Thailand: Island Hopping and Marine Ecosystems

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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.