FAQ’s

Travel Thailand Includes:

• Roundtrip Airfare (with free extensions up to 3months prior to departure)
• 24 or 36 days in Thailand
• Exclusive accommodations
• Transportation around Thailand
• Thai language lessons
• Elephant trek and river play
• Tiger temple
• Hot springs excursion
• Waterfall trip
• 3-6 days at Each Location
• Fun and Experienced Canadian trip leaders

During our 24 day trip we visit 6 locations, and during our 36 day trip we visit 8 locations.  We have done lots of research to bring you to the absolute best places that Thailand has to offer.

All of our accommodations have been sought out and tested our trip leaders to ensure that you are staying in the most excellent pads in the best parts of town, just ask any of our past travellers.  What we don’t do is crash out in “rustic hotels” or dingy, run-down hostels. We stay in accommodations that are in tune with our travellers. Depending on the given location, our accommodation style will vary from beachside bungalows to floating huts on a river to hotels with pools.

Never fear, the comforts of home are here. All of our accommodations have flush toilets and a few of them may even have hot showers. Now that’s living large (although really, hot showers are so unnecessary in the tropics).

Yup, you will be sharing a room but don’t fret, we give everyone the option of selecting their roomies of preference at the time of registration. Most rooms sleep between 2 and 4 people, and you will only share a room with other Beach Travellers, no strangers.  If you prefer your own room throughout the trip, please contact us and we can price it out for you.

We keep travel days short so you can enjoy your time seeing and experiencing the country instead of being stuck on a hot local bus like most travellers. On a typical travel day we will be departing in the early morning so we can arrive in our next location in the early afternoon. The maximum time spent travelling is 12 hours, on a night train in which you will have your own bed.

Speedboats, long-tail boats, tuk-tuks, mini-vans, trains, you name it - we take it.

Cuisine in Thailand is unlike anywhere in the world. The seafood is often caught just prior to it ending up on your plate. Fresh lobster, crab, and yellow fin tuna are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amazing cuisine that is widely available.  Hence the largest part of the Thai economy is its seafood export.  Dishes vary depending on your desires. There are a wide variety of foods available in Thailand ranging from typical western meals to Asian stir frys and Sushi. All ingredients are fresh and meals are prepared in typical Thai fashion, as if you were eating at someone’s home and usually that actually is the case. Fresh fruit is widely available, from pineapple and mangos to dragon fruit and sugar apples. No matter what you order, Thailand has the best of the best. The Thai people are very proud of their food and take great consideration into making each and every meal as authentic and delicious as possible. Thai food is definitely a highlight of any visit to Thailand!

Whether it is an activity included with the trip or something we recommend, our trusty guides always have something planned for you to do. But hey, this is your trip and if you want work on your tan, catch up on your journaling or just have some down time on your own, it’s your call. We want to you to always feel free to explore this exotic country on your own terms and on your own time, so no pressure, no worries.

You can find $2, $5, $10 and $20 international phone cards in most grocery stores they can be used from any payphone.  We recommend buying a $5 card, which will last 15-20 minutes when calling Canada. We can help you with any language barriers while using the cards, but really they are quite straight forward.

Bell Mobility, Rogers and TELUS and Fido offer some voice, text messaging, and data services I Thailand depending in your plan. We recommend you check with your service provider and confirm your exact roaming areas and rates.

As much as we would love to, we cannot guarantee perfect sunshine everyday, BUT for a majority of the trip that is what you can expect. It is sunny 90% of the mornings and if it is going rain, it is going happen in the afternoon. Often a storm will come to shore with a warm tropical rain, rain hard for about for about an hour or two and shortly after that the sun will be shining again.

While English is a mandatory school subject, the number of fluent speakers remains very low, especially outside the cities. Knowing a few basic Thai words and phrases will not only ease the language barrier and lessen frustrations, it will also endear you (and maybe even entertain) to the locals. Just ask your guides, they’ll be happy to teach you the basics!

We ensure our leaders are well trained and have more than adequate travel knowledge and experience to handle emergencies. All our leaders have the following skills, training and qualifications:

• Knowledge of the country in question
• Hospital locations
• Passport offices
• Police stations
• Emergency airports
• Speak the local language
• Ability to teach surfing basics
• Has obtained at least basic first aid, other courses are an asset
• Bronze Cross
• Bronze Medallion

We also ensure they have the following characteristics:

• Approachable
• Practical and responsible
• Healthy and in good physical shape
• Entertaining
• Has had past experience being a leader/guide

A 14-16 person maximum per trip keeps the groups small and personal, this is not a 40 person "bus tour". In fact we like to shy away from using the word “tour” at all. This is especially not a Contiki or GAP tour; we pride ourselves on offering something completely different. Think of it as backpacking without any hassles. We guarantee the absolute best hostels/ hotels/B&Bs/ bungalows, activities, and a degree of flexibility such that any activity that you have on your mind, your guides will help you make it happen. It's a completely unique way to travel.

We offer something new and exciting everyday, but it is your time and decision whether or not to join us. If you would like to; hang out on the beach or by the pool, go surfing or swimming, spend some time at the spa, go on a hike, go shopping or horseback riding instead, soccer or volleyball...chasing girls/ boys down the beach? No worries at all, it is your experience for you to make the most of.

As of 2010 we have had six amazing seasons in Thailand.

You definitely will not be the only solo traveller on the group. We have quite a few people who come alone. It gives them the opportunity to travel with 10-14 others from across Canada and the freedom to go off on their own whenever they want to go exploring

We provide trips for anyone ages 18-35. We’ve have had a few acceptations to this rule and you, just simply have to ask and we'll be happy to sort something out.

The average traveller per trip breaks down into the following.

Solo 40%
Friends (2-3) 40%
Couples 20%.

The ratio for guys to girls vary on every trip so it would be hard to give you an exact answer. If we were to make a rough estimate based on past trips, we would have to say 60: 40

Every location we visit has access to the internet, usually high speed ADSL and is usually very affordable at about 10-15 cents per minute

Well that depends.  For everyone who is departing from the same location yes, they will be on the same flight. For those of you who are taking care of your own flights, we will give you exact details on where to go when you get to Bangkok and you will be expected to grab a taxi to our Bangkok hotel on your own.  Don’t you worry, its simple, simple stuff.

A free extension is possible for up to 6 months in Thailand, and heck, sometime people never come back! 60 days prior to departure, a request for an extension is free of charge. Some specific dates such as weekends and holidays may cause an addition to your original airfare, so please be sure to let us know the exact date you wish to return either during your online reservation or drop us an email.

Sure, but it’s up to you to make those arrangements with the airline directly. And don’t forget, there are usually fees associated with making changes and these again are up to you to pay out of pocket.

But of course! We don’t exclude you globetrotters who may be coming to hang with us after being on the on the road for days, weeks or even months. For all of our trips you can meet up with us from anywhere in the world, but again, it’s up to you to make all your flight arrangements. If you are joining us from somewhere outside of North America you will pay for only the LAND ONLY portion of the tour.

If you plan on heading home or moving on from another city/country just give us a heads up at least 60 days prior to your departure and we will be able to help you sort it our. And as with everything, keep in mind that there may be additional fees associated with creating a special itinerary.

Don’t even worry about it. A complete packing list will be sent out to you with your pre-trip package. If you would like to see something before that date just email us and we’ll fire over a digital version!

Well, this is an adventure BACKPACKING trip so … we strongly suggest you ditch the conventional suitcase and pick up a 50-70 litre-travel backpack. Travelling with a suitcase can become a quite a pain as we move about the country from location to location and lugging a suitcase from a bus to a boat to the beach is just plain tiring.

All of our accommodations have been well sought out and we can assure you that your valuables are safe in your rooms. Now, that being said, we cannot protect your from theft at all times and again, this is where some common sense goes a long way. If you are worried about something being lost or taken, simply leave it with the front desk where they will can secure it in their safe until you come back to retrieve it.

Lucky for you the outlets in Thailand are the same as traditional North American outlets. And while the voltage is also the same there sometime can be conversion issues with certain items, such as electric razors and hair dryers.

The weather in Thailand is tropical and warm. If you would like to bring a windbreaker it is not a bad idea, but for the most part it is not necessary

If you enjoy running/ jogging, then yes, we would highly recommend bringing your shoes.

Yes, it is possible to meet us either at the airport or at our Bangkok Guest House at the beginning of trip. If you choose this option, we will adjust the trip price accordingly and you will pay for the LAND ONLY portion of the tour.

Its simple really, just follow these two steps:

1. Complete the Online Reservation Form. Once that is complete you will be sent a reservation confirmation.

2. Now its time to PAY UP! First things first we need an Initial Deposit to hold your spot. Once we have that all sorted out we will send out your  info package outlining your payment schedule, our newsletter, waiver, health advisories and a recommended packing list via email.

A flight confirmation will be issued 45 days prior to departure outlining all the details for your specific trip and covering everything you need prior to heading out

Your sure do! You will receive a fancy Beach Travellers Guidebook approximately 30 days before departure.  Now this is no ordinary book, oh no, this is a book that we have been building for years and it contains all of the information, tips and details that you will need to ensure you have the adventure of a lifetime. If you would like to see something before that date just email us and we’ll fire over a digital version!

Topics covered include:

• A complete schedule of the trip from start to finish;
• Comprehensive details on what is included and options that are available to you;
• A description and history of each town we will be visiting, along with detailed maps showing restaurants, grocery store, nearby beaches, ATM's & Banks, nightclubs & bars, yoga sanctuaries, cafes, surf shops & breaks and much, much more.
• A section of useful local phrases, details on the local currency exchange rate and a feature on a few regional dishes.

Trips are filling up faster and faster every year. To ensure the quality of each trip there is a maximum of only 14 spots on each trip. In the past, trips have filled up 4-8 months prior to departure.

If you are thinking of taking the plunge and travelling with us on a specific date we strongly recommend completing the Online Reservation Form to secure your spot. By completing the Online Reservation Form your spot will be held 7 days. During that time we require a $200 deposit to confirm your reservation. If you are not able to the deposit in that 7 day period your spot will be released and you will be required to re-register.

We have set up a Payment Plan to help you in making your travel dreams become a reality. By breaking up the total cost of the trip you can stress less and plan more.

All our trips are set up the same way:

• Initial Deposit due on sing up ($200)
• Payment #1 due 120 days before departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)
• Payment #2 due 105 days before departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)
• Payment #3 due 75 days before departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)
• Final Payment due 60 days prior to departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)

You will be sent out a final invoice 60 days prior to departure showing your zero balance, unless of course you have any outstanding amounts owing for location or departure date changes or any differences in airfare that may have arisen. Any airfare changes must be paid within 3-5 business days of receiving your invoice.

We recommend $20-$30 a day for the average person. But of course this amount varies depending on your food, shopping and nightlife activities

Complete details on your payment options are listed under the PAYMENT INFO tab. We accept any of the following:

• * PayPal (Credit Card)
• Interact Email Money Transfer
• TD Bank Deposit
• In person

*Please be aware paypal has a credit card processing fee associated with it for payments. Deposits are FREE of charges.

The easiest way to make payments for the trip is definitely by using an Interact Email Money Transfer. It’s simple and easy for anyone that has online banking to make a secure online transfer. Just follow the steps below

1. Sign in to your online banking
2. Click Transfers
3. Select Interac Email Money Transfer or Send Money
4. Fill out the required information
• Recipient Name: Beach Travellers Inc.
• Recipient Email: payment@beachtravellers.com
• Amount: Fill in Required amount
5. Create one of the following Security Questions and Answers:
• Q: What country do currently I live in?
• A: Canada


• Q: What is used to unlock a door?
• A: Key


• Q: What is my last name?
• A: Your last name

Debit Cards or Credit Cards from which you can make ATM withdrawals are the way to go, as you will be expected to use Thai baht for all cash purchases. International access ATMs can be found across the country. Credit cards are widely accepted, though small businesses may not accept them. Travellers Cheques have basically gone the way of the dinosaurs and while you can still used them in some places, there is a charge for purchasing them and exchanging them. If you need Thai baht when you first get to Thailand, use the ATM machines at the airport. Right outside of the arrivals area, you'll see a number of banks, all with ATM machines. We recommend using Bangkok Bank ATMs as they don't charge any fees. Some of the other banks will charge 100 baht fee ($3) which is very high, especially when Bangkok Bank ATMs are free.

One Canadian dollar is equal to 30 Thai Baht

All banks are different and have different service charges and recommend you check with your specific bank on its withdrawal and conversion charges before your head abroad.  When you do decide to hit the bank we recommend taking enough to last you at least 5-7 days.  It’s totally safe to carry $200-$500US on you so long as you’re not flashing it around.  Keep your cash stored in a safe place, such as your room.

The only way to ensure a spot on our trips is to complete the Online Reservation Form and slam down that $200 deposit.

Yes, please see the paypal option on our “payment info” page.

If you got em’ use em! You’ll have to make these arrangements on your own and you will pay for the LAND only portion of the tour.

All deposits are non-refundable. The reason for this is to protect against losses from trip cancellations and to ensure fairness to our travellers who are sitting on waitlists.  Sometimes when travellers are on a waitlist they make the choice to move on and join us in the following season or they opt to go on another date. Then when a confirmed traveller has to make a cancellation for whatever reason we are at a loss because the spot that was once in high demand is now empty.

You will be sent out a final invoice 50 days prior to departure showing your balance, including any outstanding amounts owing for location or departure date changes or any differences in airfare that may have arisen. Any airfare changes must be paid within 3-5 business days of receiving your invoice.

Airfare differences vary from city to city across the country. Anyone can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $400 in additional airfare depending on their departure city.

Sadly yes, this has happened before in the past and the reality is that it can become quite a mission for you to get a new one. If your passport is lost or stolen you must immediately file a police report. Once we arrive back in Bangkok a new passport can be issued within 48 hours. But none of this is fun or easy and can truly be avoided by using some simple common sense and organization. We strongly recommend you guard your passport with your life!

Despite the fact that the authorities have made efforts to make tap water meet World Health Organization standards, very few people drink tap water in Thailand, even the local population. Bottled water is widely used instead. In restaurants, you will be generally safe and you can always buy small bottles if you like but make sure the seal has not been broken. Be very careful with street vendors and street food stalls. Don't worry too much about the ice that in your drink, as

It is usually delivered from government inspected ice factories

YES! When you signed up and submitted your liability release you agreed to get valid travel medical coverage for the duration of your trip. You will be turned away from the trip without it. WE DO NOT ACCEPT travellers without out it. Proof of insurance is required prior to departure and again at the beginning of the trip.

We also recommend trip cancelation and interruption insurance.

Contact us and we can recommend a few.

Required: Valid Medical Coverage
Suggested: Trip Interruption/ Cancelation Insurance

Thailand is not a particularly mosquito infested country, and tends to be pretty average for a tropical country. Mosquito borne illnesses exist here, but are not a common, especially in urban areas. Decades ago, things were different, and government efforts are mainly to credit for this turnaround.  A few tips are:

• Cover your body with clothes, including thick socks, even if you wear sandals
• It's been said that mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors, so wear white
• Do not apply perfume or cologne

A little common sense and DEET go a long way

Online is your best bet for getting a competitive insurance rate quote.  We recommend BCAA (CAA), as they have the best and more affordable packages, PLUS you get a discount for buying your policy online (and don’t we all like getting a discount? Ya we do!)

Basic medical coverage should cost anywhere from $1.00 to $1.65 per day. But BEWARE: Some of our past travellers have been duped into paying up to $250 for a two-week package. DON’T BE THAT GUY!

While we have NEVER had a traveller get ill while with us, we do recommend that you take all the proper precautions.

We recommend that all of your vaccinations have been received at least 21 days prior to departure.

Below are a few recommendations for your health and awareness.

• Hepatitis A & B (Recommended)
• Typhoid (Recommended)
• Tetanus (Optional)
• Rabies (Optional)

There are no vaccinations for Malaria or Dengue Fever (which are both low risk diseases in Thailand). However, you can take precautions against getting bit by one of those hungry mosquito’s and some more details information is below:.

Malaria (Low Risk)
Travelling in endemic areas (which we are not), it is extremely important to avoid mosquito bites and to take tablets to prevent this disease. Symptoms range from fever, chills and sweating, headache, diarrhea and abdominal pains to a vague feeling of ill health. Seek medical help immediately if malaria is suspected. If medical care is not available, malaria tablets can be used for treatment. The main ways to avoid bites are: wear light-colored clothing; wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts. However, being bitten may be preferable to being hot. The use of mosquito repellents containing the compound DEET on exposed areas (prolonged overuse of DEET may be harmful but its use is considered preferable to being bitten. Avoid perfumes and aftershave.

Dengue fever (Low Risk)
Unlike the malaria mosquito, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the dengue virus, is most active during the day, and is found mainly in urban areas, in and around human dwellings. Signs and symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of high fever, headache, joint and muscle pains, nausea and vomiting. A rash of small red spots sometimes appears three to four days after the onset of fever. Severe complications do sometimes occur. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may be infected. A blood test can indicate the possibility of the fever. There is no specific treatment. Aspirin should be avoided, as it increases the risk of haemorrhaging. There is no vaccine against dengue fever.

Hepatitis (Medium Risk)
Several different viruses cause hepatitis; they differ in the way that they are transmitted. The symptoms in all forms of the illness include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, feelings of weakness and aches and pains, followed by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-coloured feces, jaundiced (yellow) skin and yellowing of the whites of the eyes. Hepatitis A is transmitted by contaminated food and drinking water. Seek medical advice, but there is not much you can do apart from resting, drinking lots of fluids, eating lightly and avoiding fatty foods. Hepatitis E is transmitted in the same way as hepatitis A; it can be particularly serious in pregnant women. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood, blood products or body fluids, for example through sexual contact, un-sterilized needles (and shaving equipment) and blood transfusions, or contact with blood via small breaks in the skin. The symptoms of hepatitis B may be more severe than type A and the disease can lead to long-term problems such as chronic liver damage, liver cancer or a long-term carrier state. Hepatitis C and D are spread in the same way as hepatitis B and can also lead to long-term complications. There are vaccines against hepatitis A and B, but there are currently no vaccines against the other types. Following the basic rules about food and water (hepatitis A and E) and avoiding risk situations (hepatitis B, C and D) are important preventative measures.