The retreat will take place from December 15 to 20, 2026, at the enchanting Chai Lai Orchid in Chiang Mai, North Thailand. Co-hosted by Girls Be Change and Chai Lai Orchid, this six-day retreat empowers and connects women changemakers as they reflect on the year and focus on self-care. 

Participants will engage in personal development & capacity-building workshops, along with morning and evening wellness sessions. Immersive experiences in nature, ethical interactions with rescue elephants, and encounters with indigenous communities will deepen their connections to the world around them. This retreat offers a unique opportunity for women to recharge, reflect, and reinvigorate their commitment to making a positive impact.

Set against the backdrop of lush mountains and vibrant nature, Chai Lai Orchid is more than just a venue; it’s a sanctuary where stories of resilience come to life. Here, marginalized women find not only a safe haven but also opportunities for education and employment, all while caring for rescued elephants and preserving the beautiful indigenous Karen culture. As participants connect with the land and its people, they’ll support the vital initiatives of Daughters Rising, an organization dedicated to empowering at-risk girls and women. Together, they will create a tapestry of change, weaving their aspirations into a shared narrative of hope and empowerment.

The retreat is centered around four core values that enhance the overall experience:

1. Self-Care and Personal Development: The retreat prioritizes well-being through dedicated wellness sessions, emphasizing self-care practices like meditation, yoga and energy healing to nurture participants' mental and emotional health.

2. Community connection and Capacity Building: By bringing together diverse women in different backgrounds, the retreat fosters meaningful connections and collaborative learning, empowering participants to share their expertise and support one another in driving personal and social change.

3. Ethical Encounters with Elephants and Nature: Participants engage in ethical encounters with rescue elephants and explore the stunning natural environment through activities like jungle treks and bamboo rafting, promoting a deep respect for nature.

4. Engagement with Indigenous Communities: The retreat facilitates authentic interactions with the local Karen community, allowing participants to learn about their culture and traditions while supporting their livelihoods through activities like cooking classes and educational initiatives at the kids house.

These core values create a holistic and impactful experience, encouraging growth, collaboration, and ethical engagement.

At the heart of Girls Be Change’s events and trips lie a commitment to holistic empowerment, designed with six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guiding every step. Learn more here. These trips embody the principle of giving back: your place implies funding the Girls’ Scholarship Program in Myanmar/Thailand. By partnering with Daughters Rising, Girls Be Change will reinvest net profits from the expeditions to support the Girls’ Scholarship Program, allowing ethnic minority women from Myanmar and those in refugee camps to pursue higher education. This ripple effect—where empowering one woman empowers many—is at the core of our mission. 

This trip is open only to women/Womxn and non-binary.

Connect with Carmen, Founder of Girls Be Change, via Instagram / LinkedIn

Learn more about the story behind Girls Be Change.

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About Carmen Chan, Retreat Cohost | Girls Be Change

Carmen Chan is a social entrepreneur and founder of Girls Be Change, who now pours her business experience of over a decade into empowering girls and women to be explorers and changemakers. After years of solo traveling across continents—visiting grassroots projects and women‑led initiatives in Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa—she saw how powerful it is when women step out of their comfort zones with the right support. Girls Be Change grew from this journey as her bridge between adventurous travel and real‑world impact, connecting women travelers with global changemakers so every expedition becomes both an inner journey and a contribution to something larger.

Read more about Carmen: Why sustainability, female empowerment and adventure go hand in hand

About Alexandra Pham, Retreat Cohost | Chai Lai Orchid

Alexandra Pham has been living in northern Thailand since she first launched the Chai Lai Orchid as a job training center and safe house just over 10 years ago. Previously, she worked as a photographer in New York City and a production assistant at the Sundance Filmmakers Lab. It is her passion for humanitarian work however that propelled her on numerous adventures throughout the world, working with nonprofits from Germany to Nepal. Now settled in the mountains of Chiang Mai with her young family, Alexa spearheads Daughters Rising initiatives, develops RISE Workshops, overseas the hotel operations, and runs the training and educational programs at the Chai Lai Orchid.

About Sandar Win, Retreat Cohost | Daughters Rising

From Yangon to a border refugee camp to university graduate, Sandar is now the Program Director of Daughters Rising. Having lost her mother at a young age, Sandar is the sole breadwinner for her siblings and ageing father, who remains in the refugee camp to this day with her younger sister. Like many in her situation, Sandar has witnessed and experienced atrocities, making her even more determined to empower young women to better their lives through education and the Daughters Rising Girls’ Scholarship Program.

About Gaynor Fitzgibbon, Retreat Cohost | McKendra Energies

Gaynor Fitzgibbon is a Usui-Tibetan Reiki teacher based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with a background in educational drama, communication, yoga, meditation, and energy-based practices. Her work focuses on helping others reconnect with themselves in simple yet powerful ways—through stillness, movement, awareness, and presence. At the retreat, Gaynor will lead morning and evening wellness sessions that offer space to pause, breathe, and gently come back to centre. Her sessions support clarity, resilience, and emotional wellbeing—an invitation to slow down and tune in, especially for those navigating busy lives or leadership roles. Alongside her retreat work, Gaynor runs Reiki training courses both in-person and online, sharing accessible, heart-centred tools for healing and self-discovery.

What are the payment methods?

You can:

- pay on this page by direct domestic bank transfer in USD, EUR, GBP, or AUD WITHOUT any transaction fee; or 

- pay on this page by credit card WITH transaction fee; or

- Direct domestic bank transfer in HKD WITHOUT any transaction fee: Girls Be Change Co. Limited (HSBC, bank code: 004, account number: 801-793514-838); or

- WISE to girlsbechange@gmail.com; or

- Paypal to girlsbechange@gmail.com

For more inquiries, please feel free to contact us at girlsbechange@gmail.com.

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Please read the full Terms and Conditions here. 

Photo source & credit: Carmen Chan, Chai Lai Orchid, Daughters Rising

Arriving the Lush Mountain of Northern Thailand

Welcome to Chai Lai Orchid, a social business and eco-resort nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand. Here, you can immerse yourself in unspoiled nature, ethically encounter rescued elephants, and learn about the rich indigenous Karen culture. The Chai Lai Orchid provides a safe haven, education, and employment for marginalized women, ensuring that 60% of its staff comes from the local community.

As you settle in, you’ll be greeted by our co-hosts: Carmen Chan, founder of Girls Be Change; Alexandra Pham, founder of Chai Lai Orchid and Daughters Rising; Sandar Win, Program Director of Daughters Rising; and Gaynor Fitzgibbon, our wellness teacher. You'll also have the opportunity for personal goal setting with Carmen, guiding you to reflect on your aspirations.

Join fellow women participants and changemakers during "Elephant Hours" for happy hour drinks, where you can connect and share experiences as the rescued elephants visit the main area of the eco-lodge, creating a magical and memorable atmosphere.

Women's Healing Retreat Opening

The retreat kicks off with inspiring stories from cohosts, creating a vibrant forum for ten women in different backgrounds to engage in dialogue and collaboration. Over six days and five nights, participants will partake in transformative discussions and workshops, fostering a collective commitment to drive meaningful change in themselves and their communities.

Jungle Trek with Rescue Elephants

Embarking on a jungle trek alongside local guides and caregivers, you enter a sanctuary where rescued elephants find peace. This ethical experience highlights the bond between these majestic creatures and indigenous communities, sharing stories of their journeys from exploitation to tranquility. Each step reveals the beauty of coexistence, emphasizing respect for nature and compassion.

Wellness Morning & Evening

Enjoy rejuvenating morning and evening wellness sessions dedicated to self-care in the serene mountains. These one-hour sessions over the coming 6 days will include guided meditation, breath-work exercise, yoga and energy healing set against lush greenery, allowing participants to nurture their well-being and connect with nature during the rising and setting sun.

Impact Capacity Building Workshop

Join us for the Impact Capacity Building workshop, where community, co-creation, and giving are at the heart of our summit. Co-led by Carmen Chan, founder of Girls Be Change, this interactive session invites participants to share their expertise and knowledge.

Cooking Class with Indigenous Karen Community

In the heart of the mountains, a cooking class unfolds with the indigenous Karen community, where culinary traditions come alive. Participants will learn not just recipes but also the rich stories woven into each dish. As they chop, stir, and savor, they will discover the deep connection between food and culture, gaining insights into the vibrant heritage of the Karen people. Each meal prepared is a celebration of resilience, history, and the joy of sharing.

Wellness Morning & Evening

Enjoy rejuvenating Wellness Morning and Evening sessions, dedicating one hour each to self-care amidst the serene mountains. Experience guided meditation, breathwork, yoga, and energy healing over the next five days, all set against a backdrop of lush greenery. Embrace this tranquil time to nurture your well-being and connect with nature as the sun rises and sets.

Joy of Giving at Kids House

Experience the joy of giving at the Kids House, where you can spend time teaching local girls who are pursuing education. Share your stories and knowledge, inspiring these bright minds while fostering a sense of community and making a lasting impact on their educational journeys.

Bamboo Rafting in the River of the Mountains

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the mountains by bamboo rafting down the river. Guided by a skilled local, you'll drift along gentle currents, navigating lush landscapes. This eco-friendly adventure invites you to connect with nature and appreciate the tranquility of life along the river.

Wellness Morning & Evening

Enjoy rejuvenating Wellness Morning and Evening sessions dedicated to self-care in the serene mountains. Experience guided meditation, breathwork, yoga, and energy healing over the next five days, all set against lush greenery. Embrace this tranquil time to nurture your well-being and connect with nature as the sun rises and sets.

Women Retreat Closing

Join the closing dinner of the Women Retreat for Changes, where participants and cohosts come together for heartfelt sharing and reflection. This moment is an opportunity to set intentions for the new year and encourage personal growth. Participants are urged to stay connected and foster collaboration beyond the summit, gaining access to a global community of women changemakers through Girls Be Change to continue their impactful journeys.

Secret Temple & Waterfall Adventure + Bamboo Cooking

Embark on a group visit to a hidden temple and breathtaking waterfall, guided by a knowledgeable local. Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Karen indigenous community as they showcase their unique bamboo cooking techniques over an open fire, allowing you to engage deeply with their cultural heritage.

Wellness Morning & Evening

Enjoy rejuvenating Wellness Morning and Evening sessions dedicated to self-care amidst the serene mountains. Experience guided meditation, breathwork, yoga, and energy healing over the next five days, all set against lush greenery. Embrace this tranquil time to nurture your well-being and connect with nature as the sun rises and sets.

Group Photoshoot

On the final day of the summit and retreat, participants will enjoy a professional group photoshoot with elephants, set against the beautiful backdrop of the river or forest. Led by a professional photographer, this session will capture cherished memories and celebrate the connections and growth experienced at Chai Lai Orchid.

Reflective Morning

The last day will begin with a reflective morning dedicated to self-care in the serene mountains. Participants will take this tranquil hour to reflect on their retreat journey and set intentions for a refreshing new year.