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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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Cameras and video-cameras are permitted in Burma. Restrictions on photography include military facilities and any structure considered strategic (including bridges and train stations though this last may be loosely enforced).
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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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Due to high demand, if you are planning on taking the optional hot air balloon excursion you may wish to consider booking this in advance to secure your place on the flight. Please refer to your tour notes to check which days you will be waking up in Bagan and therefore able to do the excursion. We do not recommend booking on the day you are due to leave Bagan in case an early departure is planned. The balloon excursion does not form part of your included Explore holiday package. You can book and pay with the balloon operator directly: http://www.easternsafaris.com/balloonsoverbagan_home.html
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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 for US$55.
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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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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Burma (Myanmar) | Cambodia | Laos | Vietnam | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $2.00 | $1.00 | $0.60 | $1.50 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $2.00 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $1.20 | $0.70 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $3.00 | $2.20 | $1.20 | $2.40 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $8.00 | $10.00 | $2.00 | $10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $12.00 | $13.00 | $9.00 | $15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | $14.00 | |||
| Breakfast | £5.00 | $3.50 | $3.50 |
*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.
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Burma: A regular TOURIST VISA can be obtained by applying directly to an overseas Burma (Myanmar) Embassy. It may take a few days or longer depending on the particular embassy and time of year. UK and Irish nationals can either apply directly or through Visaswift - our partner in visa processing - www.visaswift.com/explore.aspx or 0207 4051616. A regular TOURIST VISA's validity expires 90 days after issue and only allows a 28-day, single-entry visit. Those nationalities who do not have a Burmese Embassy in the country in which they reside please contact us directly to discuss visa on arrival.
Laos: An entry visa is required by UK, USA, CAN, AUS & NZ citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Laos visa is obtained on arrival in Luang Prabang and at a cost of US$30 for NZ & AUS citizens, US$35 for UK & USA citizens and US$42 for CAN citizens. For other nationalities between US$30-42, please consult your travel agent. 1 passport photo is required.
Vietnam: An entry visa is required BEFORE departure by UK, CAN, AUS, NZ and USA citizens. The visa should be obtained before leaving your respective countries and is NOT available on arrival. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Cambodia: An entry visa is required by all UK, USA, CAN, AUS & NZ nationals and can normally be obtained upon arrival at the border at a cost of about US$20 (please also bring a passport sized photo for the visa. 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.
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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A and B. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory, travellers may wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis. If travelling from a country in the yellow-fever zone within 6 days prior to entering Burma you will be required to produce a yellow fever vaccine certificate.
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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 topThe area is tropical – ‘cool’ from November to February, (15°C to 27°C); ‘hot’ from March to May (up to 38°C and hotter still in Bagan); ‘wet’ from June to October (rainy, hot and muggy). Rangoon and lowland areas are sticky all year round, but the northern highlands (Luang Prabang, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap) are more temperate with a drier heat. The so-called ‘cool’ season can get quite chilly in the uplands and in Northern Vietnam during the night and in the morning so bring a fleece/jumper and heavy weight trousers.
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 topShould consist of a main piece of baggage and a daypack. Max 44lbs/20kg (very little storage room on overnight train)
You are recommended to take an overnight bag only with you for nights 2/3 (jungle raft) and 10 (Halong Bay junk) due to limited space. Your main luggage can remain at the Explore hotel.
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 topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topPack essentially for hot weather. An umbrella or lightweight rainwear can be purchased locally if needed. Laundry facilities are widespread. Please note that a special dress code applies to all temple visits on this tour. Please dress conservatively and respectfully covering your torso, shoulders and legs to below the knee and we recommend easily removable footwear for convenience as you can only enter sacred sites barefoot. In general, as Burma, Laos and Cambodia are traditional, conservative and largely Buddhist culture we recommend you do not wear revealing clothing. Bring a swimming costume for hotel pools.
Back to topComfy shoes, trainers & sandals.
Back to topMobile phones: Your mobile will not work in Burma. It is possible to buy a local SIM card for $20 in order to make/receive international calls, as long as your phone is un-locked. SMS messaging is not possible. WiFi is available in most hotels.
Back to topBring a torch and a waterbottle.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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 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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