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

Thailand

Thailand: Elephant Conservation Project — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 18 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

1 / 14

Learn how to live like an elephant caretaker in this hands-on animal conservation program. See how environmental challenges like deforestation affect elephants and other endangered species. Meet an elephant herd at a local conservation center and help care for the animals. Track the herd to collect data on their behavior and get a glimpse at rare Tusker elephants. Visit an animal hospital to see how the staff keeps the elephants healthy. Then get immersed in Thai culture. Visit a local market, learn how to cook Thai food and try traditional Muay Thai kickboxing. By program’s end, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for animal conservation and Thailand’s warm culture.

Please note that our teen travel program does not include elephant riding. We are proud to support responsible and ethical tourism that protects elephants.

The elephants were so much like kids. They were splashing water all over our faces and playing with us. It was really fun!

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 9-Day Program Include?

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

1

Depart for Southeast Asia

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 Southeast Asia. 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

You’ll seemingly lose time as you travel through time zones, but don’t worry you’ll get the hours back when you return home.
3

Welcome to Northern Thailand!

Sawatdee, and welcome to Thailand! You’ll arrive in Chiang Mai, the laid back and relaxing “Emerald of the North” and former capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Meet your program leaders and then transfer to your hotel to freshen up, unpack and enjoy a delicious Thai welcome dinner. Undergo a program orientation and then get some rest for your upcoming adventure. Overnight: Hotel in Chiang Mai
4

Habitat Reforestation on Doi Sutep Mountain

Start your program by focusing on how deforestation affects elephants and other endangered species in this biodiversity hotspot. Get familiarized with the topic while spending time with Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration Research Unit. Head up to Chiang Mai’s famous Doi Sutep mountain to learn about different forest types and ongoing efforts to protect and restore fragile ecosystems. Learn how to identify and propagate different seeds and work in the onsite nursery. Have lunch in the cooler mountain air and then stop at Doi Sutep Temple to take in the views from this sacred mountain-top monument. Overnight: Hotel in Chiang Mai
5 - 6

Elephants Ahoy!

Get an early start to work with a happy herd of elephants at a local conservation center. Meet the caregivers or mahouts who devote their lives to these elephants. After an orientation, meet the elephants and help with daily tasks like collecting food and medicinal herbs. Visit the onsite nursery and learn about elephant mating and efforts to conserve a diverse gene pool among the fragmented elephant populations. Track the herd in their natural setting and help collect data on behavior and phenology. In the evenings, enjoy traditional Thai games in the forest and make a trip to the Lampang Walking Street Market. Overnight: The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, Lampang
7

Elephant Hospital and Return to Chiang Mai

On your final morning at the conservation center, plant elephant food onsite and visit the male Tusker elephants. Their long ivory tusks are a rare phenotype and require extra protection from potential poaching. After lunch, say goodbye to the herd and head to a nearby elephant hospital that treats sick and wounded elephants from across the country. Learn about common ailments and difficulties in treating these giant patients. Head back to Chiang Mai and visit the Sunday Night Market, the highlight of Chiang Mai's weekly events calendar. Stroll through a giant open air market on main street, enjoying music, food and plenty of shopping. Overnight: Hotel in Chiang Mai
8

Thai Cuisine and Muay Thai

Get acquainted with the wide world of Thai cuisine with a group cooking class! Learn how to prepare several delectable dishes from scratch with the guidance of an expert chef. Enjoy your homemade Thai meal and then head to the gym to learn about the ancient art of Muay Thai kickboxing - the national sport that’s an integral part of the culture in Thailand. At the program’s end, gather for a closing discussion and the traditional Rustic Ties ceremony. This unique and powerful activity allows students to capture their memories and contemplate ways to share what they’ve learned with their communities back home. Overnight: Hotel in Chiang Mai
9

Laa Korn, Thailand!

After one last breakfast it’s time to head to the airport. With epic memories of elephants, forests and smiling Thai people still fresh in your mind, say farewell to your local program leaders and board your flight home. Chokdee and come back to visit soon!

Total: 9 calendar days / 8 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