As a family bound by our love for nature, eco-tourism, trekking, and photography, we offer more than just tours. Our aim is not only to introduce you to Thailand’s pristine beauty but also to make a positive impact on remote communities in hard-to-reach mountain villages, where paved roads are few and far between. These villages, home to honest, hardworking, and incredibly kind-hearted people, rarely have the chance to connect with travelers, whether local or international.
While our tours do include some of Northern Thailand's well-known and stunning mainstream spots—popular for good reason—we strive to take our guests a step further. We aim to finish visiting these spots before other tours arrive, and then venture beyond the typical tourist trails to explore hidden gems, often even more breathtaking, nestled within the less-seen sides of national parks and remote mountain hill tribe villages.
Pornvarin aka Venda, the heart and soul behind Panna Travel, was born in Chonburi and spent her early childhood with her grandparents in the countryside, where the seeds of her passion for nature were quietly sown. Although she completed her primary education in the bustling city of Bangkok, she always longed for the untouched wilderness—the mountains, wildlife, and everything that Northern Thailand would later gift her.
During high school in Chiang Mai, Venda found her true calling. She spent her days immersed in the pure beauty of nature, chasing waterfalls, playing with bamboo, hiking towering mountains, and diving into the ancient knowledge of tribal communities. Whether it was exploring natural medicines or studying the rich biodiversity of the land, these experiences shaped Venda from a young age, giving her a deep reverence and connection to nature.
She later spent several years in Europe on a student exchange program, mastering languages to near-native proficiency and experiencing Western culture firsthand. Even across continents, Venda’s passion remained unwavering. She became an avid mountaineer, trail runner, camper, and animal lover, always eager to discover new cultures—starting with local cuisine and traditional customs, and embracing everything in between.
After returning to Thailand, Venda blended her newfound knowledge with her deep-rooted experiences in Northern Thailand. She started organizing personalized trips and adventures for her international friends visiting the country. Word quickly spread, and soon her friends were recommending her tours to their own friends. And so, through passion, hard work, and a love for sharing the wonders of Northern Thailand, Panna Travel was born.
During her time in Europe, Venda met Nikola, and together they delved deep into the natural beauty of Europe's mountain ranges, with a special fondness for the untouched wilderness of the Balkan Peninsula. Their sacred place, the one closest to their hearts, became Stara Planina in Serbia. This region, with its abundance of waterfalls, dense forests, hidden villages, and towering peaks, reminded Venda irresistibly of Northern Thailand.
After their European adventures, it was only natural for them to take on the jungles of Thailand together. Soon, they were captivated by the tropical landscapes, and their shared passion for exploration led them to transform their lives and careers into full-time outdoor trekking explorers and content creators. Over the years, they organized trekking challenges and tours for their friends, often running ultra-marathons to explore even the most remote villages and hidden, stunning regions on foot. Every step of their journey was documented, and over time, this passion evolved into the creation of Panna Travel.
The name "Panna," in ancient Thai poetic language, means Rainforest, symbolizing their deep connection to the wild and untamed beauty of nature. Today, Panna Travel is a culmination of their years of adventure, bringing people closer to the raw, unexplored treasures of Thailand and beyond.
Some of our tours include a special companion—our little dog, Daisy. Though she’s small, Daisy has an adventurous spirit that far outweighs her size. She practically grew up trekking through mountains and forests, hopping over streams and living wild adventures across several continents. She’s a gentle, loving soul, always friendly and eager to meet new people. Whenever possible, and as long as the trek isn’t too long or difficult, Daisy is a proud member of our team.
If you’re thinking about booking a tour with us, we’re certain you’re a fellow nature lover. We’re sure you’ll delight in the company of our small trekking family—especially Daisy—on your next adventure.