Dragon Study Tours FAQ
Dragon Study Tours FAQ – Your complete guide to programmes, travel, accommodation, and booking information
Welcome to the Dragon Study Tours FAQ — your complete guide to preparing for an unforgettable study experience in Hua Hin.
Residential English Tours Hua Hin at Dragon Study provides schools, agents, and group leaders with the full operational details for our 7 to 27-night programmes. Everything at our 39-place private residence, The Palm, is managed by our own team—from the 08:30 morning academic blocks to the meals at Coco Cafe and the excursions led by our knowledgeable Dragon tour guides.
Below you will find the specific details on our safety protocols, the mandatory student app for one-way notifications, transport logistics in our private air-conditioned coaches, and our 24-hour on-site management structure.
What is Dragon Study Tours?
Dragon Study Tours is the residential language holiday division of The International Language Centre (ILC). We are a permanent, year-round learning centre based in Hua Hin, registered as a Thai Limited Company. We provide English immersion programmes for closed groups of 15 or more, hosted at our private 39-place residence, The Palm.
Who owns Dragon Study Tours?
The centre is owned by The International Language Centre Company Limited (Thai Registration No. 0775568000020). We are under private English and Thai ownership. Our directors live and work in Hua Hin year-round, providing a stable, 365-day-a-year educational operation rather than a seasonal pop-up.
Who can join the programmes?
To ensure student safety and maintain a high-quality residential environment, we only accept closed groups from schools, or educational agents. We do not offer individual public enrolments.
What age ranges are eligible for the programmes?
We cater specifically to students aged 7 to 17. Our standard groups are divided into Juniors (7–12) and Teens (13–17). Because we are a boutique learning centre, we tailor our curriculum to match the specific maturity and language level of these age groups.
When are the programmes available?
Because we operate 365 days a year, we do not have fixed term dates. We coordinate start and end dates directly with schools and agents to fit their specific holiday schedules or international academic calendars.
Where is the residence located?
Our private residence, The Palm, is located at 39/20 Soi Mooban Khanooi, Hua Hin, Thailand. It is a secure facility situated in a quiet area while remaining close to the town centre and major local attractions.
What types of programmes are offered?
We offer a range of accredited communicative courses, including Skills for Speaking (English Speaking Board), Communication Skills (Trinity College London), Disney English (for ages 7–11), Cambridge Young Learners (Starters, Movers, Flyers), and IELTS Preparation. All courses focus on active speaking, presentation skills, and fluency.
What are the standard programme durations?
We provide four standard residential tiers: 7 nights, 13 nights, 20 nights, and 27 nights. These durations are designed to fit standard travel windows for schools but can be tailored to meet the specific itinerary needs of your group.
What is the academic schedule for students?
The core English component is a structured 3-hour window running daily from 08:30 to 11:40. This allows for focused academic progress in the morning, followed by cultural or sporting activities in the afternoon and social sessions at the residence in the evening.
Do you offer online courses?
No. Our programmes are built around the value of physical immersion. We believe language holidays are most effective when students are living, learning, and interacting in person within a native-level English environment.
What are the qualifications of the teaching staff?
All teachers at the learning centre are native-level English speakers. They hold recognized international teaching qualifications such as CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL and are experienced in delivering communicative language training to children and teenagers.
How is a student's English level assessed?
Every student takes a placement test on their first morning at the centre. This allows us to group them by proficiency level, ensuring the lessons are appropriately challenging for each participant within their age group.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
With a total on-site capacity of only 39 places, we provide a high level of individual attention. Our classroom ratios are capped at a maximum of 12 students per class to ensure every student participates actively.
Are there any academic prerequisites for joining?
No. We welcome students of all English abilities, from absolute beginners to advanced learners. We provide all necessary learning materials tailored to the group’s specific proficiency.
Do students receive a certificate?
Yes. Every participant is awarded an official Certificate of Achievement from The International Language Centre. This document records the total hours studied and the learning outcomes achieved during the stay.
How can I get a price list?
We operate on a B2B net price model for schools and agents and do not publish retail rates. Please contact us directly for a confidential quote based on your group size and chosen programme duration (7, 13, 20, or 27 nights).
What is included in the net price?
The all-inclusive net price covers accommodation at The Palm, three meals per day plus snacks, all English tuition and materials, airport transfers from Bangkok, and all scheduled excursions and entry fees.
What is excluded from the programme fee?
The fee does not include international flights, tourist visa costs, personal spending money, or mandatory international travel insurance.
How do I book a group?
After agreeing on an itinerary and price, a formal contract is signed. A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm the booking and secure the dates at the residence.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 28 days before arrival result in the loss of the 25% deposit. Cancellations within 28 days follow a tiered refund schedule as defined in our standard terms and conditions.
What payment methods are accepted?
All payments must be made via bank transfer. The client is responsible for all bank charges at both ends to ensure the full net amount is settled in our account.
When is the final balance due?
The remaining 75% of the total programme fee must be paid in full at least 28 days before the group arrives in Thailand.
What visa do students need?
This is a language holiday, not a long-term academic course. Students enter Thailand on a standard Tourist Visa or via a Visa Exemption scheme. Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the correct tourist entry permit.
How does Dragon Study Tours support the visa process?
While we do not provide formal invitation letters for Non-Immigrant visas, we provide every group with a comprehensive Booking Confirmation. This document confirms your group’s enrolment at our learning centre and your reserved accommodation at The Palm, our fully licensed 39-place residence, which provides the necessary proof of stay for your tourist entry.
What are the visa rules for ASEAN students?
Students from ASEAN nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore generally enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand for the duration of our language holidays. We provide advice where possible to ensure your group leaders have the most up-to-date information for a smooth arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Do Middle Eastern students need paperwork from the centre?
Middle Eastern students enter as tourists and can typically utilize the simple e-visa system. We provide the necessary booking and residence details for The Palm to support your application, ensuring you have clear documentation of where the students are staying and learning during their holiday.
What changed with Thai visas in 2026?
Thai immigration has significantly expanded visa-exemption lists and streamlined the entry process for international visitors. This makes Hua Hin an incredibly accessible destination for schools, as most groups can now enter without the need for pre-approved embassy paperwork.
How do we get from the airport to the residence?
Your group will be met at Suvarnabhumi Airport arrivals by a dedicated Dragon tour guide. Our guide will escort the group to a private, air-conditioned coach for the transfer to Hua Hin. The journey to our residence, The Palm, typically takes between 3 and 3.5 hours, ensuring a secure and comfortable transition from the airport to your language holiday.
Where do the students stay during the programme?
All participants stay at The Palm Residence, our private 39-place boarding facility located on the same site as our classrooms. This is a fully licensed, secure residence managed exclusively by our staff for our closed groups. Having the accommodation and learning centre in one location means no commuting, more time for study, and 24/7 supervision.
What are the room configurations for students?
The residence features a mix of air-conditioned rooms designed for student comfort and safety. We offer twin rooms, triple rooms, and two 6-bed dormitories. Every room includes en-suite bathrooms and secure storage, allowing us to organize the group by age and gender to ensure a comfortable residential experience.
Is there separate accommodation for teachers and group leaders?
Yes. We provide separate accommodation for group leaders and teachers to ensure their privacy and comfort. This area includes its own private kitchen and lounge facilities, allowing staff to rest and prepare for the next day’s activities while remaining on-site for student supervision
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes. Our on-site catering team is experienced in preparing Halal, vegetarian, and allergy-sensitive meals for international groups. We require a full dietary manifest from the school or agent at least 28 days before arrival to ensure all students are safely catered for during their 7 to 27-night stay.
What is the mobile phone policy for students?
To ensure full immersion and focus, mobile phones are not permitted during the 08:30–11:40 academic block or during supervised group workshops. Devices are collected by our staff and kept in secure storage, then returned to students at designated times in the evening so they can contact their families from the residence.
Is Wi-Fi available for students at the residence?
Yes. High-speed fiber-optic Wi-Fi is available throughout The Palm Residence. We encourage students to use this during their evening “phone window” to share their experiences with parents, while maintaining a tech-free environment during the learning and activity hours of the day.
Is the residence private?
Yes. The Palm is a private, fully licensed residence for our closed groups of 15 to 39 people. Unlike a hotel, there are no outside guests or strangers on-site. The property is gated and managed 24/7 by our own team, ensuring a safe, “family-style” environment for students aged 7–17.
Who manages the students at the residence and on trips?
Our 39-place residence is managed by a professional, multi-layered team. On-site, we have a dedicated Centre Manager and a Night Manager to oversee operations 24/7, supported by porters who are on hand to assist students at all times. Additionally, every group is accompanied by their own Dragon Tour Guide, who stays with the students on every excursion to ensure safety, local insight, and a smooth schedule from start to finish.
What should students pack for their stay at The Palm?
Students should pack lightweight summer clothing, swimwear, and sun protection for the Hua Hin beach. For all group excursions, students are required to wear their official Dragon Study polo shirt. If the group itinerary includes a temple visit, students must ensure they have clothing that covers both shoulders and knees to respect local customs.
Is there a nightly curfew and Wi-Fi policy?
Yes. To ensure students are rested for the 08:30 academic block, we suggest a “lights out” time of 21:30, at which point the Wi-Fi in the residence is switched off. All activities are conducted as a group; students are never permitted to leave the facility on their own. These security measures and timings are agreed upon in conjunction with the school, agent, or group leader to maintain a structured and safe environment at all times.
Who accompanies the students on their afternoon activities?
Every group is accompanied by a professional and knowledgeable Dragon Tour Leader on all afternoon activities and excursions. Our guides are experts in the local culture and landmarks of Hua Hin, providing educational insights while ensuring the group stays together and safe. The Tour Leader works alongside the group’s teachers to bridge the gap between the morning academic lessons and the practical, real-world experiences in the afternoon.
How is the group transported to excursions and trips?
All group travel is provided in a high-quality, private, air-conditioned coach. Whether it is the 3 to 3.5-hour transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport or a local trip to a Hua Hin landmark, students and staff travel in comfort and safety. Our dedicated coach remains with the group for the duration of the excursion, ensuring a secure and reliable “door-to-door” service from The Palm Residence.
How are meals and hydration managed for the group?
We provide three full meals per day for all residential students. Breakfast is taken daily at Coco Cafe on-site. Lunch is served either in the cafe or as a high-quality packed lunch, depending on the departure time for the afternoon excursion. Dinner is enjoyed at Coco Cafe or at a selected location on the way back from a trip. To ensure the group stays healthy in the Thai climate, fresh fruit and bottled water are supplied daily as part of the all-inclusive package.
What makes Hua Hin the best choice for a language holiday?
As highlighted in our “50 Things to Do” guide, Hua Hin is a safe, royal resort town. It offers a secure, family-friendly atmosphere that is far better suited for children and teenagers than the busy environments of Bangkok or Pattaya. Our location allows for a perfect balance of serious morning study and safe afternoon activities, all managed by our expert Dragon Tour Leaders.
What should students wear for their excursions?
For all activities and trips outside the residence, students must wear their official Dragon Study polo shirt. This is a mandatory requirement that allows our Dragon tour guide and group leaders to easily identify and manage the group in public areas, ensuring everyone stays together and safe at all times.
Why is the Dragon Study app mandatory for all students?
All students must download the Dragon Study app before they arrive. We use this for one-way notifications to communicate daily schedules, meeting times, and important safety updates directly to the students. This ensures that the entire group has the most up-to-date information without the need for two-way messaging or social media.
Can the daily schedule change during the trip?
While we work to the itinerary agreed with the school or agent, the daily schedule is subject to change without notice. This flexibility allows the Centre Manager and the Dragon tour guide to react to weather, traffic during the 3 to 3.5-hour airport transfers, or local venue conditions to ensure the group always gets the best possible experience and stays safe.
Is The Palm a licensed and insured facility?
Yes. The Palm is a fully licensed residential facility and is fully insured. We maintain comprehensive building and public liability insurance as part of our commitment to safety and professional standards for international schools and educational agents.
What are the medical and insurance requirements for students?
Every student must have their own comprehensive international travel and medical insurance covering health, accidents, and emergency repatriation. While the residence is insured, proof of personal insurance for every participant must be provided to the Centre Manager before the group arrives in Thailand. In the event of illness, our Night Manager or Centre Manager will assess the situation and coordinate transport to Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, which is less than 10 minutes away and offers 24-hour international-standard care.
How is laundry handled during the stay?
For students on our longer 20-night and 27-night programmes, a professional laundry service is included in the price to ensure they have fresh clothing throughout their stay. For students on the shorter 7-night and 13-night tours, we recommend packing sufficient clothing for the duration of the trip, as laundry service is not included for these shorter stays.
Residential English Tours Hua Hin – Dragon Study Tours at The Palm
- Email: info@dragonstudy.org
- WhatsApp: +66 63 615 6978
- Dragon Study Tours FAQ
