Location
  • Thailand
Length
1 - 4 weeks
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Timeframe
Summer
Age Min.
14
Age Max
19

Pricing

Price Details
Costs vary depending on program and does not include international airfare.

Students traveling from the United States may travel on our escorted group flight from the United States, international participants can choose to take our group flight from the USA or arrange their own airfare.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare
Nov 06, 2024
Mar 15, 2025
86 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Thailand programs by Rustic Pathways provide an immersive exploration of Thailand’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique ecosystems. You'll have the opportunity to engage deeply in conservation projects, from protecting marine life and rainforests to preserving the welfare of elephants. Thailand offers the widest range of Rustic programs, from gritty service trips and animal conservation programs to exciting outdoor adventures and immersive cultural experiences.

We have an extensive team of incredible local staff who are experts at ensuring our students have authentic, transformative experiences.

Known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand will immediately welcome and captivate you. The local people are incredibly friendly and deeply enjoy sharing their Buddhist culture, spicy food, and love for laughter. There is a peacefulness about the country, and the scenery is always entrancing.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Participate in crucial conservation projects for Thailand's marine, rainforest, and elephant ecosystems.
  • Embark on a meaningful "Come With Nothing" journey, experiencing authentic village life along the Mekong River.
  • Explore Southeast Asia, embracing the diverse cultures and natural beauty of Thailand.
  • Engage with local communities, learning traditional Thai customs and building cross-cultural friendships.
  • Enjoy thrilling adventures, including rainforest hikes, snorkeling in protected marine reserves, and elephant care experiences.

Popular Programs

Student on thailand beach

Southern Thailand is home to idyllic beaches, pristine waters, rainforests and limestone karsts that have made it a world-famous destination. While popularity has brought international renown, this influx of tourism is starting to negatively impact the marine environment in popular places. Learn about the challenging dynamic between the industries that sustain local populations with the conservation of these fragile habitats, home to wondrous creatures that call these waters home.

Students visiting with buddhist monks

Prepare for the ultimate adventure of climbing, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of Thailands. Discover beautiful waterfalls and keep your eyes out for monkeys and birds as you trek through the dense rainforest. Go on a scavenger hunt by bike to temples, walk across a bamboo bridge, zip line in the forest canopy, and enjoy a swim at the beach, rock climbing, and snorkeling in this jam-packed, adrenaline-filled program.

Student washing elephant

How does it feel to walk with giants, the earth trembling under foot? A grassy, musky smell fills your nose and mouth. And a pair of deep, grey, knowing eyes pierce your heart.
You are a mahout — an elephant trainer. Actually, a junior mahout. It takes a lifetime to become a real mahout. This proud tradition is passed down, generation to generation in Thailand and for a short nine days you will take part in the rich history, traditions, and customs of this world.

Thai village view

Join a service expedition through remote Thailand to disconnect. You’ll have one carry-on-sized bag with a change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, and no more than five personal items (we’ll also give you $50 to buy the rest of what you’ll need during your program). Start in Chiang Mai before continuing into the mountains and jungles of Northern Thailand. Visit three villages for 4 days each and expect beautifully simple living conditions.

Program Reviews

4.91 Rating
based on 108 reviews
  • 5 rating 96.3%
  • 4 rating 1.85%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 1.85%
  • Impact 4.9
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.8
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.9
  • Program Selection 5
  • Pre-departure Help 5
  • In-program Support 5
  • Impact on Student 4
  • Value 5
  • Growth 3.6
  • Support 4.2
  • Fun 3.6
  • Housing 3.4
  • Safety 3.6
Showing 89 - 96 of 108 reviews
Default avatar
Marcus
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

More Service!

Whilst I believe the teaching service length was suitable (6-8 hours) I would have been happy to do an extra day of service at the Library we went to to help build it! But accommodation was good, food good and the whole experience otherwise unbeatable! Would be happy to do more service with less free time!

What would you improve about this program?
Less free time, more service!
49 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Jinan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Service Certification Program

The program was wonderful! We had the chance to get certified in CPR and WFA all while having fun and volunteering. Our normal day-to-day schedule would change, but it basically involved volunteering in the morning, learning in the afternoon, and a fun activity with the rest of the Ricefields base at night. On weekends, we visited local temples and malls. The base was big and beautiful, the staff was very friendly. We also had the chance to make new friends from all around the world.

What would you improve about this program?
The only problem was the insects! But we were living in the outdoors so it only made sense. Just be prepared for lots of mosquito bites!
59 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rpathways
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

3 weeks

All my weeks included completely different experiences, yet all were positive ones.Visiting temples in Bangkok, getting to see the beauty, and learning about the culture was a great . So was riding elephants through the jungles of Thailand,washing them, and eating with bugs. Washing dogs, and removing tics from them, and patching up wounds is a completely different, yet no less rewarding experience. Overall I had a great time in all 3 of my weeks there.

60 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lillian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Summer Ever

I had such a fabulous summer with Rustic Pathways and can't wait to sign up to go on another program with them!! The local and western staff were amazing. I met so many people from all over the world that I can't wait to visit. I hope that everyone had as great of an experience as I did!

What would you improve about this program?
More towels and hot showers.
59 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Rustic Pathways Thailand

Traveling to Thailand with Rustic Pathways was incredible. I had Rustic leaders named Hannah and Kevin who were both incredibly kind and so much fun to be around. We traveled from Chiang Mai, to the Pai Valley, to Mae Hong Song, to Bangkok. We rode elephants, met the Long Neck Karen people, stayed with a Thai family, stayed in beautiful hotels, visited numerous beautiful temples including the Grand Palace in Bangkok, we swam in gorgeous waterfalls and visited beautiful caves. The kids I met were from all over the world and so much fun. The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

What would you improve about this program?
Some of the food was a little iffy but it was definitely worth it
59 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mikaila
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Hill Tribe Orphanage

This program is amazing. I met some really good friends on this trip while being immersed in the Thai culture. The trip provides you with many opportunities to see the Thai lifestyle: I went to a village overnight, taught at a school, and went to local markets. It was just awesome in general.

If you are looking for a fun yet enriching program, do this.

What would you improve about this program?
I really can't think of anything right now
62 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
teentraveler
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Hilltribe is my other home

My experience at the hilltribe orphanage could not have been better. The small group really bonded with each other and with the Thai students. You are always doing activities and have many opportunities to spend time with the natives. Everyone on my trip wished the trip could have been long. Amazing experience!

What would you improve about this program?
Some safety discrepancies between US safety standards and those abroad. For example: washing our hands with gasoline after painting a school
57 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Nancy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Trip of a lifetime for my daughter

My daughter went on the Come with Nothing trip to Thailand last summer, between her Junior and Senior year of high school. She went not knowing anyone, with only a small backpack on her back. When we said good bye to her at JFK airport she also had 102 degree fever but she wasn't going to let that stop her from embarking on this trip. This was not an easy trip, it was more of a journey, 3 weeks of discovery about other people, places, and what you are made of.
This trip challenged her intellectually, emotionally, and physically. To be completely immersed in such a different culture than your own and to be able to work alongside the villagers was such a growth experience. She got to live and work in 3 remote villages and also spent 2 weeks at an orphanage in Thailand.
I have another daughter, twins, who went on one of the India trips last summer as well. I wish they had taken the trip with Rustic earlier in her high school years so they could have done a couple trips.I wish they would do these trips for parents! I would love to take one too! These trips were life-changers, the company is fantastic, and my daughter have made friends that they will stay in touch with for life (my daughter has already visited two friends from these trip on her college visits).
I have recommended Rustic to anyone who will listen and I would send my kids anyone without a moments hesitation.

55 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

This trip is very safe! Base houses are owned by RP, so it's is completely RP-Staffed. Trips that are not in base houses are still very safe and there will always be RP staff with you. I have never felt unsafe on any of my Rustic Trips.