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Thailand

Thailand: Khao Sok, Jungle Wonders and Water Riches — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 0 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Travel south and see some of Thailand’s most beautiful, but mostly untouched natural gems. Explore beaches and national parks which are not on the main tourist trails. Southern Thailand is famous around the world, but this fame is threatening its natural ecosystem. You’ll learn about this delicate aquatic and terrestrial environment and efforts to conserve it. Spend time with Asian elephants, snorkel in  crystal blue waters and explore the region’s biodiversity on this unforgettable journey through Thailand’s scenic wonders.

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.
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

Arrive in Khao Sok National Park

Arrive into Krabi Airport and meet your program leaders who’ll be with you for the duration of the program. Drive north to Khao Sok National Park, one of the oldest and largest primary rainforests in SE Asia that’s home to endemic and endangered flora and fauna. Take in views of the dramatic limestone mountains and the rich biodiversity in the region. Settle in with an orientation and games before heading to a local organic farm to help out with tasks and pick ingredients that you’ll cook for your own meal! In the evening, head out with guides into the jungle to see how the forest comes alive at night. Overnight: Khao Sok Hotel
4

Explore Cheow Lan Lake

Spend the day touring the aquamarine water wonderland that is Cheow Lan Lake. Take longtail boats deep into the heart of the lake’s vast complex of cliff-lined bays and inlets. Swim in the refreshing water and hike through lush rainforests. Be on the lookout for many unique and endemic species that are found only in this natural paradise. Overnight: Khao Sok Hotel
5

Elephants of Khao Sok

Spend the day with four beautiful retired elephants at Hillside Elephant Retreat. Work with the team of mahouts to help with daily tasks, taking care of the happy herd. Feed and play with these precocious and intelligent pachyderms who love making new friends. In the afternoon head back to the resort for a BBQ and games under the stars. Overnight: Eco Resort in Khao Sok
6

Head to the Beach

Say goodbye to the mountain rainforests of Khao Sok and head to the beach for an afternoon swimming and exploring the Andaman coast, known for stunning cliffs that descend dramatically into crystal clear waters - a true tropical paradise. Take in the sunset at Ao Nang and enjoy a delicious dinner and shopping at the night market. Overnight: Hotel, Ao Nang
7

Snorkel Adventure

Leave the beach behind, and hop aboard a private longtail boat to see nearby islands that dot the coast. Jump on and off the boat to swim, snorkel, and explore small deserted beaches. Southern Thailand is home to many fish and coral species, and the crystal blue water and stunning scenery will make for some amazing memories. After a full day, head back to the bungalows for dinner and chill time on the sand. Overnight: Hotel, Ao Nang
8

Head Home

Your program leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure. 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: Depart from Krabi International Airport (KBV); Rustic Pathways can book your flights upon request. Note that Surat Thani is the closest airport at about 1.5 hours from Khao Sok. Phuket and Krabi are both less than 2.5 hours from Khao Sok.

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 Animal Adventures
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