Biology

Our overall goal is to deliver a unique experience that is both challenging and enjoyable, through which students may:

1. Learn about the unique flora and fauna of Thailand
2. Develop a respect and appreciation for the natural world
3. Learn about and become captivated by the Thai culture
4. Understand the reasons to conserve elephants and other species and how this is achieved
5. Witness innovative farming & employment of plants and animals

Opportunities to fulfil these Aims include

  • Demonstration of handling and venom extraction at a snake farm
  • Guided tour of Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s oldest nature reserve
  • Sunset viewing of millions of bats at the Khao Luk Chang bat cave
  • Searching for the endemic green tailed sunbird on the summit of Thailand’s highest peak
  • Jungle and cloudforest walks
  • Banana, coffee, crayfish and rice farming
  • Close up interactions with elephants at their conservation camps
  • Bird watching in Doi Inthanon
  • A visit to the inspirational Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders
  • Fish and coral identification (dive extension programme)
  • Reef ecology and shark conservation lectures (dive extension programme)

School groups will follow either the Best of Thailand or the Thailand Adventure programme with the following subject-specific activities on days 3, 4, 8 & 9

Day 3

green snake

After their visit to Damnoen Saduak floating market in the morning, Biology students will be taken to the fascinating snake farm at the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute. After a lecture about their work, there will be an opportunity to handle non-venomous species and to witness the extraction of snake venom.

Day 4

Haew Suwat waterfall

Today’s we visit the splendid Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s oldest reserve. The itinerary is dependent upon weather conditions and the migratory behaviour of animals, but should include a visit to the famous Haew Suwat waterfall, viewing of several million bats at sunset and sightings of wild elephants and gibbons.

Day 8

bird branch

Day 8 for Best of Thailand programme
Our adventure begins with a visit to the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, where we will search for the endemic green tailed sunbird. We then take a three-hour walk through thick rainforest, hill tribe villages, rice paddies and jungle rivers, where your local guide will help you discover the secrets of Doi Inthanon.

Footpath into the jungle

Day 8 for Thailand Adventure programme
Today you embark on a challenging seven-hour hike to the summit of Tiger Head Mountain. The route takes you through lush rainforest with splendid views through the foliage, to a well earned picnic on the summit. Your local guide will help you identify the birds, plants and animals that you encounter.

Day 9

grass hopper

The Chiang Mai Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders is a fascinating collection that has been lovingly assembled by a malarial researcher and his entomologist wife over many years. It is a wonderful place to visit. Afterwards, there should be plenty of time for a traditional Thai massage before dinner.