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Old Siam & The River Kwai + Koh Samet Extension (OSK)
Koh SametMore Photos
  • Comfort: Standard Tooltip
  • Tour Pace: Moderate Tooltip
  • Classic Explore
  • Discovery
15 days land only visiting Thailand
  • from €1220 Land only *
  • * Prices based on 2013/14 Standard Itinerary.
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Detailed Trip Notes

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.

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Tour Itinerary

Budgeting for your Tour

Other Sightseeing & Activites

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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Excursion Prices

  • Bangkok - Longtail boat excursion on klongs including visit to Royal Barge Museum US$18
  • Chiang Mai - Evening Folklore Show and Khan Toke Dinner US$14; Thai cooking course US$23; Lampang Elephant sanctuary US$16.

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Tipping

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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Local Staff: Accordingly, you should allow approximately £25

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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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Foreign Exchange

Local Currency: Thailand: Baht. Cambodia: Riel.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: USD and GBP are the best currencies to change into local currency. 
Where to Exchange: Main towns.
ATM Availability: Available throughout the tour.
Travellers Cheques: Can be changed in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukothai, Kanchanaburi but only during bank opening hours, we recommend Travellers cheques for emergencies only.

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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com

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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

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.

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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 daysac large enough to carry clothes for an overnight stop. Max 44lbs/20kg.

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Clothing

Pack essentially for hot weather. Lightweight rainwear is advisable all year. Shorts, open backed sandals and bare shoulders are not permitted in the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

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Footwear

Comfy shoes, trainers & sandals.

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Equipment

Bring a torch and waterbottle.

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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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Electric Supply & Plugs

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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