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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 approximately US$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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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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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.
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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.
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 topGenerally hot with high humidity. There is some rainfall from April to September with most days being hot (around 33°C) and a light breeze on the islands. If it does rain, it will be more of a heavy tropical downpour that lasts a few hours.
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 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 topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topPack 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.
Back to topComfortable shoes and sandals. Flip-flops or ‘Thongs’ are useful when hopping on and off boats.
Back to topA small torch, insect repellent, 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.
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 topTo give more flexibility in the areas you are most interested in, several of our tours have been designed to link together with this tour, allowing more choice: Old Siam & the River Kwai + Islands in the Sun: 23 days Land Only. Travellers should read the individual Trip Notes Ref OST for a full description of the area covered and details of included meals and accommodation, as well as packing and clothing requirements.
Back to topWe travel by boat a great deal on this trip, an ability to swim is essential to your enjoyment of the tour. Participation in rafting (including white water) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided. Currents in the waters around the islands can be strong so care should be taken when swimming and snorkelling.
Facilities in many of the island hotels are less sophisticated than in the city, with electricity supply and hot water availability being limited in some instances. This may be because of restrictions in the mains supply or the hotels may need to generate their own electricity and do not wish to run their generators 24 hours a day. In the heat and humidity many people prefer a cool shower and note that where the bathing water supply is unheated, it will take on the surrounding air temperature so still be relatively warm! In some places there is also a wide range of room types (and prices) within the same resort. Please see the day to day itinerary below for further information about the accommodation. We believe that we have chosen a comfortable and value standard for this relaxed beach-based tour. However, should you wish to upgrade your accommodation at your expense, please speak to your tour leader locally who will endeavour to assist should availability allow.
Back to topArea: 514,000 sq km.
Population: 67.2 million.
Language: Thai and English.
Religion: Buddhist.
Local Time: GMT +7.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz.
Back to topRecommended Maps: Hilderbrand: Thailand & Burma (1:2,800,000).
Recommended Books: Alex Garland: The Beach, Lonely Planet: Thailand Islands & Beaches, Colin Piprell & Ashley Boyd: Diving in Thailand, William Warren: Jim Thompson: the legendary American of Thailand.
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