Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour. Explore leader Tipping isn’t compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that’s done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We’re often asked about the recommended amount. It’s a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we’d recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline. Local crew In this region, tipping is a recognised part of life across the service industry. Local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. To assist with this your Explore Leader may organise a group tips kitty for included activities and meals, they will then account for kitty use throughout the tour. For this we suggest £20 per family member.

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 13 Breakfasts 4 Lunches 4 Dinners

Transport

Bicycle, Boat, Ferry, Minibus, Train, Tuk Tuk Booking a land only package with Explore Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer. Joining Tour Abroad Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station. Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers. If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

Accommodation

1 nights simple homestay 3 nights premium hotel 3 nights standard hotel 2 nights standard lodge 2 nights simple overnight train 2 nights simple raft house Triple Rooms: This trip allows the option for triple rooms to be included within the booking on all nights of this trip with the exception of the overnight trains. If you would like this option, please ask our Sales team for further information. Our hotel in Bangkok offers an outdoor pool, gym, large restaurant serving international and local cuisine and a grand lobby. Rooms are spacious and include all the standard facilities. The hotel is a great introduction to all the families’ trips. The River Kwai Jungle Raft is a special place that does not have electricity has great character. The Jungle Raft is held on a floating platoon type structures. The rooms have a bamboo design with twin beds and mosquito net and a toilethower room. Although we are provided with a small torch and gas lamp it is best to also bring a large torch. The restaurant area has a similar design and is large although with a theatre where the staff entertains with a Burmese traditional dance each night. The overnight train has berths (not in compartments), arranged each side of a central aisle. At night, each pair of seats pulls together to form the bottom bunk and an upper bunk folds out from the wall. The attendant will make up your bunk with a proper mattress and a pillow, bedding and blanket. Although an experience, you do not get a lot of sleep. The accommodation in Khao Sok is set in jungle type terrain with individual wooden chalets within the grounds with a central main building and a lounge and restaurant area plus a pool area. The accommodation is in twin or triple (double and single bed) with electricity, shower/toilet, veranda and mosquito nets. The accommodation is close to the gates of the national park and is located in jungle grounds.

Not included:

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost Flight Information You are able to book this tour on a ’land only’ basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme. Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport. On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately. Visa and Passport Information Thailand: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens for a stay of less than 30 days. All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining on entry to Thailand. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore’s recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination. Vaccinations Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and infectious hepatitis. Although not compulsory, travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on Dengue, Malaria and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. 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 Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Optional

Optional activities: 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 tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your Family adventure. Whilst the basic tour price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities or take time to relax, the choice is yours. At certain destinations along the way there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in; your Explore Leader will be able to give advice on which are the most suitable for your family. Bangkok - Long tailed klong boat trip $18; Thai massage from $7; Jim Thompson’s House $30, Thai cookery course $38. Koh Samui - Thai cookery course $38. Krabi - Half day kayaking $28 (adult), $21.50 (under 12’s). Full day kayaking to Koh Hong incl. lunch $56 (adult) $43 (under 12’s). Thai cookery course $33.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Trip Starts In Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Trip Starts In Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand famous for its street vendors serving up tasty Thai food, bright lights, tuk tuks and khlong boats plying the network of canals and waterways. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Bangkok at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International airport (airport code BKK), which is 30km, between 45 minutes and an hour from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to join a sight-seeing tour this afternoon of the Grand Palace and rambling complex of Wat Po. Older than the city itself, this is home to a reclining Buddha which is a 46 metre golden plated statue depicting Lord Buddha as he enters Nirvana.
Day 2 Day 2: Thai Boxing Session And Tour Of The City By Long Tail Boat.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Thai Boxing Session And Tour Of The City By Long Tail Boat.

This morning, we visit the Sor Vorapin Gym - the famous Muay Thai training camp, where we will watch Thai Boxing experts in action. Afterwards, we will have the chance to try out training techniques of the traditional martial art in a training session (there are showers). This afternoon, we head to Tha Tien Pier where we cruise in a traditional long-tail boat along Thonburi’s klongs (canals). This is the ideal way to explore Bangkok’s network of meandering waterways that continue to serve as an important thoroughfare in the city. Along our route, we watch local life taking place around us - vendors pass by on small wooden boats that are filled with vegetables and noodles to be sold to canal-side homes. We may even see the postman making his deliveries in his engine-powered banana-boat. This evening, we head to Siam Paragon Food Court, where we can enjoy a traditional Thai food dinner with the opportunity to shop in the area for souvenirs before we return to our hotel.
Day 3 Day 3: Optional Cookery Course; Afternoon Boat Trip Along Kwai Noi River.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Optional Cookery Course; Afternoon Boat Trip Along Kwai Noi River.

After visiting a local market this morning, you have the opportunity to take part in a Thai cookery lesson, in which you can create up to three different dishes. Five basic flavours make up Thai cuisine - sweet, sour, salty, creamy and spicy and you learn how to combine these rich tastes with the freshest ingredients. This afternoon, we drive to Pakseang, in Kanchanaburi province where we board a long-tail boat for the 45-minute journey to our raft house accommodation on the Kwai Noi (River Kwai). We spend the next two nights in this spectacular jungle setting with the rest of today free to relax and enjoy at your own pace. The resort is located in tranquil and natural surroundings of tropical forests and scenic mountain ranges with an eco-approach that includes having candles and lanterns rather than electricity, preserving the Mon culture by including traditional furniture within the lodges and assisting in providing decent living conditions for the elephants in the area. The river flows underneath the floating rafts with guest rooms made from bamboo that are weaved into the wall reflecting traditional Mon living.
Day 4 Day 4: Bamboo Rafting; Afternoon Cycle To Limestone Caves.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Bamboo Rafting; Afternoon Cycle To Limestone Caves.

This morning, we walk to a nearby Mon village from where we board bamboo rafts to explore more of the Kwai Noi. The Mon people are spread throughout Burma and the western provinces of Thailand. They are believed to have originated in either India or Mongolia, travelling south into the Chao Phraya Valley sometime during the 1st century BC and have been accredited with introducing Theravada Buddhism to the area. This afternoon, we take to the saddle for a cycle ride out to some impressive limestone caves. Lawa Cave is the largest cave in the Kanchanaburi province with a narrow entrance that opens up into several chambers including the Music, Throne and Curtain Chambers with numerous stalactites and stalagmites in full display. The caves are home to the world’s smallest bat, the Khun Kitti, which weighs only 2 g, is 2.5 to 3 cm long and has wing-span of 10cm
Day 5 Day 5: Long Tail Boat And Trek To Erawan Waterfall, Swimming In Natural Pools. Overnight Train To Surat Thani
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Long Tail Boat And Trek To Erawan Waterfall, Swimming In Natural Pools. Overnight Train To Surat Thani

After a leisurely breakfast, board a long tail boat for a short journey to Phutakien pier where we disembark and drive to Erawan Waterfall, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. Trek to the waterfall along a well graded nature trail looking out for wildlife along the way. We have time at the falls to swim in the natural pools . We then travel to the infamous ’Bridge over the River Kwai’, where over 16,000 allied prisoners of war and an estimated 75,000 Asian forced labourers lost their lives building the ’Death Railway’. One of the most notorious atrocities of the Second World War, the bridge and railroad were built between June 1942 and October 1943 by the occupying Japanese to link Siam with neighbouring Burma (Myanmar). After spending some time at the bridge, we continue on to the railway station at Nakhon Pathom, from where we board the overnight train south to Surat Thani and the Gulf of Thailand. Berths are not in compartments, but are arranged open plan either side of a central aisle. During the evening and morning part of the journey, pairs of seats face each other on each side of the aisle. At night, each pair of seats pulls together to form the bottom bunk, and an upper bunk folds out from the wall. The attendant will make up your bunk with a proper mattress and a pillow, bedding and blanket. There’s plenty of luggage room. A steward or stewardess from the restaurant car may come round and take your food or drink order, offering you a set menu with several choices, around 180 baht for dinner and 100 baht for breakfast. The meal will be delivered to your seat although you may want to have this in the restaurant car. Toilets and hand wash sinks are located at the end of each carriage.
Day 6 Day 6: Arrive Surat Thani And Drive To Homestay In Klong Noi.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Arrive Surat Thani And Drive To Homestay In Klong Noi.

This morning our train arrives into Surat Thani and we take time to explore the morning market and take breakfast. It’s then a short transfer to the Homestay at Klong Noi, a small village located in a mangrove forest near the coast. We meet our hosts for the night, one of many local families who participate in the Community Based Tourism program, an initiative set up to empower local communities to not only showcase but also help preserve their traditional way of life. We then visit the local shipyards and learn how the locals have made boats over the years, something that is vital to their way of life. Following lunch with our host families we set off to explore the mangrove forests by boat, looking for fish and wildlife along the way. The area is famous for its tiger fish and we should have plenty of chances to spot them. The village is also a great place to learn the art of weaving with palm leaves. In the afternoon we return to our host families and help with the preparation of our dinner. The evening is free to relax and spot the local fireflies lighting up the night sky.
Day 7 Day 7: Khao Sok National Park; Jungle Canoe Adventure And Free Time.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Khao Sok National Park; Jungle Canoe Adventure And Free Time.

Following breakfast we bid farewell to our hosts and drive to our jungle adventure in Khao Sok National Park. Covering an area of some 65 square kilometres, the park is one of the oldest and most bio-diverse jungles in South East Asia, boasting a lush rainforest that is older than those of either the Amazon or Central Africa. Set against a spectacular backdrop of towering limestone mountains, it is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephant, tiger and the Malaysian sun bear. With some 180 species of birds in residence, it is a haven for keen birdwatchers and novices alike. Head out on a guided walk through the surrounding jungle keeping eyes peeled for mischievous monkeys playing in the canopy above and watch out for colourful hornbills and kingfishers as they dart amongst the trees. The park is a haven for a wide variety of exotic plants, including bamboo, fig, palms and the carnivorous pitcher plant. The rest of the day is then free to indulge, explore or relax as you see fit. Our jungle lodge accommodation will be our base for the next two nights. In this magical setting, we can look forward to the sight of monkeys descending from the surrounding canopy to drink from the river.
Day 8 Day 8: Full Day In Khao Sok National Park, Walking And Canoeing Safari.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Full Day In Khao Sok National Park, Walking And Canoeing Safari.

Our second day in the jungle sees us exploring by canoe. Gently floating down the Khao Sok River, this is a very relaxing way to take in the astounding surrounding beauty. Passing towering cliffs and shoals of vibrant fish, we have the chance to break our journey with a swim in the cool waters. Along the way, our guide will show us brightly coloured birds and monkeys on the shore, and maybe even a snake or two hanging high up on the trees. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. This evening, there is the option to go on a walking jungle safari and witness the jungle bursting with life at night.
Day 9 Day 9: Ferry To Koh Samui And Transfer To Beach Accommodation.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Ferry To Koh Samui And Transfer To Beach Accommodation.

Transferring by road to Don Sak Pier, we then catch the ferry to Koh Samui. This island is the largest in the Samui Archipelago and is known for its distinctive mix of quiet palm- fringed beaches, backpacker resorts and coconut plantations. Our beachside accommodation for the next three nights is in the north of the island. This area is more relaxed than the bustling east coast and retains a laid back atmosphere that is perfect for families. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore at your own pace. You may choose to take to the waters with mask and snorkel, or simply wander the palm-fringed beaches and trails around the island. Koh Samui has a slightly different feel to many of the other islands in southern Thailand, owing in part to the influence of the Hainan islanders, who first settled the island 150 years ago. The Chinese influence is still visible in some of the buildings in Na Thon, and some descendants of the original settlers still live in the area.
Day 10 Day 10: Free Day On Koh Samui.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Free Day On Koh Samui.

Today is a free day to enjoy Bang Rak beach or relax by the pool. Take a tuk tuk to lively Chaweng beach, located just ten minutes away from our hotel. Koh Samui offers a little something for everyone with numerous white sandy beaches, coral reefs, hip restaurants, lively night spots, waterfalls, temples and great shopping opportunities; the choice is yours.
Day 11 Day 11: Ferry Trip To Ang Thong National Marine Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Ferry Trip To Ang Thong National Marine Park

Today we will visit the beautiful chain of islands that make up the Ang Thong National Marine Park, an idyllic archipelago made up of over 40 islands, once renowned as a haven for pirates. This stunning archipelago’s reputation now centres on its pristine beaches, remote bays and virginal rainforest. These limestone islands are home to sea otters, monitor lizards, dolphins and wild pigs. Our day will be spent walking, snorkelling and swimming in this beautiful setting.
Day 12 Day 12: Koh Samui And Train Back To Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Koh Samui And Train Back To Bangkok

Today’s free time affords the opportunity for more swimming, beachcombing and relaxing on the island. Alternatively, there is the option to partake in a trip around the island. We later take the ferry back to Don Sak on the mainland, from where we transfer to Surat Thani for our overnight train back to Bangkok.
Day 13 Day 13: In Bangkok With Optional Visit To Interactive Museums, Golden Mount Or Ocean World
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: In Bangkok With Optional Visit To Interactive Museums, Golden Mount Or Ocean World

After arriving in Bangkok and transferring to our hotel, the rest of the day is free to use as you wish. You may choose to visit the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall - just a short distance from our accommodation. This interactive museum is regarded as one of the best in Thailand and helps to bring Bangkok’s history and culture to life. Another option is a visit to Wat Saket, known as The Golden Mount. Here, a Buddha relic is housed in a gleaming gold temple, attracting worshippers throughout the year. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Siam Ocean World - one of the largest aquariums in South East Asia.
Day 14 Day 14: Trip Ends In Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Trip Ends In Bangkok

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Bangkok. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Bangkok at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International airport (airport code BKK), which is 30km, between 45 minutes and an hour from the hotel.

+11

14 days tour

Family Thailand Active Jungle And Beach Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Family Thailand Active Jungle And Beach Adventure

Day 1: Trip Starts In Bangkok

Day 2: Thai Boxing Session And Tour Of The City By Long Tail Boat.

Day 3: Optional Cookery Course; Afternoon Boat Trip Along Kwai Noi River.

Day 4: Bamboo Rafting; Afternoon Cycle To Limestone Caves.

Day 5: Long Tail Boat And Trek To Erawan Waterfall, Swimming In Natural Pools. Overnight Train To Surat Thani

Day 6: Arrive Surat Thani And Drive To Homestay In Klong Noi.

Day 7: Khao Sok National Park; Jungle Canoe Adventure And Free Time.

Day 8: Full Day In Khao Sok National Park, Walking And Canoeing Safari.

Day 9: Ferry To Koh Samui And Transfer To Beach Accommodation.

Day 10: Free Day On Koh Samui.

Day 11: Ferry Trip To Ang Thong National Marine Park

Day 12: Koh Samui And Train Back To Bangkok

Day 13: In Bangkok With Optional Visit To Interactive Museums, Golden Mount Or Ocean World

Day 14: Trip Ends In Bangkok

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