Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do.
This is the perfect trip for the independent traveller who wants sea, sand and sunshine without the crowds! You get the chance to escape from the tourist resorts of Phuket and Phi Phi Island and discover the secret delights of Krabi. Explore some of Thailand's finest beaches and coral reefs and experience the wonder of paddling by canoe through mangrove forests, sea caves, towering canyons and heavenly lagoons. You will never want to leave this tropical paradise!
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Included Activities
Spending Money
Important Notes
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
Free spirited adventures. Short Breaks are small group adventures that offer the freedom and flexibility of independent travel while removing some of the hassles of travelling on your own. With plenty of opportunity to have a real life experience or two along the way these trips are a great add on to a longer adventure, or just a short break in an amazing destination.
You are met on arrival at Krabi airport and transferred to the Phra Nang Inn (transfers cannot be arranged on arrival, please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure). Krabi is not only a small fishing village, it is also the provincial capital and a major hub for onward travel to some of the region's popular and stunning islands and beaches. 'Songthaews' leave Krabi town regularly and the cost for a trip to Ao Nang Beach is approx. 30 baht per person. Ao Nang is one of Krabi's busiest beaches and is becoming more touristy with lots of restaurants, shops, dive centres and tour agencies etc. Nevertheless, the expansive seaward view of crystal clear water dotted with limestone monoliths is awesome and will take your breath away! There are no activities planned for today, so you are free to enjoy the beautiful beaches and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
Meals included: none
Overnight: Phra Nang Inn or similar
A day on the high seas - you take a boat trip to visit some of the most beautiful beaches, islands and coral reefs around Krabi. You set off after breakfast at approximately 8:30 - 9:00 am on a 20 minute boat ride passing scenic beaches, offshore islands and extraordinary limestone rock formations. Stop off at Raillay Beach, one of the most gorgeous and romantic beaches in Thailand, with time for swimming, rock climbing or trekking up the mountain for a breathtaking view of the lagoon. Continue by boat to Chicken and Tab Islands, connected by a white sand bar. There is time for snorkelling to view the stunning corals and swim with dazzling schools of fish. You can expect to return to the hotel by about 3:30 - 4 pm (times may vary). The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to relax and perhaps enjoy a cold Singha (Thai beer) watching the sun set over the azure Andaman Sea.
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch.
Overnight: Phra Nang Inn or similar
Day 3 is your first day canoeing, you get to explore the mangrove forests and river estuary, with an opportunity to visit some 'hongs' (open-air lagoons accessible only through a cave entrance) and admire their fascinating ecological systems today. You also have the chance to see water monitors, monkeys, gibbons and pre-historic paintings on the cave walls and cliffs. After paddling through mangrove forests the highlight of the day is passing beneath the Khanap Nam Mountain, a magnificent canyon covered with wild flora extending for some 400 metres. After returning to the hotel by about 3:30 - 4 pm you have more free time to enjoy the sand, sea and sun at Ao Nang Beach. The spectacular and dramatic limestone cliffs in the area offer great rock climbing opportunities - if you wish to be even more active!
Your second day of canoeing takes you through stunning caves where you can see marvellous stalactites and stalagmites. You paddle through mangrove forests, the river estuary and finally up river, passing through Lod Cave beneath the mountains to the Great Spirit or Skull Caves, famous for their prehistoric paintings and early human remains. Once again you can expect to return to your hotel around 3:30 - 4 pm for an afternoon free to do whatever you desire.
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch.
Overnights: Phra Nang Inn or similar
You will never want to leave this tropical paradise! However, today the time has come - there are no activities planned and you can depart any time. Please note that hotel check-out is normally 12 noon. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight (please advise flight departure details at time of booking).
Meals included: breakfast.
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 travellers' 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.intrepidtravel.com
This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. On most itineraries of this type you have the ease of 'Western-style' accommodation and any transport used is comfortable.
You may be required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary could include easy paced walks or possibly bike rides, but these are not overly exerting.
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.
Boat trip - sightseeing of surrounding beaches and islands
Canoeing - 2 days with instruction, sights including beaches, caves, canyons, mangrove forests and much more...
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers 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.
1. Prices are valid until 31 October 2007 - rates after this date will be available mid 2007. High season is from November to April and a peak season surcharge applies over Christmas and New Year periods.
2. Due to weather conditions we recommend travelling to Krabi during November-April. During the summer months (May-October) it can get very wet.
3. Canoeing instruction is included and no previous experience is required.
4. Compulsory Christmas Eve dinner on 24 December and compulsory New Years Eve dinner applies on 31 December.
5. Thai Airways International operate flights between Bangkok and Krabi. Krabi can also be reached by boat from Phi Phi Island (1-2 hours), by boat or bus from Phuket (3-4 hours), by flight or boat and bus from Koh Samui (7 hours) and/or by train and bus from Bangkok (overnight train Bangkok to Surat Thani - 12 hours and bus Surat Thani to Krabi - 4 hours).
6. This trip is fully booked during the period 17 December 2006 to 26 January 2007. We can accept booking requests for departures during that period.
Rustic tourist class hotels (4 nts) in standard room.
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 $75 for meals not included.
4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches
Canoe, motorised wooden boat, songthaew and/or minibus
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.
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.
Phra Nang Inn
Ao Nang Beach
Krabi
Thailand
Phone: +66 75 637 130
Fax: +66 75 637 134
Phra Nang Inn is situated on the beachfront at Ao Nang Beach. The hotel comprises of two buildings of which we use the standard room wing. The two-story standard room building is separated from the beach only by a small unsealed road, has a really nice beachfront restaurant with an outside sitting area and wonderful views of the bay. There is also an outdoor restaurant in the other building of the hotel, which does BBQ dinners during high season (NOV-APR). A lot of natural, local materials such as sea shells, cane and recycled wood are used throughout the buildings and the rooms, which gives the hotel a lovely rustic atmosphere. The standard wing is built around a courtyard garden and a small swimming pool and has open-air walkways to the rooms. The rooms have aircon, private facilities, TV, minibar and outside sitting areas in the open-air walkways.
If you have pre-booked a transfer you will be met on arrival at Krabi airport. Our local representative will be holding a sign with your name when you exit the airport terminal. If for any reason you cannot locate the person please call the local operator (phone numbers provided on your voucher). If you need to make your own way to the Phra Nang Inn at Ao Nang Beach, 'Songthaews' run from Krabi to Ao Nang regularly (every 15 minutes) throughout the day and it is very easy to use this service. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes and cost around 30 baht per person.It is also possible to reach Ao Nang Beach by boat from Phi Phi Island. This takes approximately 2 hours.
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your Short Break Adventure as scheduled, please contact the telephone number listed in the 'Joining Point' section of the Trip notes.
Pre Booked arrival transfers may be available in your region, please ask your agent at the time of booking. 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 your hotel. Note. 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 commence your Short Break Adventure is at your own expense.
Phra Nang Inn
Ao Nang Beach
Krabi
Thailand
Phone: +66 75 637 130
Fax: +66 75 637 134
Phra Nang Inn is situated on the beachfront at Ao Nang Beach. The hotel comprises of two buildings of which we use the standard room wing. The two-story standard room building is separated from the beach only by a small unsealed road, has a really nice beachfront restaurant with an outside sitting area and wonderful views of the bay. There is also an outdoor restaurant in the other building of the hotel, which does BBQ dinners during high season (NOV-APR). A lot of natural, local materials such as sea shells, cane and recycled wood are used throughout the buildings and the rooms, which gives the hotel a lovely rustic atmosphere. The standard wing is built around a courtyard garden and a small swimming pool and has open-air walkways to the rooms. The rooms have aircon, private facilities, TV, minibar and outside sitting areas in the open-air walkways.
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 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.
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.
It is in your own interest to pack fairly light as you are expected 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.
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 away from the beach.
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, Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day, Alarm clock and torch/flashlight, Insect repellent, Refillable water bottle, Hat, sun cream, sun glasses, Swimming costume, Beach towel, Thai phrase book, Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper, Comfortable walking shoes/adventure sandals with good grip, Sweater or jacket for the evenings when it gets cooler, A poncho-style raincoat or umbrella in the wet season (May-Oct). As many activities are water based, a waterproof camera is recommended
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 rate 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 well recognised brand in a major currency. Travellers cheques are changeable at a slightly higher rate than cash and have security advantages. There is 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 cities and using ATM machines.
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 Intrepid travellers 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 or company representative any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid 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.intrepidtravel.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 jewellery 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 Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid 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 Intrepid's operational safety policy at www.intrepidtravel.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.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php for links to various travel insurance providers.
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise 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.intrepidtravel.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.
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 Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's 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.
Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we have been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. To make things easier we established The Intrepid Foundation. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar, up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$300,000 for all donors in each financial year. And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your group leader for information on the projects we support in the region, through The Intrepid Foundation; or go to our website: www.theintrepidfoundation.org
All Intrepid travellers 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 Intrepid. The wording of this form follows:
"I understand that travelling with Intrepid 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 Intrepid trip notes for the trip I am
undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions
I have to Intrepid's representatives.
I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel.
I release Intrepid Travel 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.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
Thanks!
Do you want to see your travel photos published? To celebrate all that is travel photography, Intrepid hold an annual Intrepid Photography Competition.
There are five categories - real life experiences, travelling families, local friends, landscapes, icons - each with a fabulous prizes.For more information,
entry form and competition conditions, please visit www.intrepidtravel.com/photocomp. Send entries to
The Editor,
Intrepid Travel,
PO Box 2781,
Fitzroy DC 3065,
Victoria, Australia.
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