Luxury travel, world-class pickleball, and life-changing impact - Jan. 15-24, 2026

Sat, 08/16/2025 - 10:23am

Jane McBride

Golden Triangle Pickleball and Friends of Thai Daughters Founders Jane McBride, left, and Patricia Zinkowski. Courtesy photo

FTD Daughters on the pickleball courts at Sunflower Farm, Northern Thailand. Courtesy photo

Golden Triangle Pickleball and Friends of Thai Daughters Founders Jane McBride, left, and Patricia Zinkowski. Courtesy photo

FTD Daughters on the pickleball courts at Sunflower Farm, Northern Thailand. Courtesy photo

Imagine playing pickleball on covered courts surrounded by rice paddies and jungle hills, then ending the day in a luxury tented camp or an elephant sanctuary. That's the reality of Golden Triangle Pickleball's "Play with Purpose" tour, running Jan. 15-24, 2026.

This exclusive 10-day experience starts with two nights in Bangkok before heading north to Chiang Rai province for court time at two purpose-built pickleball venues:

Sunflower Farm - The first covered pickleball courts in Northern Thailand, plus an organic farm, swimming pool, and thriving social enterprises.

Jasmine Farm - A new Sports & Community Center with courts, a farm-to-table café, and on-site programs.

Play daily at both farms, connecting with Friends of Thai Daughters (FTD) - the nonprofit behind GTP. Stay overnight at the exclusive Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, home to rescued elephants. Conclude at the luxurious Tantawan Tented Camp, located next to Sunflower Farm for a serene finale.

A Tour That Gives Back

Every booking directly supports FTD's mission to prevent child trafficking in Thailand's Golden Triangle. For 20 years, FTD has provided safe housing, education, and mentorship to at-risk ethnic minority girls. The farms' facilities and businesses - from organic gardens to guest accommodations - generate sustainable income and job training for FTD graduates and the wider community.

What Guests Are Saying

"Playing pickleball in the Golden Triangle was the trip of a lifetime—the courts, the scenery, and knowing we were helping make a difference made it unforgettable." — GTP Tour Guest, 2024

"It's the perfect mix of sport, culture, and purpose." — Stay & Play Participant, 2025

About Golden Triangle Pickleball (GTP)

Golden Triangle Pickleball is a social enterprise founded by Friends of Thai Daughters, pairing exceptional pickleball experiences with a mission to prevent child trafficking and empower at-risk girls. GTP's purpose-built courts, community programs, and luxury tours generate direct funding and hands-on opportunities for FTD's Daughters and the wider community.