Thailand Friendship Tour
Travel with purpose. Connect with people. See Thailand through new eyes.
If you’ve dreamed of visiting Thailand and want to experience more than beautiful landscapes, Arelti’s Thailand Friendship Tour invites you on a journey into the heart and soul of its people. This is not a typical vacation. It’s a meaningful blend of travel, cultural immersion, and firsthand engagement with communities along the Thai–Burma border.
Led by Joe Manickam, this tour brings you into conversations with local experts, community leaders, and families whose stories will stay with you long after the trip ends.
Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect.
Chiang Mai: Where the Journey Begins
The experience starts in Chiang Mai, a historic city known for its cultural diversity and Lanna heritage. As ancient traditions blend with modern life, the city offers a perfect launch point for deeper exploration.
During our time here, you will:
- Explore local markets and cultural centers
- Attend a Thai cooking class and prepare your own meal
- Visit museums highlighting regional history
- Spend a night at an elephant refuge
- Meet organic coffee producers to learn how responsible entrepreneurship supports local communities
- Participate in interfaith conversations during visits to Buddhist and Sikh temples
Mae Sariang: Heart-to-Heart on the Border
Next, we travel to Mae Sariang, a quiet town near the Burma border, where the trip becomes intensely personal.
Here we will:
- Visit the Border Health Development Foundation
- Spend time with the Karen community in Ta Tha Fang Village
- Stay with local families and experience daily life firsthand
- Visit a refugee camp and local schools
- Learn directly from communities affected by displacement, ethnic conflict, and border politics
These are some of the most impactful days of the trip—filled with conversations around shared meals, walks through coffee farms, and stories that reveal the strength and resilience of border communities.
Back to Chiang Mai: Culture & Reflection
We return to Chiang Mai to complete our journey. Optional activities based on your interests will be available, and we’ll gather for a farewell dinner featuring traditional Thai performances—a celebration of the people we’ve met and the friendships we’ve formed.
Optional Add-On: A Beach Escape in Krabi
If you want to extend your adventure, join us for a 4-day, 3-night excursion to Krabi.
You’ll enjoy:
- A short domestic flight to the southern beach city of Krabi
- A mix of planned group activities and personal free time
- Beautiful beaches, island hopping, and space to unwind
- A relaxed setting to debrief and connect with fellow travelers
This optional excursion is the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience.
Key Dates
Thailand Friendship Tour
- February 12 morning – Arrive in Chiang Mai (CNX)
- February 23 morning – Depart for home
Krabi Beach Excursion
- February 23 morning – Fly to Krabi for beach excursion
- February 26 morning – Depart for home
Costs
Thailand Friendship Tour
- $2,500 – Double occupancy
- $2,800 – Single occupancy
Krabi Beach Excursion
- $725 – Double occupancy
- $850 – Single occupancy
What’s included
- Domestic travel within Thailand
- All accommodations
- Entry fees
- Most meals
Not included
- International airfare
- Some meals
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Financial assistance may be available for those who need support.
Ready to Join Us?
If this sounds like the kind of meaningful adventure you’ve been waiting for, contact us for more information. Space is limited, don’t wait too long! Register today
This trip is more than travel; it’s about seeing the world through new eyes, forging connections with people from different walks of life, and understanding the global challenges we all face. It’s a chance to make a difference, both for yourself and for the communities you’ll meet along the way. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go!