Tom Skipwith
As a baby being taken around India on the back of a motorbike by his travel-crazed parents, the adventure bug was firmly embedded and a nomadic soul was... Read More
Thailand Travel Guide
Bangkok
Bangkok, or Krung Thep to the locals, is a vast city blending modern day sophistication with centuries old culture. The Siamese Capital was built 223 years ago as a small trading centre and port community serving Ayutthaya, which was the capital of the nation (then known as Siam). Presently, Bangkok has a population of approximately 10 million and it is considered one of the biggest, fastest-growing and most economically dynamic and socially progressive cities in South-East Asia.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350 to 1767. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impressive ruins remain of what was once a stunning complex of palaces, shrines, stupas and monasteries. The main town is encircled by a wide water canal formed by the confluence of three rivers, and the town's historical highlights are usually classified as being 'on' or 'off' the island.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a small town in western Thailand where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge into the Mae Klong River. It was here, in 1942, under Japanese control, that the infamous 'Bridge over the River Kwai' was built by allied prisoners of war, over which the so-called 'Death Railway' ran. The area itself is very attractive and there are a number of minority villages in the lush jungle with opportunities for elephant trekking and bamboo rafting.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is the most northern province of Thailand, a province of mountainous landscape covered in tropical rain forests. This stunning backdrop is rich in cultural diversity, being home to many different ethnic communities. The town itself was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai and was the first capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of a Million Rice fields). It acts as a great base for boat tours and trekking into the surrounding jungle and is home to the famous night bazaar making it a very worthwhile destination for travellers.
Chiang Mai
Situated up in the north of Thailand Chiang Mai has long been eagerly sought as a cool refuge from the heat and noise of Bangkok due to its elevation of 300 m. Lying amongst some of the highest mountains in the country, Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in the north of Thailand. It was founded by King Mengrai in 1296, and succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lannathai kingdom. It soon established itself as an important city on ancient trade routes and today it is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels.
Hua Hin
Huan Hin BeachHua Hin is located south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand and it takes about three hours to drive there form the capital. One of the country’s oldest beach resorts it was first frequented by the Thai royal family in the beginning of the twentieth century and the current King spends most of his time here now. As well as splendid beaches and its close proximity to Bangkok, Hua Hin is also only 60km from Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and there are a number of golf courses in the vicinity. Other possible excursions include Phetchaburi, a delightful ancient provincial capital with over 30 Wats that dominate the skyline, the Damnoen Saduak floating markets and the old summer palace of Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathaiyawan.
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island and also its wealthiest province, Phuket is an excellent destination for those who want some variety in their holiday and the island boasts some of the best water sports and diving facilities in the country. There are a large number of things to do from horse riding and deep-sea fishing to elephant trekking and sea-canoeing. Bang Tao bay is a particularly beautiful area with a series of lagoons and for those staying there a there are lots of family based activities such as rock climbing and arts and crafts that all can join in.
Koh Yao
Koh Yao is a small island (12km at its longest point) on the edge of Phang Nga bay. It has truly magnificent views in all directions and is perfect for those looking for a tranquil getaway. The islanders themselves live a simple life, earning their livings from rubber and coconut plantations and fishing. The rural ambience makes a pleasant contrast from some of the more developed resorts and the quiet interior of the island is well worth exploring. All sorts of wild animals can be found and there are trails running alongside paddy fields and through small settlements. Mountain bikes can be hired too as can boats to take excursions around the idyllic bay.
Krabi
Krabi itself is a small fishing town on the Andaman sea coast in southern Thailand. While an important transport hub to the islands it is an attractive place in its own right. It’s very lush and green with mangrove-lined shores and large limestone outcrops on every horizon. There are several nice beaches to visit and an interesting thing to do is go on a long-tail boat tour of the mangrove swamps. As well as getting a close up view of this landscape you’ll also see the famous Khao Kanab Nam – twin limestone outcrops that rise a hundred metres above the water and have become a symbol of Krabi. 10km northeast of the town is Wat Tham Seua. This working monastery is set in tropical forest and there are splendid views of the surrounding countryside.
Khao Yai National Park
The Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's oldest and most visited reserves. Located about two hours northeast of Bangkok, the park covers 2,172 square kilometres of lush, evergreen forest, jungle and grassland rising from 400 to 1351 m at the summit of Kha Rom. The reserve hosts some 2,000-2,500 plant species, over 350 bird species and large mammals. Khao Yai has a network of over 50 kilometres of trekking trails and is an absolutely paradise for nature lovers.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang is Thailand’s second largest island, measuring about 30km by 8km. It is part of a maritime national park that comprises an archipelago of 52 islands and is noted for its stunning natural beauty. Until recently it was home to just a few fishing families and now it is becoming popular with Thais as a place to get away to. The island has chains of long, sandy beaches and a central spine of forested hills, the highest peak of which rises to 740m. There’s plenty of scope to explore the interior, either on elephants, mountain bikes, horses or on foot. Heading out into the clear waters there are a number of reefs around the island and lots of opportunities for diving and snorkelling.
Sukhothai
The fantastic ruins at Sukhothai were once Thailand's first capital, flourishing from the 13th century to the late 15th century. The Sukhothai Kingdom represents the golden age of Thai history and the ruins that constitute the old city are an internationally recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruined temples are interspersed with moats, lakes and bridges. To the north, Wat Phra Phai Luang contains the remains of a number of buildings and a large prang with stucco reliefs. Wat Si Chum hosts a massive seated Buddha figure peering through an opening in its enclosure.
Koh Samui
Lying in the country's east coast, with its white sand beaches and clear emerald waters, Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island and has long been one of the preferred Gulf islands for tourists looking to relax in a paradisiacal atmosphere. It was fist settled by Malay and Chinese fishermen around 15 centuries ago who lived pretty much self sufficiently until late into the 20th century with little control by the Thai authorities. Today it is known as something of a paradise - a reputation it gained from its stunning beaches and clear waters. The interior, a lush jungle, is a great place to go for a day out and there are numerous interesting natural coves and lagoons around the coastline. Koh Samui also now has a number of first class resorts that offer every imaginable service and level of comfort to make a stay here one that won't be forgotten.
Thailand Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to visit Thailand, but this can be obtained on arrival.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
If you would prefer to obtain your visa before arrival - this can be arranged through:
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road Battersea
London
SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insuran
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Thailand though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria can be a risk outside of Bangkok and vaccinations against dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis is also recommended for those travelling to rural areas. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Tour Leaders
Peter O'Sullivan
Peter first visited Cambodia in 1993 and spent 2 months travelling from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat with a film crew recording the lives of the water-dwellers.... Read More
Sara Harris
Sara’s family were involved in Scouting so in her youth she was regularly dragged off hiking and camping, which instilled a love of the outdoors from... Read More
