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Thailand

Thailand: Island Hopping and Marine Ecosystems — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 6 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Tarutao National Park in southern Thailand has three islands – Lipe, Adang, and Tarutao. During this program you’ll explore the effects of tourism on this delicate habitat. Lipe is open to tourists with few restrictions on development, while Taratao and Adang is limited to people visiting the national park. You’ll spend time on the beach, snorkeling, and island hopping as you see some places that are very popular with tourists, along with some that are mostly untouched!

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 – Thailand

In 2025, Rustic Pathways received GoAbroad’s Top Rated Provider recognition for high school travel in Thailand.

Quote by: Keegan Kennedy Southeast Asia Regional Manager

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Depart for Thailand

Meet up with your group at a pre-selected location at your home airport. Once everyone has arrived, check your bags and go through security as a group. From here you will board and depart for your international flight to Thailand. This first day is counted as a full day of travel because the standard travel time to this destination exceeds 12 hours. This may change depending on your departure location. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.
2

In Transit

If your travel to Thailand crosses the international dateline, you'll likely lose this day to travel. Not to worry - you'll get it back on your return!
3

Welcome to Southern Thailand!

Arrive at Had Yai and meet your program leaders who’ll be with you for the duration of the program. Drive across the Malay peninsula to the Pak Bara Pier on the Andaman coast and catch the ferry to Koh Tarutao Island. This pristine archipelago, once a notorious pirate den and later an infamous penal colony, is one of the only remaining areas of Thailand that’s been left relatively unscathed by development and is now known for its pristine beaches, forests and spectacular coral reefs. Land at the north end of the island and check into your bungalow. Take a quick dip in the ocean before heading across the island to see historical sites and learn about this island’s infamous past. Journey through the mountains to the east side of the island to tour the penal colony and hear stories of bygone pirate lore. Back at the bungalows enjoy a round of Thai games on the beach as the sun sets. Overnight: National Park Bungalows, Tarutao Island
4

Kayaking and Mangrove Ecosystems

Jump into kayaks to spend the day exploring the inland estuaries. See how the intersection of fresh and saltwater environments creates a unique ecosystem with mangrove forests and a wealth of flora and fauna. Learn how these ecosystems support food chains, along with the threats mangrove forests face and ways to protect them. At the top of the estuary explore Crocodile Cave (don’t worry the former inhabitants have long since left) and see the karst topography that makes the limestone cliffs and caves. Overnight: National Park Bungalows, Tarutao Island
5

Adang Island and Trash Hero

Wake up to the sounds of breaking waves, get breakfast and then pack your bags to move to Koh Adang Island. Along the way pass an abandoned resort, the only one on Koh Adang and the subject of an ongoing court case. Discuss ongoing issues with indigenous land rights and development. Then stock up on supplies at the local shops and launch into service work with the organization Trash Hero that’s transformed beach cleanups into a social event. Overnight: Camping on Adang Island
6 - 7

Coral Reefs and Education Enrichment

Head out on a snorkeling expedition, exploring the shoals, reefs and inlets. This area boasts some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Asia, but overfishing and coral bleaching caused by temperature changes have threatened these areas. Learn about local efforts to protect these biodiversity hotspots. In the afternoon head to the Baan Adang School to participate in education enrichment activities with the local students. Make friends and learn about the unique history of the local population who are traditional nomadic fisherman called Moken, or “Sea Gypsies” Overnight: Camping on Adang Island
8

Head Home

Wake up early to say goodbye to the Tarutao Archipelago and take a morning ferry back to the mainland. Drive to the Hat Yai airport for your return flight home. Chokdee and come back to visit soon! Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Thailand

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Thailand offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Thailand Asia Conservation
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