Currency

To give you the best prices, we quote actual prices in Thai Baht. US dollar rates shown in parentheses are intended to serve as a guideline only and are not binding.

However, currency rates can change daily, so you should check current rates to get the latest exchange rates for the dollar or your currency versus the value of the Baht.


Medical Requirements

For visitors from most nations, no vaccinations are required or recommended for entry into Thailand. Medical care of a high, international standard, is available at many hospitals in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, and costs are well below those for equivalent attention in other countries.

Malaria

Malaria is not a major risk in Thailand, but the risk is present. It is higher in the rainy season. Thai Malaria Division of the Thai Department of Public Health issues the following information.

Areas where malaria is transmitted. Mosquitoes transmitting malaria are found in the hilly and forested areas of Thailand. If you are going to visit such areas for any purpose and plan to stay overnight or after dusk, the instructions for self-protection are given in the following paragraphs.

Prophylaxis. Due to problems of resistance of malaria parasites to anti-malarial drugs, prophylaxis is not recommended.

Protection against mosquito bites is the basic tactic. Sleep under a bed net even if the mosquitoes do not seem to be present. The malaria mosquito vectors bite at night. Apply mosquito repellent on exposed parts of the body at regular intervals after dusk.

Blood examination for malaria parasite. Following any visit to possible malaria areas, any episode of fever should be considered possibly of malarial origin. A visit should be made to a district malaria office, or nearest provincial or district hospital for blood examinations and rapid treatment. Contact the Tropical Disease Hospital in Bangkok (tel: 254-1272-3, 245-7558) for more information.

Weather And When To Come

Thailand is at its best from November to early May. In the South, the months of March and April are hot, but less so than other parts of Thailand. The monsoon season from May to October is rough, meaning rough seas, frequent rain (usually downpours of short duration), bugs and (in the jungle) leaches. Vegetation is also at its peak of lushness at this time, and monsoon showers are usually followed by blue skies and brilliant sunsets. Sites are open all year but boat trips and jungle trips are sometimes difficult.

Most trips featured in this brochure operate during the monsoon season, which is from May to October. However, programs are modified to suit the conditions.

Clothing -- What To Wear And Bring

Do not bring lots of luggage. It's a long trip; you'll be getting on and off various conveyances; in most places, you can buy any items you forgot to pack at very low prices. So bring the minimum - bathing suits for the beach, shorts, T-shirts, 1 pair long pants, good walking shoes for forest walks, flip-flops for the beach. On all of these trips, you are provided with linen, towels, and soap.

Flashlights, insect repellent, and other useful items. Do bring a flashlight and two extra batteries, suntan oil, film, some mosquito repellent, important personal medicines and supplies.

Hardship Level

Our resorts and programs are designed as 'soft adventure' and can be enjoyed by any person in reasonable health. A jungle safari in the Khao Soke National Park requires reasonable fitness but it is much easier than, for example, many treks in Nepal. Guest should be prepared for the occasional wait for a boat and other inconveniences, although we strive to keep these to a minimum.



See the map of Southern Thailand