Accommodation The students will stay in various types of accommodations throughout the program. These will provide comfort, convenience, and unique cultural experiences. Accommodations may include: Beachside Hotels in Southern Thailand Comfortable hotels near scenic beaches, featuring pools, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and access to white sand beaches and clear waters. City Hotels in Chiang Mai Modern hotels located near vibrant markets and local attractions, offering amenities like swimming pools, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned rooms. Riverside Hotels in Bangkok Hotels along the Chao Phraya River, close to key cultural sites like the Grand Palace, with amenities such as pools, on-site restaurants, and air-conditioned rooms. Students will share gender-separated rooms, with access to Western amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.
Service Projects The students will provide 8 hours of community service while on the program. This time will be spent working on reforestation projects and caring for elephants. During their time at an elephant sanctuary, the teens will interact with the herd of Asian elephants that live on the grounds. They’ll also learn about the lifestyle of the local indigenous people who are the caretakers or the mahouts. The lessons begin with an introduction to the pesticide-free farming methods used to grow food for the elephants. The students may collect supplementary food like grass or pineapple leaves or stash treats so that the elephants have to use their problem-solving skills to find them. On the health front, the students will see how herbs are used to create medical spa treatments. And they learn how sounds ranging from loud trumpeting blasts to low frequency noises known as infrasound allow elephants to communicate across distances as far as six miles. The students will help bathe and feed the elephants before wrapping up their time at the sanctuary. These tasks will come after the students get a glimpse of how the struggle for the elephants began. When the teens are in Chiang Mai, they’ll learn about deforestation and work in a tree nursery. This includes jobs like repotting seedlings and searching the forest for seeds of endemic species. Rustic Pathways’ Southeast Asian Regional Manager Keegan Kennedy says saving the forests is crucial work. “Habitat loss is the biggest threat elephants face,” Kennedy said. “The students see how conservationists are planting fast-growing trees to attract pollinators and help wildlife.” In addition to forest conservation, students will spend a half day in the coastal village of Laem Sak, contributing to a marine conservation project. They’ll get their feet muddy planting mangrove seedlings to help protect the shoreline from erosion and support the local ecosystem. Afterward, they’ll participate in traditional village crafts, learning firsthand how communities are preserving their heritage while building resilience against climate change.
You just have to go to Thailand. It’s beautiful everywhere you go. –Piper Salmon, Rustic Pathways Alumni
Food Students will be able to try standard foods that Thailand is famous for, such as pad thai. However, they also can grab something really different like fried crickets, roaches or other insects while traveling. Overall during the program, students will have an opportunity to eat foods from the diverse regional cuisines across Thailand. That food will be prepared by onsite chefs or at local restaurants. However, there’ll always be western and “comfort” food options for less adventurous eaters. I tried new foods and drinks I would never have had the opportunity to try elsewhere. To this day, I still do not completely know what I ate. But I will never forget trying crickets and actually enjoying them! … I will also never forget my first authentic Thai street food – roti (flatbread). –Abigail Evangelista, Rustic Pathways Alumna
Itinerary Highlights Krabi Krabi in Southern Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches on the Andaman coast. The white sand expanses are flanked by limestone karsts and mangrove trees. The aquamarine waters are teeming with life amid the coral reefs. It is a perfect place to relax and explore. It’s also one of the top rock climbing destinations in the world. Chiang Mai Chiang Mai in northern Thailand was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The city is often recognized on travel lists as being among the best small metropolitan areas in the world. Among other things, Chiang Mai is known for its bustling markets that are packed with goods and entertainment. Bangkok The bustling capital of Thailand is known for its canals and shrines. This includes the ornate works at the city’s Grand Palace. This architectural wonder is on the same grounds as a temple holding the renowned Emerald Buddha. This Buddha sculpture is made of semi-precious jade stone and clothed in gold. For hundreds of years it was moved around various parts of southeast Asia, but it has been located in Bangkok since the late 1700s. It’s believed that the figurine has protective powers.
What’s Included in Your Program Program Leaders & Guides English Speaking Rustic Pathways international and local leaders Airport Transportation Meet and greet with private transportation to and from the airport Comfortable Accommodations All nights of accommodation All Meals Included Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your stay Ground Transportation All transportation between program locations and activities All Activities Every activity, entrance fee, and experience in your itinerary 24/7 Support On-call support throughout the program for peace of mind Emergency Coverage Included emergency evacuation assurance plan All Fees & Tips Airport taxes, departure fees, donations, and guide tips What’s Not Included in Your Program International Flights Souvenirs Additional Snacks Visa Expenses Passport Fees
Heart Button Thailand: Thai Elephant Conservation Project Elephant care and conservation Age 14-18 $2,995 plus Self-Managed Airfare