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.
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.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Cambodia |
Laos |
Thailand |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
$0.60 |
£0.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
$1.00 |
£0.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
$1.20 |
£0.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
$2.20 |
$1.20 |
£1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
$10.00 |
$2.00 |
£1.50 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
$13.00 |
$9.00 |
£4.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
|
|
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
$3.50 |
£2.50 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
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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Visa Requirements
Thailand: UK, USA, CAN, AUS & NZ citizens do not require a tourist visa for a stay less than 30 days. All passports must have at least six months validity remaining for entry to Thailand.
Laos: An entry visa is required by UK, USA, CAN, AUS & NZ citizens. Laos visa is obtained on arrival in Ban Houei Sai and at a cost of US$30 for NZ & AUS citizens, US$35 for UK & USA citizens and US$42 for CAN citizens. For other nationalities between US$30-42, please consult your travel agent. 1 passport photo is required for the visa.
Cambodia: An entry visa is required by all nationalities and can normally be obtained upon arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports at a cost of about US$20 (please also bring 1 passport sized photo for the visa). Alternatively you can now obtain an e-visa prior to departure from www.mfaic.gov.kh for US$25.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diptheria, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory, travellers may 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.
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Know before you go
We 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/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Laos, Thailand and Cambodia are tropical – ‘cool’ from November to February, (15°C to 27°C); ‘hot’ from March to May (approaching 38°C); ‘wet’ from June to October (rainy, hot and muggy). Bangkok and lowland areas are sticky all year round, but the northern highlands (including Luang Prabang) are more temperate with a drier heat. The so-called ‘cool’ season can get quite chilly in the uplands in the morning and at night.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Days are hot and humid. Lightweight rainwear or an umbrella can be purchased cheaply if required locally. The northern region is cold at night during the winter (Dec - Feb). A fleece or coat is advisable during this period, in particular during our days on the Mekong. Laundry facilities available from Luang Prabang onwards. Please note that when visiting temples men and women will need to cover their shoulders (shawls over clothing are not accepted) and shorts are also not appropriate for either sex.
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Footwear
Comfy shoes, trainers & sandals.
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Equipment
Bring a torch and a water bottle.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then 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.
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General Information
Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the North American website
