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Thailand

Thailand: Life on the Andaman Sea — Custom School Trips

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

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Immerse yourself in Baan Mod Tanoi, a traditional Muslim fishing village on the beautiful Trang Estuary, one of Southeast Asia’s most abundant marine ecosystems. Work with dedicated villagers on their ongoing marine restoration projects. Learn about the complex and fragile aquatic ecology of the fisheries around the village and contribute to their efforts to protect these aquatic areas that are vital to the local’s way of life. Explore pristine beaches and become part of this special community on the idyllic shores of the Andaman Sea.

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

Departure 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 Australia 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 Thailand

Arrive at Trang Airport (TST) and meet your program leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the village, Ban Mot Ton Noi, and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation and an introduction to the local culture. Begin exploring your new home - a Muslim fishing village that’s dependent on the conservation of Thailand’s fragile marine resources. Meet with a local environmental organization devoted to marine conservation, help your host family with the day’s catch, and enjoy dinner overlooking the first of many epic beachside sunsets. Overnight: Baan Jao Mai Resort, Trang (or similar)
4

Kayaking and Mangrove Planting

Learn how Ban Mot Tanoi manages local mangrove and crab populations by kayaking along the coastline, planting mangrove seeds, and releasing juvenile crabs as part of an ongoing conservation project. Switch gears and begin learning the ancient art of batik fabric dyeing in the afternoon and then assist your host families with their daily crab harvests. Overnight: Baan Jao Mai Resort, Trang (or similar)
5 - 6

Contribute to Conservation Efforts

Work with members of the Ban Mot Tanoi community to build fish houses that protect vulnerable fish species from predators. Collect seagrass seeds that’ll eventually be planted to provide a habitat for numerous sea-dwelling creatures, including the elusive dugong. Place and collect crab traps with your host families. On your last night in Ban Mot Tanoi dance on the beach in traditional Muslim attire hand picked by your host families. Finish the day with 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: Baan Jao Mai Resort, Trang (or similar)
7

Krabi Province

After a final breakfast in the village, say goodbye to Mod Tanoi village and head north to Krabi province. Arrive in Ao Nang and enjoy the white sand beaches of this oceanside paradise. Play games on the beach, shop at the local market and take in the scenery as the sun sets over the Andaman Sea. Overnight: Hotel in Ao Nang
8

Snorkel Adventure

Hop aboard a private longtail boat to nearby islands that dot the coast. 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 some chill time on the sand. Overnight: Hotel in Ao Nang
9

Chok dee, Thailand!

Your program leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.

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
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