titlehere; Sleeping beneath the stars has never been easier, thanks to the new luxury tented resorts, reports Richard Alleman.

Byline: Richard Alleman

The jungly Golden Triangle of Northern Thailand is making news as the site of one of the most sumptuous and unusual properties in Southeast Asia. Reachable only by boat, the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is a magical compound of fifteen tented accommodations, set on stilts amid ferns and bamboo and connected by raised walkways. Each tent has polished-teak floors, a hand-hammered-copper tub, an outdoor "rain shower," and a private deck with a view of a tributary of the Mekong River. There is also an open-air spa, a boulder-edged swimming pool, and the star attraction, a resident herd of friendly elephants, which guests may ride and even help train. Less eccentric activities range from trekking, biking, and birding to temple-hopping and longtail-boat trips. Rates: from $2,400 for a two-night all-inclusive package, double occupancy, including meals, drinks, spa treatments, activities, excursions, and transfers from the city of Chiang Rai; (800) 819-5053; fourseasons.com.

The chance to spot the elusive Bengal tiger is one of the many reasons to check into Vanyavilas, on the edge of India's Ranthambhore National Park in the princely state of Rajasthan. Originally the private hunting grounds of the maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambhore is one of the most important tiger reserves in the world but also harbors leopards, bears, a variety of deer and antelope, and some 300 species of birds. Created by India's venerable Oberoi Hotels, Vanyavilas has 25 spacious tents with embroidered-canopy ceilings, king-size poster beds, and marble bathrooms. The centerpiece of the compound is the colonial-style library bar and glittering alfresco restaurant, serving Indian and European cuisine. Also on the grounds are a swimming pool, a fitness tent, and a spa, set in a fountained courtyard, offering ayurvedic treatments. But the main activity is tiger-tracking in four-wheel-drive vehicles (May and June are the best months). Rates: $630 for a tent for two; (800) 5-OBEROI; oberoihotels.com.

Two and a half years ago, another prestigious Asian hotel group pitched camp alongside the Ranthambhore reserve. The ten chic tents of Amanresorts' Aman-i-Khas provide the last word in minimalist Mughal design: custom-made teak-and-leather campaign furniture, sleek platform beds, earth-toned dhurries, and gunmetal sinks. Three additional tents hold a restaurant serving Indian and Western cuisine, a library, and a spa. Camel safaris

can be arranged. Rates: $750 a day, double occupancy, plus $75 per ...