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Thailand

Thailand: Eco-Service and Education — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 24 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Immerse yourself in a variety of service learning initiatives in this week-long program in northern Thailand. Start your program with a day at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center where you’ll learn about this incredible animal. Get insight on the ecological challenges that threaten local species while spending time on reforestation initiatives. Then immerse yourself in the local culture as you work at a local school, cook Thai food and work up a sweat trying the traditional martial art of Muay Thai. 

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 Australia. 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.
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

Sawat dee and Welcome to Chiang Mai!

Arrive into Chiang Mai, meet your Rustic Pathways leaders, and enjoy the beautiful and historical capital of Northern Thailand! Get dinner and have a program orientation and group games before bed. Overnight: Suan Bua Resort (or similar), Chiang Mai
4

Elephants of Northern Thailand

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head north to a local elephant conservation center 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. Learn about the complexities of conserving animals of this size in the face of deforestation, and increasing competition for land use between wild species and urban, hilltribe and agricultural interests. Feed the elephants while learning about their unique dietary requirements. In the afternoon head back to Chiang Mai for a Northern Thai dinner and a group discussion on animal conservation. Overnight: Suan Bua Resort (or similar), Chiang Mai
5

Education Enrichment Project

After breakfast, travel into the mountains to help with an education enrichment project at a local Hmong partner school. Work side by side with staff and local students, getting to know more about their daily lives. After wrapping up your project, play soccer with the local students, practice your new Thai vocabulary with our staff and villagers, or find a quiet place to write in your journal. End the day by returning to your accommodations for a good night’s rest. Overnight: Suan Bua Resort (or similar), Chiang Mai
6

Muay Thai and Thai Cooking in Chiang Mai

Spend the day immersing yourself in the local culture. First, join in a Muay Thai class where you’ll learn how to do the ancient martial art of Thai kickboxing. Next, switch gears and try your hand at Thai cooking. Start by getting familiar with the unique and delicious ingredients of Thai cuisine. Learn how to identify various herbs and spices and what you can use to replace these items at home. After practicing some techniques, you will put your skills to use making your favorite Thai dishes! Overnight: Suan Bua Resort (or similar), Chiang Mai
7

Forest Restoration in SE Asia

Today you’ll begin lessons about deforestation with Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration Research Unit. Head up famous Doi Suthep mountain and learn about the different forest types and ongoing efforts to protect and restore fragile ecosystems. See how to identify and propagate different seeds and spend time working in the on-site nursery. On your way back down the mountain, stop at Doi Suthep Temple to take in the views from this sacred mountain-top monument. On your last night, visit Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar - the perfect place to pick up souvenirs.. Retire back to the hotel for a closing discussion and the 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 (or similar), Chiang Mai
8

Return Home

Wake up for your final breakfast in Thailand. Pack up your bags to head to the airport and say goodbye to your newfound friends. It’ll be hard to say goodbye, but don’t worry, you can always come back and visit us again in the “Land of Smiles!” 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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