Starting PointNew World Lodge Hotel
Soi 2 Samsen Road
Banglumphu
Bangkok
Thailand
Phone: +66 (0) 2 281 5596
Fax: +66 (0) 2 282 5614
Joining Point Instructions
Metered taxi ranks are located outside the airport entrance on the ground floor. Go out of the customs hall and walk outside the airport where there is a table with a sign saying "metered taxis". The cost is the metered fare plus a THB50 surcharge. If the taxi uses the toll way it is up to an extra THB70. The total fare should be about THB400 Baht (US$11). Non-metered taxis are also available, where you will be given a docket to pay the driver a set price of THB700 (US$20).
Our Joining Point Hotel
The New World Lodge is in a great location in the old part of Bangkok. Although not new, the rooms are clean and comfortable, with all amenities such as air-conditioning, tv, telephone, fridge and bathroom. The hotel has a lobby and reception area which is attended 24 hours a day so you can come and go at any time. On the ground floor is a restaurant or you can head to the nearby streets to sample the gastronomic delights of the local food hawkers. There is also an abundance of restaurants and moneychangers in nearby Khao San Road, Bangkok's backpacker area. Within walking distance of the New World Lodge are many of the main tourist attractions in Bangkok - the Grand Palace, the National Museum, the National Library and Wat Po to name a few.
Normal check in time is after 12 noon.
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Finishing PointHangout Hotel
10A Upper Wilkie Road
Singapore
Singapore
Phone: +65 6438 5588
Fax: +65 6339 6008
Our Finishing Point Hotel
Set in a quiet location on the outskirts of Little India and just a short 5 to 10 minute walk from the Little India MRT all rooms have 24 hour free internet and free wireless in all our rooms. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning. Other features include rooftop terrace and lounge area with movies and pool table. Other facilities include safety deposit boxes, baggage storage room, 24 hour international calling, token operated laundry and drying machines available 24 hours and basic cooking facilities.
http://www.hangouthotels.com/
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Physical Rating - EasyYou are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
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AccommodationHotels/guesthouses (9 nts), bungalows (4 nts), overnight train (1 nt)
Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only.
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi share basis. Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
The overnight train is fan cooled and we sleep in bunk bedded carriages with shared facilities. Please note that on occasions the overnight trains may be covered by an overnight bus rather than train.
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MealsWhile travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. 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. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Allow USD $350 for meals not included.
Meal Inclusions
2 Breakfasts
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Single SupplementA single supplement fee is not available on this trip.
Single travellers will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
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IncludedOrientation walking City tour - Penang
Orientation walking City tour - Kuala Lumpur
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Not IncludedPlease note the following are approximate entrance costs and do not include transport to the sites if required, unless specified below.
Optional Activities
Grand Palace, Bangkok – US$9
Wat Pho, Bangkok – US$4
Klong (canal) tour, Bangkok – US$20
Bike Ride, Bangkok – US$25
Thai Kickboxing exhibition, Bangkok - US$50
Tubing, Khao Sok - US$10
Elephant Riding, Khao Sok – US$30
Cheow Lan Lake Tour, Khao Sok – US$40
National Park Entry, Khao Sok National Park – US$7
Full Day Snorkelling and Island Tour, Krabi– US$30
Rock Climbing, Krabi – US$30-60
Scuba Diving, Krabi – US$120
Sea Kayaking, Krabi – US$35 - 60
Half Day Sightseeing, Penang – US$12
Khoo Kongsi, Penang US$2
Cheong Fat Tze Museum, Penang US$4
Teluk Bahang National Park, Penang US$2
Half Day Sightseeing, Kuala Lumpur – US$12
Islamic Arts Museum, Kuala Lumpur – US$3
Menara Tower, Kuala Lumpur – US$8
Orang Asli Museum, Kuala Lumpur US$4
Paintball, Kayaking, Archery, Sea Canoeing, Horse riding, Port Dickson - prices from US$5
Trishaw Ride Melaka – US$5
River Cruise, Melaka – US$3
Singapore River Cruise – US$15
Singapore Zoo, Singapore – US$18
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TransportOvernight train, minivan, ferry, local bus, taxi, songthaew
There are some long travel days and some of the transport can be quite cramped.
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Health & SafetyPlease note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Be sure to check the date you require a visa from and the length of time you will need to cover, especially if you change countries during your trip.
Malaysia: Citizens of Australia, NZ, UK, USA and Japan do not need visas to visit Malaysia as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required.
Singapore: Citizens of Australia, NZ, UK, USA and Japan do not need visas to visit Malaysia as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. Singapore has strict border controls when crossing by land from Malaysia. Please note that no alcohol is allowed to be carried across the border, and travelers may take only one packet of cigarettes, which must be opened, across the border. Fines are imposed for travelers who breach these rules.
Thailand: Citizens of Australia, NZ, UK, USA do not need visas to visit Thailand as a tourist. If entering by air you will be granted a 30 day stay. If entering by land you will be granted a 15 day stay only. In addition for those coming overland into Thailand you will require an onward ticket out of the country to obtain the visa. A visa extension can be obtained in Thailand at an immigration office and the cost is 1900 THB. Alternately you can obtain a visa before departure at your local Thai Embassy or Consulate that will allow a 30 day stay when entering at an overland border.
Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. Please note that a ?Visa on Arrival? is not available at our current border crossing from Malaysia into into Thailand and vice versa.
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Important InfoPlease Note | Expect to rough it every now and again, whether it's very simple group-share accommodation at a homestay, a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, the odd cold shower or an encounter with a squat toilet.
The important month long Ramadan festival will be in progress from 11th August 2010. This is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan business hours are shortened, including opening hours at all popular tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you definitely need to expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month of Ramadan is a fantastic month to travel in Muslim countries as it offers a chance to witness this fascinating Islamic event and the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken.
1. Due to an upgrading of the Australian Government's (DFAT) Travel Warning for the southern Thai border province of Songkhla to a Level 5 'Do Not Travel' (including travel to and from the Malay border), this trip will travel through the south-western province of Satun and not have a change of transport in Hat Yai. We will continue to monitor this situation and will revert back to our usual border crossing if and when the Level 5 travel warning is lifted.
2. This trip finishes on arrival in Singapore at mid afternoon. If you are departing Singapore today its best to book your flight for later in the evening as transport and border delays do occur.
3. The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur is closed on Mondays.
4. The Year of the Brown Earth Cow, an important 15 day festival of the local Chinese Malays, will be held in 2009 from 26th January - 4th February. There are many fabulous festivals and rituals to observe during this time. It is also a busy time for transport and delays can be expected.
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 tour operator/agent. 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. This tour is run by Intrepid Travel.
Visas | Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going.
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 leader.
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