Golden Triangle Pickleball’s Play with Purpose Tour runs January 15–24, 2026, opening with two nights in Bangkok before moving north to Chiang Rai for daily play and culture-forward excursions. The trip pairs relaxed travel with structured on-court sessions and firsthand time with the nonprofit powering its mission, Friends of Thai Daughters (FTD).
A tour that plays—and gives back
Golden Triangle Pickleball is a social enterprise created by FTD, whose programs provide safe housing, education, and mentorship to girls at risk of trafficking. Booking this tour directly supports that work—and travelers meet the staff and graduates who make it real.
Where you’ll play
Sunflower Farm anchors the Chiang Rai action with two covered, lighted pickleball courts set inside a working organic farm with a pool and community programming. Courts sit amid rice paddies with jungle ridgelines on the horizon—postcard views for clinics, open play, and casual ladders.
A short drive away, Jasmine Farm is a new sports-and-community hub in Chiang Khong. Expect fresh courts, a farm-to-table café, and programming designed to welcome neighbors alongside visiting players.
Beyond the baseline
The itinerary includes time with FTD staff and program graduates, offering a clear view of how tour proceeds and farm enterprises create training and work pathways for young women in the Golden Triangle. Two marquee overnights bookend the countryside stay:
- Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort — an immersive night at a sanctuary known for its partnership with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation.
- Tantawan Tented Camp — a luxury finale closely linked to FTD’s Sunflower Organic Farm and a five-minute walk to Sunflower’s covered courts.
Purpose front and center
The Play with Purpose framework turns a sports vacation into a local economic engine. FTD-linked farms operate organic gardens, guest accommodations, and creative workshops that build job training and steady income—practical routes that reduce vulnerability for girls and strengthen the wider community. Travelers see the impact up close: every rally, meal, and farm tour connects back to a community outcome.
The big picture for Asia pickleball
Thailand is an easy regional gateway, and purpose-built venues like Sunflower and Jasmine show how destinations can grow the sport while keeping value local: invest in covered courts, pair them with community programs, and invite traveling players to plug in.
The scoreline is simple: play hard, travel well, and help a Chiang Rai community keep winning on and off the court.
