

During the day, enjoy safaris, excursions, and British-Raj-inspired lunches; by night, retreat to a tiger-themed sanctuary for a truly immersive experience.

Tiger Tops

A trailblazer in sustainable tourism, Tiger Tops was one of the first to establish a tented camp within Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Nepal.

“Perhaps it’s because I spent so much time there, but some of my most unforgettable safari moments happened in Chitwan,” reflects Roberts.

“From the breakfast golghar (a traditional thatched hut) at the old Tiger Tops Tented Camp, I witnessed rhinos mating and even saw a mother tiger with her four cubs.”

In 2012, new government regulations mandated that all hotels and lodges be relocated outside the national park boundaries.

Currently, the company operates three sites throughout Nepal, including the newly opened Tiger Tops Elephant Camp, featuring spacious tented accommodations.

This British-Nepali company offers elephants a sanctuary free from chains, allowing guests to observe and interact with the animals in their natural habitat.

Activities typically include helping the mahouts (elephant caretakers) cut grass to feed the elephants or joining a jungle trek alongside these majestic creatures.