2025 SMA Thailand Conservation Expedition
| Travel Dates: | June 6, 2025 - June 17, 2025 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
|
| WTT Contact: |
|
| Program Tuition: | $5,173 USD |
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 teaches that we must be 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 6 | USA - Bangkok | Our adventure begins with an international flight from the USA to Bangkok, Thailand. | Airplane |
| June 7 | Bangkok | We're still flying most of today! The group arrives in Bangkok this evening. Sawatdee ka! Welcome to Thailand! We will check in at our hotel, have dinner and get a well deserved night of rest after our long journey. | 56 Surawong Hotel |
| June 8 | Bangkok | After breakfast, we will gather for our orientation meeting and cultural introduction, which will prepare us for the days ahead. We will spend the rest of the day immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of Bangkok. Our adventure begins with a scenic long-tail boat ride through the charming canals of the Chao Phraya River. After a delightful lunch, we will visit the renowned temples Wat Pho and Wat Arun, known for their stunning architecture and historical significance. In the afternoon, we will visit Museum Siam to explore the history, culture, and development of Thailand. Tonight we partake in a delicious dinner of Thai food before returning to our hotel to rest and prepare for another day of adventure tomorrow. | 56 Surawong Hotel |
| June 9 | Bangkok - Kanchanaburi | Today, we will travel to Kanchanaburi Province. Here, we will collaborate with the organization Our Land to learn about their vital wild elephant conservation efforts. We’ll gain insight into the challenges of the farmer-elephant conflict, discover ongoing conservation actions, and explore how we can contribute to the local community. We will float in the river and visit Ourland, privately own nature reserve. We will dock near Ourland and take a short hike while learning about nature on our way to Ourland. We will have dinner this evening before checking into the hotel. | Aurora Resort Kanchanaburi |
| June 10 | Kanchanaburi | After a traditional Thai breakfast, we will embark on a day dedicated to conservation and coexistence projects. Our highlight for today will be building a check dam in the wildlife sanctuary alongside with the locals. These projects are essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems where both humans and animals can coexist. In addition to the service work, we’ll learn about beehive keeping, a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture, and work in the tree nursery on an on-going reforestation project. | Aurora Resort Kanchanaburi |
| June 11 | Kanchanaburi | After another morning with Our Land and work in the tree nursury, we will pack our essentials and head to Sai Yok National Park. There, we will spend the night camped on a houseboat, enjoying the serenity of the river, swimming, and sleeping under the stars. | Sai Yok House Boat |
| June 12 | Kanchanaburi | Following an early morning boat ride, we will make our way to Elephant Haven, a nearby elephant sanctuary. We will meet the elephant herd, feed them delicious treats, and observe their natural behaviors as they bathe in the river. After checking into our hotel, we will explore downtown Kanchanaburi and visit the historic River Kwai Bridge. Our evening will feature a Thai cooking class and dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the night market for some shopping and local experiences. | Aurora Resort Kanchanaburi |
| June 13 | Kanchanaburi | On our final day in the Western region of Thailand, we will visit Somboon Legacy, a hands-off elephant sanctuary. We will engage in various tasks such as preparing fruit salad for the elephants, planting trees, exploring an interactive elephant museum, and observing elephants bathing with their mahouts in the river. This experience will deepen our understanding of elephant behavior and sanctuary operations. We will conclude our day with a discussion and farewell dinner at Our Land to say goodbye to our new friends. | Aurora Resort Kanchanaburi |
| June 14 | Kanchanaburi - Kui Buri | We will wake up bright and early and embark on our journey to Kui Buri National Park. Upon our arrival, we will explore this stunning park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. We will have our first chance to see elephants in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience that will deepen our appreciation for these majestic creatures. The lush surroundings and the thrill of wildlife spotting will create a perfect start to our adventure. | Baan Rai Kong Mun – Kui Buri |
| June 15 | Kui Buri | After an early morning safari tour, we will engage in a meaningful service project, working alongside dedicated park rangers to construct check dams and watering holes. This hands-on experience will not only contribute to the conservation of the park but also allow us to learn about the vital role these projects play in preserving wildlife habitats. In the late afternoon, we will take a tour of the nearby farm plantations, where we will gain insight into local agriculture and sustainable practices. As the sun sets, we will relax at our charming guesthouse, reflecting on the day's adventures and the impact we are making. | Baan Rai Kong Mun – Kui Buri |
| June 16 | Kui Buri - Bangkok | After a hearty breakfast, we will travel back to Bangkok. We’ll enjoy lunch at the Or Tor Kor fresh market, renowned for its high-quality produce and local delicacies. Our afternoon will be spent shopping at the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Shopping Mall), where we’ll find unique souvenirs and gifts. We will end our day with a farewell dinner at a restaurant near the airport. After our meal, we will head back to our hotel to prepare for our early international flight tomorrow. | 56 Surawong Hotel |
| June 17 | Bangkok - USA | Say your goodbyes to Thailand, we're off to the U.S! | Your own bed! |
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.
Aurora Resort Kanchanaburi
Aurora Resort Kanchanaburi features an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. It offers cosy rooms with air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the entire resort. All rooms are artistically designed and feature a satellite TV and a DVD player. Free toiletries are provided in the en suite bathrooms. Facilities at the resort include bicycle rental, luggage storage and laundry service. Guests can stroll in the garden to relax.
Sai Yok House Boat
The entire group will spend one night on their own private house boat in the Sai Yok National Park, a truly unique and Thai experience! Accommodations will be rustic and simple, but comfortable and unforgettable! A sleeping pad, pillow and light blankets will be provided. After floating down the river, the boat docks during the night. The boat also comes with a private bathroom. Life jackets are provided.
Baan Rai Kong Mun – Kui Buri
Baan Rai Kong Mun is a comfortable lodge located near Kui Buri National Park surrounded by nature and wildlife. This hotel offers air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, TV and a mini fridge.
Group Flight
| Type | Carrier Name | Carrier Code | Flight Number | Departure Airport & City | Departure Date and Time | Arrival Airport & City | Arrival Date and Time |
| Outbound | United Airlines | UA | 143 | DEN – Denver International Airport, Denver, United States | June 06, 2025 at 11:40 AM | NRT – Narita International Airport, Narita, Japan | June 07, 2025 at 02:30 PM |
| Outbound | All Nippon Airways | NH | 805 | NRT – Narita International Airport, Narita, Japan | June 07, 2025 at 07:10 PM | BKK – Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand | June 07, 2025 at 11:55 PM |
| Inbound | All Nippon Airways | NH | 806 | BKK – Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand | June 17, 2025 at 07:00 AM | NRT – Narita International Airport, Narita, Japan | June 17, 2025 at 03:20 PM |
| Inbound | United Airlines | UA | 142 | NRT – Narita International Airport, Narita, Japan | June 17, 2025 at 04:30 PM | DEN – Denver International Airport, Denver, United States | June 17, 2025 at 12:10 PM |
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
Thailand has long been home to majestic Asian elephants, but decades of logging, tourism exploitation, and habitat loss have taken a toll on their populations. In recent years, community-driven conservation efforts have emerged to protect elephants in more ethical and sustainable ways — prioritizing their freedom, natural behavior, and long-term well-being. This trip offers students the opportunity to support and learn from organizations that are leading the way in responsible elephant care and environmental stewardship.
OurLand Nature Reserve
OurLand is a conservation-focused project located near the Western Forest Complex — one of Southeast Asia’s most critical wildlife corridors. The organization works to protect elephant habitats through land rewilding, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and environmental education. Participants visiting OurLand will explore the intersection of elephant conservation and forest preservation, engaging in hands-on activities such as habitat restoration, sustainable land use practices, and community outreach.
Bring the Elephant Home
Bring the Elephant Home (BTEH) is a Thai-founded, community-based conservation organization dedicated to restoring elephant habitats and fostering peaceful coexistence between elephants and people. Through reforestation, research, and educational outreach, BTEH empowers local communities to take a leading role in conservation. Participants will contribute to ongoing projects such as planting native trees, building elephant-friendly fences, or supporting data collection that informs long-term habitat protection strategies. The experience offers students a powerful look at how grassroots action can create lasting impact for elephants and ecosystems alike.
Elephant Heaven
Nestled in the scenic hills of southern Thailand, Elephant Heaven is dedicated to giving elephants a peaceful retirement in a semi-wild setting. The sanctuary emphasizes natural rehabilitation and long-term care, with a strong focus on community collaboration and local education. Participants will gain insights into sustainable elephant management and assist with sanctuary upkeep, enrichment activities, and conservation-focused learning experiences that support the elephants’ autonomy and well-being.
Somboon Legacy Foundation
Somboon Legacy is a sanctuary committed to providing a safe and cruelty-free environment for elephants rescued from exploitative industries. Unlike traditional elephant camps, Somboon offers its elephants the freedom to roam and socialize without forced interactions with humans. During their time at the foundation, students will support daily care efforts, learn about ethical elephant tourism, and contribute to projects that promote natural elephant behavior and ecosystem balance.
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 philosophy we encourage. The list below should cover everything you would require, but you should adjust accordingly based on your needs. We suggest bringing only as much as you can carry.
Finally, it’s wise to consult a weather forecast for your destination a few days before departure.
CLOTHES: (quantities depend on your trip length)
- Underwear
- Socks (a mixture of good hiking socks and casual socks)
- T-shirts (some quick dry)
- Lightweight, long sleeve shirts (sun shirt)
- Light sweater or sweatshirt
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Swim suit
- Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light (no short shorts please)
- Comfortable/hiking/everyday pants. Quick drying fabrics encouraged
- Durable athletic/hiking shoes
- Sandals
- Work gloves
- Hat/s with good sun protection
- Sarong/scarf (something to cover knees when entering Temples and holy places *this may be purchased in country if desired)
- Rubber boots/galoshes for time in jungle and during service project. An old pair of sneakers that can get wet and muddy can also suffice. Boots can also be purchased in country if desired.
*Please keep in mind that the communities we will visit are generally more socially conservative. As this applies to dress, people do not appreciate seeing a lot of exposed leg, cleavage, or bare shoulders. Please be sensitive to this when packing, and remember to have a sarong.
TOILETRIES:
- Your basics
- Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
- Mosquito repellent (you will use a lot)
- Basic first aid kit
- Hand Sanitizer
- Prescription meds in properly marked original container
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Sunglasses
- Journal and pen
- Book
- Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
- Power adapter (Types A, B, and C are used in Thailand)
- Portable power bank (optional)
- Spending money. We recommend about $100-$200, in USD
- Durable, reusable water bottle
- Quick-dry towel
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Deck of cards or other portable games
- Comfort snacks, especially for selective eaters
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.
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!
Earlham College – B.A. International Studies, Minor in Economics
Born and raised in Guatemala in a big family, JP spent seven years living and studying in the U.S., where he was exposed to highly diverse communities. He worked as a Wilderness Leader guiding expeditions across the American Southwest and later attended Earlham College in Indiana after completing the International Baccalaureate in New Mexico. His passion for international affairs led him to study abroad in China and travel extensively throughout Asia and beyond. To date, JP has visited 33 countries, often combining travel with service projects and cultural immersion experiences. Today, he is based in Costa Rica and works full time with the Walking Tree team. Outside of work, he enjoys photography, art and design, hosting friends and travelers, and planning road trips across Costa Rica and Latin America.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
Luke’s path to student travel began in Mexico, during a year abroad in Mexico and Central America. This formative time led him to join an international volunteer program which, after graduating from college, sent him to the small village of San Gerardo de Rivas in south-central Costa Rica. Welcomed by the loveliest of host families, his experience in this tiny town is directly connected to the beginnings of Walking Tree five years later. His love for travel still burns bright, and today he’s lucky to have a wife and daughter who are equally passionate about exploring the world. Settled in Denver, he adores his family and colleagues, skies whenever possible, and is a devoted fan of all Colorado sports teams.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Abigail Hamrick
- 2 Alexandra Harrington
- 3 Baylee Ulery
- 4 Caroline Cramer
- 5 Catherine Riopelle
- 6 Chloe Poore
- 7 Christine Boss
- 8 Claire Wilten
- 9 Clara Johnson
- 10 Deborah Badillo-Gomez
- 11 Gabrielle Stein-Plog
- 12 Genevieve Masoudi
- 13 Gloria Sims
- 14 Katherine Callender
- 15 Kathleen Mancherian
- 16 Kelly Shipley
- 17 Lily Valdez
- 18 Madeleine Pallotta
- 19 Marie Johnson
- 20 Mary Kate Reagan-Wilson
- 21 Palmer Phelps
- 22 Penelope Hillis
- 23 Samantha Curtis
- 24 Stella Hagadorn
- 25 Tia Capra
- 26 Valeria Badillo Gomez
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 back 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 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 traveling.
Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about 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 comprehensive leadership training. 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 collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns 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 can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via 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 that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.