Markets, makers & elephants.
Ancient temples, gentle giants, and women rewriting their own stories — a journey through Northern Thailand.
Northern Thailand holds more than temples and night markets — though you'll find plenty of both. This is where you'll also learn traditional recipes by hand, walk beside rescued elephants in the jungle, and stay in a bungalow tucked into a Karen hill tribe village.
From there, you'll travel to Mae Sot, a border town where women who fled Myanmar in search of safety are building new lives — crafting the porcelain jewelry that first brought Noonday here, and the income that lets them provide for their children.
Come expecting market color, unforgettable adventure, and days you won't forget. Leave with a deeper understanding of the resilience and dignity behind every handmade piece.
Katie Smith
I'm a mom of two, a Noonday traveler since 2015, and a Certified Child Life Specialist of 15 years. I've explored 15 countries, including 8 with Noonday, and keep grabbing my passport for the next adventure. I love searching for unique home goods, stepping out of my comfort zone, and gaining friends around the world.
Nancy Norris
Part of the Noonday community for 10 years — sharing fair trade's direct impact on communities has deepened my passion for creating meaningful experiences that connect people and cultures. As a military spouse of 23 years who's lived overseas and traveled to 20+ countries, I've learned to be flexible, adaptable, and open to how people live. JUST GO!
An adventure that stays with you.
Arrival
Arrive in Chiang Mai and settle in. As time permits, a little exploring or spa time before a relaxed welcome dinner, where you'll meet your fellow travelers and begin the journey together.
Heritage
Explore Warorot Market and ride a traditional samlor through Chiang Mai's temple-lined streets, including the golden Wat Phra Singh. Visit Doi Suthep, a sacred temple with sweeping mountain views, then browse the Walking Street Market on your own — great for shopping and eating.
Savor
Learn traditional recipes hands-on at a local cooking school, from curry paste to fresh coconut milk. Enjoy afternoon free time for shopping or the spa (or both!), then set out on a guided evening street food tour.
Jungle
Travel into the mountains to Chai Lai Orchid, an ethical elephant sanctuary that also funds anti-trafficking efforts. Hike to a hidden waterfall for a swim and riverside lunch, then spend the afternoon with the gentle giants before settling into your bungalow homestay in a Karen hill tribe village.
Adventure
Wake to breakfast with elephants outside your door! Visit another waterfall before drifting down the river on a traditional bamboo raft, a delicious pad thai lunch, then journey south.
Dignity
Spend the day in Mae Sot with Noonday's artisan partners who craft beautiful porcelain jewelry — many who fled their home country in search of safety and are now building better lives for their children through dignified work, one piece at a time.
Bridge
Explore Mae Sot's highlights, from Wat Thai Wattanaram to the bustling local market. Visit the Friendship Bridge and Borderline Café, continuing to learn about the issues faced along this border, before a final dinner together.
To Bangkok
A relaxed last morning with a little more to explore in Mae Sot. Then fly to Bangkok, settling into a nice airport hotel for a little sleep before early-hour flights.
Homeward
Many will catch middle-of-the-night flights home, while others choose to extend their adventure from here. However your journey continues, you'll carry home new friendships and a deeper understanding of the resilience and dignity behind every handmade piece.
Included
- All ground transportation
- Domestic flight Mae Sot–Bangkok
- Boutique accommodations, including all breakfasts
- Most other meals (7 lunches, 6 dinners)
- All activities in the itinerary
- Two Noonday Experience Guides
Not included
- International airfare
- Travel insurance (required)
- Shopping budget, spa services & alcohol
- Gratuities for local guides & drivers
- Airport transfers if you arrive outside of our group arrival/departure windows
Ready to go?
June 5-13, 2027
Private rooms are more widely available for 7 out of the 8 nights. For the 1 night at Chai Lai Orchid, we are limited to 2 private bungalows. That will be an add-on after registration while still available.
Good to know.
How physically demanding is this trip?
Day 4's jungle hike is a moderate 2-3 hour hike. Travelers may opt out if they'd like. Day 5’s bamboo river float is very easy; you just have to get on & off the raft. You'll also climb a number of stairs to Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, with some walking on uneven terrain throughout the trip.
Where will we stay?
In Chiang Mai: Chala Number 6, a luxury 5-star boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town, featuring traditional Lanna-style design, a courtyard saltwater pool, and a spa — easily walkable to temples, spas, boutiques, and the Sunday night walking market.
One night at Chai Lai Orchid: rustic bamboo bungalows with comfortable beds, mosquito nets, private bathrooms with hot showers, and fans — an ethical eco-lodge and elephant sanctuary that creates opportunities for the indigenous Karen and Kayan communities, with profits funding Daughter's Rising, which empowers at-risk women and girls to prevent trafficking and exploitation.
In Mae Sot: the Teak Hotel, a modern 4-star hotel with spacious rooms.
Final night: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport — ideal for middle-of-the-night international flights, just a short walk or 24-hour shuttle from the terminal, with 24-hour stays from check-in for extra flexibility.
Is this trip for ladies only?
Yes — this is a women-only journey, designed for connection and community among female travelers.
Where will we fly in/out of? Why does it begin and end at different airports?
You’ll fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) so you get the most out of every day — no wasted time retracing your steps. Chiang Mai has a lot of great options for international flights flying in. Some might layover in Bangkok, but there are often options coming straight in from other international layovers on the way. Note that there is a second airport in Bangkok - Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). At the end of the trip, you will fly into DMK from Mae Sot together and then transfer to a hotel near BKK for the night.
International airfare is not included, so you can have flexibility in how and when you want to book.
Can I travel by myself?
Absolutely — many of our travelers come solo and leave with lifelong friends. If you'd prefer a room to yourself, you can select a single supplement at registration; this is available at most hotels, though we likely can't accommodate single rooms for the one night at Chai Lai Orchid. If you register for a double room without a roommate in mind, we'll do our best to match you with another traveler after registration.
Can I arrive early or extend my trip afterwards?
Yes, absolutely! We recommend arriving early if you can, especially for destinations with significant time changes, to give yourself a jump on adjusting. We'd love to help with recommendations on what to do, and can connect you with our on-the-ground tour operators if you'd like help organizing something bigger. Feel free to reach out!
Do I need to have traveled internationally before?
Not at all. Many of our travelers are brand new to international travel, and our guides are there to help every step of the way — from what to pack to facilitating the group moments that help us reflect, connect, and grow together.
What's included in the trip price?
All ground transportation, the domestic flight between Mae Sot and Bangkok, boutique accommodations with breakfast, most other meals, all itinerary activities, and two Noonday Experience Guides. We intentionally leave a few meals open, so you have some flexibility.
What is the cancellation policy?
xxxx
What is the required traveler's insurance?
xxxx
Ready to go?
Trips are intentionally small and fill quickly. Sign up now, or reach out and we'll help you choose the experience that fits.
