2025 Alice Deal Thailand Explorers Program
| Travel Dates: |
April 12, 2025 -
April 20, 2025
Dates are tentative until flights are finalized
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,790 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $1,500 |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
Review all materials
What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teachers that we must flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 12 | USA - Thailand | Today we fly from DC to Bangkok! | Airplane |
| April 13 | Bangkok | At long last we arrive this morning! Sawatdee ka! Sawatdee ka! Welcome toThailand! We will travel from the airport for the welcome breakfast. After filling our stomachs, we will go to the hotel. We will drop our luggages at the hotel and walk over to the Lumpini Park for orientation meeting and cultural introduction. We will get lunch nearby the park and return back to checkin at the hotel in the afternoon. After taking some rest, we will head out for dinner and explore the neighborhood around the hotel, soaking up the new sights, smells, and sounds! | 56 Surawong Hotel Bangkok |
| April 14 | Bangkok | Today we will spend the day exploring the busy and bustling capital city with a longtail boat ride through the small canals of Chao Phraya River. We will start our sightseeing in the morning with the canal tour, visiting the famous religious temples Wat Pho and Wat Arun. After lunch, we will visit Museum Siam to explore the history, culture, and development of Thailand. Then, we will head to back to rest at hotel before dinner, and prepare for the next portion of our trip. | 56 Surawong Hotel Bangkok |
| April 15 | Bangkok - Sukhothai | Today we will spend most of our morning driving to Sukhothai, the old capital of Thailand. In our six hour drive, we will get the chance to appreciate some of Thailand's rural landscapes. Upon arrival, we will get moving by spending the rest of our day biking around the city, learning about the birthplace of Thai art, architecture and language. Trips through rice paddies and wooded areas can even lead you to discover ruins in their untouched state! We will have downtime in the evening to relax and swim at the guesthouse. | Ruean Thai Hotel |
| April 16 | Sukhothai - Chiang Mai | Today we will drive a couple more hours to Chiang Mai, where we will spend the rest of the program. After some time to rest, we will have an introductory lecture on the role of religion in Thailand's culture, to help frame our perspectives before we begin to explore religious diversity in this culturally rich country! | The RiversideHouse Chiangmai |
| April 17 | Chiang Mai | Wake up bright and early and jump headfirst into Thai culture by visiting a traditional market, trying colorful and exotic fresh fruits and vegetables! As you walk through the market, you will quickly notice the strong presence of Buddhism, as we give alms to the monks clad in orange robes, and notice temples and spirit houses located throughout the city. We will visit At-Taqawa Mosque and learn about Islam in Thailand in the morning. We will have lunch at Sikh Temple and learn about Sikhism in Thailand. For dinner, we will walk across the Ping River and visit Chiangmai Night Bazar before heading back to our hotel. | The RiversideHouse Chiangmai |
| April 18 | Chiang Mai | Today we will experience the full spectrum of religious diversity in Thailand. In the morning, we can observe Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Sunday service. After lunch, we will escape the mid-day heat by spending some time swimming at the Sticky Waterfalls. We will have have dinner and shopping at 'Sunday Walking Market'. | The RiversideHouse Chiangmai |
| April 19 | Chiang Mai | We will take a break from our normal activities and travel outside of the city to visit a sanctuary that rescues elephants from a variety of abusive and dangerous situations and rehabilitates them. Visitors will spend their day feeding and learning about these amazing animals that play such a powerful role in Thai tourism and culture. | The RiversideHouse Chiangmai |
| April 20 | Chiang Mai - Bangkok | We will have a 'Monk Chat' at Suandok Temple in the monring. Then, we will take a flight back to Bangkok in the afternoon. We will have a farewell dinner and do last minute shopping for souvenir on our last night in Bangkok. | 56 Surawong Hotel Bangkok |
| April 21 | Bangkok - USA | Say your farewells and get ready to return home. Hopefully this won’t be the last time you come visit Thailand! We're off to the U.S. | Your own bed! |
Fundraising
Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.
Walking Tree Travel is proud to team up with Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative that distributes organic coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, avocados, cocoa, chocolate bars, and more. There is no limit to the amount you can earn, so the sooner you can start, the better!
Learn more here.
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
56 Surawong Hotel
56 Surawong Hotel is centrally located as it’s walking distance from Bangkok’s Skytrain, market places, restaurants and other street food vendors. 56 Surawong Hotel can accommodate 2-3 students per room and everyone will have their own bed. Some of the amenities include private bathrooms, air conditioning and hot water.
Ruean Thai Hotel
Ruean Thai Hotel, located in Sukhothai, offers air-conditioned rooms equipped with a TV, a fridge, and in-suite bathrooms with hot and cold showers. The hotel also offers a swimming pool and a restaurant, information desk and laundry services for hotel guests to enjoy. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Thai Thai Sukhothai Guesthouse
Thai Thai Sukhothai Guesthouse is surrounded by nature. The rooms are spacious and clean, with all the comforts and a pleasant layout. This guesthouse offers 3-star accommodation with private bath, WiFi, and air conditioning. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Group Flight
Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
Located just 2.5 hours South-West of Chiang Mai, amongst beautiful mountain scenery and lush countryside, BEES is a community-based elephant sanctuary that serves as a home for old, injured and retired elephants needing rest and permanent care. Each day will be different day, and activities could include preparing their food, feeding, bathing and walking with the elephants into the jungle, as well as the general care and husbandry of other rescued animals, such as cats, dogs, owls and more! You’ll also have the opportunity to get more involved in the community by teaching English to staff and students, cleaning up the village, or planting trees and grass. You will walk away from this experience with a stronger appreciation for elephants and a deeper understandings of the problems they face in Thailand and what is being done to help them
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list but you know yourself better than we do so please adjust accordingly. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on daily outings, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with. We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.
Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination.
Most importantly, be sure to remember your PASSPORT!
CLOTHES: (quantities depend on your trip length)
- Underwear
- Socks (a mixture of good hiking socks and casual socks)
- T-shirts (some quick dry)
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweater
- Swim suit
- Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light (no short shorts please)
- Comfortable/hiking/everyday pants (NOT all jeans)
- 1 nice shirt/top to be worn to more formal dinners (girls might want a skirt or something a little nicer and guys a polo or button up shirt with jeans for such occasions. Please have the skirt reach your knees.)
- Durable athletic/hiking shoes
- Sandals
- work gloves
- Work pants
- Hat
- Sarong/scarf (something to cover knees when entering Temples and holy places *this may be purchased in country if desired)
- Rain boots (for volunteer activities – *we encourage you to be purchase these when in country for cheaper)
*Please keep in mind that the villages we will be staying in are generally more conservative. The people usually wear long covered up clothing and do not appreciate seeing a lot of exposed leg, cleavage, or bare shoulders.
TOILETRIES: (in addition to the basic toiletries)
- Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
- Mosquito repellent (you will use a lot)
- Band Aids and Neosporin
- Hand Sanitizer
- Medication in properly marked original container
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Sunglasses
- Journal and pen
- Book
- Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
- Power Converter (220 volts AC)
- Alarm Clock and watch
- Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra
items etc.) - Durable water bottle
- 1 quick-dry towel
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Batteries
- Deck of cards or other portable games
- Host family gift for each host family
- Pictures of family, friends, home
- STUDENT ID
- Thai/English Dictionary
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
Prae Supcharoen
Thailand Country Director
Bowdoin College – B.A. Interdisciplinary major in Geology and Physics. Minor in Biology
Born and raised in Thailand, Prae is a native Thai who has passion for science and the environment. After she finished high school, she was awarded a scholarship to earn a bachelor’s degree in the United States. In college, she joined International Student Association to exchange Thai cultures with others. One of her most memorable experiences in college was the spring break volunteer trip in Thailand, where she helped organize and lead the trip to work with non-profit organizations as a volunteer teacher for a northern hill tribe village in Chiang Rai. That meaningful experience inspired her to apply and work at Walking Tree Travel. Currently, Prae is pursuing a PhD in marine science in Bangkok. She loves Thai food and traveling around Thailand.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
During college, Luke spent a semester living and traveling in rural Mexico. His experience sparked a fascination with Latin America and a commitment to community service that continues to this day. Upon graduating from college, he joined WorldTeach and lived with a local family in a small village in Costa Rica while teaching elementary English. After this experience, he moved to San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and wrote for The Tico Times newspaper. Luke has since traveled to over 60 countries on five different continents. Now settled in Denver with his family, he continues to crave massive helpings of rice and beans.
Bo Somboon
Program Leader
B.A. in Tourism Industry from Phitsanulok University
My name is Phanupong Somboon (my friends call me Bo) and I was born and raised in Thailand. I have been a rock climbing and outdoor educator for the past 6 years and enjoy every day of it. For the last four years, I have had the opportunity to work with International students around the world. I enjoy working with students because I have the chance to take them to explore my own country and to show them my culture and language. I also get to show them my beautiful countryside, people and way of life. I have enjoy traveling around Southeast Asia and China for several adventures of my own. I am looking forward to leading with Walking Tree Travel!
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families bak home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Thailand website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult with your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before travel.
Beyond these recommendations, our in-country staff prepare meticulously for all programs. Walking Tree will register our programs and travelers with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergency. In country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families via in depth interviews and home visits, and keep up on important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in a multi-day leadership training retreat. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff and U.S.-based staff.
We receive medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we are able to meet every students’ needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues that you did not list during your initial registration process. Program Leaders will also hold an online information session before your departure, as well as an arrival orientation in-country, in order to give participants important instructions on food safety, hygiene and preventing injury and illness. Leaders and in-country staff always respond immediately to any mental, physical or emotional health issues and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel is never without risk. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with two additional provisions: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Bed Rest. Detailed explanations of both provisions can be found on the link below.
To provide travelers and families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage with CFAR included, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your deposit/first payment. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight.