Thailand & Angkor Temples

Transcription

1 13 days Starts/Ends: Bangkok Discover the Kingdom of Thailand from bustling Bangkok and the ancient ruins of Ayuthaya, to the night markets of Chiang Mai and hill tribes of Chiang Rai, before continuing into neighbouring Cambodia and discovering the legendary temples of Angkor. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Siem Reap - the temples of Angkor Wat, Kompong Phluk and Phnom Kulen Bangkok - Grand Palace, tuk tuk ride to Wat Pho, Flower Market, long tail boat ride along the klongs and Khao San Road Kanchanaburi - Allied War Cemetary, Bridge on the River Kwai and Hellfire Pass Erawan National Park - wildlife, evergreen forests, beautiful waterfalls & swimming Ayuthaya - Former capital of Thailand, ancient ruins including iconic Wat Mahatat Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple, Baan Tong Luang Hill Tribes village, trishaw ride around the old city, night market and cooking class. Plus free time for optional activities from spa treatments to canopy ziplines. Cruising on the Kok River in a longtail boat Wat Rhon Khung - the unique White Temple Chiang Rai - Hill Tribe villages Hmong Hill Tribe - Overnight stay in their community What's Included 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinner 10 nights 3-4 star & Special Class hotels, 1 night floating hotel in the jungle, 1 night overnight sleeper train from Ayuthaya to Chiang Mai Economy class flights (3) Chiang Mai Bangkok, Bangkok - Siem Reap and Siem Reap - Bangkok Airport arrival transfer day 1 & departure transfer day 13 Escorted by an English speaking Thai and Cambodian tour guides Guided sightseeing - Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Erawan National Park, Ayuthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Siem Reap Train ride over the River Kwai and visit to Hellfire Pass Chiang Mai trishaw ride and cooking class Longtail boat cruise on the canals of Bangkok and on the Kok River All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles What's Not Included Tipping Kitty: USD$55-65, paid in USD Entrance Fees: USD$ , paid in USD International flights and visa Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 : Bangkok Saturday. Welcome to Thailand and the start of your holiday! Upon arrival to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, after attending to immigration, please proceed to the Arrivals Hall, EXITING VIA DOOR B, where you will be met by an On The Go Tours representative, carrying an On The Go Tours sign. Note: our representative will be waiting for you outside Door B, should you happen to exit via Door A or Door C, please walk to the Door B exit 100m away where our representative will be waiting for you. Please show this tour voucher to our representatives upon arrival and ensure it is returned to you as you may need it later on your travels. If, for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, or on arrival, you are unable to -1-

2 make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the emergency contact persons as listed on your tour voucher. Please do not exit the airport and make your own way to the start hotel, please follow the advice given by our emergency contact persons. If arriving to Bangkok via Don Mueang International Airport, our arrival procedure is the same as above with the exception that after attending to immigration and entering the Arrivals Hall, please proceed to the 'Information' counter near Door No 5 where our representative will be waiting for you. Once you have met our representative you will be escorted to our awaiting transportation and a driver will transfer you to our hotel. Upon arrival please give your name to the hotel receptionist and check into your room. Now, the adventure begins! For those arriving a day or two earlier than Day One of the tour, you can spend your time exploring and getting acquainted with the city. Nana BTS Station (Sky Train) is located approx 500m from our hotel. The Sky Train is inexpensive and a great way to travel around the city and connects into the underground rail network truly making all main sites easy to reach. Day One is designed to be an arrival day for all passengers. Spend the day at leisure discovering the city your way before heading back to the hotel this evening for our welcome meeting hosted by your tour guide, scheduled to commence at 6pm. Following this it's just a short walk through the bustling streets of Bangkok to Silom Village, enjoy some delicious Thai food in an outdoor setting. Overnight Bangkok (D) Day 2 : Bangkok City Tour This morning we set off to explore this sprawling metropolis. The first stop is at the 24 hour flower market where you get to view stunning orchids and roses on sale to the local restaurants and florists. Then we visit the spiritual and religious heart of the city - the striking Grand Palace. Topped by golden stupas, the complex has been the site of royal coronations and is home to the legendary Emerald Buddha. From the Grand Palace we take an exhilarating ride on a tuk tuk to Wat Pho, home of the reclining Buddha. After a break for lunch we board a longtail boat and set off on an exploration of the khlongs (canals) that criss cross the city. On our journey we ll glide by stilted houses and gleaming temples whilst old men fish and children play about on the waters edge. Our boat drops us off within walking distance of Khao San Road, popular with backpackers and hippies. The evening is free for you to explore the many bars, restaurants, market stalls and tailors that line this vibrant road. Overnight - Bangkok (B) Day 3 : Kwai & Hellfire Pass Bangkok - Kanchanaburi. Departing at approx 7am, it s an early start today as we drive 2.5hrs west of the capital to the small town of Kanchanaburi. Here we pay our respects to the thousands of Allied POWs who perished in the area under the hand of the Imperial Japanese Army. After pausing at the Allied War Cemetery we continue to the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai, immortalised by the film of the same name. You have a chance to take pictures before you board a train for a 2 hour journey that crosses the bridge before following the tracks dug by the POWs and locals some 75 years earlier. Disembarking at Nam Tok we have a short drive to Hellfire Pass where the POWs dug through a mountain often using only their bare hands. A fascinating museum at the entrance details the region s history. After our day s sightseeing a leisurely longtail boat ride leads us to our fabulous floating jungle raft hotel. With the ambience of a hundred softly glowing lanterns and the sounds of the tropical forest and cool water flowing by we enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening on the deck. Overnight - Kanchanaburi (B, D) Day 4 : Erawan Waterfalls & Ayuthaya Kanchanaburi - Erawan NP - Ayuthaya - Chiang Mai. This morning we take longtail boats back to our waiting vehicles and travel to beautiful Erawan National Park, to explore the rivers, waterfalls and trails on foot. The park boasts a stunning tiered waterfall and there s time to take a quick dip in the crystalline waters before driving on to Ayuthaya - the former capital of Thailand. Ayuthaya was sacked by the Burmese, leading them to abandon the site and relocate the capital to Bangkok. All that remains are the stone and brick temples from the era. Today we explore Ayuthaya s famous ruins, visiting the magnificent stupas at Wat Phri Sanphet and iconic Wat Mahatat where the head of a damaged Buddha statue has slowly been embraced and lifted by a nearby tree. This is one of Thailand s most religiously significant places. We drive to a local hotel to freshen up -2-

3 and have dinner before heading to the station this evening to board our sleeper train to Chiang Mai (2nd class A/C sleeper cabins). OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN Tonight you'll bed down in the sleeper wagons aboard the overnight train. The class of carriage is 2nd class air-conditioned sleeper, though sometimes air-conditioning maybe replaced with fans depending upon availability. 2nd class sleeper carriages contain bunk beds running along both sides of the carriage with a central corridor in the middle. By day the top bunk is folded away and the lower bunk serves as two individual seats facing each other. When you are ready to retire the carriage steward will come along and make up the beds for you. All cabins are mixed sex. Your cabin is not a cabin as such, but rather your own private cubicle once the curtain is drawn at night. The curtain serves as a barrier between you and the main corridor of the train. Luggage, including hand luggage should be locked (as you would do when travelling on an overnight train anywhere in the world) and can be stored underneath the lower bunk or on the overhead luggage rack if sleeping up on top. The carriage is manned by an attendant who will distribute clean linen, pillow and a blanket free of charge. Dependent upon the service, a variety of snacks and drinks or full dinner service can be ordered at an additional cost, though we suggest you purchase dinner and breakfast for the following morning before boarding the train. In addition, there are WC facilities (European and also squat-style ) at each end of the carriage. Cleanliness is normally quite good, though we still recommend you carry your own anti-bacterial hand wipes and toilet paper for comfort. Overnight - Sleeper train (B, D) Day 5 : Chiang Mai & Hmong Hill Tribe Chiang Mai - Mae Rim. Early this morning we arrive into the picturesque city of Chiang Mai, nestled in the foothills of northern Thailand. First up we visit the imposing Doi Suthep Temple that stands like a sentinel over the city. We take time to relax and enjoy the view before taking a short drive through the countryside to the Baan Tong Luang Hill Tribes village. Four separate Thai hill tribes live at Baan Tong Luang - the Lahu, Hmong, White Karen and the Long necked Karen and we'll have the opportunity to learn all about their lifestyle and customs, see their traditional dress and purchase handicrafts that they make. We travel on to the Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge where we will stay this evening. Set within the spectacular mountains and rice fields of Mae Rim, the Hmong Lodge offers guests a unique opportunity to experience traditional Hmong culture amidst striking natural beauty. Here, you can take a walk into the surrounding countryside to visit the some of the nearby hill tribe villages and gain a wonderful insight into the lives of some of the smaller minority groups in the Kingdom. We'll enjoy a sumptuous BBQ this evening before being entertained by dancers from Mae Khi village who will give us the opportunity to witness key aspects of their culture through a colourful performance of music, songs, dancing and rituals. Overnight Mae Rim (B, D) Day 6 : Day trip to Chiang Rai Mae Rim - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai. Following an early breakfast we bid farewell to our hosts at Hmong Lodge and set off north towards Chiang Rai, travelling through stunning karst and jungle scenery. We take a break to stretch our legs and explore a local Hmong market before continuing to our journey to the famous White Temple of Wat Rong Khun which depicts scenes from movies including the Matrix, Star Wars and Superman! After exploring the temple, there's time for lunch before we board our longtail boats for a scenic hour long ride on the Kok River to Chiang Rai. In Chiang Rai we visit Lahu village which is surrounded by lush green countryside and inhabited by the Lahu people, who make their living from farming the land. We ll take a walk through this enchanting little village, which has stilt houses and livestock roaming the streets. Then we continue our boat journey to Ruammit village which is home to the Karen tribe and has retained its traditional culture. After a brief stop here we drive to Chiang Mai, where the evening is free to spend at leisure. Overnight - Chiang Mai (B) Day 7 : Chiang Mai Cooking School This morning you can join your tour guide in giving out Alms to the local monks before returning to your hotel for breakfast. We then -3-

4 take a traditional trishaw for a ride around the old city of Chiang Mai, visiting some of the key temples within the city walls. Then we head to a local cooking school to try our hand at preparing tasty local cuisine in a traditional Thai setting. This informative cooking class teaches us how to prepare three of Thailand s most popular dishes that we ll later get to enjoy for lunch. Your class will be led by a friendly teacher who will share the secrets of Thai cuisine with us, starting with teaching us about local fruits and vegetables with a market visit. After purchasing our fresh ingredients we ll head to the school for our cooking class. The emphasis is on doing rather than watching, so prepare to dive right in! You can take the recipes home with you to recreate at home and show off your newfound talent with your friends and family. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore at leisure. In the evening we explore the Chiang Mai night market, a haven of souvenirs and works by local artisans. Overnight - Chiang Mai (B, L) Day 8 : Free time in Chiang Mai Chiang Mai - Bangkok. Today is free for you to enjoy some of the many optional activities in the city, from zip lining through the jungle canopy to riding a bike through the countryside. There is a street of cottage industries which is great to pick up those last minute silk, silver or jewellery souvenirs. In the late afternoon we meet in the lobby of the hotel (check out is at 12 noon) and transfer to the airport in time to catch our flight to Bangkok. On arrival we transfer to our hotel were the rest of the night is free for you to enjoy this bustling city. Overnight - Bangkok (B) Day 9 : Off to Angkor Bangkok - Siem Reap. Today offers free time for you to independently explore before early this evening heading to the airport for our included flight to Siem reap, Cambodia. We say goodbye to our Thai tour guide here and and are welcomed by our Cambodian guide later this evening. Arriving to the Kingdom of the Khmer empire at at approx 9.30pm, you can either grab a good nights rest or head out for a late night bite to eat. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) Day 10 : All about Angkor Wat Today we immerse ourselves in one of the most astounding archaeological sites in the world. The magnificent Angkor complex of temples is scattered over an area of 200 square kilometers, with only Egypt's Nile Valley providing any kind of comparison in terms of such a vast array of monuments. The Khmer kings ruled from this ancient seat, reigning over one of the largest, most prosperous and sophisticated kingdoms in the history of South East Asia. We start our exploration this morning with a visit to Ta Prohm when the birds and parrots out number the tourists. Ta Prohm is one of the highlights of any visit to Angkor, giant trees spread their roots across the temples giving the impression that nature is very much in control. We then continue towards Angkor Wat, erected in the 12th century, Angkor Wat stands as a powerful symbol of Cambodia, and built in the high classical style of Khmer architecture will perhaps form the centerpiece of your memories, long after you have returned home. We return to our hotel for a well-earned siesta. This afternoon we return to the temples by private vehicle and visit to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, built by the most prolific of all temple builders King Jayaverman VII. Having expelled the marauding Chams from Angkor, the king set about building a huge walled city, surrounded by a wide crocodile infested moat and entered through 5 enormous ornate gates. Within the great walls were numerous temples, palaces and residences. We enter at the best preserved South Gate and take an in depth look at the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Royal Palace, and Baphoun. But we save the best till last, the Bayon is perhaps Angkor s most moving of all temples. There are 37 standing towers each bearing four faces of a figure believed to represent both Loksvara (the Bodhisittva of compassion) and the great King of daily life depicting childbirth, pig fights, drinking and farming. We time our visit carefully to ensure we that we are there after the crowds have moved on. As the sun gently falls it casts its rays on the giant stone faces and as the light changes so do their expressions, a magical experience! In the evening we have the option to visit a dinner and dance performance in town, where you will be able to see traditional dances being performed by artists wearing the costumes and dancing styles that you have witnessed as carvings into temples made some 800 years earlier. Alternatively opt do your own thing, Siem reap offers some hidden Cambodian culinary gems as well as international restaurants and everything in between. There is also Pub Street for the party goer and to the fine dining options at the Foreign Correspondents Club, Raffles or Amansara. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) Day 11 : Kbal Spean & Banteay Srei This morning we drive out of Siem Reap, 50Km north to Phnom Kulen where we visit Kbal Spean, commonly known as the River of a Thousand Lingas, this is an area of riverbed carvings and lush jungle. There are several carvings of Hindu deities in the sandstone here, as well as thousands of lingas in the riverbed itself. This site was only rediscovered in 1969 and is a tranquil place with an attractive waterfall. Later we head north to visit the elegant temple of Banteay Srei built by a Brahman in the 10th -4-

5 Century, this temple was dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. It is said they must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives us the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. Today is not just about the chance to visit temples more off the beaten track, but it offers a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the stunning Cambodian countryside. Your guide will be on hand to explain what you see and perhaps stop for a moment in a small village, or by a rice paddy so that you can stretch your legs and get closer to this beautiful country. In the late afternoon we return to Siem Reap where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) Day 12 : Kompong Phluk encouraged to return to their communities to generate further work and opportunities there. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) Day 13 : Back to Bangkok Thursday. This morning we say goodbye to our guide and transfer to the airport for our included flight to Bangkok's Don Muang Airport (DMK) arriving at approximately 12:55. If flying onward from Don Muang airport, we suggest you book flights no earlier than 3pm. If flying internationally from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main airport (BKK) we'll offer a complimentary transfer to this airport. Flights from BKK should be booked after 5pm. You may have a little time up your sleeve at the airport, though we've allowed for delays and possible traffic. Happy travels!(b) KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Cambodia Country Guide Entrance Fees - collected in USD. Today we take a short drive to Kompong Phluk, a floating/stilted community on the immense Tonle Sap. This lake is the largest fresh water lake in SE Asia. Here we board a private boat and explore the floating community of Kompong Kleang. The community is made up of ethnic Khmer, Viet and Cham, who tend to spend their entire lives on this bountiful lake. Their homes, schools, shops, churches and even snooker halls are on floating platforms that follow the lake as the water levels rise and fall during the passing of the seasons. In the afternoon we enjoy some free time to relax by the pool, or to explore the town. There are a number of spas available for those seeking a higher level or relaxation. We would also recommend a visit to the Artisan s D Angkor workshops, where talented artisans from some of the poorest villages in the country are taught the ancient Khmer skills and are then Entrance fees to most sites are not included, although reasonably priced. In Cambodia, we collect entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (the amount is noted under exclusions on page one of this document). A breakdown of the entrance fee total is provided upon arrival. All funds collected in Cambodia for entrance fees are payable in USD. Tipping Kitty - collected in USD At the start of your tour, we take a small tipping kitty (the amount is noted under exclusions) from all tour participants to cover tips throughout your holiday. This saves you the hassle of knowing when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, bus drivers, train conductors and other support staff throughout the tour. This amount does not include a tip for your tour guides. For a job well done, we would suggest USD $3-6 per person per day. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture and ultimately the amount is up to you. Health Requirements practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Tetanus, Typhoid, Hep A, Diptheria and Polio are recommended. There is the risk of malaria in parts of Cambodia so it is very important to check with your doctor before you go, to see whether malarial medication is required for the areas you are visiting. Yellow fever is not present in Cambodia but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from those travelling from an infected region. Water Tap water in Cambodia is not considered safe to drink. It's recommended to only drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available in hotels, shops and restaurants. Climate Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons; Rainy season from May to November, when the countryside is lush and green, and dry season from late November to April, when there are long days of glorious sunshine and clear skies. Temperatures in Cambodia remain fairly constant and warm throughout the year, apart from in the north, when winters (December to March) are generally colder. Guides and Groups Our longest group tour in Southeast Asia is our Bangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour. All other group tours that we offer are sectors of this larger tour. As such on your holiday you may have travellers join you part way through your tour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Saigon or Phnom Penh) or end their tour when you continue on. Guiding: In Cambodia, a Cambodian national guide is offered for arrangements in Phnom Penh. Upon arrival to Siem Reap you will meet a specialist regional guide who will lead your tour from here on. If travelling on our tour, your Cambodian tour guide will meet you upon arrival to Siem Reap Airport and conduct You should seek medical advice before travelling to Cambodia from your local health -5-

6 all arrangements from there forward till your return to Thailand. Time & Voltage Cambodia is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time(GMT). The voltage in Cambodia is 230v. In Cambodia 3 types of plugs are commonly accepted: 2 flat prong plugs (type A), the 2 round pin european plug (type C) and many of the new 4 and 5 star hotels use the British standard 3-pin plug (type G). To cover all bases, it is best to pack an international travel adaptor! Currency The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodia Riel but USD is also widely accepted and sometimes preferred in larger stores and supermarkets. Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and other major currencies can be exchanged in Cambodia at various bureau de changes in major cities and towns. However foreign currency is also widely accepted and often desired more so it can give the shopper more buying power. ATMs can be found in all larger towns and cities and some five star hotels. We recommend you take a mixture of cash (preferably USD) and credit/ debit cards for ATM's. It's advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities. Traveller's Cheques are not recommended as they're often difficult to exchange and incur high fees. Essential Packing Lightweight cotton garments. Ladies will need to have their shoulders and legs (to below the knee) covered when visiting the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat. Please pack accordingly Comfortable walking shoes in addition to flip flogs/ thongs DEET based mosquito repellant & antihistamine cream Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 round pin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universal adaptor will cover all bases Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho/ umbrella Two spare passport photos & a photocopy of your passport A small daypack for your day-to-day needs Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume and torch Visas PLEASE NOTE: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date, if it is not you may be refused entry into the country. Visa requirements are subject to change and visa procurement is solely the responsibility of the traveller and not of On The Go Tours. Thailand Country Guide British, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African and USA passport holders are able to obtain a 30 day tourist visa upon arrival to Cambodia when entering via Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap International Airport (in the Angkor Wat Region) and at the Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia) land border. We use the Moc Bai/ Bavet land border crossing for all our group tours that travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia. Entrance fees - collected in USD At each of these entry points you must submit At the start of your tour, we take a small tipping kitty (the amount is noted under exclusions) from all tour participants to cover tips throughout your holiday. This saves you the hassle of knowing when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, bus drivers, train conductors and other support staff throughout the tour. a photocopy of your passport (identification page) and one passport size photograph. The cost of the visa is currently USD30. Note: at the land border sometimes immigration will ask for more. In this situation point to the sign above the ticket window indicating that the cost is actually USD30 (subject to change). Further, you are best to give the exact amount i.e. USD30 as often if you give more you will not receive change. Alternatively, it is now also possible to obtain an e-visa in advance of travel. The e-visa allows for a length of stay up till 30 days. The e-visa is valid for 3 months from date of issue, not date of arrival, so please ensure that you do not obtain this visa to far in advance. Online processing time for this visa is 3 days. The e-visa is valid for entry via Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap International Airport (in the Angkor Wat Region) and at the Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia) land border. It is not valid at any other land or water border. To obtain an e-visa for Cambodia go to: It is also possible to obtain a 30 day tourist visa prior to arrival via the Cambodian Embassy in your home port, though please note tourist visas arranged with the embassy are valid for one month from date of issue, not date of arrival. Entrance fees to most sites are not included, although reasonably priced. In Thailand, we collect entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (the amount is noted under exclusions on page one of this document). A breakdown of the entrance fee total is provided upon arrival. All funds collected in Thailand for entrance fees are payable in USD. Tipping Kitty - collected in USD This amount does not include a tip for your tour guides. For a job well done, we would suggest USD $3-6 per person per day. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture and ultimately the amount is up to you. Voltage & Time The voltage in Thailand is 220v. In Thailand there are 2 types of plugs are commonly accepted: 2 flat prong plugs (type A), the 2 round pin plug (type C). To cover all bases, it is best to pack an international travel adaptor! Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight saving. Climate The best time to travel to Thailand central and north including Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Sukhothai is from November to April, with little rain, if any expected throughout this time. After the cooler winter months, from mid January temperatures start to rise reaching 30 C and more between March May. Between May and July the south west monsoons arrive, travel -6-

7 during this time can still be pleasant with the rain coming in the form of short downpours, lasting an hour or two, clearing the way for warm, clear skies. in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities. In August and September the rain continues to fall and temperatures remain high, though by October the mercury has fallen and November marks the start of of the dry season in the central and north once again. Traveller's Cheques are not recommended as they're often difficult to exchange and incur high fees. Essential Packing The Gulf of Thailand, including the Hua Hin coastal region has three defined seasons. From December to February you can expect blue skies, plenty of sunshine with refreshing sea breezes to keep temperatures at bay. From March June there is still plenty of blue sky and temperatures will rise above 30 C. Rain is unlikely till till the end of June when it comes in the form of hour-long afternoon downpours, clearing the way for more blue skies and bright sunshine. In late-august/september the monsoon arrives and you can expect sunny spells interspersed with rainy periods. Rainfall usually peaks between October and November. Lightweight cotton garments including some items that cover your shoulders and knees Torch is staying overnight at the Jungle Rafts Two spare passport photos & 2 photocopies of your passport. You will need the passport copies if you are planning to cross into Myanmar Sleep sheet, towel and some warm clothes for your village stay if travelling on our Thailand, Temples & Tribes Tour Comfortable walking shoes (again especially if joining our Thailand Temples & Tribes Tour) in addition to flip flops/ thongs you can wear in the shower DEET based mosquito repellent & antihistamine cream Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 round pin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universal adaptor will cover all bases Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho A daypack for your day-to-day needs. Also handy if you don't want to take all your luggage with you to the Jungle Rafts Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume Currency Arrival Transfers The official currency in Thailand is the Baht. If your tour or short stay includes an airport arrival transfer (as noted in the 'Inclusions' section of these Trip Notes) our arrival procedure is as follows: The far north and Chiang Rai are generally cooler than the surrounding regions with an annual average temperature of 25o C and with a lower humidity. The best time to travel is either the cool season from Oct Feb or the wet season (Jun - Sept) when aside from the rain, conditions are mild with temperatures around 25oC. March May is warmer with temperatures rising to 36oC. Euro, British Pounds, US Dollars and other major currencies can be exchanged at banks or or at any one on of the numerous exchange booths that line the streets of the big cities. You may also choose to purchase currency in advance, though its possibly not necessary as ATMs can be found everywhere with the exception of the hill tribe areas of Chiang Rai and if enroute between Chiang Rai and Chiang Khong border if crossing to Laos. It is not common to pay with a credit card at restaurants, cafes or shops for small purchases and if you do often there will be a surcharge applied or minimum charge required. It's advisable to request bank notes Arrive Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi International Airport OR Don Mueang International Airport and attend to immigration formalities before collecting your luggage and proceeding to the arrivals hall. Please enter the arrival hall via Door 5. Our On The Go Tours representative will be waiting in front of Door 5, holding a prominent On The Go Tours logo signboard. After meeting you will be escorted to our awaiting transportation and transferred to our tour start hotel. If for any reason you have trouble locating our representative (after waiting 20 minutes in the arrival hall) or your flight is delayed please call the emergency contact number as stated on your tour voucher. If arriving on day 1 of a holiday, that includes an airport arrival transfer as noted in the 'Inclusions' section of your Trip Notes) we will be at the airport, ready to transfer you to your hotel. Further if you are booking pretour accommodation with us an airport arrival transfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrives very, very early in the morning) you will need to purchase a night of pre-tour accommodation to save you waiting until standard hotel check in time, which is generally 2pm. Health Requirements You should seek medical advice before travelling to Thailand from your local health practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus are strongly recommended. If travelling to remote areas, further vaccinations including TB, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Diphtheria and Japanese encephalitis may also be necessary. Malaria Areas with Malaria: Rural only. Including forested areas that border Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia and Laos, and rural, forested areas in the districts of Phang Nga and Phuket. Malaria is not found in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phang Nga and Phuket. The risk of contracting Malaria in Thailand is low. Bilharzia May be present in some rivers and lakes and we recommend it best to avoid swimming in untested waterways. Water The tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink, only drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available from shops, hotels and restaurants. -7-

8 Guides And Groups Our longest group tour in Southeast Asia is our Bangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour, with the exception of our Time for Thailand, Thailand Temples & Tribes and Bangkok, Beach & Beyond tours, all other group tours that we offer are sectors of this larger tour. As such on your holiday you may have travellers join you part way through your tour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi or Saigon) or end their tour when you continue on. Guiding: A Thai guide will escort all arrangements throughout Thailand. If your tour continues to another country a qualified guide native to that country will escort the tour from there forward. If travelling on our Time for Thailand, Thailand Temples, Tribes and Bangkok, Beach & Beyond or tours, guests will travel together for days 1 to 8 and go there separate ways for the remaining days of the tour. Transportation On all our tours we use a combination of vehicles including mini buses, small and large size coaches. When travelling in the north of Thailand our vehicles of choice are mini buses as they are best equipped at navigating narrow winding roads and mountain passes. In these areas a number of mini buses rather than one large coach. Each vehicle comfortably accommodates 8 persons and tour guide will swap between vehicles offering commentary en-route, in addition to making stops to give more further information at points of interest. Shopping Bangkok is rapidly gaining a reputation as a key shopping destination in Asia, with visitors being drawn by the variety of products and shopping environments, as well as the great prices. Chatuchak, is a market that gains momentum over the weekend to become arguably the largest in Southeast Asia, everything can be found here, from hand made jewellery to the latest fashions. This city is blessed with a number of top quality shopping malls, perhaps the most popular for visitors is MBK. This 8 floor monstrosity offers everything from telephones to sushi, designer labels to unique designs. It is safe to assume that anything with a brand that is being sold out of a store bearing the same brand may not necessarily be the real deal. There is something here for everyone, including a multi screen cinema showing the latest movies in English for those who would like to rest their weary feet whilst others continue on their spending spree. Another wonderful feature of Bangkok are her nightmarkets. It seems that once the sun goes down, the temporary stalls come out, everywhere. Patpong is famous for its genuine fakes, Sukhumvit Road boats a similar reputation. The mixture of bargains, street food and general vibe of the city make these markets a highlight to explore by foot. Remember to haggle, and if you think something is over priced then walk away. They will not sell to you at a loss, so if they can make some money on the deal they will call you back. Caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware! It is always safe to assume that anything with a brand on it is a copy and should be treated as such. Some of these copies can be incredibly good, leaving the untrained eye incapable of telling the difference. It is therefore always best to assume it is a copy unless you really know what you are looking at. The city is also well known for its scams. Some tailors will drastically overcharge for shoddy workmanship that is delivered minutes before you leave on your return flight so you cant get it changed. Some jewellers have been known to sell fake or greatly over priced products. If the jewellers or tailors does not come highly recommended, a large amount of caution should be used. IMPORTANT: Any purchases made whilst travelling are at your own discretion. Make sure you are completely happy at the product you are purchasing. on the go will not become involved at any time, at a later date or once you return home should your purchase not live up to your expectations. Proceed with caution. A New Tailored Suit! If you are looking to have suits made up, you might like to consider 'The Grand Fashion International' tailor shop. The shop is open from 9am - 9pm daily and is easy enough to get to by taxi, the address can be found in your welcome letter that you will receive upon arrival. The shop offers quality suiting and garments made to measure. Customer feedback so far has been very good. The shop works with cotton, linen, wool, wool blends and all other suiting fabrics, though it and if you were looking stretch fabrics, inexpensive cotton t's or crazy cheap - off the side of the road kind of stuff this would not be the place. Head to the night markets instead. Prices: Tailored ladies/men cotton blend shirts business shirts start at USD$40, Ladies trousers fully lined at USD$60, Mens blazer/jacket fully lined USD$90 and a fully lined suit, with shirts from USD$160. The catch! You are going to need at least 48 hours to have items made. After making your order you would need 1-2 fittings to ensure that suit fits just right. The shop can send a car to pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to and from their premises for the fittings. My best advice would be at the time you are placing the order, schedule your fittings there and then so you can plan your time for the days ahead. If for example you arrived a day early, you could visit the tailor on this day then schedule your first fitting at say 4pm on day 1, then a final fitting (if required) at say 7.30pm on day 2). Don't be afraid to haggle a little with the tailor, they are lovely gentlemen and small savings can be made. Also do let them know that you are travelling with On the Go. They are aware of our itineraries and what time fittings can be scheduled plus its in their best interest to keep you satisfied. It's your choice to shop here, elsewhere or not at all in your free time. Airline Luggage Allowance If your tour includes international or domestic flights please be mindful that the free baggage allowance for Economy class travel within the region is strictly 20kg and 1 piece of hand luggage up to 6kg. Any additional weight is charged at a per kilo rate. You may wish to keep this in mind whilst shopping. It's not like home Travel to far - flung corners of the earth involves lifestyles and conditions that are sometimes very different from what you are used to back home. You must come prepared to cope -8-

9 with unusual situations, local inadequacies and unpredictable events as and when they occur. Foreign travel is definitely not suitable for people who expect or demand everything to go exactly as planned. With the greatest respect and in the interest of your ultimate enjoyment you must understand this. Things can and do change in foreign countries. -9-