ISLAND HOPPING & DIVING

Itinerary

Day 1 (Tuesday): 
Relax and prepare for a world-class trip on Singapore Airlines. Prior to your departure, you will have received your pre-departure packet, which will include your Rustic T-shirts, airline tickets, and important contact information. Once you arrive at your international departure city, our Flight Liaison will help you get checked in to your international flight. Working with our Flight Liaison will be your Flight Leader, who will escort you all the way to Thailand! Our Flight Leaders are most often school teachers or good friends of our organization who happily fill this role for us each year. Once you’re checked in, feel free to relax and get acquainted with your new friends before boarding your flight to Thailand!

Day 2 (Wednesday):
Today is lost as you cross the international dateline. Fear not – you will get this time back on your way home.

Day 3 (Thursday):
Sawat dee, and welcome to Thailand! Upon your arrival into one of the world’s most modern airports, you will immediately get the feeling that you have arrived in a place that is far different from the United States. Thailand is known as one of the most welcoming countries in the world and is affectionately nicknamed the ‘Land of Smiles.’

As you exit the arrival hall with your friendly flight leader, you will meet our team of staff. They have been anxiously awaiting your arrival and will lead you up to the fourth floor of the airport, where you’ll have a relatively quiet place to unwind and meet new friends who have arrived on different flights or are connecting from different programs.

We’ll have ample space for you to relax, as well as a nice assortment of food and refreshments for you to enjoy. This may be your first chance to have truly authentic pad-Thai (you’ll like it, trust us) or one of the other traditional dishes (including vegetarian options) we have to offer. You can also expect to try a few delicious Thai fruits that you’ve probably never seen before but that you may quickly grow to love.

This afternoon you will meet the rest of your group at the airport and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Once the entire group has arrived, you will catch the afternoon flight down to Phuket, Thailand’s biggest island on the Andaman Coast.

Upon arrival, vans will take you directly to the guesthouse, which is just a short drive from the airport. Palm trees, tropical air, fresh fruit, and orchids will all help welcome you to Sothern Thailand! Tonight will be relaxed and easy, giving you plenty of time to recover from the long journey. After checking in to your room and showering, you will sit down for a relaxing foot massage and a nice Thai meal. Then you can relax and rest up for the trip ahead. 

Day 4 (Friday):
After grabbing breakfast at the guesthouse, you will head straight to the pier to catch the boat to Ko Phi Phi. As you head out to sea, you’ll begin to see the incredible beauty of this part of the world. To your left you will notice Phanga Bay and its limestone islands and inlets jutting out of the turquoise waters in dramatic fashion.

Heading east from Phuket, you’ll cruise through this spectacular landscape towards Phi Phi Island, the first major stop on this tropical adventure. The scenery that will surround you here has graced several Hollywood films over the years, including the James Bond thriller The Man With the Golden Gun and The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. As you pull in to Phi Phi Island and get a better look at the clear shallow water and beautiful white-sand beaches, you’ll begin to understand why this is one of the most popular island destinations in all of Asia. And because this is not the high season for tourists, you won’t have to worry about crowds tainting the experience.

After checking into the hotel and getting settled in, those students who are taking the PADI open-water certification class will sit down for their first lesson! Those students who are doing other certifications or fun dives in the next couple of days will also head to the dive shop to get fitted with equipment. Those students who are not diving will have some time to enjoy the beach. Our staff will make sure you’re always engaged and feeling like part of the group no matter which activity you’re doing.

During your stay on Phi Phi Island, you will always have breakfast with the group and then go about your daily activities (always with staff). You will reconvene as a group in the late afternoon to share the day’s adventures. In the evening, there may be a pick-up soccer match on the beach, a sunset hike, or a Frisbee or volleyball game. You’ll find that a long day of diving or hanging out at the beach can really take it out of you, and you can expect to sleep well each night.  

Day 5 - 7 (Saturday - Sunday):
The next few days will be similar to the description above. Most students will be busy completing their PADI certifications or fun dives, and students who are not diving will spend their days snorkeling, island hopping, exploring caves, hiking to serene viewpoints, or just relaxing on the beach.

After a couple of days here, you will really begin to get into the groove of island life. During your down time, our team of staff will encourage you to learn as much Thai as you’d like, and before long you may even find that you can order your own fruit shakes and favorite dishes at dinner! Relax, enjoy, and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures and write a few words in your journal – you will look back fondly on these days for years to come. 

Day 7 (Monday)
In the morning our PADI students will finish their final two dives to complete their Open Water or Advanced courses. We will celebrate this accomplishment with a delicious lunch topped off with one of the best fruit shakes Southern Thailand has to offer. Then in the afternoon we will say goodbye the beautiful beaches and crystal clear shores of Koh Phi Phi and make a short voyage North to Railay.

Because of its dramatic cliffs, Railay Beach is also known as one of the top rock climbing destinations in the world, and you will have a chance judge for yourself tomorrow! In the meantime, you’ll check in to your new guesthouse, get situated, and head down to the beach for a swim.

Railay Beach is actually part of the mainland, but because of these imposing peaks, there is no way to get here by land. The only ones who do manage to get here by land are monkeys, which can be seen on occasion in some parts of Railay. Should you happen to come upon monkeys, feel free to take pictures and enjoy their playful nature, but BEWARE – don’t get too close or get involved in their monkey games because they can be very unpredictable. Your staff will be there to reinforce this, but you must watch out for yourself also!

After sunset, sit down for a lovely feast of fresh seafood – simply select which freshly caught fish or jumbo shrimp you’d like, and they’ll barbecue it up for you at the restaurant. It will be the perfect ending to your first day in Railay. 

Day 8 (Tuesday):
After breakfast, you’ll walk to some of the dramatic beachside cliffs and embark on a full day of rock climbing. If you have never tried it before, this is one of the best places to learn. The countless routes available here offer something for every ability level. Before beginning, your expert rock climbing guides will slowly bring you up to speed on the key safety points and all of the fundamentals you’ll need to know. Our climbing guides are some of the best climbers on the beach, and they will make sure you understand the equipment, how to belay, and the basics of the sport.

Once you’re ready to go, you’ll begin the ascent of the cliffs overlooking the clear water. Once you’ve reached the top, take a break, look back, and enjoy the spectacular view. This is world-class rock climbing at its best, and you may just find that you’ve found a new sport that is right up your alley! In the evening, share photos from the day’s adventure while getting ready for another action-packed day ahead!

Day 9 (Wednesday):
This morning we will enjoy a boat tour through the gorgeous islands surrounding Railay. The largest and most popular of these little islands is Koh Gai, which translates to Chicken Island. It was named after a odd looking crag in the shape of a chicken’s head. Here we will enjoy a Thai style BBQ for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the white sandy beach and snorkeling through the rich coral reef near shore.

Tonight we will fill your hungry stomachs after a long day of exciting activities with some down home country cooking at Mom’s Kitchen. Once your all filled up we’ll enjoy a peaceful night of sleep and get rested up for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 10 (Thursday):
Today you will be free to explore Railay in anyway you see fit. If you’d like to challenge yourself even more today, you can embark on another full day of climbing, giving you a chance to hone your skills on the rocks. If you are still sore from Tuesday’s adventure, you can choose to do a half day on the rocks and then relax and enjoy the beauty of Railay. This area is also a great place to go sea kayaking, and interested students can try this as well. Or get a massage at one of the many excellent parlous and relax on the beach. Take lots of pictures and enjoy this incredible place today because tomorrow you will move on to the next destination.

Day 11 (Friday) 
In the morning we will say our farewell to the peaceful beaches and majestic cliffs of Railay and continue hopping to our next island. After a brief drive through Krabi Town we will catch a ferry to Koh Yao Noi. This island gained national attention after being given the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship from Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine in 2002. This will give you a great opportunity to experience authentic island life.

Day 12 (Saturday):
Throughout the day you will continue to enjoy the serenity of Yao Noi. This area is like a natural playground, and in the afternoon you will grab a sea kayak and explore its islets and coves as you glide through the water, you’ll spot islanders who are out and about taking care of their business – a great window into local life. As the day winds day we will enjoy a delicious seafood feast and watch the sun fade below the horizon.

Day 13 (Sunday):
Today we’ll begin quite early with a long-tail boat tour of the maze of islands hidden lagoons in Ao Phang Nga National Park. Among these islands is Ko Khao Phing Kan, which was made famous from the James Bond film Man With The Golden Gun.  Enjoy the views of limestone karsts that explode out of the clear waters and jungles that cling to steep cliffs. You will explore several caves in the area with our local guides, and then stop for a picnic lunch on a small beach with great views of the surrounding limestone cliffs.

Day 14 (Monday):
Nearby lies one of the country’s best kept secrets: Song Prack a quaint, little village nestled in the mountains on the bank of the Phang Nga River. This will be the launching point of our next big adventure, Rafting. As cruise down this mighty river we will find ourself surrounded by breathtaking views of high mountains covered in blankets of jungle and many opportunities to spot monkeys playing in the treetops. Afterwards we will have dinner at our hotel in Phang Nga and share our stories from our day of excitement.

Day 15 (Tuesday):
This morning you will pile back in the vans and begin the trek north to Kao Sok National Park, which is just a few hours from Phang Nga Bay.cAfter checking into the guesthouse, which offers impressive views of the surrounding mountain range, you will head off in search of a little excitement. Throw on your swimsuit, grab an inner tube, and hit the river! This tubing adventure will lead you through thick jungle and jagged mountain pe aks in search of the many different species that call this place home.

Day 16 (Wednesday):
This morning you will take a ride on Thailand’s most revered creature, the elephant! If you’ve never had the chance to ride one of these gentle giants, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience. Massive and powerful yet still nimble, elephants navigate the crowded jungle with an ease and grace you will find surprising. They are also intelligent and playful. Chances are you will be quite taken with yours by the time the ride comes to an end. In the Afternoon we will once again hop in our van and make our way to our final destination on the trip.

This evening, you’ll spend the night at a hotel in Suratthani. You will have a final good-bye meal, exchange contact information with all of your new friends, and spend the evening reminiscing about the amazing times you’ve shared over the past couple of weeks. 

Day 17 (Thursday):
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport in Suratthani for your flight back to Bangkok, where you’ll either connect to your next Rustic adventure or join the group flight home. We hope you’ll remember this adventure for a long time to come –chock dee and see you again next time in Thailand!

An Important Note about Schedule Changes: 
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.

In addition to the items listed on the Thailand general packing list (www.rusticpathways.com/packinglist, then click on Thailand), the items listed here are things you should think about bringing.

Obviously, Island Hopping and Diving will be spending a lot of time in and around the water. You may bring several pairs of bathing suits, but the first island we go to has great markets for all things "beachy". Here, you can buy nice bathing suits, sarongs, sandals, hats, sunglasses, etc.

- Bathing suits (2 or 3 suits will be good).

- SCUBA equipment - you will not need to bring any SCUBA gear. All gear will be provided by our outfitter and is also pretty high quality as well. This stuff is big, bulky and heavy, you will not want to be lugging this gear around as we travel.

- Mask, Fins and Snorkel - This stuff you can bring your own if you'd like. Although you will be provided with good equipment, you may feel more comfortable using your own. Just make sure you have room to carry this and it will not be a burden for you to carry.

- Sunblock - Can be purchased anywhere we go, but if you want to bring your own that's fine. Waterproof sunblock will work best.

- Towel or Sarong - used to relax on the beach, boat, etc. Our hotels will have towels that we can use, and Sarongs can be purchased at the markets.

- Frisbee - Good idea to bring if you like throwing around a frisbee on the beach.

- Sun Hat / Sunglasses - Important for protecting yourself from the sun (can be bought in the markets).

- Sandals - you will live in these.

- Sneakers - Sturdy sneakers you won't mind getting dirty. There are several hikes that we may do during our program.

- Climbing Equipment - If you are into rock climbing, it may be a good idea to bring some gear, but not necessary. I would recommend you definetly bring your climbing shoes. You can also bring your harness if you like and have the space. No need to bring heavy caribeaners or big hardware.

If you have any questions on what to pack, you can email us at thailand@rusticpathways.com.

1. Where will kids be staying on this program?
This program stays in small hotels and guesthouses. Students will be put in double rooms or triple rooms depending on the number of boys and girls.

2. What is the ratio of staff / guides to students?
This program is limited to 20 students and will have 2 western staff (male and female, mostly from the USA) as well as 1 local Thai staff.

3. What kind of food will the kids be eating? What if my child has certain diet restrictions?
During this trip we will be eating at local restaurants, sandwich shops and also at the hotels. We will be eating a variety of Thai food as well as some western food as well. We will be able to cater for almost all diets (vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, etc.)

4. Will kids be able to do laundry?
Yes. Laundry services are offered at our hotels and guest houses. Students must pay for this by themselves.

5. Will kids have a place to store their bags if they do another program? How will they pick these up?
Yes. We usually pick up their extra bags when they arrive in BKK and deliver them to the students when they connect to their next program.

6. How much spending money do you recommend?
$150 / week. There will be plenty of shopping opportunities on this trip in local markets. Many students will buy bathing suits, sarongs and other souvenirs. They will also need money for internet, laundry, phone calls home, massages and snacks for road trips.

7. Where is the closest hospital?
The closets major hospital with western style facilities is located on the island of Phuket. If we are on another island, we would visit the local clinic first, but if we had to evacuate someone, boats leave every hour.

8. Will kids have access to internet / phones?
Yes. There are internet cafes at each place we go to. Although students are allowed to have cell phones, they are not encouraged to use them. Staff will all have cell phones which students can use to call home at reasonable rates.

9. How will the weather be?
Although it is rainy season in Thailand during the whole summer, the weather is still very nice. If it rains, it will usually rain hard in the late afternoon for 30-45 minutes and then stop and be sunny again. The weather in Thailand is also very hot and can be humid at times too.

10. Are there a lot of bugs?
No. This trip does not have a noticeably large amount of bugs, but students should always bring some bug repellent just in case.

11. Do I need any SCUBA certifications before going on this trip? What if I already have my SCUBA certification, can I do an advance dive course? What if I don’t want to SCUBA dive at all?
Students joining this trip do not need any kind of SCUBA certification or experience prior to joining. Students will have the opportunity to get their open water SCUBA certification. If students already have SCUBA certs, then they will have the chance to participate in fun dives or even do their advance SCUBA cert if they’d like. Students who not want to dive, can do snorkeling or many other beach activities (kayaking, sunbathing, hikes, etc).