Thailand

Itineraries While we intend to adhere to the route described in your contract, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The contract is a general guide to the tour, region and proposed itinerary any mention of specific wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be encountered, as we can never guarantee what mother nature has to offer us. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Accommodation If a hotel is unexpectedly fully booked, we will always contact you before booking an alternative. We will always offer alternatives to the same level and value for money. Kindly note that water scares in many parts of the world, so we always recommend taking short showers and reuse towels if possible.

Emergency Contact Should you need to contact Your Travel Nation during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local partner. If you do not receive an immediate answer for any reason, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have an emergency line, which will connect you directly with our office.
+1 757 656 3391

Luggage You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be restricted to one medium-sized rolling bag, duffle bag or backpack, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited.

Packing list
Documents:
• Flight info (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the immigration)
• Insurance info (With photocopies)
• Passport  (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates  (With photocopies)
• Copy of your contract

Essentials:
• Any medication you might need: This should include medication for possible common situations like headaches or diarrhea;
• Sunblock, sunglasses, hat, and lip balm.
• Your electronic devices and chargers.
For camera and lenses; we recommend bringing a wide lens (about 17-55mm) for those scenery pictures and a GoPro for those action shots; Renting a camera is not possible. Please ensure your camera equipment is appropriate for different weather conditions and that you bring dry bags to protect it.
• Clothes: Comfortable and casual clothing, with khaki, beige or green colors. You should pack T-shirts, shirts with long sleeves, jeans, a sweater and a jacket (for the cold mornings), swimwear (if the accommodation you selected has a pool or if you do a beach extension), and comfortable hiking shoes;
• Insect repellent;
• Refill water bottle
• Adaptor for A, B & C type plugs.

Laundry Hand washing of clothes can be done at most of the hotels where you will stay. We recommend you bring a non-polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry. Your hotels may also have a laundry service available at an additional fee.

Visa & Entry requirements Most passport holders arriving by air or land can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa (a ‘visa exemption). If you need to stay longer, it’s possible to extend your stay. You must apply for the extension before your visa exemption period ends. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of entry into Thailand.

Insurance Travel insurance is highly recommended when travelling. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that we highly recommend good medical coverage and repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. We don’t issue any insurances; however, we recommend using www.worldnomads.com

Health We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least three months before departure or in case of a last-minute tour, as soon as you confirm your travels. Travellers are also advised to carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitisers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your local guide of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling. Your local guide will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.

Allergies and dietary restrictions This is something we take very seriously. Upon booking with us, we will send you a form in which you will be able to indicate any dietary preference or restriction or any specific request you might have. We will then provide that information in advance to all the hotels.

Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, bank cards, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of your group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular, the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our local guides have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Photography and drone laws Please refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration or border crossings, army barracks and personnel, or any government building. It is against the law and will result in the minimum of your film and camera being confiscated. Drone use is allowed in Thailand but several drone laws need to be followed when flying in the country.

Electricity For Thailand, there are four associated plug types, types A, B, and C. Plug type A is the plug that has two flat parallel pins, plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin and plug type C has two round pins. Thailand operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Religion Buddhism is the largest religion in Thailand.

Climate Located in the centre of the Southeast Asian Peninsula, Thailand is a beautiful island that enjoys a year-round balmy climate and plenty of tropical sunshine. Thailand’s weather is characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. April and  May receive the hottest temperatures while the weather in June sees the monsoon pattern bringing heavy rain through to October. While many regions receive rain through to October. While many regions receive rain during this time, the days are generally sunny and the showers pass quickly.

Best time to visit The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season between November and early April when temperatures range from 29°C to 34°C. However, the climate varies throughout the country and you can visit all year round.

Plastic bags Plastic bags are banned from entering Thailand. However, plastics carrier items known as “Ziplock bags” that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed of in the country.

Money and currency The currency of Thailand is the baht. ATMs and money changers are widespread across Indonesia's cities and tourist areas. In remote areas, ATMs don't always work and rates of exchange are often poor. Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. We always recommend carrying enough cash if you would like to pay for something in a remote place and the credit card machine cannot connect to any network. Please keep in mind that credit- or debit card payments may be subject to an extra charge of 3%. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards.

Tipping Gratuities are accepted only in tourist areas, but not mandatory. Give them porters (5-10 baht), taxi drivers (round the counter to 5-10 baht) and guides, and hotel workers (maid - 10-20 baht a day will be enough if you feel that your room is well cleaned, or if you want to have been well removed in the future). In restaurants (the service charge) is often included in the bill as a separate line. In those places where this is done, you can leave 10%.

Dress code What you wear in ​Thailand matters a great deal, though, and can make the difference between being treated well and being virtually ignored when you deal with anyone in the service industry. When you're out exploring the country, dressing appropriately will also make people around you feel more comfortable, which will make them more likely to connect ​with you.