Prices shown are in pound sterling - but
the payment can be made in other currencies. Tour prices
are informative and and based on currency exchange rate
1 GBP = 56 THB. The actual price will be based on
exchange rate invoice date. Once you have paid in full
for a tour, you will be protected from any price
increases and not be required to pay any additional
monies because of subsequent currency exchange
fluctuations. Prices are valid for year 2009 only and
subject to change without notice.
2.DEPOSIT INFORMATION
Payment in full if you opt for price protection scheme, or
50% at time of booking balance due 90 days before
departure. Use bank transfer. We are registered with
INFO HUB specialist travel guide and our services are
guaranteed.
3.TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is highly recommended.
4.HEALTH
There are no specific health requirements for entry into
Thailand and Cambodia. However, you should consult your
doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for
vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any
reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in
Thailand and Cambodia. We recommend that you carry any
personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of
glasses) although all medicines are available over the
counter in pharmacies. Your tour leader will always have
some drugs like headache tablets, antipyretics,
disinfectant, etc.
5.MONEY EXCHANGE
Foreign currency (cash or travellers cheques) is the
most convenient to carry when travelling in Thailand and
Cambodia. Thai money can be used to directly purchase goods
and services in Thailand, Burma and Laos. All major
international currencies may be exchanged in bigger towns
and cities where Visa and Master Card may also be used at
cash-point machines (these are rare
in Cambodia). It is not possible to exchange Thai Baht
(THB) in Europe or USA so convert or spend all your Thai
currency before leaving. There is no currency black
markets in Thailand and exchange rate is everywhere the
same.
6.SPENDING MONEY
You will need to allow enough money for gasoline,
entrance fees, meals, drinks and shopping. Please have
GBP 50 equivalent in Thai currency with you at any time.
Tipping is not obligatory in Thailand but it is
appreciated. You will spend approximately GBP 40 for
gasoline, GBP 30 for entrance fees, boat tours and other
activities on two week tours and tour of Cambodia; about
twice as much on one month tour.
7.MEALS
Travelling with Avalon you experience the vast array of
wonderful food that is available in the Thai 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 (also a vide variety of vegetarian food). It
also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though
generally food is cheap. As a rule 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 group leader will be
able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
Meal inclusions are 14 breakfasts. An indication of how
much you will spend on meals and drinks during the two
week trip is approximately GBP 100.
8.LAUNDRY
Facilities are offered by most hotels for a charge.
There is a cheaper option - local laundries where your
clothes are washed and ironed for next to nothing.
Maximum to pack will be six days of clothes.
9.VISAS
There a visa no visa required for Thailand (30 day stamp
on arrival for EC and US citizens). There is visa
required for all nationalities on optional visit to
Vientiane, the capital of Laos (Mekong Tour and Three
tours in one). It is
arranged at the border (cost GBP 17). To visit Burma
costs GBP 7 and for boat tours to Laos at Golden
Triangle and Khong Chiam there are no visa requirements
(symbolic charge of 50 pence for day pass). There is a visa
required for all nationalities to visit Cambodia. It is
arranged at the border (cost GBP 15). Passport size
photo is required for Laos and Cambodia visa (you can bring
it along or have it taken locally).
10.CHECK LIST
Travel documents: passport, international driving
license, travel insurance, air tickets, health requirements
arranged (travel insurance) money: travellers
cheques/cash/credit card, money pouch medications, glasses
(reading) day pack to carry your personal needs during the
day light weight travel towel mosquito repellent hat, sun
cream (SPF 30 recommended) and sun glasses Thailand or
Cambodia travel guide - great for history and general
information long trousers, shorts, long sleeved shirt, T
shirt, swimming costume, gloves. Light anorak, warm clothes
for the winter months (Dec to Feb). the mean temperature in
North in January is just 14 degrees centigrade - evening,
night and early morning, and still hot during the day. Bring
a winter weight sweater and trousers when travelling in
these months, at least for evenings out. In winter months
the extra length will keep you warm! Generally speaking,
neat and tidy clothing is appreciated in Thailand. Shorts
and T-shirts are O.K. too (but not for all temples). No
leathers are required for riding. Thailand travel
guide is great for history and general information.
11.WHAT TO TAKE
You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly
as possible (clothes for six days). It is in your own
interest as you are expected to pack your own luggage in
two 33 litre if you are alone or in two 33 litre and one
29 litre panniers for two. Most travellers take a small
backpack or tank bag for items frequently used during
daily trips. Your suitcases remain in the base hotel.
12.PHISICAL RATING
This is an active trip but not particularly demanding.
General sightseeing can be made a little strenuous due
to humid and hot conditions. The longest single day ride
is around 400 kilometres but on good highways. The four
tours in Thailand are suitable for any motorcycle rider
while for the Tour of Cambodia you will need more skills
because of bad roads (mud and potholes).
13.KEEPING IN TOUCH
If you need to be contacted while travelling you can use
e-mail. Internet is available in many hotels and
Internet cafes are becoming increasingly
commonplace
and cheap throughout the regions we visit. You can also use your GSM mobile phone where
you can be contacted during overnight stay in the
evening, during the night and in the morning. Many areas
where we tour during the day have no mobile network
coverage. If someone wishes to contact you in an
emergency, we shall provide our emergency mobile phone
number before your departure.
16.ARRIVAL
To arrive at the Avalon joining point at the airport
walk straight into the main arrivals hall after you have
been through immigration, customs and collected your
luggage. Our driver will be waiting for you at the
entrance holding a sign with your name. We don't expect
any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason
you are unable to commence your Avalon motorcycle tour
as scheduled, please contact our emergency phone number
soon as possible. You have a pre-booked airport transfer
and if you have not made contact with our taxi driver
within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration,
please call us.
17.DEPARTURE
Finishing point is Bangkok Hotel. From there you will
book your taxi to the airport. Ask reception for assistance.
Typical fare is 300 THB. The Airport
Departure Tax has been waived so you do not need to keep
any Thai money.
Avalon Tours
