What kind of Asia glamping adventure do you want to have? The choices are as wide and varied as the continent itself, from island paradise retreats to mountains, plains and jungle. You are limited only by your imagination- and possibly not by that, either.
ISLANDS: MALDIVES AND THAILAND
Many Asian properties are taking advantage of their stunning white sand beaches to create glamping island retreats, and it should come as no surprise that island properties command the highest prices. At the top of the list is the archipelago of Maldives, already one of the most exquisite vacation spots in the world. Soneva Fushi Resort and Taj Exotica Resort and Spa are top tier glamping resorts that offer unmatched dramatic views combined with world-class sophistication in harmony with nature.
Still offering plenty of drama and sophistication are Vivanta Coral Reef by Taj and Baros which may be considered somewhat more affordable ($700 and $580 per night, respectively) than their Maldives neighbors, yet still offer the discerning glamper all they might expect.
Thailand island hideaways such as Soneva Kiri and Moon Shadow (Winner of Best Villa Architectural Design Award 2013) offer the best in luxury matched with breathtaking seaside views.
RIVER GLAMPING, ASIAN STYLE
Inland vacation spots may cost less, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less exotic. Take for instance Four Rivers Floating Lodge in Cambodia on the Tatai River, highway to the Southeast Asia’s largest coastal mangrove.
Muang La Resort in Laos sits next to a tranquil river with a hot spring, and offers luxury in a secluded setting.
Bagan Lodge near the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar is on the edge of on of the world’s greatest “archaeological marvels.” According to Wikipedia, “10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries were constructed in the Bagan plains alone, of which the remains of over 2200 temples and pagodas still survive to the present day.”
YURT CAMPING
Adventure seekers will be happy to know that Asia has more than relaxing beach resorts and sleepy secluded river retreats, and will choose to venture to the interior of the continent.
After visiting the Flaming Cliffs or riding a Bactrian camel in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, you can return to a luxurious yurt at the Three Camel Lodge.
For a more down to earth experience, stay with an authentic local nomadic family at At-Bashi Yurt Camp in Kyrgystan near the China border, experiencing river valleys, mountains and glaciers.
HIGH UP PERCHES
You may stay in the trees if that’s what you please, and Japamala Resort in Malaysia may just be your thing. Stay in a chalet or jungle canopy tree house at this “eco-luxe resort” and enjoy this “fashionably rustic boutique resort known for intimacy between man and nature.”
Perched among dramatic rock formations in view of a mountain range and beach are the Hill Top Pool Villas of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay of South Central Vietnam. The villas are set back in the mountainside accessible by wooden private walkways each with a private plunge pool.
For the ultimate wildlife adventure at a moderate price ($250/night) you can travel to Nepal’s Karnali Lodge, one of two lodges owned by Tiger Tops, which sits right on the edge of Bardia National Park, Nepal’s largest wilderness area, where you are promised “the exhilaration of a raw encounter with jungle wildlife. Observe tigers, rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, leopards and deer all in their natural habitat on a Tiger Tops guided jungle safari.”
