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Thailand

Thailand: Wilderness First Aid and Community Health — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 4 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and warm culture in northern Thailand while getting your Wilderness First Aid certification. Learn medical response skills from health experts and test your knowledge during field simulations. Take a break to explore Doi Suthep Temple and the city of Chiang Mai. Head to the gym to try the martial art of Muay Thai. Then go biking through the scenic countryside, cool off at an inflatable water park and go shopping at Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar. Leave the program with an internationally-recognized medical certification and lifelong memories.

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 your group at your home airport. Fly together as a group to Thailand. Total travel time will depend on your departure location and flight schedule. Be sure to get some rest so you arrive ready for adventure! Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.
In Transit

Day 2

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 Northern Thailand!

Sawatdee and welcome to Thailand! Arrive at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) and meet your program leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel in Chiang Mai and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Set in the beautiful mountains of northern Thailand, the charming city of Chiang Mai will be your base of operations as you study the Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course material and immerse in the local lifestyle. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead and an introduction to the Lanna culture that predominates the region. Overnight: Suan Bua Resort, Chiang Mai (or similar)
4 - 5

Wilderness First Aid and Intro to Thai Culture

Jump right into the Wilderness First Aid (WFA) curriculum. Develop your skills in wound care, first aid, CPR, and emergency medical response. Get immersed in classroom lectures, group discussions, and hands-on simulations. Learn how to assess medical situations and determine the appropriate medical response in an emergency. In the afternoons visit local landmarks like Doi Suthep Temple and the old city of Chiang Mai. Overnight: Suan Bua Resort, Chiang Mai (or similar)
6

Hands-On Training and Muay Thai

Embark on your final day of WFA training. Go into the field for more lessons and then undergo a simulation to test your new medical skills. Finish up the day with a chance to practice Muay Thai at a nearby gym. This ancient martial art that combines discipline and novel striking techniques is the national sport of Thailand and is steeped in local culture. Have dinner at a night market that’s popular with local students. Overnight: Suan Bua Resort, Chiang Mai (or similar)
7

Biking, Grand Canyon and Night Bazaar

Spend the day exploring Chiang Mai and its outskirts. Hop onto a bike to travel through the scenic countryside outside the city. Enjoy the quiet meandering roads that pass by orchards and over rolling hills. Stop at the Grand Canyon - a vast complex of inflatable jungle gyms on the water. Cool off in the water while you slip, slide and jump. Finish the day with dinner and shopping at Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar. Wrap up your program with a closing discussion and our traditional Rustic Ties ceremony that allows students to reflect on their experiences and discuss how to use the lessons they’ve learned back home. Overnight: Suan Bua Resort, Chiang Mai (or similar)
8

Chok Dee, Thailand!

Wake up early to the sounds of the village and say goodbye to your new friends. After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for your flight home. After a week in the “Land of Smiles” it will be hard to say goodbye, but the new medical skills that you have acquired, the experiences you have had, and the people you have met will serve you well in your future endeavors. Chok dee and come back 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 Cultural Immersion
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