Conservation & Service-Learning in Thailand

Day 3: Looking for Dugongs 

After breakfast this morning, you and your students will head out to the seagrass meadows along the Andaman coastline. Seagrass plays a vital role in the communities in the Andaman region, and it serves both an economic function for the people and an environmental one for the local ecosystems. These areas are global hotspots for biodiversity, and harbour many species of significant value. You’ll be studying one such species today: dugongs!  

Also known as sea cows, dugongs are a unique marine mammal. They’re one of four species of the order Sirenia, marine mammals who are entirely herbivorous. In fact, a dugong’s diet consists only of seagrass! Once you’ve arrived at the meadows today, students will take part in a line transect of the dugong’s feeding trails, learning more about their habits and biology.  

Later, you’ll head by boat out to the local dugong population’s marine habitats. Here, you’ll assist professionals as they work on their protection measures to keep the area clean, healthy, and stable.  

Day 4: Traditional Communities  

Today, we will be travelling into the Koh Lanta National Park to meet the local Morgan (Moken) community. The Moken are an Austronesian people of the Mergui Archipelago, and have their own distinct language and traditions. In particular, the Moken are known for their culture’s ties to the ocean. 

When students meet the Moken peoples today, they will learn firsthand about the community’s longstanding traditional ways of living, their medicines and natural dyes, and – importantly – their traditional fishing methods.  

Following this, students will head off for a truly unforgettable experience. The local area is widely renowned for its marine habitat, and you’ll get up-close-and-personal with it as you head out snorkelling!  

Day 5: Koh Lanta National Park  

This morning, you’ll spend some more time in Koh Lanta – this time, getting to grips with the natural environment. Koh Lanta is known for a number of things, including its secluded beaches and its amazing natural variety of bird species. Today, students will hear from local rangers, learning about the area’s biodiversity, as well as the threats that these environments face.  

After that – let’s head to the beach! Students will get a chance to unwind after a busy and informative few days, as they hang out in paradise. If they want, they can take part in a whole range of activities!  

This evening, we’ll head back into the town of Krabi to visit the bustling night market. You’ll be able to try out all the local delicacies and cuisines of the Krabi Province, and there are endless stalls selling traditional handcrafts – the perfect souvenir!  

Day 6: Farewell 

Sadly, today marks the end of your amazing conservation & service-learning in Thailand trip. Today, you’ll transfer back to Krabi Airport, ready to head home with some incredible life experiences under your belt.