Houseboat & Wild Thailand Tour Itinerary

Houseboat & Wild Thailand Tour Itinerary
REF: ASFT2
VERSION: 3

Duration:	14 days - Bangkok to Bangkok
Countries Visited:	Thailand
Age Guide:	Child 5-11 years Adult 12-65 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Vehicle, Houseboat, Long-Tail Boat, Train, Song Taew Truck, On Foot
Accommodation:	Resorts/Hotels (8 Nights), Cabin on Houseboat (3 Nights), Sleeper Train (2 Nights)
What's Included:	13 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 4 Dinners - All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - Escorted Tour - English Speaking Local Tour Leader and/or Local Guides - 4 Day Houseboat Cruise - Jungle Elephant Ride - Tribal Village Visits - Airport Transfers
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Thailand - Bangkok - Chao Phraya River Cruise - Grand Palace - Emerald Buddha - Long-Tail Boat River Cruise - Kanchanaburi - Bridge Over the River Kwai - Houseboat Cruise on Limestone Lake - Kayaking - Dai Chong Thong Waterfall - Jungle Walk - Mon Tribe - Coconut Island - Limestone Caves - Karen Tribal Village - Elephant Ride - Rafting - Sunken Temple - Burmese Market - Sangkhlaburi - Kuraburi - Khao Sok - Khao Lak Beach - Orphanage Visit
Optional Highlights:	Thailand - Children's Discovery Museum - Muang Boran Ancient City - Siam Ocean World Aquarium - Spa Treatments - Dusit Zoo - Bangkok Art & Culture Centre - Khao Sok Jungle Trek - Khao Sok Parl Elephant Trek - Boat Trip on Khao Sok Lake - River Tubing
Meeting Point:	Hotel Grand President 14, 16 Sukhumvit Soi 11 Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel: +66 2 651 1200
Introduction:	Join us on this exciting family adventure. Visit some of the highlights of modern Bangkok including a boat trip along the old canals. Walk across the famous Bridge Over the River Kwai, before spending four fun-filled days adventuring from the breezy decks of a traditional houseboat on a limestone lake in the Burma Forest Corridor. Trek to a waterfall, ride an elephant, meet the tribal people, swim, fish and kayak. Returning to Bangkok, the night train then takes us south to one of the world's oldest rainforests and to relax on the pristine beaches of Khao Lak, before ending our family tour back in bustling Bangkok.
Day 1:	Bangkok. Our first day is a joining day, with a pre departure meeting at 6pm in the foyer of the joining hotel, designed for you to meet all the other tour guests who will have come from different destinations around the world. We have included an airport transfer for those arriving today, so please ensure that you provide us with your flight arrival details to be able to organise this for you. You will probably already have realised during your trip into the city that Bangkok is throbbing with life and noise. Nine million people live here and the streets are always buzzing. Once you are through the initial culture shock you will discover Bangkok’s many and varied charms - the exciting markets, the peaceful temples, and the grand historic buildings. This evening we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River. (D)
Day 2:	Bangkok - Grand Palace, Old Siam Canals. After breakfast, we start our city tour with a visit to one of Thailand’s greatest visual wonders, the Grand Palace, also known as the Wat Phra Kaeo. This is Thailand’s holiest Buddhist Temple and because of that you must make sure you wear ankle length trousers or a long skirt, a top fully covering the shoulders and proper sandals or shoes (no flip-flops/thongs). A local guide will show us around the 61-acre site and its many stunning buildings including the Wat Phra Kaeo Royal Chapel, which houses the Emerald Buddha, which is actually made of jade. The Thais believe that as long as they remain keepers of the Emerald Buddha, their country will be safe. After lunch we explore the canals (khlongs) of Old Siam by Long-Tail River Boat. Bangkok was once known as the ‘village of olive groves’ suggesting, despite speedy modernisation along these waterways, a tranquil side of Bangkok life which is still evident today. Monks receive alms, children travel to school and merchants deliver vegetables from afar to markets, all by boat. (B,L)
Day 3:	Bangkok - The Bridge Over The River Kwai - Houseboat Cruise on Limestone Lake near Burma. After breakfast, we drive to Kanchanaburi, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with excellent views of the world famous "Bridge over the River Kwai". Walk the bridge that cost the lives of thousands of Allied POWs during WWII and construction of the Burma Railway. Visit the War Cemetery here before we continue on to Sangklaburi, a small fishing village where we board the houseboat. We begin by cruising to a scenic spot on the lake for the sunset. Enjoy jumping from the tower, relaxing on a sundeck or napping in a hammock. The cook prepares a variety of Thai dishes using chicken, pork, beef and vegetables and often including the delicious local fish. Regardless of the season, the breeze on the lake makes for pleasant sleeping temperatures and mosquitoes are rare here. (B,L,D)
Day 4:	Houseboat Lake Cruising - Waterfall and Island Plantation. After breakfast (eggs any style, sausages, bread, fresh fruit, cornflakes, cold milk) we kayak to the end of a small bay, where we take a short walk into the jungle to the Dai Chong Thong Waterfall. Bring sandals and swim-suit as you must get wet (but please note that there is no water in the waterfall from March-May). We then return to the houseboat for lunch and enjoy the spectacular views as we cruise along. This afternoon we visit an island ‘boutique’ plantation inhabited by a very small number of the tribal Mon people, managing special agricultural needs. This small island produces two unusual food,: the cacao plant and a rare, delicious kind of coconut, prized for its rich oil and milk. Stroll leisurely over the island with your guide who will be able to answer your questions, and meet with the waiting boat. Following this we return to the houseboat and spend the rest of the day and evening at leisure, cruising past spectacular limestone cliffs, before anchoring for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 5:	Houseboat Lake Cruising - Caves, Tribal Village, Elephant Ride and Rafting. After breakfast, we paddle in kayaks to several limestone caves. You may see bats inside the caves if you are not too loud. Bats are active after dusk. We then paddle back to the houseboat and cruise slowly north where we take a long-tail boat ride up the river to visit an ethnic Karen tribal village. The Karen are thought to have originated in Tibet and have lived in Burma for hundreds of years. They have been in Thailand since the 18th Century. Today there are some 4 million Karen in Burma, and 280,000 in the mountain areas all along the Thai side of the Burmese border. The Karen have a special relationship with elephants and the Karen trainers are the best in Asia. Here we take a safari by elephant-back for an hour through the lush jungle with our elephant mahouts. After lunch we embark on a rafting adventure before returning to the houseboat for dinner. Please note that rafting can be easy (November to June) but moderately strenuous from July to October, depending on the level of the water. (B,L,D)
Day 6:	Houseboat Lake Cruising - Sunken Temple, Burmese Market - Bangkok. Swim, fish or sunbathe before and immediately after breakfast. Learn the story of the "sunken temple" as you pass by on the houseboat's last leg to shore. Mid morning we say goodbye to the on-board crew, and disembark the houseboat at a village where we will see the locals wearing the traditional Burmese ‘Longi’ and other tribal attire of the Karen, Mon, and Lao people who inhabit this area. We visit the temple and the Burmese Market before driving the short distance to Sangkhlaburi town. Here we learn the unique history of this town from our guide and walk the long wooden Burmese style bridge before we continue on to Bangkok. The evening is free at leisure (B,L)
Day 7:	Bangkok - Day at Leisure. After breakfast spend the day at leisure. Your guide can assist with arranging one or more of the options and activities unique to Bangkok. Some of the options are: Children’s Discovery Museum - Best for small people under 12 years & parents. Whoever said museums are dead quiet places reeking of mothballs with 'do not touch' signs everywhere? Here displays are part of a 'discovery learning process', and active, hands-on approach to learning kids find exciting. Create your own giant bubble from inside; understand the nature of illusion by entering a tunnel of mirrors; examine the processes of the mind and body. Encouraging kids to experiment and question how the world works, those with inquisitive minds will be learning and enjoying every minute, from tiny tots up to adults. Muang Boran: The Ancient City - Kids & adults, Thai or Western, spending a few hours or a full day here will have loads of fun. Here you can explore the hundreds of full-scale, exact reproductions of the Kingdom’s most famous architecture, monuments and statues – some of which are actually priceless originals. This huge piece of land roughly the shape of Thailand belonged to a fabulously wealthy gentleman who loved the country, its culture and its arts so much, he was compelled to built a scale model of it. Siam Ocean World Aquarium - Fun for adults and children of all ages. Ride the glass-bottom boat that enables a super close-up encounter with sharks, stingrays and other terrors of the deep. Another rare and quite incredible experience to be had here entails wearing an “Ocean Walker” helmet, strolling around the Oceanarium among the aquatic animals. Staff can photograph you to prove to your friends you did it! Daily unique shows are fascinating for adults and kids alike - Shark Feeding (twice daily), Eagle Ray Feeding (twice daily), Water Rat & Otter Feeding (twice daily), Penguin Feeding (twice daily). Picnic at Dusit Zoo - A favourite with locals and ideal for a family day out, Dusit Zoo provides a home to over 2,000 animals and is a great spot to picnic among the beautiful flowers in the well-maintained and landscaped gardens. A delicious variety of food is also available at the park’s cafeteria. The zoo is also in close proximity to some of the city’s attractions like the Throne Hall and the Statue of King Rama V, and is located in the old centre of Bangkok. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre - A newly opened and very modern art museum, the Art and Culture centre is futuristic and modern. There art exhibits on at least three floors, ranging from modern to traditional Thai and lots in between. Be sure to return to the hotel to meet your guide no later than 4pm. Transfer to the Hua Lam Pong Train station for the overnight train south to Surat Thani. There is a dining car which serves Thai dishes on the train. (B)
Day 8:	Surat Thani - Kuraburi and Khao Sok. We arrive in Surat Thani station and after collecting our bags, we have breakfast at a local hotel. Then we drive for several hours to Kuraburi near the west coast, and then on our resort near to the Khao Sok Rainforest We check into our hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B) Khao Sok is some of the oldest rainforest in the world. The land mass that is Thailand today is relatively small, has seas on both sides, and has stayed in roughly the same equatorial position for 160 million years. So the tropical evergreen forest & tropical rainforest always received enough rainfall, and climate was relatively unaffected by ice ages (until the last 50 yrs at least). Famous for its dramatic limestone ‘karst‘ mountains, over 200 different floral species per hectare flourish in Khao Sok, as do Long-tailed Macaques (monkeys), Malayan Sun Bears, Gaur, Tapir, Red Muntjac (deer), otter, porcupines, Dusky Langurs (monkeys), and even White-handed Gibbons (apes), Great Hornbills, and other varieties of Hornbill. Treks through the ancient growth rainforest are possible from the resort without a guide, for the “Do It Yourself” kind of family. Everyone can take advantage of the resort facilities which include: - Swimming pool - Spa services: a variety of massages & therapeutic spa treatments - Bicycles for rent - High-speed internet Wi-Fi Optional guided adventures from the resort include the following: - Jungle Trek to Waterfall (1/2D or Full Day) - Elephant Trekking in Khao Sok Park - Full day by boat on the Lake in Khao Sok - Tubing on a River
Day 9:	Kuraburi and Khao Sok - Free Day. After breakfast spend the day at leisure or arrange an optional activity with the resort. Lunch and dinner on your own. (B)
Day 10:	Kuraburi - Khao Loch Beach. Following breakfast and check out, we transfer to Khao Lak Beach. Spend the remainder of theday at leisure or explore the pristine beach. (B)
Day 11:	Khao Loch Beach - Orphanage Visit, Beack. After breakfast we climb in a “Song Taew” truck to visit a local orphanage. When word of the 2004 tsunami reached his ears, the youthful Thai founder of the Home & Life Orphanage left his northern home to help in any way he could. Home & Life now supports 23 of those children who were orphaned by the tsunami. While this visit here puts our own problems in perspective and reminds us how lucky we are, it is also a joyful place and speaking with the young people running the program cannot help but inspire. Enjoy a home made Thai lunch at the orphanage, and then return to the resort using the local “Song Taew” covered pick-up truck transport. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or exploring on the beach. (B,L)
Day 12:	Khao Lok Beach - Overnight Train to Bangkok. After breakfast spend the day at leisure or exploring the island until check out time. Then transfer with your guide to the Surat Thani Train station for the overnight train (2nd Class Sleeper) back to Bangkok. (B)
Day 13:	Bangkok - Free Day. After arriving into Samsen Station, we meet the guide and transfer to the hotel for breakfast and check in. After breakfast spend the day at leisure or explore Bangkok further on your own. Your guide can assist you with what to see and do in Bangkok, and help organise any optional activities or sightseeing. (B)
Day 14:	Bangkok. The tour finishes after breakfast. We have included an airport transfer for those departing today, so please ensure that you have provided Kumuka with your flight departure details to enable us to organise this for you. (B)
Finishing Hotel:	Hotel Grand President 14, 16 Sukhumvit Soi 11 Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel: +66 2 651 1200
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. There will be times travelling long hours as there will be days where we have to cover great distances. Weather patterns can change dramatically - high altitudes tend to be a lot cooler. You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, drinks, visas, tipping, pre-tour and post-tour accommodation.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre Departure Meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY of the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers. In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. Your Tour Leader will leave a notice at reception on the first day of departure with information as to where he/she can be contacted and you should inform him/her that you have arrived. PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING. In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Vaccination Certificate. 3. Travel Voucher. 4. Travel Insurance Policy. In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it before when you check out of the hotel.
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Asia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com providesvisa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Certain visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Medical Information and Vaccination:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. NB A Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. Please consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Asia. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Climate Information:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Security:	Do not take unnecessary valuables with you. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Asia, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$15-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. For security you are advised to carry most of your money in Traveller’s cheques - small denominations are preferable. It is often a good idea to have a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday and some are open on Saturday morning. In the main cities travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and some exchange bureaux, but this can be very difficult in small towns. Some Hotels will also change money.
Tipping and Bargaining:	Tipping is not expected in South East Asia, but salaries are very low and any gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted. Bargaining is the rule in markets, when hiring vehicles and sometimes even when taking a room, but in most countries you won't need to be as forceful as you would in Thailand or Vietnam. NOTE: We recommend you allow approximately US$30 per person to cover tips during the tour and for your tour guide.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. Dress discretely, especially if you are visiting religious sites. For women this means skirts or long pants with T-shirt. For men, this means long shorts or trousers with a T-shirt. Always take your shoes off when entering temples or any religious site. Care should be taken to respect the conventions of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. Pack essentially for hot conditions: days are hot and humid. Lightweight rain gear is essential at all times. Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where laundry facilities are available. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Language:	The national language in Thailand is Thai. It has five different tones, which determine the meanings of words, which would otherwise be identical. It is a difficult language for most foreigners to grasp. The National language in Laos is Lao and Vietnam is Vietnamese. Cambodia is Khmer and unlike most other languages in South East Asia is not tonal. However, there are a number of sounds in Khmer, which are difficult for English speakers to pronounce. Nonetheless we encourage you try to speak a few words of Khmer as the locals will certainly appreciate your efforts! English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Food:	Thai cuisine is pungent and spicy, seasoned with heaps of garlic and chillies and a characteristic mix of lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander. Galangal root, basil, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk are other common additions. Fish sauce or shrimp paste are mainstays of Thai dishes, and of course rice is eaten with most meals. Main dishes include hot and sour fish ragout, green and red curries, various soups and noodle dishes. Thai food is served with a variety of condiments and dipping sauces. Snacks and appetisers include fried peanuts, chicken, chopped ginger, peppers and slices of lime. There is an incredible variety of fruit available, either fresh or juiced. Sugar cane juice and, for something stronger, rice whisky are favourite local tipples. Food is one of the highlights of any trip. As in many South East Asian countries, rice is the staple food diet. This usually served with dried, salted fish, chicken, beef or pork. Fish is often fresh from Tonle Sap Lake and is eaten with a spicy peanut sauce called Tuk trey. Popular dishes include a noodle dish called Khao Phonne; sam chruk, a roll of sticky rice stuffed with soya bean and copped pork; and amok, boneless fish cooked in coconut and spices. In more upmarket restaurants you can find dishes like barbecued shrimps and other seafood, roasted sunflower seeds, and duck eggs. If you are really adventurous may also like to try some more exotic delicacies like chong roet-crunchy cicadas! Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different countries. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.
Photography:	Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installation
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a very high standard. All accommodation is in comfortable tourist class accommodation. Depending on the tour, this ranges from overnight sleeper train or cruise boat through to delightful lodges and excellent hotels (generally 3 star or above). If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to book accommodation to stay additional nights after the tour ends, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it when you check out of the hotel.
Arriving in South East Asia:	Pre-booked transfers - If you have booked an arrival transfer, please look for our representative who will be holding a sign with your name or Kumuka once you have cleared Customs and Immigration. Making Your Own Way - The Meeting Point for your tour is advised at the beginning of this dossier. If you have not arranged for us to meet and transfer you on arrival and are therefore making your own way to the Meeting Point it is best upon arrival at to take a metered taxi. Drivers may want to negotiate a price before leaving the airport. Do not agree to this, insist that they switch on the meters and pay the amount that it displays when you arrive at your destination. There are three types of taxis: licensed metered, licensed un-metered, and unlicensed taxis. Travellers are advised to use licensed metered taxis. The cost of a journey in one of these will consist of the meter charge plus additional baht in tolls for expressways. The price of a journey in an un-metered taxi should be negotiated before the taxi sets off. It is not advisable to use unlicensed taxis. As with other cities around the world, newly arrived travellers may be seen as targets for unscrupulous practices and robbery.
Notes to Parents:	Childcare in Thailand - Because of the Thai extended family system, there is little or no childcare available in Thailand. If parents cannot care for their children, a grandmother, aunt, or even the housekeeper may do so. Many of the largest hotels may offer a babysitting service though, and most of the shopping malls have a reliable childcare centre. Hiring a child care or arranging a baby sitter isn't difficult, though you have to depend on word of mouth. The good news is that they are very affordable (about 50 baht an hour). Getting an Early Start - Go sightseeing as early as possible in the morning. It's better to make an early start to avoid the crowds. Mornings are cooler, less crowded, and you'll have time to chill out in the afternoon when the heat can be exhausting.
Optionals:	Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party. Details and prices of optional activities will be advised by your tour leader.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
Map:

This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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