Thai Intro Trip notes

Transcription

1 Trip Overview Our 9-day Thai Intro tour! Explore some of the best bits of Thailand, from buzzing Bangkok to paradise landscapes and idyllic Thai islands. Hang out in Bangkok, stay in beautiful mountain scenery in Khao Sok National Park and try adventure activities. Go on boat rides, cool off in waterfalls, enjoy a jungle walk, snorkel, relax with a Thai massage and party on Koh Phangan on this ultimate whirlwind Thai tour. You can even add on an unguided learn to dive experience and/or a trip to Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay and/or a northern trip to Chiang Mai after your Thai Intro ends - awesome! Trip Highlights Discover the buzz of Bangkok on boat rides, temple visits and tuk tuks and cook up some tasty Thai treats at a Thai cookery class Travel south to the stunning, secret landscape of Khao Sok National Park and stay in unique floating bungalows Try adventure activities such as sea kayaking, tubing or bamboo rafting! Head to the paradise party island of Koh Phangan: Stay in an idyllic beach resort, relax on beaches, snorkel, take a jungle trek & enjoy a traditional Thai massage Add on an awesome 4-day Learn to Dive option on the island of Koh Tao or a 4-day boating 1/12

2 adventure in Koh Phi Phi & magical Maya Bay, location of The Beach or a 6 day northern Thailand trip to Chiang Mai Trip Details Day 1: Arrive in the Buzz of Bangkok! Your awesome Thai Intro tour begins today in buzzing Bangkok; get set for a few days of fun and unforgettable adventures in the backpacking Mecca of the world amazing Thailand! Our Thai Intro tour takes you to all the top Thai highlights, plus fun and partying, and is an experience not to be missed! You ll be met at the airport by our representative and taken to your charming and comfortable guesthouse, which is located close to Bangkok s legendary backpacking centre of Khao San Road. Relax and explore this exciting area of the city, and then meet up with your new group of travelling buddies and gear up for a whirlwind tour of Thailand! Day 2: Relaxing River Cruise & Amazing Temple Visits in Bangkok Bangkok is a feast for all the senses and your adventures start today with a chilled out boat cruise along the river through Bangkok, seeing the city from the peaceful waterways that wind through the heart of this vibrant Asian city. Bangkok is famous for its traditional Thai temples, such as wonderful Wat Po, the largest temple in Bangkok, with its vast reclining Buddha, resplendent in glistening gold. Another well-known temple is Wat Arun, romantically known as the Temple of the Dawn which shimmers with mother-of-pearl, and Bangkok also boasts an amazing Grand Palace, with its breathtaking temples, shining golden statues, and the famous Emerald Buddha. Pay a visit to a temple or two as part of this brilliant day exploring the best bits of Bangkok, before heading back to your accommodation on a traditional tuk tuk which whizzes you at a fast pace through the lively city streets. Complete today s experience with a party night on the town with your group and hit Bangkok s hotspots for a hedonistic taste of some of the best nightlife in the world! Day 3: Tasty Thai Cooking Class & Overnight Train Journey South Get your taste buds tingling today as you spend a few last precious hours in Bangkok, learning to prepare some traditional Thai cuisine at a cooking class. It s woks at the ready as you learn to whip up some delicious dishes and then sit down and enjoy tasting your own exotic creations for a spicy food experience! Then it s time to hop on board a train for an overnight journey to the south of Thailand. Watch the beautiful countryside go by as you ride the rail across the Asian landscape and relax in your cabin overnight. Lunch included. Day 4: Unspoilt Paradise in Khao Sok National Park Experience Thailand off the beaten track today as you discover the little-known paradise that is the Khao Sok National Park. A secret sensation hidden in the south of Thailand, towering limestone 2/12

3 cliffs and lush countryside give you a glimpse of authentic Asia in this out-of-the-way spot. Relax and soak up the spectacular scenery as you glide through the idyllic landscape of Khao Sok on a brilliant long-tail boat ride. Your destination is a fabulous freshwater lake where your unique overnight accommodation awaits traditional floating bungalows, which perch above the crystal-clear waters, with a backdrop of incredible mountain scenery. You couldn t ask for a more sensational spot to spend the night the beauty of it will blow you away! There are all sorts of exciting adventure activities on offer in Khao Sok, and you can try some sea kayaking, tubing and go monkey spotting at this gorgeous lake location. These magical mountains provide the perfect backdrop for some adrenaline-boosting fun! Lunch and dinner included. Day 5: Island Adventures on Koh Phangan Wake up to views across the pristine waters in your fantastic floating bungalow, before saying goodbye to the hidden gem of Khao Sok National Park and boarding a boat to travel towards the idyllic Thai Islands. You ll cruise across to the stunning island of Koh Phangan, famous for its legendary Full Moon Party! You won t believe your eyes when you arrive at your beachside resort beautiful bungalows nestle among swaying palm trees, glistening white sands and turquoise waters in this slice of perfect paradise. The private resort is located right on the beach with its own awesome infinity pool and a brilliant island location. Take time out today to wander around Koh Phangan, take a dip in the pool, laze on the beach and soak up the sun and then top it all off with a fun party on the beach at one of the many beachside bars. Breakfast included. Day 6: Relaxing Beach Time and a Traditional Thai Massage Relax and unwind on the gorgeous island of Koh Phangan, lazing on beaches, topping up your tan, hanging out with your new friends and gazing at the amazing scenery. To complete your day of relaxation, you will enjoy a traditional Thai massage for the ultimate in island pampering! In the evening, why not watch the sunset over the sea, sip cocktails in beach bars or seek out fun nightlife on this party island? Day 7: Stunning Beaches There s so much to see and do on picture-perfect Koh Phangan and today offers a whole day of amazing adventures on this beautiful island. Start off with a long-tail boat ride, discovering some of the island s best beaches, where you can bask in the sun or try a spot of snorkelling in the azure sea. Stretch out, relax and plan your evening s activities on this ultimate party island! Lunch included. Day 8: Exciting Elephant Experience & Farewell Dinner on the Beach Animal adventures are on the agenda on your last full day on Koh Phangan, and you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing elephants in their natural setting. This 3/12

4 incredible elephant experience puts the care of the elephants first and foremost. Thai attitudes to elephants are changing for the better, and visitors are no longer permitted to ride them. You will learn how to care for elephants, getting involved with cutting coconut palms and leaves and feeding the elephants with what you have collected. You will then appreciate the incredible power and beauty of these animals as you help wash them in the lake. It's an epic elephant experience! Your incredible Thai Intro tour ends with a delicious farewell dinner on the beach (dinner included). Please note: If you are travelling after 1st March 2018 you will enjoy a slightly different Thai experience today. The elephant interaction will be replaced with an exciting Muay Thai Boxing or Yoga session! Day 9: Departure or begin your add-on adventures After your whirlwind adventures in Thailand, it s time to say goodbye to your group and head out to your next adventure, or make your way home. If you wish to stay longer in our idyllic beach resort on Koh Phangan you are welcome to book extra nights (at own cost) locally. Please note: A return transfer to Bangkok is not included as part of the trip cost, but your tour leader will help assist you with arrangements for a return transfer to Bangkok, or with any further onward travel you wish to do. Please note: The earliest time you should book a return flight if flying from Koh Samui is 10am on day 9. If you are flying from Surat Thani you should book a later flight. This is to allow time to travel to the airport location from Koh Phangan. If you book earlier than this you may miss some of the final Thai Intro activities. Your options for return to Bangkok are: 1) Take a 45 minute ferry ride to the neighbouring island of Koh Samui, then hop on a 1 hour flight back to Bangkok (approximate cost 80) 2) Take a longer ferry ride to the Thai mainland and fly from Surat Thani Airport back to Bangkok journey take approx. 6 hours in total (average cost 50) 3) Take an overnight train back to Bangkok journey takes around 15 hours so you wouldn t arrive until day 9 (approx cost 20) Please note: In busy summer months sometimes two groups may travel together. Note about Full Moon party dates: Although it is possible your Thai Intro tour may coincide with a Full Moon or Black Moon party, this is not scheduled as part of this tour and cannot be guaranteed. if you are interested in going to the Full Moon party, please make sure you do your research and plan your flights accordingly. You may need to extend your stay and do some independent travel after your trip ends. Your guide can help arrange extra accommodation locally. Add-on Experiences after Thai Intro ends 4/12

5 4-day /3-night Add-on Adventure: Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay Add on this amazing, independent island experience after your Thai Intro. Transport from Koh Phangan to Koh Phi Phi and 3 nights accommodation is included! You can discover the tropical island of Koh Phi Phi and magical Maya Bay, the famous location of The Beach. This unforgettable 4-day add-on adventure not only includes fun on idyllic Koh Phi Phi but also gives you a unique opportunity to visit stunning Maya Bay at sunset, a location made famous by the film The Beach. This brilliant trip offers you an exclusive chance to moor overnight by Maya Bay and avoid the tourist crowds - unmissable! Please note that you do not travel with a guide on this trip, and all activities are run locally. Day 1: Arrive in Phi Phi islands You will be transferred by ferry from Koh Phangan to the beautiful Phi Phi islands, where you will check in to your island guesthouse. There will be plenty of time to relax in paradise as you laze on the stunning beaches, climb up to the local viewpoint for some breathtaking island views or hang out in a beach bar and watch the world go by. Bliss! Day 2: Paradise Islands Boat Trip Jump on board an amazing long-tail boat and explore the more remote Paradise Islands off Phi Phi on this memorable island experience. Go swimming, snorkel in an underwater world and watch the sunset in this picture-perfect spot. Then head back to Phi Phi where it s always party time in the island s many buzzing bars and clubs. Day 3: Maya Bay Sleep-aboard Experience This opportunity is not to be missed, as you set off today on an exclusive overnight boat adventure in magical Maya Bay, the stunning setting for the film The Beach. Arriving in time to see an incredible sunset, you will be some of the only people on the beach, missing all the tourist masses who visit here at peak times. Enjoy a beach BBQ and take a swim in the amazing bay at night before heading back to your boat, one of the few which have permission to moor in this extraordinary spot overnight. Please note: During extremely busy periods the sleep-aboard experience may become fully booked. You will still get to visit incredible Maya Bay, however you will stay at alternative accommodation and not on the boat. If you would like to check the availability of the sleep-aboard please speak to a travel advisor. Day 4: Maya Bay and arrive back to Phi Phi Watching the sun rise over idyllic Maya Bay is a memory that will stay with you forever. Once again you ll have this iconic beach to yourselves as you spend time swimming and snorkelling before sitting down to a breakfast on the beach. Cruise back by boat to Phi Phi where your once-ina-lifetime experience will come to an end this afternoon. You will then need to catch a boat to 5/12

6 Phuket where you can fly back to Bangkok. To ensure that you have enough time to travel back to Bangkok today, please do not arrange your flights to depart from Phuket before 9.00p.m. Some travellers prefer to book an extra night on Phuket or in Bangkok and fly home the following day. Extra nights can be booked using the hostels link at the bottom of your online account. Please note: The overnight Maya Bay Sleepaboard does not operate in September. Instead you will enjoy a day trip to Maya Bay and then return to Koh Phi Phi, where you can soak up the sun on the beach and delve into the island s sizzling nightlife. Please note that during this add-on adventures you will not be travelling with a guide, but the trip is carefully organised and provides you with everything you need to fully enjoy your experience. Don't forget you still have our full 24 support service should you need anything! 7 day/6 night Chiang Mai Add-on Please note this add on can only be booked if you also book the Phi Phi Island Adventure add on as well and this add on only runs on certain dates. You will be with a guide during this part of your trip. Please speak with your travel advisor for further details. Day 1: Free day on Phi Phi This is the final day of your Phi Phi island adventure. Spend one day relaxing on the beach! Tonights accommodation is included on Phi Phi. Day 2: Transfer to Chiang Mai Leave Phi Phi behind and head for the mainland by ferry. Then jump on a short flight from Phuket to Chiang Mai, known as the capital of the north. Day 3: Jungle Fun Head into the rainforest and enjoy a thrilling experience among the trees. Whizz along a zipline in the forest canopy and see incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Tuck into a tasty lunch at the top of a mountain and then head back to your accommodation. Make the most of a free night in Chiang Mai to explore the buzzing night markets or shout and cheer at a Muay Thai boxing match. Lunch included. Day 4-5: Hill Trek Leave the city lights behind and trek into the jungle. You ll pass through gorgeous rice paddy fields and get up close to majestic waterfalls as you make your way to an isolated hill tribe village. Here, you ll interact with the locals and learn about their way of life before bedding down for a night in the village. The next day, you ll say goodbye to your hosts and head back home on board a bamboo river raft! Tonight, hit the town on a night out with your group. 1 breakfast and 1 dinner included. Day 6: Elephant Experience 6/12

7 Meet some friendly giants today at a nearby elephant sanctuary! Get up close to Thailand s sacred animal and help feed and care for these incredible creatures. You ll even head down to the river for a wash and a swim! You ll have made a friend for life elephants never forget! Lunch included. Day 7: Tour ends Your tour ends today in Chiang Mai. You can either spend some more time exploring Chiang Mai or head back to Bangkok. A return airport transfer is not included but is easy to arrange. Your guide will be on hand to help you make onward travel arrangements. 5-day/4-night Learn to Dive on Koh Tao If you fancy hanging around a little longer on the idyllic Thai Islands, why not add on a Learn to Dive programme on the island of Koh Tao after this Thai Intro trip ends? Learn to scuba dive, including theory lessons and open water dives with western dive instructors, and gain a PADI diving qualification and extend your amazing Thai experience! You will learn to dive from stunning Sairee Beach, one of Koh Tao's most beautiful and popular beaches. Transport between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao is included. This add on includes 4 nights of accommodation on Koh Tao. Koh Tao is reached by a 1 hour ferry ride from Koh Phangan and you will be met at the ferry pier and taken to your accommodation. Please speak with your travel advisor for further details on how to book this add on. Please Note: If you suffer from asthma or other serious lung conditions you will unfortunately not be eligible to scuba dive. Sufferers of conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes will require an authorised doctor s note before they will be allowed to join the course. If you are pregnant or have a heart condition you may be unable to dive, and should contact your doctor for advice. You must be able to swim 200 metres and tread water/ float for at least 10 minutes. You should not fly until at least 24 hours after your last dive. Please note: If you have booked both the Learn to Dive and the Phi Phi add on, you will start with the Learn to Dive course on Koh Tao, followed by the Phi Phi adventure. You will spend one compulsory extra night back on Koh Phangan between the two trips and please note that the cost of this is not included - you will need to book and pay for this yourself locally. 7/12

8 Arrival Information Arrival You should arrange your arrival into Bangkok airport on day 1. An airport meet and greet and transfer to your accommodation is included. You can arrive in advance of the start date and still take up the inclusive transfer if you book extra night's accommodation through us. If you wish to arrive before the start date then please let us know this in advance. Departure A return transfer back to Bangkok is not included. Your tour leader can help you organise onward travel at your own cost. You have three return transfer options from Koh Phangan. You can take a short ferry ride to Koh Samui and then take a flight to Bangkok, or you can catch a ferry to the Thai Mainland and fly from Surat Thani. Alternatively, you could take an overnight train to Bangkok. Please plan your transfers carefully before you book any onward travel, and ensure you allow enough time to complete each leg of your journey. Phi Phi add-on: Your Phi Phi add-on ends on the afternoon of day 4 of the Phi Phi experience. You will then need to catch a ferry to Phuket, from where you can begin your onward journey. You 8/12

9 should not book any flights that depart from Phuket before 9.00pm. Many of our travellers prefer to book an extra night on Phuket and fly home the following day. Please contact us for further details. Chiang Mai add-on: Your Chiang Mai add on ends on day 18 of your total trip. You can leave at any time. There is an airport in Chiang Mai and most customers fly out on their final day. If you prefer you can travel back to Bangkok via train which takes around 12 hours. Your guide will be able to help you book this locally. Learn to dive add on: If you book our learn to dive trip, your departure date and location will be different depending on your individual itinerary. When arranging onwards travel, please allow yourself sufficient time to make your own way back to Bangkok. Accommodation & Meals Thai Intro All accommodation is included as part of the Thai Intro tour. Most accommodation is twin-share but at peak times this may occasionally be triple or quad share. 2 nights will be spent in a comfortable and smart guesthouse in Bangkok, located near to the legendary Khao San Road. The guesthouse has good quality rooms, an in-house restaurant and bar, safe lockers, an internet café and air conditioning. 1 night will be spent on an overnight train, travelling from Bangkok to south Thailand, travelling in shared carriages. 1 unforgettable night will be spent in unique floating bungalows, located on a stunning lake in the unspoilt paradise of Khao Sok National Park. Your final nights will be spent in a beautiful, private beach resort on Koh Phangan, in a sensational beach setting, with an infinity pool, safe lockers and access to some of the island s best beach parties. If you wish to arrive into Bangkok before the start date, we will book you into the guesthouse in Bangkok for extra nights at your request, for an extra cost of 15 per night for a twin-share room. If you wish to extend your stay at our amazing Koh Phangan beach resort once the trip ends, this can be booked locally once you are at the accommodation on Koh Phangan. 1 breakfast, 3 lunches and 2 dinners are included on this tour. You will need to purchase the rest of your meals yourself. This is a great opportunity to soak up Thai culture and sample some delicious local delicacies! Add-on Adventures 4-day/3-night Add-on Adventure: Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay 9/12

10 If you add on this 4-day adventure, 3 nights accommodation is included. This is 2 nights' accommodation on Koh Phi Phi, plus a one-night live-aboard boat stay in amazing Maya Bay. 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner are also included. Please note: The overnight Maya Bay Sleepaboard does not operate in September. 7-day/6-night Add-on: Chiang Mai Add On If you add this 7 day adventure, 6 nights are included in the beautiful city in northern Thailand - Chiang Mai. 5-day/4-night Add-on Adventure: Learn to Dive Koh Tao If you add in the Learn to Dive option, 4 nights hostel accommodation is included. Please note: If you have booked both the Learn to Dive and the Phi Phi add on, you will spend one compulsory extra night back on Koh Phangan between the two trips and please note that the cost of this is not included - you will need to book and pay for this yourself locally. Minimum age & eligibility This Thai Intro tour is available to travellers aged between Visas The allowed duration of your trip varies depending upon how you plan to arrive into Thailand. British nationals arriving by air can remain in the country for a maximum of 30 days. If you arrive across a land border the maximum stay may vary, please check with the Thai embassy for details. If you wish to spend longer in Thailand you should apply for a 60 day tourist visa before you leave the UK. Please contact us for further information regarding visas. Group Size Average group size is 20. On a limited number of peak season departures the maximum group size is 36 with 2 group leaders. What's Included Access to a buddy list before you travel Accommodation 10/12

11 Airport pickup Overnight train Local transport River boat ride in Bangkok Temple visits Bangkok Tuk Tuk discovery ride Bangkok Traditional Thai cooking class in Bangkok Party night out in Bangkok Overnight stay on floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park Sea kayaking in Khao Sok National Park Monkey spotting in Khao Sok Tubing in Khao Sok Stay in a beautiful beach resort on Koh Phangan Boat trip to island beaches Elephant Experience (before 1st March 2018) Muay Thai Boxing or Yoga session (after 1st March 2018) Thai massage Farewell dinner on Koh Phangan A beach party on Koh Phangan 1 breakfast, 3 lunches and 2 dinners Tour leader Koh Phi Phi add-on: transport to Koh Phi Phi, 2 nights' accommodation on Phi Phi, 1 night sleep-aboard boat stay Maya Bay, half-day Paradise Islands sunset boat trip, Viking Caves, snorkelling, kayaking, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Chiang Mai add-on: ferry and flight to Chiang Mai, 6 nights accommodation, overnight hill tribe trek, jungle zip-lining, bamboo river rafting, elephant sanctuary experience, 4 meals Learn to Dive add-on: transport to Koh Tao, 4-day PADI Open Water dive course & 4 nights Koh Tao accommodation Help planning onward travel and return transfer 24 hour support What's not Included Flights Insurance Visas Most meals Return transfer to Bangkok (assistance booking this is available from your tour leader) Extra add-on: Learn to dive in Koh Tao Extra add-on: Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay adventure Guide during Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay adventure If you have booked both extra add-on trips: One compulsory night's accommodation on Koh Phangan between the two add-on trips is not included and must be paid for locally 11/12

12 Prices Prices shown are correct on the 19th Dec 2017 and are subject to change Thai Intro Thai Intro + Phi Phi Islands Adventure Thai Intro + Phi Phi + Chiang Mai - 1,099 12/12