Thailand Experience Trip notes

Transcription

1 Trip Summary Take in everything Thailand has to offer with this 29-day adventure through vibrant city streets, emerald green rice paddies, tropical terrains, and blissful sandy beaches. You ll get to explore Bangkok by canal, meditate at some of Thailand s oldest temples, trek through the Sangkhlaburi rainforest, and dance the night away at a Moon Party on Koh Pha Ngan. As well as an itinerary packed to the brim with magical locations, you ll get to take part in rewarding volunteer projects and help to renovate Sangkhlaburi s precious landscape, you ll camp in a friendly village following your trek through the rainforest, and you ll get to learn about the history and culture of Thailand s famous Buddhist community. Come and indulge your curiosity and discover this amazing country with a whole group of new friends. Travelling after 22nd April 2018? Check out the brand new Explore Thailand! Trip Highlights Explore bustling Bangkok by canal and bike Trek through the tropical rainforest of Sangkhlaburi Laze on the glistening shores of idyllic Koh Tao Practice traditional Buddhist meditation techniques in Thailand s beautiful temples Experience a legendary Full Moon or Black Moon party on Koh Pha Ngan Volunteer at local renovation projects to preserve Thailand s precious landscape Trip Info 1/8

2 DAY 1: ARRIVAL Arriving in Bangkok, you ll be met at the airport by your friendly guide to be taken to your accommodation near iconic backpacker hub, Khao San Road. Once you ve got settled in and met your fellow travellers, you ll be able to head out to explore your colourful surroundings and enjoy some delicious Thai food. DAY 2: GET TO KNOW BANGKOK Enjoy a laidback tour of Bangkok today with a winding canal cruise through the quieter, more traditional areas of the city. Later we ll head to the Temple of the Dawn and visit Wat Pho, one of Bangkok s oldest temples, where you ll see the famous reclining Buddha. Then we ll take a wander through the grounds of the beautiful Grand Palace to learn a bit more about Thailand s rich history and culture (please note the entrance fee to the Grand Palace isn t included in the price of your trip this costs roughly 500THB/ 12). Once the tour is over you ll enjoy a tasty welcome meal before enjoying some free time to explore or chill out as you like. DAY 3: EXPLORE BANGKOK Today we ll be braving the busy streets of Bangkok by bike. On our guided tour we ll ride through the bustling markets and beside calmer canals as we explore the city s best bits don t forget to bring your camera! Later on you ll have some free time, so get together with the group and decide what you want to see and do whether you fancy doing a bit more sightseeing, hitting the shops, or going and grabbing a bite to eat, it s totally up to you. DAY 4: TRAVEL TO SANGKHLABURI We ll be hitting the road today and making our way to the serene rural setting of Sangkhlaburi think mountain ranges, rolling valleys, and emerald green rice paddies. On arrival we ll check into our guest lodge to relax after the journey, but feel free to roam the surrounding area to take a better look at the place and meet the locals. DAY 5: THE SIGHTS OF SANGKHLABURI Today we ll be heading to Three Pagodas Pass, a location on the Burmese/Thai border steeped in history and famed for being the pass at which Buddhist teachings may have reached Thailand. Known for its diversity, there are a number of different nationalities residing here, so don t be surprised when you hear a range of languages being spoken in the town and take advantage of the wide selection of delicious food on offer. At the end of your tour take a dip in the lake or sit back and watch the sunset. DAY 6 7: PROJECT WORK DAYS Over the next couple of days you ll be getting stuck into a rewarding community volunteer project. Once on site, you ll be focusing on building, renovating, and generally improving Sangkhlaburi s landscape. This is a fantastic way to get to know the locals and learn more about Thai culture and customs. You ll finish between 2pm and 3pm each afternoon, when you can head out and explore the town at your leisure. DAY 8 9: TROPICAL TREKKING EXPERIENCE Get ready for some adventure, because during the next two days you ll be trekking tropical terrain, exploring the rivers and caves of the forest, and spending the night in a tent at the headman s house. You ll have an experienced guide with you to get you safely through the forest to the friendly local village, where the locals will keep you entertained in the evening with plenty of singing and drinking! The treks on both days will be at a gentle pace to give you the chance to feel fully immersed in Thailand s stunning natural landscape. DAY 10: BAMBOO RAFTING 2/8

3 We ll take to the local river today and spend a day rafting leisurely through the forest on traditional bamboo rafts to give you a taste of a real jungle experience. In the afternoon you ll have some free time, we suggest heading to the night market with your group to try some delicious local delicacies. DAY 11: FREE DAY You have a free day today, so head out and experience any Sangkhlaburi must-dos. Why not try out a cookery class, or visit the popular Nature Club Resort, where you can get stuck into adrenaline-fuelled adventure activities such as quad biking and zip lining? Or you might want to head to Saphan Mon, Sangkhlaburi s iconic wooden bridge (the second longest in the world), or head out on a houseboat excursion. DAY 12: GOODBYE SANGKHLABURI, HELLO KANCHANABURI Today we ll travel to Kanchanaburi. Once we arrive, it s straight to the hotel for some rest and relaxation (there s even a swimming pool on site!) before enjoying a peaceful welcome dinner on rafts by the river. This evening, your guide will run you through the brilliant activities planned for the next couple of days. DAY 13: ERAWAN NATIONAL PARK Prepare to be mesmerised by the natural beauty of Erawan National Park today. Home to wildlife, caves and forests, you ll be surrounded by breathtaking vistas at every turn so take it all in; you could even take a refreshing dip in the ethereal waterfalls while admiring your surroundings. Spend your free time exploring Kanchanaburi s streets and eateries in the evening. DAY 14: FREE DAY You ll have a free day in Kanchanaburi today. A popular excursion is a trip to a local elephant sanctuary committed to the rehabilitation of rescued elephants. You could also head to the hilltop temple Wat Tham Sua (also known as Tiger Cave Temple), which is one of the most sacred sites in the region, famed for its tiger paw prints and huge golden Buddhas. There are lots of things to see and do, so just let your guide know what you feel like doing and they ll help you make it happen. DAY 15: TEMPLE SIGHTS, CULINARY DELIGHTS, PARTY NIGHTS Channel your inner Buddha as you practice the art of meditation at the local temples today. Afterwards, you ll take part in a traditional Thai cookery class to learn the techniques and pick up some handy tips to impress your friends and family with when you get home, before rounding off the day with a vibrant party in town. DAY 16: TRAVEL TO KOH TAO We ll get the day off to a relaxed start this morning: spending time lazing by the pool before we begin the overnight transfer to Koh Tao this afternoon which is a great opportunity to sneak in a cheeky nap after last night s adventures! DAY 17: KOH TAO ARRIVAL Arriving on the captivating tropical island of Koh Tao this morning, you might want to rub the sleep from your eyes to take in the crystal clear waters and lush foliage of this beautiful island paradise. Checking into our hotel (complete with pool!) we ll kick back and relax for the rest of the day. DAY 18 21: ENJOY KOH TAO 3/8

4 Over the next few days, Koh Tao is your picturesque playground! Head out for a dive, take advantage of the neon nightlife and hike through the forest for some incredible views. There s a snorkelling day trip scheduled (usually on day 20) when you ll take to the glittering waves for a firsthand experience of the island s magical marine life. Your guide will be on hand to advise you on the best things to see and do. DAY 22: KOH PHA NGAN Another day, another island! Today we ll transfer to Koh Pha Ngan by boat and head to our blissful beachside hotel. This afternoon, hang out by the pool with the rest of the group and watch a glorious Koh Pha Ngan sunset. DAY 23 27: KOH PHA NGAN PARADISE AND PARTIES Get to know this island idyll over the next five days. Soak up the sunshine while lazing on the beach, take to the waves with a spot of surfing, snorkelling, or scuba, and get your group together to go and explore the colourful town. All trips are planned to coincide with a Full Moon or Black Moon Party, so prepare to dance the night away on the sands. There s also an island tour planned, where you ll get to visit Bottle Beach, Haad Salad and many more blissful bays! DAY 28: REDISCOVER BANGKOK Back to bustling Bangkok! It s a lengthy journey today, and we ll be heading back by taxi, minivan, ferry and coach, but hopefully you ll be fully rested with five days lounging on the beach before we set off! Once we arrive we ll check into the guesthouse with enough time to freshen up and wind down. DAY 29: FAREWELL There are no activities planned for today, so make sure you ve swapped numbers with your group before you head off. It s been epic! We aim for all trips to coincide with a Full Moon or Black Moon party, and for some trips the order of the visits to Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan will be swapped to accommodate this. In this instance travellers will transfer from Kanchanaburi to Koh Pha Ngan and then to Koh Tao from Koh Pha Ngan. Please be aware that in rare cases there may be unforeseen circumstances outside of our control that result in moon parties not going ahead. Destination Information If you ve got the travel bug, Thailand is a must-see destination renowned for its varied landscape (the country combines dramatic mountain ranges with miles of uninterrupted beach, tangled city streets and stunning forests) and captivating collision of peaceful temples and buzzing party spots. This makes for a unique mix of the historical and the contemporary, and Thailand has earned a well deserved reputation as one of the most popular destinations for young travelers. It is the ideal location in which to spend a gap year, with an inexhaustible list of things to see and do, and enough uninterrupted terrain to ensure you ll be able to beat the bustle and paint your own picture of Thailand. Thailand has around 65,000,000 people and stretches more than 1,500KM from North to South, covering a range of landscapes and climates (although other than the mountain regions in the West and North it s never very cold). Thailand s currency is Thai Baht (THB) and the national language is Thai. 4/8

5 This trip will introduce you to Thailand with a magical spell in Bangkok, the captivating capital city. Established in 1782, the city has become the social, cultural and culinary capital of Thailand. Bangkok is home to glittering skyscrapers, colorful floating markets and dizzying nightlife, and has to be seen to be believed. With an approximate population of over 10 million people, you ll be immersed in a whirlwind of hectic streets, so be ready to soak up the sights, sounds and sensations of non-stop Bangkok and its vibrant population. Culture vultures can visit inspiring temples to find their inner Buddha all while enjoying the irresistible lure of Bangkok s cosmopolitan vibe. Bangkok has been dubbed the city of angels by its inhabitants, and we re sure you ll find this incredible place to be a little slice of heaven! You ll spend 8 nights in Sangkhlaburi, a small town North West of Bangkok situated on the banks of a huge reservoir. This scenic town is home to rolling hills and lush forests, and the people living here are a diverse mix of Thai, Mon and Karen, so you ll soon find the town to be a hub of culture and community. Although Sangkhlaburi is a region beloved by Thai people themselves, it is relatively lesser known and suitably off the backpacker s beaten path. A fabulous place to trek and explore, and a must-visit destination for this once in a lifetime Thai experience. Kanchanaburi is the capital town of Kanchanaburi province with around 30-40,000 people and is known to most overseas visitors as the home of The Bridge over the River Kwai. As the town is located at the point where two major rivers meet, it was the base for where the Japanese Army used local and POW labour to build the Burma Railway during WWII. Because of this, Kanchanaburi is steeped in not only dazzling natural beauty, but a long and intriguing history. Kanchanaburi province is home to the beautiful Erawan National Park, where you can see crystalline waterfalls, and spot some of the wildlife the Park helps to conserve. The National Parks and forests are easily accessible from Kanchanaburi, making it the ideal base from which to explore. Koh Tao the blissful beach base you ll be calling home for four nights. Fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for young travelers, and with an official population of only 2,000 people the island has a leisurely vibe and you ll easily find your pace. Not only will this stunning island likely be one of the most beautiful places you ve witnessed first-hand, but it will soon become your playground. Kick back on a strip of uninterrupted beach, or dive in the island s glittering waters. Get the lowdown on the highlife and experience tropical living first hand at one of Koh Tao s many laid back beach bars. With an array of activities ranging from trekking to vibrant nightlife, you ll quickly put your stamp on Koh Tao. Koh Phangan is Thailand s 4 th largest island with a population of around 12,000 people, though this increases depending on visitors and of course, party seasons! While it s most famous for its legendary Full Moon parties, Koh Phangan has a host of other fantastic attractions for you to enjoy. Thousands of young thrill seekers flock to the island to party beneath the light of the moon, so get ready to don your day- glo paint and join them on the shores of Haad Rin beach. When not bathed in a sea of neon revelry, Koh Phangan is a serene spot in which to find some secluded bays, and there are plenty of small neighbouring islands to hop over to! Minimum age & eligibility The minimum age for this trip is 18. British passport holders arriving by air can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa. Please ensure your passport is valid, with six months remaining on the date of your planned return, and that you hold a valid return flight ticket. If you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days you will need to apply for a visa before departing the UK, which will be issued as a 60 day tourist visa so long as you re not planning on taking paid work during your stay. Accommodation & Meals 5/8

6 You ll stay in a variety of different types of accommodation throughout your trip, each having been selected with location, comfort, and safety in mind. The majority of the places you stay in will be based on two to four people in the group sharing a room you will always share with travellers of the same sex, but if you are travelling with a friend or partner let us know when you book so we can make sure you re in a room together. Most meals aren t included on this trip, which offers you a fantastic opportunity to sample a range of Thailand s delicious food. You won t be short of places to choose from and your guide will always be able to suggest different places to eat be adventurous and try out some of the local dishes. Do let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book, and let your tour guide know if there s anything specific you can t eat while you re in Thailand. Additional Information What's Included Airport pick up from Bangkok International Airport (BKK) and transfer to your Bangkok accommodation Accommodation Transport as per the itinerary Breakfast whilst in Bangkok, Sangkhlaburi and Kanchanaburi Thai welcome dinner on day 2 Lunch on days 8 and 9 Dinner on day 8 Guided canal boat tour of Bangkok Guided bike tour of Bangkok Guided tour of Sangkhlaburi The guidance, supervision and materials required to participate in the volunteer project A guided trek (water is included throughout the trek) River rafting in Sangkhlaburi Visit to the Erawan National Park waterfalls Kanchanaburi temple and meditation visit Thai cooking lesson Snorkelling day trip in Koh Tao Island tour day trip The services of a fully qualified and registered Thai tour guide with you throughout your experience 24/7 in-country emergency assistance phone line What's not Included Flights and travel to and from Thailand Visa Travel insurance, which is compulsory. We can provide you with some excellent policies to choose from Meals unless specified otherwise Transfer back to the airport and/or any onwards travel at the end of your trip Entrance fees to the Moon Parties on Koh Pha Ngan Entrance fee to the Grand Palace during the Bangkok tour Transport to and from nights out and optional activities Any optional extras, recreational activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary that you choose to experience during any free time 6/8

7 Further Information JOURNEY TRAVEL TIMES Thailand is an amazing country and is very diverse with lots of different places to see. On this trip we take you to some of the highlights in all corners to Thailand to give you a varied view of the country. As such travel times between destinations can sometimes be longer than you would expect in the UK. Below is a list of approximate travel times between destinations. All times are approximate as nothing in Thailand is ever 100% on time! Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi hours Sangkhlaburi to Kanchanaburi hours Kanchanaburi to Koh Tao hours Koh Tao to Koh Phangan hours Koh Phangan to Bangkok hours SUPPORT AND ADVICE Your safety is paramount which is why all our programmes have had assessments conducted to ensure any major risks have been minimised. In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to. In addition our overseas partners and coordinators are on hand in-country to assist you. You may also want to consider our one day Gap Year Safety Course so you are well prepared for your overseas adventure find out more at FINANCIAL SECURITY We know that the last thing you want to worry about when you re planning your trip of a lifetime is whether your money is in safe hands. As a leading global gap year provider it s our job to make sure your finances are secure, so when you book with us you can be confident that we do just that. Real Gap Experience is part of Gap 360 Ltd. The owners of Gap 360 Ltd have been providing gap years and adventure holidays for young people since Your money is safe and secure when you book with Real Gap Experience. Our membership of ABTOT (The Association of British Tour Operators Trust) means that you can rest assured that that the monies you have paid to Real Gap are completely secure. Gap 360 Ltd has provided a financial bond which will cover you in the event of the financial failure of the company. DISCLAIMER The information contained in this trip note has been compiled with great care and is provided in good faith. Any itinerary featured is correct at time of release. However, our itineraries may change as make improvements that result from traveller s comments, our own research or from time to time as a result of Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice. You can rest assured that it is always our goal to provide you with the most rewarding trip and experience ever! 7/8

8 OUR DETAILS If you have any questions about this trip please do not hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to answer them. Post: Real Gap Experience, Top Floor, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1QR Web: Prices Prices shown are correct on the 19th Dec 2017 and are subject to change Thailand Experience - 1,259 1,209 8/8