Last weekend marked a significant first for Bangkok Patana with the successful completion of our inaugural Urban Journey Expedition, the first of its kind in the region. Seven students took part in this expedition, exploring the city through journey that placed independence, navigation and decision‑making at the center of the experience.
Unlike traditional expeditions that follow fixed routes, the Urban Journey challenged students to design their own routes across the city over two days. Working within a set time limit, students were given a series of items and locations to find across the city. Employing their practical and tactical skills, they planned daily routes testing their navigation, made transport and timing decisions, learnt how to rent bikes using a safety criteria and adapted their plans as conditions changed. This approach closely reflected authentic urban travel and encouraged students to take full ownership of their learning.
Day One focused on exploring Bangkok’s “Green Lung”. Students were tasked with actively identifying and mapping land‑use patterns within this protected urban space. As they travelled, they observed mangroves, wetlands, orchards and small-scale housing. Our adventure took us down narrow concrete cycling paths, to local schools, temples, markets, small cafés and the botanic gardens. Observations and discussions encouraged students to consider why this area has remained largely undeveloped, who benefits from its protection, and who might not.
Day Two shifted focus to tourism and commercial land use, examining areas shaped by large-scale transport infrastructure and tourism development. They compared green spaces, noise levels and patterns of activity, and observed how spaces were designed differently for locals and tourists.
Throughout the journey, students relied on observation, collaboration and problem‑solving rather than step‑by‑step instructions. Missed turns, busy streets and unexpected delays became valuable learning moments. By the second day, groups were moving with purpose, speed and clarity, showing growing confidence in their judgement and teamwork.
Beyond navigation, the Urban Journey encouraged meaningful engagement with the city itself and a new appreciation for the different land uses and how space is allocated in Bangkok. Checkpoints were designed to promote awareness of the urban environment and reinforce that learning can happen far beyond the classroom or the trail.
Urban Journey has laid strong foundations for future programmes for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award to be fully inclusive along with trekking, cycling or kayaking as a new option for achieving the Award. The Urban Journey showcased Bangkok Patana students as thoughtful, capable and ready to navigate the world with independence and purpose.
“I found the Urban Journey quite calming and relaxing. We held the same goals and missions as the other DOE Adventurous Journey’s while being able to stay in urban areas. While it was physically easier, we developed navigation and communication skills as well teamwork within the group. I think Urban Journey would be a great alternative option for those who would prefer the urban side of a place while still keeping that adventurous spirit,” – Qinghan (Hanson) Liu, Year 10
