ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
**Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**
UK guests, please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for the latest entry and exit advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements
US guests, please see the Travel State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Thailand.html
Visas:
British, U.S., and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days if arriving by air; for other entry points, a 15-day visa-free stay is typically granted. Longer stays or other entry points may require a visa.
Passports:
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay. It is advised to have 1 blank page in your passport. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport.
**Note: Visa and entry requirements, regulations, and restrictions can change. Ensure you check the current requirements well in advance of travel.
Travel Insurance:
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Please ensure you have a copy of your insurer’s 24-hour emergency telephone number and your policy number.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication:
Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:
- Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the contact details of your doctor.
- Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.
Traveling with CPAP or other Medical Machines:
Please inform The Big Journey Company that you are travelling with such a device as early as possible, and well before you travel. Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at the time of booking, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There may be an additional charge for this.
LUGGAGE
What to Pack and Wear:
We would recommend comfortable clothes and shoes for this tour. Feel free to include a smart-casual outfit for dinner if you wish; however, there is no pressure to follow a dress code.
The weather in Thailand can vary greatly, from hot and humid in the central regions to tropical and monsoonal in others. Pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with a light jacket or raincoat for occasional showers. Insect repellent, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sun cream are essential items. Don't forget your camera, with charger/spare batteries and memory cards, and pack your swimming costume too if your itinerary includes beach or pool activities.
LANGUAGE
The main language of Thailand is Thai.
WEATHER
Thailand has a tropical climate with three main seasons: hot (March to May), rainy (June to October), and cool (November to February). Temperatures and rainfall can vary significantly between regions.
ELECTRICITY
Thailand operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. You will need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type A, B, C, or F.
MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION
Moblie coverage is widely avaliable across Thailand, be sure to check with your mobile provider for coverage and rates, as data roaming can be extremely expensive.
MONEY
The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry money in cash with you as well. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, however, many places do not accept cards such as Diners Club or American Express. If you intend to use any of your debit or credit cards while away, please make sure that you contact your bank before you leave to inform them that you will be traveling in order not to cause any problems using your cards or while on the trip.
Important Note - Thailand uses chip-and-pin credit cards, so cards with magnetic strips on the back (commonly used in North America) may not work with certain automated machines. You might want to carry some extra cash in your wallet to use in these situations just in case. You may be asked to provide ID if you cannot pay by chip and PIN.
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour, more information on this will be shared in the 'Pre-Tour Emails'.
WATER
Tap water in Thailand is generally not considered safe to drink. It is advisable for visitors to drink bottled or filtered water to avoid potential health issues, especially outside urban areas and popular tourist destinations.
RELIGION
The predominant religion in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism. Religious tolerance is observed, and other religions are practiced by minority communities within the country.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Thailand offers endless opportunities for photography, from ancient temples and bustling markets to stunning beaches and natural landscapes. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries, and a spare memory card!
ARRIVAL IN THAILAND
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3 pm, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.
Updated November 2024