We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Accordingly, you should allow approximately £35.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Thailand |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£1.50 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£4.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
£2.50 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Thailand: UK, USA, CAN. AUS & NZ citizens do not require a visa for a stay of less than 30 days. All passports must have at least six months validity remaining for entry to Thailand. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Visas may be obtained personally or through Explore Visa Service.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and infectious hepatitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory, travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Thailand is tropical with three main seasons – ‘cool’ from November to February (15°C to 27°C – chilly in Chiang Mai); ‘hot’ from March to May (approaching 38°C); ‘wet’ from June to October. Bangkok lowland areas are humid all year round; northern highlands are more temperate with a drier heat.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Should consist of a main piece of baggage and a daypack large enough to carry clothes for an overnight stop. Max 44lbs/20kg. You are expected to carry your own luggage and as we use local ferries you might have to carry your baggage quite a distance in the port area. As the temperatures are tropical, it is unlikely that your luggage will weigh 20kg.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Pack essentially for hot weather. Bear in mind that the region is tropical (humid) and that days can be very hot. Lightweight rainwear or an umbrella is advisable all year. Casual clothes are the most practical (something with long sleeves, and long trousers for evenings), and tight fitting garments should be avoided. Laundry facilities are available on the islands. A swimming costume is a must. Shorts and open backed sandals are not permitted in the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
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Footwear
Comfy shoes, trainers & sandals. Flip-flops or ‘Thongs’ are useful when hopping on and off boats.
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Equipment
A small torch, some insect repellent and a water bottle. Bring a beach towel and high factor sunscreen. If you intend to do much snorkelling we recommend you bring your own mask and snorkel, as local equipment is not always top quality. A disposable waterproof camera can be useful whilst snorkelling. Any qualified divers should remember to bring logbooks and certification with them if intending to dive.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Please note:
Water-based activities: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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Country info
Language: Thai, English is widely spoken as well.
Religion: Buddhist.
Local Time: GMT +7.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz.
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Thailand & Burma 1:2,800,000 (Hilderbrand).
Recommended Books: Alex Garland: The Beach; Colin Piprell & Ashley Boyd: Diving in Thailand; Lonely Planet: Thailand Islands & Beaches.
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Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
