Field Trips at the 2026 International Geography Championships
Maya Bay, Thailand
The 2026 International Geography Championships will feature three off-site field trips. The cost of these is included in the standard tuition for Competing Students or in the costs of the Family and Friends Program. Note that in addition to these, the hotel itself organizes numerous other trips and activities along with various amenities and recreation facilities for all guests; these are bookable through the hotel directly for the standard costs, if any, that the hotel charges – they are not included in the program fees for IGC.
- Full Day Trip to Maya Bay and Phi Phi Islands
Home to breathtaking vistas, karst topography, dramatic cliffs and more, Maya Bay and the Phi Phi Islands are some of the most famous and beautiful beaches anywhere in the world. This full day trip (we will leave after breakfast, arrive back in time for dinner, and lunch will be included). The trip will include chances to snorkel, swim, shop, and just
Phi Phi Islands off Phuket
relax (or play practice questions on the beach with our battery buzzer systems). This trip requires a 2 hour shuttle each way to get to the Phuket Marina, and then we will travel by speedboat. An itinerary similar to ours can be found here. Note that we hope and expect to have sufficient guests to charter a private boat on each of the two days this trip is offered. This trip is not advised for anyone prone to seasickness, and though unlikely, may experience delays due to weather. Students under age 18 coming on this trip must be accompanied by an adult who assumes responsibility for supervising them while in the water, and must therefore be enrolled in the Family and Friends Program. Note that the South American Geography Exam (on Day 3) or the Australian & Oceanian Geography Exam may be taken on the bus coming back from these tours in the late afternoon.
-
Mangroves in the “Little Amazon” area of Phang Nga Province
Morning or Afternoon Nature Trip & Visit to Sea Turtle Conservation Center
On this trip, we’ll have a chance to explore the beautiful rain forest and coastal ecosystem in and around Khao Lak. This trip will include bamboo rafting through the waterways, and some opportunities to swim and/or hike. Further details will be forthcoming prior to the opening of Event Selection; there may be several variations of this trip. At least one of these variations will be combined with a trip to the nearby Sea Turtle Conservation Center at the Phang Nga Royal Thai Navy Base. If swimming is involved in any of these variants, then an accompanying adult must come along as well, who must be enrolled in the Family and Friends Program.
Chinese-style architecture in Takuapa Old Town
- Morning or Afternoon Takuapa Cultural Tour
This trip will give participants a chance to discover the local culture of Southern Thailand which has been influenced by Chinese, Malay, Islamic, Indian, and European travelers and civilizations through the years as well. The itinerary here gives a good idea of what to expect on this tour, where we’ll take in colorful streetscapes, markets, and local museums. Participants will have the chance to stay on in the town of Khao Lak as well, which has cafes, foot massage salons, and other amenities for travelers.