Description

An insider's view of the very best of Southeast Asia at a relaxed and enjoyable pace

If you want a real summer break including beach time, touring, shopping, waterfalls, great food, comfortable accommodations, and time at orphanages then this is the trip for you. And you will do it all while learning about new cultures and checking out the highlights of Southeast Asia!

Who is Pat, Anyways?
If you're excited about signing up for this trip, you probably either know Pat personally or know someone who does. Pat has been the Regional Director of Rustic Pathways Southeast Asia for over a decade, and he is one of the company's great legends.

Pat knows better than anyone how and where to have fun in Southeast Asia and how to make his students smile. You'll feel the energy of Bangkok, see the collision of cultures at the Golden Triangle, take a long-tail boat ride to Laos, spend half a day touring exotic Burma, chill out in Chiang Mai, and ride a cable-car to Sentosa Island in Singapore. All with Pat!

When we asked Pat what makes this trip special, he happily announced that there would be no wake-up calls before 9 a.m. This is your chance to sit back, relax, and take in the best of Southeast Asia. If Pat can't put a smile on your face, chances are nothing can. And despite all of the amazing things he will show you on this trip, you may just find that he is the highlight of the whole experience! He'll make time for Thai massages, bamboo rafting, and dinner cruises, and he will certainly show you how to truly enjoy your time here in Southeast Asia.

Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride
When you're traveling with Pat, you're traveling in style. Shop famous Orchard Road and ride the world's largest Ferris wheel in Singapore before heading up to Bangkok to visit the Royal Palace, cruise on a chartered long-tail boat, and explore the world's largest market. Next head north to the Golden Triangle, where you'll shop at a Lao border market, meet with a mystical monk high in the mountains of Chiang Rai, and hop over to Burma for an afternoon to shop and look around this fascinating country. Then you'll cruise south through the lush mountains of Northern Thailand to check out laid-back Chiang Mai. Listen to live music, hang out at one of the area's most chic discotheques, and feast on a beautiful khantoke dinner. Finally, you'll cap off the adventure with a relaxing few days at the legendary resort destinations of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, where you'll enjoy the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Southern Thailand.

Along the way, you'll stop to play with puppies (Pat loves baby animals), drink fresh coconut juice, and listen to stories about Pat's childhood in a jungle village. Drop in at Pat's personal tailor for a few custom-made pieces of clothing in Bangkok and shop for crafts right in the villages where they're made. In Northern Thailand, you'll peruse locally produced silver and gemstones and visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Pat will also take you to volunteer at one of his favorite orphanages so you can share some love and positive energy with these appreciative youngsters. Follow Pat's lead and see how taking time out of your day to help those in need puts everything in perspective!

Sorry, You CAN'T Take Pat Home with You
As your Happy Summer Holiday comes to a close, don't be surprised if you find yourself basking in the sun on Thailand's southern beaches and scheming about how to kidnap Pat and take him home with you. We can't allow this to happen, but we can tell you that Pat will always be here in Thailand, waiting for you to come back and see him again.

For those looking for custom-tailored programs similar to this trip, Pat and our owner, David Venning, run private family and group trips throughout Asia during the non-summer months.

Want to continue your summer adventure? This program easily connects with our other great trips in Southeast Asia, China and India.

Travel Types

• Overland Tours
• Tours
• Student Tours

Type of Programs

• Student Tours

Languages

• English
• Thai

Cost in US$:

USD 3,995 + 655 Internal Airfare

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as "optional".

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-15 students

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983