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15-Day Lantern Festival Tour
$3,400 – Trip cost (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
A down payment of half the trip cost is needed to secure a spot on the trip. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.
*$300 of the down payment serves as an administration fee and is non-refundable. You can see our cancellation policy HERE.
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
If you would like a single room throughout the tour, you can purchase the “single supplement”. The single supplement fee for this trip is $650. If you would like your own room, you can purchase the additional supplement at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are not discouraged from traveling with us because of a costly single supplement fee.
If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like to be paired with someone on the trip to avoid paying the single supplement, we can arrange this for you. If there is no other traveler with whom to pair you, you WILL have to pay the single supplement. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.
IMPORTANT: If we cannot find a roommate for you, you will need to purchase the single supplement. Roommates will always be the same gender. We try our best to pair roommates based on preferences (i.e. non-smokers, no snoring, night owls, early birds, etc.), but this is not always possible. If you are a light sleeper, sensitive to certain smells, etc., we recommend purchasing the single supplement. We will put you in contact with your roommate after booking. If you wish to have your own room at any point during the trip, you will need to purchase the single supplement pro rata. This will also be subject to availability.
What is included :
- 14 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
- 3 domestic flights
- Ground transportation
- Ferry/speed boat transfers
- Activities as noted in itinerary
- Lantern Festival Ticket *Lantern Festival Tour only
- 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
What is not included :
- Optional activities
- Some meals
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- International airport pick-up & drop-off
- International flight
- Insurance
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Physical requirements
This trip requires a low level of physical fitness. If you’re not feeling up for an activity, you’re welcome to explore on your own.
Some hotels do not have elevators so you’ll need to be able to walk up and down 1 – 2 or more flights of stairs with varying degrees of steepness, with your luggage, and unassisted. Most hotels will have porters or staff to help you with luggage but please keep this in mind when tipping.
To participate in this trip you should be able to:
- Walk 1 – 2 miles throughout the day, up/down stairs, over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces with/without an incline, and on paths with rough terrain made of dirt, mud, rocks, stones, etc.
- Be comfortable on your feet for up to 4 hours walking and standing, indoors and outdoors, and in all weather conditions.
- Carry your luggage from the taxi/van to the hotel and to your room.
- Get in and out of a van and speedboat without assistance.
Accommodation
You will stay in smaller hotels that are locally-owned or family-run sometimes in remote areas of Thailand such as a jungle house or a floating hotel. Note that due to its remote location, there is no Wifi, nor any service connection for 1 day at the floating lake hotel in Khao Sok National Park. Expect things to be different than what you’re used to back home (water pressure, amenities, AC, Wifi, etc.) That’s part of the fun of traveling to and experiencing new places!
Smile policy
We welcome all kinds of travelers on our tours and the group dynamic of each trip is different but also part of what makes the trip so amazing. You will need to treat everyone in the group as well as the locals with respect and kindness.
Free time
Our tours are designed for the semi-independent traveler. If you choose not to participate in any of the included activities, you are responsible for organizing your own activities. Your tour leader can offer recommendations for alternative activities but it is up to you to make reservations for extra activities.
Tour leader
Your tour leader’s role is to help you have an unforgettable experience. He/she can answer questions and offer suggestions about what to do in your free time. He/she will always try to go above and beyond to help you have an amazing trip but is not your personal assistant. Travelers must exercise a certain level of self-sufficiency and independence on our tours. We also suggest tipping those who went out of their way to help you, especially your tour leader who will be with you every day throughout the entire tour. Finally, you will need to come with an open mind and adventurous spirit in order to have the trip of a lifetime!
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Each group consists of 4 – 14 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.
A small group number also means that the participants will receive more personal treatment from the tour leader who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.
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Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
The minimum age on our trips is 18.
Everyone is welcome on our trips; male/female, LGBTQIA+/straight, and solos/couples.
Check out pictures from our previous trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.
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While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time and the tour leader can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and are at your own expense.
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Airport pick-up is not included in this trip. The arrival airport is Bangkok (BKK) or (DMK) and is approximately 18 miles (30 km) from your hotel in Bangkok. It takes about 30 minutes by car to get there to get from the airport. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or pre-arrange airport pick-up with the provider of your choice. See our blog about getting from the Bangkok airport to the city center for more details.
Airport drop-off is also not included on this trip. The departure airport is Bangkok (BKK) or (DMK) as well. The hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the airport.
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Nationals of Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. You may be required to show proof of exit from Thailand in the form of a departure flight ticket.
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Thailand.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
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The official currency of Thailand is the baht (THB).
Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.
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We strongly recommend that you use ATMs while in Thailand as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to withdraw some money from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches, as well as at most large supermarkets, petrol stations, shopping malls, airports, and convenience stores.
Upon arrival, your tour leader will take you to the nearest ATM or money exchange office which is only a few steps away from our hotel to help you exchange or withdraw money if needed.
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Credit and debit cards aren’t widely used outside of the cities in Thailand. However, in high-end establishments, you shouldn’t have a problem paying with your card, though American Express and Discover aren’t commonly accepted. Anywhere else, it’s advisable to carry cash in case you come across a retailer that does take card payments.
It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Thailand. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned about your travel plans.
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Thailand does not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis and personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10% of the total bill is appreciated.
Tipping your tour leader: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip around 100 – 160 USD at the end of your trip based on past travelers’ feedback.
For more information about tipping your tour leader, please see our blog on tipping your guide.
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We recommend having access to anywhere between $400 – 700 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.
As most components of your tour have been prepaid, you will only need money for lunches and dinners and any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.
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When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Thailand, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls and texts in that country. See the example below :
Welcome to Thailand! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts and data.
Note: Be prepared to ‘disconnect’ when traveling to Khao Sok’s floating hotel as there is no service due to its extremely remote location. You will not have access any service for 1 day
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Most hotels you will be staying at in Thailand will offer free Wifi as will some restaurants and other public places. Please keep in mind that the internet may not be as fast as you’re used to and could be spotty if not absent in more remote areas.
In rural areas such as the Jungle house, the Wifi can be spotty, weak, or completely absent. Be prepared to ‘disconnect’ when traveling one night to Khao Sok National Park’s floating hotel as there is no Wifi or any service due to its extremely remote location.
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In Thailand, the most common plug is a dual plug that fits European and US pin plugs (see picture below).
Thailand operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Converters will be necessary for your electronic devices. We strongly recommend having 2 converters as these items are commonly left behind in hotel rooms.
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Thailand has warm weather year-round with variations in terms of water level and humidity with a peak of rain during the monsoon season. Monsoon season varies depending on the area you are traveling to within the country but it is generally between August and November. Pack lightweight clothing in general and bring your rain gear for occasional rains.
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In Thailand, anything goes. When visiting temples, women need to have their knees and shoulders covered. To make things easier, you can just bring a scarf to cover your shoulders.
Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Sunglasses/hat
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Umbrella (for shade & rain)
- Rain jacket
- Flip flops
- Comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support
- Water shoes (for tubing and jungle)
- Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag for the day
- Any prescription medication and over-the-counter medicine
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Hairdryer if needed (some hotels will have but not all)
- Ear plugs (for boat transfers)
- Adapters/converters (if needed)
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Almost all of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services for a very small fee if needed. It is best to give laundry to the hotel staff in the morning and it is usually ready by the evening.
PRO TIP: 1 kilogram of laundry usually costs approximately 1 USD. It is best to pack less and do laundry during your trip… This way you have more room for souvenirs!
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Most will agree that the drinking water in Morocco is not safe for consumption. Drinking only bottled water is recommended. Bottled water is easily found and can be purchased for a fee.
You will be able to purchase bottled water but to alleviate the plastic waste epidemic, we recommend a reusable filtered water bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl.
Thailand has a very serious plastic waste problem, but unfortunately, there are not many water refill stations. Most of the hotels at which we stay have two free glass water bottles that are placed in your room each day. These can be used to refill your personal water bottles, so you can bring a water bottle and refill it with water from the glass bottles in your room. This is a small role we can play in the solution to the plastic epidemic that plagues Thailand.
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Thailand is a very safe country and most people who get their things stolen or had something bad happen to them is because they acted irresponsibly (usually drugs and alcohol were involved). Your biggest worry is sunburn so make sure to lather up each day.
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Hotels and restaurants throughout Thailand offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip though they might be limited.
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Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Thailand to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
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We offer private tours to Thailand depending on the size of the group and availability.
Please reach out to us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Flights
Your arrival and departure city is Bangkok (BKK) or (DMK).
*Please do not book any flights until you receive an email from us. You will receive an email regarding your trip within 24 – 48 hours of booking the tour.
Visa
In Thailand, most western countries DO NOT need a visa if arriving by air and staying 30 days or less. Citizens of most western countries do NOT need a visa for entry into Thailand, including the USA, Australia, UK, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland.
Entry into Thailand allows for 30 days without a visa. If you plan on staying in Thailand before or after the trip, please be aware that after 30 days, you will need to either leave the country or go to the nearest immigration office for a visa extension.
PEAK Season: December and January – A bit cooler than the other months and not as much humidity. Monsoon season has ended, so there is usually little to no rain. Although the weather is nice, the crowds are the biggest during this time period.
SHOULDER Season: November, February, and March – Shoulder season is right before and after peak season and is a great time to experience Thailand as there is good weather, but fewer crowds. Monsoon season has ended, so there is usually little to no rain.
LOW Season: April to early October – Hot both day and night along with frequent short, intense showers or storms, usually in the late afternoon or evening lasting for about 15-20 minutes. The upside to traveling in Thailand in this season is that it is far less crowded.
From floating lake houses to 5-star hotels, the accommodation on the trip has been a highlight for many of our past travelers.
*Please note that we do not offer pre-/post-tour extra nights. When the trip is confirmed, we will let you know the name of the hotel so you can book any extra nights on your own.
Bangkok
Hidden from the bustle of the city behind a curtain of banyan tree branches lies this urban oasis. There is an inviting saltwater infinity pool as well as a 5-star breakfast that should not be missed!
Railay Beach
The beautiful colonial-style hotel has extra large rooms and is furnished with special features like outdoor showers and oversized sunken bathtubs. This hotel also offers a swim-up pool bar and a wonderful breakfast.
Khao Sok National Park
These treehouse bungalows are cocooned among the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. This hotel is an eco-friendly accommodation surrounded by rainforest and an array of wildlife. Large limestone cliffs surround the property and there’s a river on-site for swimming, kayaking, and our favorite… tubing!
Each bungalow is fan-cooled (no air-conditioning) but our past travelers have not complained as it can get quite chilly in the rainforest at night. All rooms come with ensuite bathrooms with hot showers along with a mosquito net above the bed.
Floating Lake House
Cheow Lan Lake is one of the most striking places on earth. Towering limestone cliffs surround the hotel in this remote area of the park and the rooms offer large wooden decks to immerse yourself in nature. Get ready for a sky full of stars as there is little light pollution making for amazing star gazing. The lake’s fresh water is perfect for swimming and kayaking along with unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.
Note: There is NO Wifi or cell phone signal at this hotel. The electricity runs on a generator and is only offered while you’re sleeping at night. This is your chance to enjoy one of the most natural, peaceful places in the world and disconnect from modern life.
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We recommend Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
