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Suitability
Suitability
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.
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.
*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.
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's recommended visa service; Visa Swift at www.explore.co.uk/visas.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, infectious hepatitis, typhoid and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria (eg. Paludrine, Chloroquine, Mefloquine etc.).
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.
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
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 athttp://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Generally hot with high humidity, Thailand has three main seasons. From November to February it can be ‘cool’, with temperatures ranging from 15 – 27 °C, although June to November is also classed as the wet season. If it does rain, it will be more of a heavy tropical downpour that lasts a few hours. There is some rainfall from April to September with most days being hot (around 33°C) and a light breeze on the islands. Bangkok and the lowland areas are humid all year round, whilst the northern highlands are more temperate with a drier heat.
Pack essentially for ‘Hot Conditions’. 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 also for the forest treks), and tight fitting garments should be avoided. Bring a swimming costume. Laundry facilities are available on the islands.
Note: shorts, vests, revealing or casual clothes and open backed sandals are not permitted in the Grand Palace.
A small torch, insect repellent, water bottle and a dry bag for kayaking. 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 and any qualified divers should remember to bring logbooks and certification with them if intending to dive. You should also bring a cycling helmet for the trip to the caves on day 4, as local equipment may not be sufficient.
Cycling, of course, is an active pursuit and to maximise your own personal protection in case of a tumble or fall, we strongly recommend that you wear a bicycle helmet whilst cycling. It is our firm belief that there is no helmet like your own helmet and for this reason we do not provide helmets locally. Like a good fitting pair of walking boots, helmets are a very personal item of equipment – by bringing your own you guarantee a snug fit and that it hasn’t been damaged. It is also more hygienic to wear your own rather than one which has been used by someone else previously.
For 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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