Welcome to OUT Adventures
Gay owned OUT Adventures and Intrepid Travel have partnered together to provide a comfortable travel environment for not only for gay and lesbian travellers,
but also their friends and family who want to experience the world at the grassroots level with like-minded people. Go on, Get OUT and experience the real world.
Discover the secrets of Thailand's delicious and unique culinary heritage. Guided by friendly local hosts, participate in interactive cooking classes, preparing tasty, traditional Thai fare using fresh ingredients. Visit an open air market and learn to haggle for lemongrass, kaffir limes or coconut milk, before travelling on to historic Kanchanaburi. There's a chance here to see the fabulous floating markets or to learn how delicious coconut sugar syrup is traditionally made. This is trip that lets you taste the many flavours of Thailand and gives you ample opportunities to pick-up tips to impress friends at your next dinner party or simply learn how to make a delicious home-cooked Thai meal.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Gay Rating
Included Activities
Spending Money
Important Notes
Accommodation
You are met on arrival at Bangkok airport and transferred to your hotel (transfers cannot be arranged on arrival, please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure).
Transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Shanghai Inn Hotel located right in the middle of Bangkok China Town. Evening dinner and watch the artistry of traditional puppetry
performed at Joe Louis theater. The art was invented in 1901 and has been handed
down to Teacher Sakorn Youngkaewsot or so-called Joe Louis, Thailand's national artist in 1996. Not only will the audience watch this graceful performance, but also learn about Thai's way of live costumes, music and language. After the show enjoy a stroll around Suan Lum night bazaar.
Overnight in Bangkok
Morning guided walk tour through one of the oldest and most vibrant districts in Bangkok, China Town. See some of Bangkok’s oldest commercial buildings, the colourful Chinese Buddhist temple, Wat Mangkon Kammalawas, the gold-shops on Yaowarat Road. Head off to Rajawong Pier and take a Chao Phraya Public Boat to Banglampoo to start a city adventure by Tuk Tuk, a well-known motor-tricycle, to see the city in depth. The journey starts at Phra Sumeru Fortress, the largest existing fortress on the Chao Phraya Riverside.
The large area around was established as a public park called Santichiprakarn Park. Start riding Tuk Tuk along Phra Arthit (Sun) Road and pass Thammasat University into Phra Chan (Moon) Road where you will see a busy Amulet Market claimed coveted sidewalk spaces. A stop is made at Wat Pho, the oldest temple in Bangkok and houses the Reclining Buddha, a 45 meter- long statue which depicts Buddha entering Nirvana. Wat Pho is also “Thailand’s first university” and houses a wealth of art. It is still an important centre for traditional medicine and massage. Continue to Phahurat Market, The Bangkok Little India, where all kinds of fabric and cloths, ornaments and accessories as well as herbs and spices are sold here. Another short stop can be made at Nakorn Kasem, also known as Thieves Markets. Move again by your Tuk Tuk to Wat Saket where the Golden Mount is situated. Have a brisk walk around the temple or clime up to the top of the Golden Mount. At its peak you will find a breezy 360 degree view of Bangkok most photogenic site. End up your journey at Dheves Market where you will find good tropical flowers and plants or enjoy really delicious typical Thai food in the market. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. You can spend your leisure time to shopping in the old wholesale market, Sampeng Lane located in a walking distance from your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok.
Transfer to Bai Pai Cooking School for a hand on lesson in a purpose built cooking school.
Spend 3-4 hours learning how to prepare and cook a range of Thai dishes in a relaxing
contemporary atmosphere. Return to hotel in the afternoon. Overnight in Bangkok.
Morning is at leisure. Today take a half day trip explores the green heart of Bangkok:
Bang Ka Jao. Close to Bangkok, this small green area has a unique style of waterways
and small roads. We pass temples, local markets and Thai houses and see communities
that live and work here. This is a very gentle 22-km ride along country back roads and
suitable for anyone that can ride a bike. Our guides are knowledgeable on the local
area and customs and explain the history, culture and local way-of-life each time we
stop. Water is included as well as a TREK mountain bike and helmet. Return to hotel by minibus in the late afternoon (approx 16:30). This evening relax your body by a selection of Thai Traditional Massage (2hrs) or Foot Reflexology Massage (1.30hrs) or Combination Massage Package (2.30hrs) at Yin Yang Massage & Spa.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Free until transfer to Bangkok airport for your onward journey.
After the trip: Your feedback is important to us. We have made many trip changes over the years based on past traveller feedback. So if you want to tell us anything, from how great the service was at a particular hotel or how delicious an included meal was or if you have any improvement suggestions then please go to
www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
We'll even give you 5% off your next Intrepid trip if you fill in feedback within 4 weeks. Thanks!
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.out-adventures.com
The trip includes a range of accommodation, such as basic hotels with western facilities or overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
You 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.
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense.
For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below.
If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Bangkok canal transfer
Market visits
Cooking classes
Bike tour
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Transport
Please note any join in group coach tours may vary from minibuses to large coaches, subject to the number of travellers.
Triple Rooms
Please note that Triple rooms booked at the advertised rates may have one bed as a foldout bed.
Transfers
Please note if you are organising your own pre/post tour arrangements then arrival/departure transfers are not complimentary. Intrepid will only provide one complimentary arrival/departure transfer even if clients are arriving/departing at different times.
Local Operator
Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partners.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Superior tourist class hotel (4 nts)
Please keep in mind that accommodation as shown in the itinerary is subject to availability at time of booking. The closest available alternative will be substituted if our first choice hotels are not available. Deductions or supplements may be applied to the trip price as a result.
While 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 and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Allow USD $50 for meals not included.
4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches
Please note that breakfasts are often simple (eggs, bread, jam and coffee/tea would be most common).
Compulsory Christmas and New Years' Eve Dinners may apply.
Air-conditioned vehicle, train, boat, bike
Roundtrip airport to hotel transfers are included - transfers must be arranged in advance so please forward us the flight numbers and times at least 14 days prior to departure.
All OUT Adventures group trips are accompanied by a gay or gay-friendly group leader. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader 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. OUT Adventures endeavors to provide the services of an experienced leader however on occasion your leader may be new to a specific region or may be training other leaders.
Shanghai Inn
479-481 Yaowaraj Road,
Samphantawong
Bangkok
10100
Thailand
Phone: +66 (0) 2221-2121 / +66 (0) 2678
Fax: +66 (0) 2678-0102
Metered taxi ranks are located outside the airport entrance on the 2nd 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 (US$13). Non-metered taxis are also available, where you will be given a docket to pay the driver a set price of THB700 (US$20). It will take about 1 hour drive to the hotel.
Hotel is located on Yaowaraj Road, the main road of Bangkok Chinatown. This historic area is the showcase of Bangkok’s Chinese culture and enterprising spirit. With many fascinating shops and stalls tucked away down a maze of alleyways and an incredible array of street side delicious Chinese and seafood cuisine; there is never a dull moment here at Chinatown Bangkok. It’s also close to the famous Chao Phraya River, the perfect place to enjoy boat sight-seeing during the day and a romantic dinner cruise in the evening
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, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) 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 in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Shanghai Inn
479-481 Yaowaraj Road,
Samphantawong
Bangkok
10100
Thailand
Phone: +66 (0) 2221-2121 / +66 (0) 2678
Fax: +66 (0) 2678-0102
Hotel is located on Yaowaraj Road, the main road of Bangkok Chinatown. This historic area is the showcase of Bangkok’s Chinese culture and enterprising spirit. With many fascinating shops and stalls tucked away down a maze of alleyways and an incredible array of street side delicious Chinese and seafood cuisine; there is never a dull moment here at Chinatown Bangkok. It’s also close to the famous Chao Phraya River, the perfect place to enjoy boat sight-seeing during the day and a romantic dinner cruise in the evening
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Thailand Office can be reached on Tel: +66 898 103 722 (Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Borneo & Indonesia) contact Tel: +855 92 555 969 (Cambodia). For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week (excluding Sunday). For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. 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.
It is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Your travel agent can assist. Below are the visa requirements for Thailand at the time of printing:Thailand: Australian, New Zealand, British, Canadian, American, Belgian, Swedish, German, Dutch and Danish passport holders do not require a visa for a stay of 30 days or less. If staying in Thailand for more than 30 days, you will be required to obtain a tourist visa.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing and using a water purification method. Some of the options are:
Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur.
2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
It is in your own interest to pack fairly light as you will probably have to carry your own luggage at times, though distances are never great. Keep in mind luggage restrictions on aircraft and make sure you have room for shopping in Thailand - bargains are everywhere.
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. Shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not suitable.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher, Health requirements arranged, Money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card, Money pouch, First Aid kit and personal medication, Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day, Alarm clock and torch/flashlight, Hat, sun cream, Mosquito repellent, Ear plugs & eye mask for train (optional), Toiletries and towel, Comfortable walking shoes/adventure sandals with good grip, Oral rehydration salts - can be purchased in Thailand, Swimming costume, Inner sheet/sleeping sheet, A poncho-style raincoat or umbrella in the wet season (May-Oct), Waterproof bags for clothing (May-Oct), Light sweater or jacket for the evenings when it gets cooler (Nov-Feb), Clothes for temples long pants or long skirts, no sleeveless tops, Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
Please check the latest exchange rates for the Thai Baht at your local bank or in the newspaper. It is advisable to take most of your money in travellers cheques of a major brand in a major currency. (Australian dollars are fine). Travellers cheques are changeable at a slightly higher rate than cash and have security advantages. There is often a minimal fee payable for the exchange service. Black markets do not exist in Thailand. Visa and MasterCards are useful for cash advances in the major cities.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All OUT Adventures travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience.
If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or
the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore
ask that you read the itinerary in these Trip Notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete
the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for entry into Thailand. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses while travelling in Thailand. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses). Please be aware that for legal reasons our leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel.
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues
affecting our trips: www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport,
air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.
A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however
during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure.
While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional
activities you undertake are not part of your OUT Adventures itinerary, and OUT Adventures makes no representations
about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when
selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel
any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions
and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to OUT Adventures' operational safety policy at
www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any
feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Life jackets:
While life jackets are available on water craft in Thailand, there may be occasions where child size life jackets are not readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense.
With the exception of our Comfort and In Style trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort & In Style trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact, or rather, positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.out-adventures.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveler.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our 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 OUT Adventures travelers. OUT Adventures' philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
All OUT Adventures travelers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of travelling with OUT Adventures. The wording of this form follows: "I understand that travelling with OUT Adventures may involve risks (and rewards) above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that I am travelling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. I have read and understood the OUT Adventures Trip Notes for the trip I am undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions I have to OUT Adventures' representatives.
I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel. I release OUT Adventures from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law."
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.out-adventures.com/feedback
Thanks
Do you want to see your travel photos published? To celebrate all that is travel photography,
OUT Adventures holds an annual photography competition. For more information, prize details, entry form and competition conditions,
please visit www.out-adventures.com/photocomp.
Send entries to The Editor,
OUT Adventures,
PO Box 98026, 970 Queen St E
Toronto, ON
Canada, M4M 3L9
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