Thailand Trips & Tours

Being a beacon for anyone seeking gorgeous beaches, historic temples and landscapes that amaze, Thailand is easy to reach. There are six international airports including Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where most travellers choose to begin their travels. The fastest and most comfortable route to Thailand from the UK is to take a direct flight from London to Bangkok with Qantas, British Airways, Thai Airways or Eva Airways, which takes approximately 11 and a half hours. Thai Airways offers convenient flights from LA to Bangkok with a one-hour stopover in Seoul. If you’re flying from the east or west coast of the USA, there are a number of other flights from various airlines with one stop on the way. There is no shortage of scheduled flights from Australia to Bangkok, including major cities like Sydney and Perth at around nine hours flying time. Thailand is large so most itineraries will include domestic flights, especially if you’re combining the tranquil north with the sunny southern coast. It is possible to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on the overnight train, but it’s not the most comfortable route. The best way to get the most out of your trip is to journey to your next destination by road (usually with a private driver and guide).

Thailand’s climate, wildlife and cuisine present fewer health concerns than many other Asian destinations, but there are still recommended precautions to take before and while you travel. A couple of things to think about are only drinking treated/bottled water, carrying hand sanitiser with you, avoiding water activities if you have an open cut, and sussing out street food stalls before you order (some tell-tale signs of a vendor to avoid include flies, a lack of customers and food that’s been sitting out a while). There are no compulsory vaccinations but it’s important to speak with your doctor preferably four weeks in advance in case the need arises. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching remain a problem, especially in the tourist hubs, markets and cities so it’s best to have a bag with a zip kept close to you, leave your valuables in the hotel safe if you feel better doing so and keep an eye on your belongings as you travel around Thailand.

Gratuities This is just a guideline as tipping is discretionary and the amount you give is up to you. Tipping can be in the local currency or USD. It is best to tip at the end of the day, end of the activity or at the end of your stay, given to the guide, driver or the manager to be distributed amongst the staff. Gratuities suggestions: Private guide: $10 per person per day Private driver: $5 per person per day General staff: $10 per person per day Waitstaff in a city restaurant: 10% (large group may incur automatic service charge - please check)

Insurance It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Compulsory Insurance: a. Emergency evacuation expenses b. Medical expenses c. Repatriation expenses Recommended Insurance: a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

If you have a passport from the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, you will be able to visit Thailand for a short stay without having to apply for a visa. For more information on visa requirements, visit the Visa Project - https://thevisaproject.com/thailand-visa/. All travellers entering Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This is free of charge and must be submitted at least 3 days prior to arrival via the following link - https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home

Thailand’s climate varies from coast to countryside, and what you pack depends on when you’re travelling (see our guide on when to go to plan for the weather on your trip) but we’ve put together a list of items to get you started: - Hat and sunglasses - Comfortable sandals and closed shoes for possible hiking - Light, loose-fitting clothing including items that cover your arms, legs and shoulders - Something more fancy for dining out - Camera - Travel adapter (electricity runs on 220 volts and round or flat two-pin plugs are most commonly used) - Earplugs - Rain gear and a dry bag if you’re travelling in the rainy season (July - October) - Driving licence and International Driving Permit (if renting a car) - Thai phrasebook