Ultimate Thailand - 11 Days

Frequently asked questions

• When is the best time to travel to Thailand?

  The best time to visit is between November and early April as these are the most and dry and warm months but Thailand is a great country to visit all year round! As the country is so vast different weather systems spread out across the region. So if you're visiting at a certain time of the year and the weather is due to be hot and dry in Bangkok, you may experience a little rain in the southern islands. Not to worry though, if rain does occur it usually does not last very long and can be a relief from the heat!

• What style of accommodation will I be staying in?

  You'll spend 9 nights in comfortable Hotels with a local feel, one night in a floating raft house and one night on a sleeper train.

• Where does the trip start and end?

  This tour starts in Bangkok and ends on the Koh Phangan - we can help book your return transfers from here to Bangkok (and also your international flights) if you would like. There is also the option to extend your stay in Koh Pha Ngan or extend your trip to spend a few days in Chiang Mai in the North of Thailand.

• Which airport do I fly in and out of?

  You can choose to fly into either of the two International Airports, Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the newer airport of the two and is a little closer to the city. Return flights to Bangkok are generally cheaper than organising a flight one-way. Our tour ends in Koh Phangan but your guide will be able to advise you on the best way to get back to Bangkok for your flight, and help you organise the transfer.

• Who will I be travelling with?

  Whether you’re travelling solo or with a mate, you’ll meet like-minded travellers from all over the world on this Thailand Group tour. Group sizes vary with each tour however we like to keep things fun yet personal so you’ll be travelling with no more than 30 others.

• Do I need vaccinations?

  We recommend making an appointment with your GP to discuss which vaccinations will be needed for your trip. If you have travelled outside of Europe recently then you are very likely up to date but it is essential to check with your own doctor in relation to your personal vaccination history. We recommend organising all vaccines at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to Thailand.

• Can I book extra nights?

  Of course! Just ask.

• What about the full moon party?

  Your Ultimate Thailand tour ends in Koh Phangan, home to the legendary Full Moon Party! Some Ultimate Thailand tour dates coincide with the Full Moon Party. If your tour lines up with a Full Moon Party we'll make sure your group can attend. There are also some epic Half-Moon parties on the island that take place in the middle of the jungle! If your tour dates align, we'll also give you the option to join the party! If your Ultimate Thailand tour does not line-up with any “official” Full Moon parties, no need to worry! We always organise Ultimate parties for you in Koh Phangan regardless!

• Do I need a visa?

  In some cases, yes, and the process is very easy! Recently it has been even more important to check entry requirements for your own nationality regularly as these have been changing. Uk citizens can find this information here - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements Citizens of 41 different nationalities, including Australia, NZ, UK, USA and most of Europe, can normally enter Thailand without a pre-arranged visa. This ‘visa exemption’ allows you to stay 30 days when entering Thailand by air, and 15 days when crossing into Thailand by land. It's worth noting that without proof of an onward ticket and sufficient funds for your expected stay any visitor can be denied entry.

• What happens if my flight is delayed?

  If your flight arrival information changes, please let us know as soon as can so that we can rearrange your airport transfer. You can give us a call or email us with the updated date, time and flight number. If your flight is delayed, please find the relevant contact number to call on your Welcome Booklet to adjust your pick up time.

• How do I get back to Bangkok at the end of the tour?

  Your tour will finish in the beautiful island of Koh Phangan. We can help you get back to Bangkok or plan your onward travels around SE Asia. There are a number of ways to get back to Bangkok from Koh Phangan. Check out some of the options available to you and choose to add them to your booking, or arrange your transfer with the help of your guide. Our team can also book international flights and if this is the case we can normally add a connecting flight on the reutrn from the Surat Thani or Koh Samui. Option 1: Surat Thani to Bangkok - Ferry/Bus + Flight The most common way to get back to Bangkok is to get a ferry/bus to Surat Thani, and then a flight from Surat Thani to Bangkok. Your transport to Surat Thani can be pre-booked before you travel. Just ask our team Your flight from Surat Thani will need to be organised in advance, and should be booked after 2pm on the day of travel. Option 2: Koh Samui to Bangkok - Ferry + Flight The quickest way to return to Bangkok is by ferry from Koh Phangan to the island of Koh Samui then a flight from Koh Samui to Bangkok. Whilst this is a quick way to get back to Bangkok, this journey is usually the most expensive option. Your ferry to Koh Samui can be pre-booked before you travel. Just ask our team. Your flight from Koh Samui will need to be organised in advance, and should be booked after 10am on the day of travel. Option 3: Travel to Bangkok - Ferry / Bus This option is generally the cheapest option however involves a 15-hour journey during the day. Your ferry and bus can be pre-booked before you travel. Just ask our team. Flights can be organised separately and in advance. Please note if you choose this option, your flight from Bangkok should be booked for the following day after arriving in Bangkok, allowing yourself a full day to from Koh Phangan to Bangkok.

• Can anyone book this trip?

  Ultimate Thailand is aimed towards travellers aged between 18 to 39 years old looking to experience the best of Bangkok and Southern Thailand in a guided tour.

• Are arrival transfers included?

  Yes! Just make sure you let us know your flight arrival date, time and flight number at least 14 days before your tour is due to start. Two weeks before your tour we will send you an email with detailed information about your arrival in Thailand, airport transfer, accommodation and where to meet your group.

• How can I get moeny out in Thailand and how much will I need?

  The local currency in Thailand is Thai Baht (THB). The amount of money you should bring will depend upon the total length of your holiday and your spending habits. It’s very easy to get by in Thailand for $300 - $600 a week. This will cover your food, souvenirs and fun! However, try and budget for the higher end of this – it’s a once in a lifetime trip, so make the most of it! We recommend bringing a debit card / travel money card with you with so you can withdraw cash as you go. ATMs are available throughout Thailand. Alternatively, you can bring local currency to exchange when you arrive - your group leader can help you find somewhere, no problem. Try to only get out enough to cover you a few days at a time so you're not carrying around lots of cash.

• What will happen after my tour?

  All good things must come to end! Your tour will finish in the beautiful island of Koh Phangan. We can help you get back to Bangkok or plan your onward travels around SE Asia. There are a number of ways to get back to Bangkok and you can even add onward travel options to your booking if you’d like. Have a look below at some of the options available to you: 1 - The most common way to get back is to get a ferry/bus to Surat Thani, and then a flight from Surat Thani to Bangkok. The transport to Surat Thani can be organised by us via a ferry / bus. The flight would need to be pre booked to Bangkok and should be booked for after 2pm on the day of travel. 2 - The quickest way is to get a ferry to Koh Samui and a flight from Koh Samui to Bangkok. The ferry again can be booked with us, but the flight will need to be pre booked. This flight can be booked anytime after 10AM on the day of travel. This can usually be the most expensive option. 3 - Get the ferry / bus all the way back to Bangkok. This is can sometimes be the cheapest option but involves a 15hr journey during the day. So you wouldn't be able to fly out of Bangkok until the day after you start travelling. When arranging your onward flights (either home or to more adventures!), we recommend departing the day after your tour finishes to make sure you have enough time to travel to the airport you are departing from. See ‘How do I get back to Bangkok after my tour’ for more details.