Thailand: Paddling Adventures, Elephants & Service (Ages 14-18)

   

Uncover the beauty of Thailand, from golden temples to lush jungles, and enjoy its rich heritage and delicious cuisine.

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Program Details

Dates:
1. 19th June – 2nd July, 2025
2. 7th – 20th July 2025
3. 4th – 16th August, 2025

Ages: 14-18

Price: USD 3,500 (International flights not included)

Duration: 14 Days

Accommodation: Eco-Resorts, Camping, Boutique Hotels

Program Start Point: Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi International Airport

Program End Point: Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi International Airport

   

Program Highlights:

  • Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of the region, including Thai, Mon, Karen, and Burmese communities

  • Paddling adventure on the iconic River Kwai 

  • Enjoy spectacular waterfalls and emerald rock pools 

  • Experience a nonprofit elephant camp that respects and protects

  • Explore the captivating WWII history of the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway’ and Hellfire Pass

  • Master the art of Thai cuisine and explore local markets

  • Engage in environmental protection projects and learn about sustainable eco-friendly living

  • Forge meaningful connections through team-building, service and cultural exchange

   
   

Program Itinerary

Participants will arrive Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi) and stay one night. 

Environmental and eco-friendly practices will be introduced throughout the program, including the importance of sustainable travel choices (e.g., local accommodations, minimizing CO₂ impact, using refillable water bottles, and buying local).

Days 1-2: Arrival in Bangkok & Transfer to Kanchanaburi

  • Arrive in Bangkok, program introduction, and visit a few iconic sites.

  • Travel by bus from Bangkok to the lush Sai Yok National Park region (3-4 hours).

  • Settle into one of Thailand’s most unique eco-resorts overlooking the legendary River Kwai.

  • Kanchanaburi introduction, goal setting, and opportunities to connect as a group.

    Accommodation: Riverside hotel

Days 3-4: Historical Hike & Mon Village Exploration

  • Visit a moving WWII memorial and outdoor museum, reflecting on the human stories behind the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway.’

  • Hike through Hellfire Pass, where POWs endured unimaginable hardships during WWII.

  • Explore a Mon village, learning about its ancient traditions and daily life.

  • Enjoy an evening of Mon dance and storytelling during a floating raft dinner.

    Accommodation: Riverside eco-resort / Floating raft house

Days 5-6: Paddling Adventures on the River Kwai & Community Service

  • Introduction to moving water paddling, river hydrology, and essential rescue techniques.

  • Learn and practice paddling skills on a lake.

  • Enjoy a river paddle on the legendary River Kwai, stopping at temples, waterfalls, and cultural sites along the way.

  • Lead a community service project with local kids through paddling.

    Accommodation: Riverside eco-resort / Floating raft house

Day 7: Eco Project & Thai Culinary Experience

  • Participate in a tree-planting project as part of APA’s CO₂ forest regeneration efforts.

  • Explore a vibrant local food market to select ingredients for a hands-on Thai cooking class.

  • Showcase your culinary talents in a friendly Master Chef competition.

    Accommodation: Riverside eco-resort

Days 8-11: Waterfall Hikes, Cave Exploration & SUP Paddling in the Kwai Yai Region

  • Hike to spectacular local waterfalls and relax in natural rock pools.

  • Explore a local cave and learn about the unique geology of the region.

  • Enjoy stand-up paddling on flat water in beautiful natural surroundings.

  • Learn new paddling techniques suitable for all abilities and take part in a short journey.

    Accommodation: Scenic campsite and Riverside guesthouse

Days 12-14: Rescue Elephant Camp, River Kwai Bridge & Celebration Dinner

  • Visit a non-profit elephant camp and observe the elephants in a natural, hands-off environment that respects and protects these incredible mammals.

  • Celebrate with a final dinner filled with laughter and stories.

  • Visit the historic Bridge Over the River Kwai, a symbol of resilience and history.

  • Shop for souvenirs before traveling back to Bangkok or heading directly to BKK Airport (3 hours).

    Accommodation: Countryside hotel

   

Why This Program Benefits You

  • Embrace New Adventures and Learn New Technical Skills

  • Gain Cultural Awareness

  • Create Unforgettable Memories

  • Promote Service and Environmental Stewardship

  • Build Meaningful Connections

Program Fee Includes:

  • In-country transportation, meals, and accommodation

  • Professional program facilitators and local guides

  • Adventure excursions, cultural activities, and educational workshops

  • All Equipment and Safety Gear

Excludes:

  • International flights from start and end program location

  • Travel insurance

  • Souvenir and Personal expenses

How to Enroll

  • Apply Online: click here to complete your application.

  • Application Deadline: May 17, 2025

  • Limited Spots Available: Secure your spot early!

Contact Us

For more information, contact us at:
Email: camp@apa.co
Phone:  +852 5509 8548
WhatsApp:  +852 5509 8548

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Questions

Upon payment of the program course fee, 25% of payment is a non-refundable deposit. Cancellation by participants more than 60 calendar days of program commencement results in a refund of 75% of the program price. Cancellation by participants between 60 to 8 calendar days of program commencement results in a refund of 50% of the program course fee. APA will not make any refund of program price for cancellations made less than 8 calendar days of program commencement. If a program is canceled or the dates are changed and no longer fit the participant’s schedule, APA will provide a 100% refund.

Yes, but we kindly ask parents to maintain distance and refrain from contacting their teen during the program for several important reasons:

  • Encouraging participants to stay present and fully engaged in the program.
  • Reducing the likelihood of homesickness.
  • Minimizing potential stress caused by miscommunication or out-of-context information.
  • Avoiding distractions that may affect the experience of other participants.
  • Allowing our facilitators to focus on delivering a safe and enriching program without interruptions.

If you need to reach your teen during the program, please contact our designated parent hotline, which will be provided prior to the program. Our team will also provide regular updates to families throughout the program to keep you informed. Our staff will be available to assist with any questions or concerns that may arise.

Depending on the particular program and day, you may be staying in boutique hotels, eco-resorts, youth hostels dormitories, homestays, tents or cabins. We vet every accommodation to make sure you are safe and comfortable.

We make sure that meals are healthy and tailored to the needs of the group. Our programs are about experiencing real Asia so we include the dishes that Asia is famous for while also making sure that there is variety and a sense of familiar as well. We accommodate dietary restrictions and will ask for your preferences before the program begins.

No problem! We accommodate dietary needs, including allergies, vegetarians, and more. Be sure to let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Laundry facilities are available during your journey, either on-site or nearby. We’ll provide guidance on when and where you can do laundry.

Each day is structured to include activities, learning, and personal time. Schedules vary by program. You can see sanple itineraries on our site and we’ll brief you on further details during orientation.

Yes! While the schedule is based around structured activities, we build in personal time so you can relax, explore, and connect with your new friends.

Your safety is our priority. If you’re unwell, our staff will help you access local healthcare facilities. We’re trained to handle medical situations and will keep your family informed every step of the way.

APA’s programs are in locations that we have taken International school students for many years and we consider low risk in terms of infectious diseases, however, be sure to check with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Feel free to contact us for further information.

 

Travel Questions

Participants can arrive at any time on Day 1, depending on flight connections; however, we recommend arriving before 2:00 p.m. to ensure a smooth check-in process and timely participation in program activities.

Once the program is full, Camp APA will notify participants/parents. Please wait for confirmation from Camp APA before booking any flights.

Camp APA will send an email or message to notify parents once all participants have arrived safely and to signal the official start of the program.

Participants departing from the same country for Camp APA’s program are encouraged to travel together. This is a great opportunity to start building friendships before the program even begins!

 

Before departing, please check whether a visa is required for the participant to enter or exit the particular country you will be visiting. CAMP APA will not be responsible for purchasing and handling visas.

Participants that join our overseas programs must purchase travel insurance that also covers emergency evacuation along with their flight ticket. If you’re unsure or have questions please email camp@apa.co

 

Questions Prior Departure

Upon registering for the program, participants will receive an information packet (PDF) including the complete packing list. If you have not received the packet, please contact us at camp@apa.co.

Students are allowed to bring phones but we ask students to refrain from using their phones besides taking pictures to be present on program and not affect the group. There will be some down time for them where they can update their parents.

APA will provide all the program equipment and gear for activities. If there’s any special gear required for you to bring it will be on your packing list provided.

 

Safety

Members of APA’s management staff and delivery team have a broad range of qualifications from internationally recognized governing bodies such as the Paddle UK, Mountain Leader Training Board (British), the New Zealand Outdoor Instructor Association (NZOIA) and US-based Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA). APA lead facilitators must go through an induction program to ensure that their skills and knowledge are at a high standard and follow APA’s procedures and protocols.

Our safety ratios are based on the technicality and risk of each activity that we run on programs. Participants will be grouped into teams of up to 12 participants per team with 1 staff facilitator leading each team. For general land based and non-technical activities we operate on a ratio of 1 staff to 12 participants. For activities involving some technical elements such as hiking or gorge walking the ratio is 1 staff to 9 participants, where we will have additional staff supervising safety on activities. For technical activities involving water sports or high elements, the ratio will be 1 staff to 6 participants.

APA lead facilitators are required to hold a valid First Aid certification. APA also regularly runs wilderness first aid trainings and courses for its facilitation team.

 

 

Program Gallery

 

Contact Details

Tel: +852 55098548

Email: camp@apa.co

Whatsapp: +852 55098548


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