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.
Experience the charm of Thailand’s north on this journey to the infamous Golden Triangle. Ride elephants in the jungle, explore the nearby caves of Chiang Dao and stand on the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers as you watch the Golden Triangle unfurl below. Taking in the rich history, scenic beauty, melting pot of cultures and range of regional cuisines, this short adventure travels through all the best bits of the fascinating north.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Gay Rating
Physical Preparation
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Important Notes
Accommodation
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand
This morning you are picked up from the hotel by your local guide between 8.00 - 9:00am. along with other travellers in your group. Set off by road to the Golden Triangle region. Stop along the way at an elephant camp and see these gentle giants take a morning bath and demonstrate how they were trained to haul timber in the forest. Take a ride on the backs of these majestic animals for an unforgettable jungle experience. After lunch we explore the five interconnected Chiang Dao Caves before heading to the end point of today's journey; the charming small town of Doi Mae Salong. The atmosphere here is reminiscent of a small Southern Chinese village. The region is famous for its Chinese tea traders and you can enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional Chinese tea house overlooking the mountains. In the late afternoon there is time to explore interesting markets, full of produce and crafts made by hilltribe people.
Please advise the name and contact telephone number of your centrally located Hotel at the time of booking. If you do not advise your Hotel details, we are unable to pick you up to commence this tour. Should you need to contact our office for any changes, please call +66 282 2863 during business hours, or +66 898 103 722 after hours
Overnight Basic Bungalow in Mae Salong
Meal inclusions: Lunch
After breakfast stop near the Burmese border at Mae Sai, the northernmost town in Thailand. A well known trading post you'll find Burmese lacquerware, gems, jade and other goods from Laos and Burma for sale along the main street. Continue on to the region known as the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. Enjoy lunch overlooking the mighty Mekong River and then visit the fascinating Opium museum. Then, climb onboard a longtail boat and travel on the Khong River to the old city of Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. On the way there is a chance to step foot into Laos, this point is famous for the local rice whiskey sold from distilleries on the banks of river. Your overnight stop will be in the fascinating Golden Triangle region.
Overnight Local Tourist Class Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast & Lunch
Depart for Chiang Mai, stopping on the way at Wat Rong Kun (white temple) which started being built in 1997 and is a work in progress for another 60 to 70 years. We then head to Mae Ka Chan hot springs with a lunch stop along the way. Oddly located in the 'car park', at the hot springs you can enjoy relaxing swim or take the option of a foot massage and munch on quail eggs which are cooked in the hot springs. Your Golden Triangle adventures ends back in Chiang Mai at approximately 5.00pm
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast & Lunch
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.
Elephant camp visit - enroute to Chiang Rai
Visit hilltribe village - Chiang Rai
Visit Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
Please note the following are approximate entrance costs and do not include transport to the sites if required, unless specified below.
Thai massage, Chiang Mai - US$9
Thai Cookery Course, Chiang Mai - US$25
Foot Massage, Chiang Mai - US$8
Myanmar entrance fee - THB200
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.
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group as our group leaders are prohibited from collecting cash for tips.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - round your bill up to the nearest THB20. More up-market restaurants we suggest 10% to 12% of your bill.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest TBH100 per day for local guides.
Porters: Throughout your trip you may at times have a porter in addition to your leader. We suggest THB80 per day for porters.
Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of THB50 per day is generally appropriate.
Local transport: For a city tour we suggest THB50 per day.
Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline THB100 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
The price of this trip does not include the Myanmar entrance fee, which is to be paid locally (approx.THB200). The border may close without prior notice.
Please advise the name and contact telephone number of your centrally located Hotel at the time of booking. If you do not advise your Hotel details, we are unable to pick you up to commence this tour.
Please note: This is an independent itinerary which is operated on behalf of Intrepid by a local operator. This tour is not escorted by an Intrepid leader. All the information given in this itinerary is intended as a guide only. Intrepid Travel or their agent cannot be held responsible for any changes that may occur due to local conditions or circumstances beyond their control. This includes festivals and public holidays that may effect the itinerary. NO REFUND IS AVAILABLE ON ANY UNUSED PART OF THIS ITINERARY.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Hotel (2 nts)The style of accommodation described in the day to day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. Please note that Triple rooms booked at the advertised rates may have one bed as a foldout bed.
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 $80 for meals not included.
3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches
Compulsory Loi Kratong, Christmas Day and New Years Eve Dinner surcharges apply
Bus, boat, walking
Intrepid Short Break Adventures are not accompanied by an Intrepid Group Leader.
Local guides may be used on some itineraries.
Please advise the name and contact telephone number of your centrally located Hotel at the time of booking. If you do not advise your Hotel details, we are unable to pick you up to commence this tour. Should you need to contact our office for any changes, please call +66 282 2863 during business hours, or +66 898 103 722 after hours.
Recommended pre trip accommodation:
Basic - People Place, 9 Soi 8 Charoen Prathet Road, Chiang Mai
Standard - Raming Lodge, 17-19 Loikroh T.Changklan A.Muang, Chiang Mai
Superior - Chiang Mai Plaza, 92 Sridonchai Road, Chiang Mai
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.
Please advise the name and contact telephone number of your centrally located Hotel at the time of booking. If you do not advise your Hotel details, we are unable to drop you off. Should you need to contact our office for any changes, please call +66 282 2863 during business hours, or +66 898 103 722 after hours.
Recommended post trip accommodation:
Basic - People Place, 9 Soi 8 Charoen Prathet Road, Chiang Mai
Standard - Raming Lodge, 17-19 Loikroh T.Changklan A.Muang, Chiang Mai
Superior - Chiang Mai Plaza, 92 Sridonchai Road, Chiang Mai
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.
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.
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.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. In addition, laundry services can be found outside our hotel in all major cities. There may be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non polluting/biodegradable soap.
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. It is recommended that you try to 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.
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
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, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, Intrepid voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
First aid kit (including Antihistamines)
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Local language phrase book (mp3 language downloads available from www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides)
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
Personal audio player with spare batteries
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Sweater or light jacket when travelling Oct-Feb
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
Generally the most convenient and cheapest way to obtain local currency in Asia is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat - this can draw from your home account or from a credit card (debit card). Most ATM's will also give you a cash advance on your credit card. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it is stolen. Please ensure you have advised your bank of your intended travel and withdrawal locations. While traveller's cheques have security advantages exchanging them can be a lengthy process, commissions can be high and they can be difficult to change in rural areas, on weekends and public holidays. If you choose to bring travellers cheques, make sure they are a major brand and major currency.
Please note that most establishments in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.
The official currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Travellers cheques can be difficult to change. The use of credit cards in businesses is restricted; however ATM's are now available just about on every corner.
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 this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions before your departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that for legal reasons any leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics.
Please contact us at help@intrepidtravel.com should you require any clarification on what is involved on your itinerary. For travellers over 70 years a completed Intrepid Self Assessment Form is required.
Intrepid is very aware of the health issues raised by bird flu and SARS and these have been taken into consideration for all aspects of the trip you are about to take. Intrepid reserve the right to make changes to any itinerary in the very unlikely occurrence that an area should suddenly be deemed to be unsafe because of an outbreak of bird flu, SARS or other disease.
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.
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities differ from those in the western world and not all the accommodation which we use on this trip has fire exits, smoke alarms or fire extinguishers.
While life jackets are available on water craft in Asia, 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.
Elephant riding is great fun and should not be missed. However please note that we strongly advise against riding on the elephant's neck. Though some find this challenging it can be dangerous and if you choose to do so, the activity is undertaken at your own risk.
The rafts are about 1.5 - 2 m. wide x 15-18 m. long and can carry approximately 7-8 persons. The rafting can take longer in the summer when the water level is shallow and the current is slow. Along some parts of the river there are a lot of snags (dead trees, large rocks, broken wood, etc.) which can sometimes upset the raft. A life jacket is essential as it will not only keep you afloat if by chance you should fall off the raft but will also help prevent injury if the raft hits any of these snags.
During the rainy season (or in the dry season following heavy rainfall) the current will be quite strong and the guide will decide whether the rafting should proceed or not. Their advice on this matter should be strictly followed.
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.
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
Our monthly email newsletter that is full of interesting and exciting regular features, travel tips, competitions, great giveaways, reviews, recipes, travelers' stories and money saving specials! Subscribe for free at http://www.out-adventures.com/newsletter
