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.
Accordingly, you should allow US$24 for tipping.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Thailand |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£1.50 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£4.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
£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
UK, USA, CAN, AUS & NZ citizens do not require a visa for a stay of less than 30 days. All passports must have at least six months validity remaining for entry to Thailand. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Visas may be obtained personally or through Explore's recommended visa service; Visa Swift at www.explore.co.uk/visas.
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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, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and infectious hepatitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory, travellers may also 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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Lone Parents
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
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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
Thailand is tropical with three main seasons, ‘cool’ from November to February (15°C to 27°C, cooler in Chiang Mai); ‘hot’ from March to May (approaching 38°C); ‘wet’ from June to October (rainy, hot and muggy – raingear essential). Bangkok lowland areas are humid all year round; northern highlands are more temperate with a drier heat.
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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: On Trek
Luggage: Should consist of a main piece of baggage, a holdall or kitbag for the trek, and a daypack to carry your personal gear.
Maximum allowance 44lbs/20kg. Please see additional pages for more information on what luggage to bring.
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Trek Kit Bag/Rucksack Trek Kit Bag Before leaving Chiang Mai there is plenty of time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left in Chiang Mai. Your trek luggage, including sleeping bag, needs to be packed into a kit bag, soft holdall, frameless rucksack or similar to be transferred by jeep. Advice on how to pack will be given at the trek briefing by yout tour leader.
Explore Trek Kit Bag: For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Daypack During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage which is being transported by jeep. In any hilly region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daypack should, therefore, be large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (at least 1litre), tissues and your packed lunch. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 2 to 3kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Remember to carry spare film with you during the day. Other optional items in a day pack might be binoculars, a diary or a book to read at lunch time.
Plastic Bags If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your kit bag they will stay dry in case of rain and it will be easier for you to sort through. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A bin liner to pack inside your daypack is also a good idea.
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Clothing & Footwear: On Trek
Waterproofs Breathable waterproofs made from material such as Goretex not only protects against rain and wind but also stops you from overheating. They ‘breathe’ and avoid condensation which you will experience from nylon waterproofs. Ponchos can also be purchased locally at a cost of approx £3. Tour Leader to advise.
Walking Boots Probably the trickiest part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, tennis shoes, etc simply do not give the ankle the support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Goretex or leather boots. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Avoid the types often found in high street shoe shops which are simply cheap trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on – they give little support and will probably not last the trek.
Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable.
Trainers or Trekking sandals Useful around camp, in towns, when travelling and to cross streams and rivers.
Track suit Comfortable around the tribal huts and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas.
Shorts Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold!
Sweater/fleece jacket We recommend a thick sweater or fleece jacket as nights can be cold in the hilltribe area in the cooler months (Nov-Feb) . Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece.
Socks It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.
Long Trousers For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.
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Equipment
Sleeping Bag A light sleeping bag and blankets will be provided for those that wish to use them. I you prefer to sleep in your own sleeping bag then we recommend you bring a 4-season (temperature –5°C to 0°C) sleeping bag for November to February departures. 2-season (temperature 0°C to 5°C) for the rest of the year. A sleeping sheet liner (silk) can be useful in both hot and cold conditions.
Mosquito Net A mosquito net will be provided for your use while on the hilltribe trek.
Water Bottle Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. Take a 1.5 litre personal water bottle (preferably insulated). Our support crew on the trek provide sterilized water each meal time to replenish your supplies. Also energy snacks (nuts, cereal bars etc.) are recommended whilst on trek.
Swimwear There are plenty of opportunities to swim.
Sunglasses A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays.
Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve Bring suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.
Torch/Batteries/Bulb A small torch is essential for finding things at night etc. Often a head torch is useful around the villages at night. Remember to bring some spare batteries.
Toiletries Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, soap, small towel, small nail brush. `Wet Wipes’ are great for a quick clean up, so bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes!).
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Personal First Aid Kit
On each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin etc.(please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader). See the list in our General Information Booklet.
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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
General Information
The Tribal People of Northern Thailand
The tribal people of Thailand believe that Nature is a living thing. This belief is known as ‘Animism’ . They believe that there is a magical force all around – in trees, streams, mountains, thunder and rain and that natural objects have hidden powers. It is thought that all of the tribal groups apart from the Lawa come from Southern China, Tibet and Burma. The Lawa may have been in Thailand for as many as 1000 years whereas the other tribes are comparatively recent.
Lahu: The Lahu tribe arrived in Northern Thailand at the turn of the century. There are several sub groups of this tribe, all with their own language, costume and traditions. The men are expert hunters especially with crossbows and poisoned arrows. The women wear large silver medallions sewn onto their high collars. The tribe lives in bamboo houses, raised off the ground with a thatched roof. Rice, maize, vegetables, poppies and sunflowers are the principal crops. The Lahu are great music lovers and hold a number of festivals in honour of the spirit world.
Karen: The Karen tribe inhabit the rugged uplands which divide Thailand and Burma. Unusually, they are cyclical farmers and keep their land well irrigated and terraced. The women sell embroidery and woven fabrics and wear long sarong type skirts with horizontal stripes and woven blouses. They also tattoo the backs of their hands. The men often have virility tattoos on their forearms.
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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
