Southeast Asia Explorer Adventure Tour

Taking in all the wonder of Southeast Asia shouldn't be a hassle. We've made it easy for you to see all the main highlights plus this region's smaller hidden gems by putting together this handy trip from Singapore to Chiang Mai, south to north. You'll get a taste of history in the Cameron Highlands, Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya and experience modernity in Singapore, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Along the way, there'll be plenty of chances to lounge on white-sand beaches and indulge in diverse and flavourful cuisine. Cross Southeast Asia off your travel destination list with this all-encompassing journey.

What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Koh Klang Homestay, Ko Klang
Your Discover Moment: Bangkok
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight Rafthouse Excursion, Kanchanaburi. Trishaw ride in Melaka. Kuala Lumpur city tour (half-day). Rainforest expedition in Cameron Highlands. Butterfly farm visit. Local homestay in Krabi. Free time on spectacular beaches. Klong boat tour (Bangkok). Wat Po visit. Erawan Falls and Bridge on the River Kwai visit (Kanchanaburi). Rafthouse stay. Temple ruins tour (Ayutthaya). Thai Burma Railway Centre visit. Doi Suthep temple visit (Chiang Mai). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

A Word of Warning  

Please don't buy gems in Bangkok unless you know what you are doing. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.

The city centre of Kuala Lumpur has had several incidents of snatch thefts recently. If doing some exploring on your own during or after your trip, carry only the necessary minimum with you and use a well-hidden money belt. Valuables, including your passport, should be left in the hotel safe - organize this at reception. There is no need to be paranoid, just be cautious.

Rooming and "My Own Room" Exceptions  

Night 13, Sleeper Train

Detailed Trip Notes  

English is widely spoken and transportation and infrastructure is good on this journey, but please remember that this is Asia- expect the unexpected! If you are able to bring with you a lot of patience, a great sense of humour and a willingness to try and interact with the local people, your travel experience wil be greatly enhanced.

Tipping  

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Joining Instructions  

To arrive at the joining point in Singapore, catch a public taxi from the airport to the address shown above. Taxis are easy, safe and cheap. Allow US$20 per taxi. Alternatively, there is a semi-express, air conditioned coach service that runs between the airport and the city. The service runs between 6am and midnight. The cost is US$7 for adults. You will find these buses on the basement level of the airport. They are called 'AIRBUS'.

Map of hotel area: www.hotelbencoolen.com/index.cfm?id=4A2FDC56-06F5-0C3D-AA15BB4535CD990E

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Group Size Notes  

Max 15, avg 12

Trip Specific Safety  

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Transport  

Train, local bus, minibus, ferry, songthaew, trishaw, walking.

Accommodation  

Hotels/guesthouses (4 nts), rafthouse (1 nt), simple hotels (11 nts), sleeper train (2 nts), homestay (1 nt).

Optional Activities  

Melaka
- History & Ethnography Museum
- Baba & Nyonya Museum
- Saint John's Fort
- Melaka Boat Tour (12USD per person)
- Saint Paul's Church

Kuala Lumpur
- Islamic Arts Museum (15MYR per person)
- Petronas Towers Visit (85MYR per person)
- Little India Visit

George Town
- Clan Jetties Excursion
- Indian Street Visit
- Khoo Kongsi Visit
- Penang Hill Visit (60MYR per person)
- Penang Peranakan Museum Visit (25MYR per person)

Ko Klang
- Koh Klang Boat Trip

Ao Nang
- Cooking Class
- Rock Climbing
- Kayaking

Koh Phi Phi
- Phi Phi Island Tour

Bangkok
- Wat Arun Visit
- Massage
- Jim Thompson's House Visit (4USD per person)
- Grand Palace Visit (15USD per person)

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
- Chan Kasem National Museum Visit
- Chao Sam Phraya Museum Visit

Chiang Mai
- Cooking Class
- Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market

Local Dress  

When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate (suitable clothing can be purchased cheaply in Bangkok). Shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops (vest tops) are not suitable in many areas. Most of the areas visited on this trip are predominantly Muslim and therefore modest dress is suitable. Topless and nude bathing or sunbathing is not appropriate and is in fact illegal. In some places you should use a sarong or shorts and T-shirt for swimming rather than a swimsuit.

Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information about before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements . Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Money Exchange  

During this tour the local currencies you will use are the Malaysian Ringgit, Singaporean Dollar and Thai Baht. As currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com for each of the above mentioned currencies. The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are found throughout South East Asia and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible in case of loss or problems with one card, you will have a back up. Please note, your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. USD Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, it is great to have one or two cheques in case of emergency. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers' cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange. Cash advances can also be made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached.Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!

Group Leader  

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.

Max Pax  

15

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Meals Included  

12 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Packing List  

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO. If this is unsuccessful, please refer to our Emergency Contact. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please contact your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Departure Tax  

Departure tax is included in all Domestic and international tickets.

Important Notes  

1. LUGGAGE
As we use (sometimes crowded) local transport please note backpacks are much more suitable than suitcases for this style of trip. Train and bus travel means that bags have to be stowed either overhead or under beds, so travelling as light as possible is recommended.

2. RAMADAN
Depending on the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between June 18th to July 17th, 2015. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan in Muslim areas, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.

Group Leader Description  

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Highlights  

Explore modern Singapore, relax at the cool tea stations of the Cameron Highlands, experience multi-cultural Penang, sleep in a floating rafthouse, learn about the history of Kanchanaburi.

What to Take  

You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay under 10 kg /22lb). It is in your own interest as you are expected to carry your own luggage, though distances are never great. Most travellers carry their luggage in a pack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures travellers! Travellers will need a day pack to carry water and a camera for day walks and day trips in both national parks and at the lake. As airline luggage limits are generally 20 kgs, you might like to consider taking over some clothes you no longer require to be distributed to local people in need of clothing. Your leader can take the clothes when you arrive, so that you do not have to carry them during the trip. Children's clothing and warm clothing are most in demand.