Thailand

Waves & Wilds

$5,995

*Airfare for group flight from Los Angeles additional

21 days

Trip duration

9th - 12th

Grades

21 days

Jun 24 - Jul 14, 2025

Jul 18 - Aug 7, 2025

Los Angeles, CA

Arrival & Departure

$5,995

Tuition

21 days

Trip duration

Jun 24 - Jul 14, 2025

Jul 18 - Aug 7, 2025

9th - 12th

Grades

*Airfare for group flight from Los Angeles additional

Overview

Welcome to the “Land of Smiles,” where unforgettable adventures await! Immerse yourself in serenity as you stay in floating huts and contribute to marine and wildlife conservation projects. Embark on thrilling cave explorations, traditional longtail boat adventures, and discover sustainable fishing practices. Dive into the mesmerizing world of SCUBA diving, exploring vibrant marine life beneath the surface. Snorkel amidst the stunning vistas of Phang Nga Bay and learn about eco-friendly practices in Koh Yao Noi. Uncover the vibrant highlights of Phuket, where Thailand’s awe-inspiring experiences come to life. Join us for a journey of discovery and adventure in this tropical paradise!

Highlights

  • Let the Sights, Sounds, and Flavors of Thailand Sink in as the “Land of Smiles” Welcomes You
  • Discover the Essential Skills of Reef First Aid and Reef Monitoring, Empowering Yourself to Protect and Preserve our Precious Coral Reefs
  • Explore the Fascinating World of Hornbill and Mangrove Conservation Through Hands-On Projects like Nest Making and Tree Planting
  • Uncover the Vibrant Highlights of Phuket, a Bustling Hub of Culture, Cuisine, and Natural Beauty
  • Snorkel Your Way Through an Island-Hopping Odyssey Through the Breathtaking Vistas of Phang Nga Bay
  • Escape to the Ultimate Serenity by Spending Nights in Floating Huts Amidst the Pristine Waters of Khao Sok National Park
  • SCUBA Dive in the Mesmerizing Underwater World of Phang Nga Bay
  • 10 Hours of Community Service

Get the itinerary

Reef First Aid

Discover the essential skills of reef first aid and reef monitoring, empowering yourself to protect and preserve our precious coral reefs through snorkeling or SCUBA diving (for students with prior certification).

Hornbill and Island Conservation Projects

Help protect precious marine and avian ecosystems. Get hands-on with projects like crafting hornbill nests and planting mangrove trees, making a real impact on this pristine island. Explore innovative upcycling and waste management practices while connecting with Thai communities.

Service

Cultural Immersion

Engage with local communities, savor authentic Thai cuisine, and participate in traditional rituals. Explore ancient temples, attend cultural performances, and shop at bustling local markets.

Culture

Discover SCUBA Diving

Dive into adventure and discover SCUBA diving* in the stunning Phang Nga Bay. Explore the underwater world and experience the thrill of Thailand's underwater paradise. *This program does NOT provide a full SCUBA certification. It is meant as an introductory experience.

SCUBA

Common Questions

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All food, lodging, transportation, and activities are paid for with your trip tuition. Group airfare is additional and the cost depends on the program.

In order to be sure there are enough seats available on international group flights, ARCC books the international tickets in advance and families are invoiced for the cost of the international airfare.

Families are also responsible for booking flights or arranging transportation for students to meet their leaders and other group members at the program’s arrival airport. The leaders and students then fly internationally together as a group.

Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate, and cultural differences.

Most of Thailand can be described as hot and humid. Daytime temperatures in the summer months usually fall in the mid-80s (26°C), with an average humidity of 66% to 82%.

ARCC has been operating programs in Thailand for many years, and we have built close relationships with a variety of individuals, small communities, and organizations who enjoy hosting ARCC student groups.

Thailand is a relatively clean and safe place to travel. However, ARCC does recommend that you take some health precautions before your trip to Thailand. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website. Our leaders carry a full first aid kit and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).

During this program, we mainly sleep in hotels. In Khao Sok National Park we will stay in huts on floating rafts.

We use a variety of transportation in Thailand. We travel by private vans, buses, coaches, and long boats.

We will have the opportunity to sample traditional Thailand cuisine such as noodles (like Pad Thai), curries, spring rolls, and fresh fruits. We will also be taking a cooking class to learn how to cook all of our favorite dishes!

ARCC recommends that you bring an additional $150 of spending money. You should bring this money in the form of cash (small bills are best) and also bring an ATM/debit card with you. Thailand uses the “baht” as currency and there are approximately 34.6 Thai baht for every US $1 (as of Feb. 2023).

As with any international program, we strongly recommend talking to your bank about its international withdrawal policies to avoid any surprise fees or card cancellations.

Yes, all students traveling to Thailand need to have a valid passport. Please make sure the passport expiration date is at least six months after you travel. Passport applications are available at the post office. If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as you enroll in this adventure. It normally takes six weeks to process a passport application.

No. US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for this program (unless you plan on staying in Thailand before or after the program).

All of Thailand falls within a single time zone. While on your program in Thailand, the time will be 11 hours later than New York (Eastern Time), 12 hours later than Chicago (Central Time), and 14 hours later than San Francisco (Pacific Time).

Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this program, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. During the program, the group will be navigating through airports, on and off buses, up and down stairways, and taking short hikes on unpaved paths. The group will be able to move much more efficiently if everyone is carrying their belongings on their back.

We have the chance to live amongst some people who have the very basics for survival. With education being a tool to better their lives, basic school supplies are welcomed with open arms. Pens, pencils, notepads, and books are widely accepted. Soccer balls are also an incredible way to cross the cultural border and share smiles. Because of limited space on our vehicles, ARCC would ask that every person bring no more than a gym bag of goods to donate.

Have questions? Speak to one of our Program Directors, give them a call at (415) 332.5075 , they love talking about their trips!

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