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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.
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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.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Accordingly, you should allow £20 for tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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| 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.
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.
Back to topUK, 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
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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.
Back to topNothing 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.
Back to topWe 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/
Back to topThailand is tropical with three main seasons, ‘cool’ from November to February (15°C to 27°C, cooler in Chiang Mai); ‘hot’ from March to May (approaching 38°C); ‘wet’ from June to October (rainy, hot and muggy – raingear essential). Bangkok lowland areas are humid all year round; northern highlands are more temperate with a drier heat.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to topLightweight walking/hiking boots with good ankle support, trainers and/or sandals for travelling (ones that can get wet).
Back to topSleeping Bag A light sleeping bag and blankets will be provided for those that wish to use them. I you prefer to sleep in your own sleeping bag then we recommend you bring a 4-season (temperature –5°C to 0°C) sleeping bag for November to February departures. 2-season (temperature 0°C to 5°C) for the rest of the year. A sleeping sheet liner (silk) can be useful in both hot and cold conditions.
Mosquito Net A mosquito net will be provided for your use while on the hilltribe trek.
Water Bottle Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. Take a 1.5 litre personal water bottle (preferably insulated). Our support crew on the trek provide sterilized water each meal time to replenish your supplies. Also energy snacks (nuts, cereal bars etc.) are recommended whilst on trek.
Swimwear There are plenty of opportunities to swim.
Sunglasses A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays.
Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve Bring suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.
Torch/Batteries/Bulb A small torch is essential for finding things at night etc. Often a head torch is useful around the villages at night. Remember to bring some spare batteries.
Toiletries Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, soap, small towel, small nail brush. `Wet Wipes’ are great for a quick clean up, so bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes!).
Back to topThen 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.
Back to topThe Tribal People of Northern Thailand
The tribal people of Thailand believe that Nature is a living thing. This belief is known as ‘Animism’ . They believe that there is a magical force all around – in trees, streams, mountains, thunder and rain and that natural objects have hidden powers. It is thought that all of the tribal groups apart from the Lawa come from Southern China, Tibet and Burma. The Lawa may have been in Thailand for as many as 1000 years whereas the other tribes are comparatively recent.
Lahu: The Lahu tribe arrived in Northern Thailand at the turn of the century. There are several sub groups of this tribe, all with their own language, costume and traditions. The men are expert hunters especially with crossbows and poisoned arrows. The women wear large silver medallions sewn onto their high collars. The tribe lives in bamboo houses, raised off the ground with a thatched roof. Rice, maize, vegetables, poppies and sunflowers are the principal crops. The Lahu are great music lovers and hold a number of festivals in honour of the spirit world.
Karen: The Karen tribe inhabit the rugged uplands which divide Thailand and Burma. Unusually, they are cyclical farmers and keep their land well irrigated and terraced. The women sell embroidery and woven fabrics and wear long sarong type skirts with horizontal stripes and woven blouses. They also tattoo the backs of their hands. The men often have virility tattoos on their forearms.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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