Venture Far - Thailand 18/19 Brochure

4 T H A I L A N D
Mae Hong Son
MYANMAR
Golden Triangle
Mae Sai
Pai
Chiang Rai
Chiang Dao
Chiang Mai
Lamphun
Nan
Lampang Phrae
OTHER
Luang Prabang
LAOS
VIENTIANE
VIETNAM
YANGON
ANDAMAN SEA
Sukhothai
Uthai Thani
THAILAND
Phitsanalouk
Kanchanaburi
Khao Sok
Ayuthaya
National Park
River Kwai Rose Garden
BANGKOK
Pattaya
Cha-am
Hua Hin
Rayong
Sam Roi Yot
National Park
Ubon Rathathani
Trat
Surin
PHNOM PENH
Siem Reap
CAMBODIA
Sarasin Bridges
to mainland
Mai Kao Beach
Nai Yang Beach
Nai Thon Beach
Bang Tao Beach
Kamala Beach
Phuket
International
Airport
PHUKET
Maphrao Bay
Kung Bay
Po
Bay
Cape Yabu
Sapan Bay
Koh Maphrao
Yai
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Lak
Surat Thani
Phang Nga
Phuket
Krabi
Koh Racha Koh
Phi Phi
Chumphon
Koh Tao
Koh Phangan
Koh Samui
Koh Chang
GULF OF
THAILAND
Ho Chi Minh City
Patong Beach
Karon Beach
Kata Beach
Kata Noi Beach
Nai Harn Beach
Promthep
Cape
Phuket City
Chalong
Bay
Rawai Beach
Koh Siray
Phuket Bay
Cape Panwa
Koh Lanta
WHEN TO GO WHERE
Thailand is a big country + seasons, temperatures + humidity levels vary
from the far north to the far south. Essentially there are three seasons;
March to May is hot; the rainy season is from June to October; the cool
season is from November to February. The mean temperature is 27.4ºC,
the mean humidity is 75.3% + the mean annual rainfall is 1705.8 mm.
Phuket + Koh Samui boast a tropical climate with an average temperature
of 30˚C. It has two predominant weather conditions: In Phuket it is clear
+ sunny November to April + the rainy season is between May to October.
The seasons are opposite in Koh Samui.
Temperatures in the mountainous north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai + Mae
Hong Son) during the December to February period can get quite chilly in
the evenings + warmer clothing is recommended.
FESTIVALS
Songkran Water Festival (Thai New Year): 12-16 April 2018 - Many shops
+ businesses will close for part or all of this period, however department
stores + shopping centres remain open. Great fun, but be prepared to get
very very wet! People may start celebrating a day or two earlier in some
regions.
Loy Krathong: 23-24 November 2018 - One of the most beautiful of Thai
festivals. Shops are open as normal.
CHRISTMAS + NEW YEAR
Some hotels featured in this brochure may have a compulsory surcharge
for Gala Dinners served on Christmas Eve / Day, New Year’s Eve or other
special local festivals. Please ask your travel agent to check if this applies to
the hotel you have chosen.
GETTING AROUND
Thailand has a well-developed transport system enabling easy access to
areas of the country.
Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain - air-conditioned elevated light rail system
+ interlinking MRT Subway system offers a quick + easy way of getting
around. (See map on p.15 Skytrain + Subway routes on the Bangkok city
map.)
Rail link from/to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport doesn't directly interlink
with Skytrain/Subway so more convenient to use road transportation.
Phuket - local non-metered transportation service operates along
Patong,Karon, Kata, Kamala + Bangtao Beach areas using covered utes
with bench seating called ‘Tuk Tuks’ or ‘songthaews’. In other areas,
many hotels operate shuttle services to the main tourist areas.
Koh Samui - non-metred ‘songthaew’ transportation between the
main beaches of Koh Samui + also air-conditioned taxis.
Chiang Mai songthaews are available as are taxis, but meters are rarely
used, so best to agree on a fare first!
Private cars, jeeps + motorbikes are available for hire in Phuket + Koh
Samui. Private cars, jeeps + motorbikes are available for hire –check they
have proper + full insurance as most don’t! If asked to leave your passport
as surety - walk away + find somewhere more reputable.
HOTELS + TOURING
Via our partners, we have access to an extensive range of hotels
+ touring throughout Thailand. If what you are looking for is not
featured in this brochure, please ask your Travel Agent, as in most
cases we will be able to assist.
t: 1300 303 343