TRENDING
Japan Greece Costa Rica
Italy Fiji Korea
← School Group Travel

Thailand

Thailand: Environmental Science and Sustainability — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 15 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

1 / 14

Explore animal conservation and environmental sustainability efforts in northern Thailand. Learn about efforts to protect Asian elephants as you feed and help care for the herd. Work alongside organic farmers, seeing different ways of producing food and then enjoy a homestay experience in the village. Contribute to reforestation efforts in the forested mountains. Then wrap up the program by visiting Doi Sutep Temple, Chiang Mai’s most sacred temple, and climbing the Sticky Waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll hit all the natural highlights in this biodiverse wonderland.

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 your flight 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

Sawat dee and Welcome to Chiang Mai!

Arrive into Chiang Mai, meet your program leaders, and set out to enjoy the beautiful and historical capital of Northern Thailand! Have dinner and join in a program orientation and group activities before getting some rest. Overnight: Hotel, Chiang Mai
4

Elephants of Northern Thailand

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel and then head north to a local elephant conservation center. This is a private camp that operates as a part retirement home, part orphanage, and part hospital for sick, injured and abandoned elephants from all over the country. Explore the grounds and meet the different elephant inhabitants, learning their story and how they ended up at this unique center. Your guides will explain the issues and complexities of conserving animals of this size amid deforestation and increasing competition for land between wild species and people in urban, hilltribe and agricultural settings. Feed the elephants and learn about their unique dietary requirements. In the afternoon head back to Chiang Mai for a Northern Thai dinner and a group discussion on the different approaches to animal conservation you’ve encountered so far. Overnight: Hotel, Chiang Mai
5 - 6

Sustainable Organic Agriculture

Travel south of Chiang Mai to Mae Ta village and meet the enterprising villagers who have teamed up to form an organic agriculture collective. Spend the day working with hardworking farmers, helping till and sow the fields. Learn organic farming techniques and how they can be used to sustainably grow delicious, nutritious and clean food. In the afternoon and evenings, settle into village life. Explore the village, join in local pickup soccer games and chat with your host family. Overnight: Homestay (3-4 students per house), Mae Ta Village
7

Forest Restoration

Journey into the forested mountains surrounding Chiang Mai with ecologists from Chiang Mai University and contribute to ongoing forest restoration projects in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Work with the team as they search for seeds from endemic species. Help re-pot seedlings in the onsite nursery. Hike to nearby Doi Sutep Temple, Chiang Mai’s most sacred temple. Make an offering and take in the spectacular views of the city below. In the afternoon, journey to Chiang Dao - the “City of Stars” - about one and a half hours north of Chiang Mai. Along the way stop by the Sticky Waterfall where you can climb the cascading “sticky” limestone walls and enjoy refreshing pools of crisp mountain water. Head to a mountain eco resort and enjoy a traditional Kan Tok dinner. Overnight: Hotel, Chiang Mai
8

Head Home

Wake up for your final breakfast in Thailand. Think about the impact you made over the past week, and reflect on this life-changing experience. Head to the airport for your flight home. Chok dee 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
Request a Quote