go guide

Bangkok to Laos - 11 days don't leave home without it

Sample the delights of neighbouring Thailand and Laos on this adventure that takes you from thriving Bangkok to alluring Luang Prabang via the northern hill tribes of Chiang Rai with plenty of temples, longtail boats and elephants along the way!

A World Of Discovery

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Luang Prabang - Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, Ock Pop Tok weaving centre, former Royal Palace, Khouangsi waterfall, Wat Sene, Wat Xieng Thong and Pak Ou caves

What's Included • • • • • • • • • • •

10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner 10 nights 4 star and special class hotels Economy class flight Bangkok - Chiang Mai Longtail boat trip on Bangkok’s canals and on the Kok River Elephant ride in the Thai countryside Mekong River cruise - Thailand to Laos Airport arrival transfer on day 1 & departure transfer on day 11 Guided sightseeing - Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang Escorted by English speaking Thai and Lao tour guides All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles Maximum group size: 24 travellers

What's Not Included HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Trip Highlights •

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Bangkok - Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Original Thai Massage School, 24hr Flower Market & Khao San Road Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep and the summit temple, Hilltribe Museum and the night market Ta Thon - karst scenery, lush jungle landscapes Wat Rhon Khung - the modern and unusual ‘White Temple’ Chiang Rai - night market, Cabbages & Condoms restaurant, hill tribe villages of the Karen tribe, Mae Sai, Chiang Saen and the Opium Museum Chiang Khong - Thai/Laos border town Mekong River - cruising from Chiang Khong to Lao town of Pak Beng

Bangkok to Laos - 11 days www.onthegotours.com UK020 7371 1113 [email protected]     AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected]      NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038      USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

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Tipping Kitty: $30 - $40 USD Entrance Fees: $65 - $70 USD International flights and visa. Tip for your tour guides. We recommend you allow USD$3 - 6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guides is an entirely personal gesture

representative will be waiting for you. Please show this tour voucher to our representatives upon arrival and ensure it is returned to you as you may need it later on your travels. If, for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, or on arrival, you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the emergency contact persons as listed on your tour voucher. Please do not exit the airport and make your own way to the start hotel, please follow the advice given by our emergency contact persons. If arriving to Bangkok via Don Mueang International Airport, our arrival procedure is the same as above with the exception that after attending to immigration and entering the Arrivals Hall, please proceed to the 'Information' counter near Door No 5 where our representative will be waiting for you. Once you have met our representative you will be escorted to our awaiting transportation and a driver will transfer you to our hotel. Upon arrival please give your name to the hotel receptionist and check into your room. Now, the adventure begins! For those arriving a day or two earlier than Day One of the tour, you can spend your time exploring and getting acquainted with the city. Sukhumvit MRT (Sky Train) Station is located approx 500m from our hotel. The Sky Train is inexpensive and a great way to travel around the city.

Days 1-2 : Discover Bangkok

Day One is designed to be an arrival day for all passengers. Spend the day discovering the city, your way before heading back to the hotel this evening for our welcome meeting hosted by your tour guide, scheduled to commence at 6pm. After you might like to join your guide and other members of the group for a meal.

Wednesday. Welcome to Thailand and the start of your holiday! Upon arrival to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, after attending to immigration, please proceed to the Arrivals Hall, EXITING VIA DOOR B, where you will be met by an On The Go Tours representative, carrying an On The Go Tours sign. Note: our representative will be waiting for you outside Door B, should you happen to exit via Door A or Door C, please walk to the Door B exit – 100m away where our

Day 2: This morning we visit the spiritual and religious heart of the city - the striking Grand Palace. Topped by golden stupas, the complex has been the site of royal coronations and is home to the legendary Emerald Buddha. We’ll also visit the House of the Reclining Buddha, the Original Thai Massage School and the 24hr Flower Market before boarding longtail boats to explore the city’s canals. Known as khlongs, the canals enable

DETAILED ITINERARY

updated on 21-07-2014 This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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surface water to make its way to the sea and have long been a way of getting around Bangkok. On our journey we’ll glide by curious stilted houses and gleaming temples whilst old men fish and children folic about on the waters edge. Our boats drop us off within walking distance of Khao San Road, popular with backpackers and hippies. Late afternoon offers free time for you to enjoy the many bars, restaurants, street performers, market stalls and tailors - that will measure you up for a new suit, that line this vibrant road. Overnight - Bangkok (B:1)

we may encounter the famous Long Neck tribe, so known for the neck rings that the women wear to elongate their necks. Continuing to the border frontier town of Mae Sai, we may have the chance to cross briefly into Myanmar and enter the Burmese town of Tachilek (optional). At Chiang Saen we stand at a viewpoint that lets us see both Myanmar and Laos. We take time to visit the Opium Museum before following the banks of the Mekong to Chiang Khong. this evening offers free time,though you may consider a nice dinner at our resort as tomorrow it's an early start. Overnight Chiang Khong (B)

Days 3-4 : Chiang Mai & Chaing Rai

Days 6-7 : Cruising the Mekong

you will meet today will also be travelling all the way on to Cambodia. Later, together we commence our sightseeing tour of this enchanting city, starting with a visit to the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun, and the banyan tree graced grounds of Wat Aham, we stop at the Ock Pop Tok weaving centre. Later we marvel at the former Royal Palace, now a national museum and home to gilded rooms and Buddha artifacts. In the afternoon we stop at ethnic minority villages before arriving at the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall. Dip in the turquoise pools or take a walk along the forest trails. Tonight there is the option to learn to cook tasty local cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight - Luang Prabang (B)

Days 9-10 : Wat Sene & Wat Xieng Thong

This morning we transfer to the airport to catch our flight to the northern capital of Chiang Mai. With its more temperate climate, lush vegetation and blend of hill tribe cultures the city is popular with both Thais and their guests in equal measure. Upon arrival its a quick break for lunch for those looking to refuel. We then set off for Doi Suthep, standing like a sentinel over Chiang Mai, with one of the most important temples in the country on its summit. We then return to the city stopping at the Hilltribe Museum to learn more of the diversity of the region. In the evening your guide will take you to the night market so that you can sample some of the many regional dishes from the numerous small restaurants and stalls found there. On day 4 we journey through spectacular karst scenery to the River Kok where we board private longtail boats for a glimpse of rural life along the river banks. Arriving at a small village and take an enjoyable elephant ride through some of the surrounding countryside. From our arrival point continue to Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) - a beautiful complex of newly built white and golden temples that are still a work in progress. After checking into our hotel in Chiang Rai early this evening. We'll head down to the night market for dinner Following dinner you are free to head back to the hotel or you may wish to do some last minute bargain hunting and to sample some of the delicacies of the region. Overnight - Chiang Mai (1) Chiang Rai (1) (B:2)

Day 5 : Hill tribes & Opium Museum Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong. The city of Chiang Rai is a great base for visiting local hill tribes and this morning we visit a Karen village where

Bangkok to Laos - 11 days www.onthegotours.com UK020 7371 1113 [email protected]     AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected]      NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038      USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

Monday. Chiang Khong - Pakbeng. Bright and early we head to the immigration & customs office to exit Thailand. Bidding farewell to our Thai guide we cross the river by longtail boat. Meeting up with our Lao guide we attend to immigration formalities before we're back on the water, cruising by traditional long boat down the Mekong River. Border crossing Point: Chiang Khong Thailand/ Ban Houeyxay Laos. Journey time by boat: approx 6 hours. Serene and timeless Laos is often overlooked by travellers. A peaceful nation of people offering legendary hospitality, resilience and friendliness, Laos is old Asia preserved. As we travel downstream we stop off at a number of minority villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu to get an understanding of their culture and way of life. Upon arrival in Pak Beng, we visit the local market to watch the colourful hill tribe trade their wares before retiring for the night. Lunch and dinner included. Day 7, Pakbeng - Luang Prabang. We continue our cruise arriving to the golden city of Luang Prabang mid afternoon, lunch included. Journey time: 6 hours. After some rest and relaxation by the hotel swimming pool or a wonderful massage at the hotel spa, we meet with our Luang Prabang tour guide for a quick introduction to the area. Overnight Pakbeng (1), Luang Prabang (1) (B:2, L:2, D:1)

Day 8 : Temples of Luang Prabang Consider rising early this morning to view the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. If attending you'll meet another group of On The Go travellers who commenced their tour in Vientiane. Many of the group members

Enjoy a visit to the holy sites of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. A boat ride upstream brings us to the mysterious Pak Ou caves, crammed with Buddha statues that overlook the Mekong. Day 10 is a free day for you to enjoy Luang Prabang at leisure. For the adventurous we can help organise elephant rides, cycling and kayaking. Overnight - Luang Prabang (B:2, L:1)

Day 11 : Luang Prabang Saturday. Our tour concludes after breakfast with a departure transfer.(B)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Laos Country Guide

Health Requirements It is recommended that you be vaccinated for Tetanus and Polio, if you haven't had a booster in the last ten years. Food and waterborne diseases are more common, so we recommend vaccinations for typhoid (valid 3 years), Hepatitis A (validity varies) and Diphtheria. Malaria in Laos Areas with malaria: All, except none in the city of Vientiane. Estimated relative risk of malaria for travellers: Very low.

updated on 21-07-2014 This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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Information provided by the Centre for Disease Control & Prevention, USA and is offered as guidance only. Yellow fever is not present in Laos but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from those travelling from an infected region. Vaccination and health information can change so please contact your local health care provider for the most up to date information prior to travelling.

Climate November through to April are the best months to travel to Laos, when the weather is warm and dry and the nights are comfortable and cool. Temperatures typically begin to rise around March and the rain arrives in May or June. From June through to August the humidity can rise and short tropical downpours are common. September and October can still bring the occasional shower.

Guides & Groups Our longest group tour in Southeast Asia is our Bangkok to Angkor Wat - 25 day tour. All other group tours that we offer are sectors of this larger tour. As such on your holiday you may have travellers join you part way through your tour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi or Saigon) or end their tour when you continue on. Guiding: A local national guide will escort the group for all arrangements in Laos.

Time & Voltage Laos is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time(GMT). The voltage in Laos is 220AC, 50HZ. Plugs are not standard as many electical products are imported from China and Thailand. As such all sort of socket variations exist. The most common types found are: 2 flat prong (type A), the 2 round pin (type C) plugs. To cover all bases, it is best to pack an international travel adaptor!

Currency Three currencies are used interchangeably for everyday transactions. These are Kip (LAK), Thai baht (THB) and USD. All major currencies are exchangeable in the main towns but USD is the most useful currency (cash) to hold as it can be exchanged and used in most places. Dollar bills must be in good condition and not torn or ripped. In smaller towns and villages, LAK is usually preferred. The rule of thumb is that for everyday small purchases, prices are quoted in LAK. ATMs are only available in Vientiane and Luang Prabang and dispense a maximum of approx USD$70 (in LAK) at any one time. Licensed money changers exist in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Their rates are similar to the banks and they stay open longer. We recommend you take a mixture of cash (preferably USD) and credit/ debit cards for ATM's. • USD 1 = LAK 7,800 • GBP 1 = LAK11,800 • EURO 1 = LAK10,800 • AUD 1 = LAK7,000

Bangkok to Laos - 11 days www.onthegotours.com UK020 7371 1113 [email protected]     AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected]      NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038      USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

LAK = Lao Kip. (subject to fluctuation).

Holiday Money Funds collected in Laos for entrance fees and tip kitty (if applicable to your holiday) are payable in USD.

Essential Packing •

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Sleep sheet if taking an overnight sleeper train. These also can be easily purchased in Hanoi at a cost of USD$5 Lightweight cotton garments. Comfortable walking shoes in addition to flip flogs/ thongs DEET based mosquito repellant & antihistamine cream Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 round pin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universal adaptor will cover all bases Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho. Two spare passport photos & a photocopy of your passport A small daypack for your day-to-day needs. Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume and torch

Arrival Transfers If your tour or short stay includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the 'What you Get' section of this Go Guide) our arrival procedure is as follows: Arrive in Laos at Wattay International Airport, attend to immigration by completing an immigration form and submitting your photograph and visa fee, then collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall. As you enter the arrivals hall, look for our on the go representative. He/she will be holding a prominent on the go tours logo signboard. After meeting you will be escorted to our awaiting transportation and transfered to our tour start hotel If, for any reason you have trouble locating our representative (after waiting 20 minutes in the arrival hall) or your flight is delayed please call the emergency contact number as stated on your tour voucher. If arriving on day 1 of a holiday, that includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the 'What you Get' section of this Go Guide) we will be at the airport, ready to transfer you to your hotel. Further if you are booking pre-tour accommodation with us an airport arrival transfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrives very, very early in the morning) you will need to purchase a night of pre-tour accommodation to save you waiting until standard hotel check in time, which is generally 2pm.

Visas British, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African and USA passport holders are able to obtain a 30 day tourist visa upon arrival to Laos at major airports and border crossings including Wattay International Airport in Vientiane (the entry point for all our tours in Laos), Luang Prabang

International Airport and at the Friendship Bridge if coming from Thailand. At each of these entry points you must submit a visa application form and two passport size photograph. The cost of the visa for the above nationalities is currently ranges between USD30 - USD35. It is important that you have an entirely empty(stamp free) page in your passport and that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. PLEASE NOTE: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date, if it is not you may be refused entry into the country. Visa requirements are subject to change and visa procurement is solely the responsibility of the traveller and not of On The Go.

Thailand Country Guide

Voltage &Time The voltage in Thailand is 220v. In Thailand there are 2 types of plugs are commonly accepted: 2 flat prong plugs (type A), the 2 round pin plug (type C). To cover all bases, it is best to pack an international travel adaptor! Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight saving.

Climate The best time to travel to Thailand – central and north including Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Sukhothai is from November to April, with little rain, if any expected throughout this time. After the cooler winter months, from mid January temperatures start to rise reaching 30°C and more between March – May. Between May and July the south west monsoons arrive, travel during this time can still be pleasant with the rain coming in the form of short downpours, lasting an hour or two, clearing the way for warm, clear skies. In August and September the rain continues to fall and temperatures remain high, though by October the mercury has fallen and November marks the start of of the dry season in the central and north once again. The far north and Chiang Rai are generally cooler than the surrounding regions with an annual average temperature of 25o C and with a lower humidity. The best time to travel is either the ‘cool’ season from Oct – Feb or the wet season (Jun Sept) when aside from the rain, conditions are mild with temperatures around 25oC. March – May is warmer with temperatures rising to 36oC. The Gulf of Thailand, including the Hua Hin coastal region has three defined seasons. From December to February you can expect blue skies, plenty of sunshine with refreshing sea breezes to keep temperatures at bay. From March – June there is still plenty of blue sky and temperatures will rise above 30°C. Rain is unlikely till till the end of June when it comes in the form of hour-long afternoon downpours, clearing the way for more blue skies and bright sunshine. In late-August/September the monsoon arrives and you can expect sunny spells

updated on 21-07-2014 This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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interspersed with rainy periods. Rainfall usually peaks between October and November.

Currency The official currency in Thailand is the Baht (THB). US, Euro, AUD and GBP can be exchanged for Baht at banks or or at any one on of the numerous exchange booths that line the streets of the big cities. You may also choose to purchase currency in advance, though its possibly not necessary as ATMs can be found everywhere with the exception of the hill tribe areas of Chiang Rai and if enroute between Chiang Rai and Chiang Khong border if crossing to Laos. It is not common to pay with a credit card at restaurants, cafes or shops for small purchases and if you do often there will be a surcharge applied or minimum charge required. We recommend a combination of cash (US, Euro, AUD and GBP) and credit/debit cards. We recommend you take a mixture of cash (preferably USD) and credit/ debit cards for ATM's. • USD 1 = THB 32.2 • GBP 1 = THB 53.9 • EURO 1 = THB 44.7 • AUD 1 = THB 29.3 THB = Thailand Bhat (subject to fluctuation).

Holiday Money Funds collected in Thailand for entrance fees and tip kitty (if applicable to your holiday) are payable in USD.

Essential Packing •

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Lightweight cotton garments including some items that cover your shoulders and knees. A pantsuit? He Hee! Torch is staying overnight at the Jungle Rafts Two spare passport photos & 2 photocopies of your passport. You will need the passport copies if you are planning to cross into Burma Sleep sheet, towel and some warm clothes for your village stay if travelling on our Thailand, Temples & Tribes Tour Comfortable walking shoes (again especially if joining our Thailand Temples & Tribes Tour) in addition to flip flops/ thongs you can wear in the shower DEET based mosquito repellant & antihistamine cream Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 round pin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universal adaptor will cover all bases Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho. A daypack for your day-to-day needs. Also handy if you don't want to take all your luggage with you to the Jungle Rafts. Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume

Arrival Transfers If your tour or short stay includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the 'What you Get' section of this Go Guide) our arrival procedure is as follows:

Bangkok to Laos - 11 days www.onthegotours.com UK020 7371 1113 [email protected]     AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected]      NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038      USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

Arrive Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi International Airport OR Don Mueang International Airport and attend to immigration formalities before collecting your luggage and proceeding to the arrivals hall. As you enter the arrivals hall, look for our On The Go Tours representative. He/she will be holding a prominent On The Go Tours logo signboard. After meeting you will be escorted to our awaiting transportation and transferred to our tour start hotel If for any reason you have trouble locating our representative (after waiting 20 minutes in the arrival hall) or your flight is delayed please call the emergency contact number as stated on your tour voucher. If arriving on day 1 of a holiday, that includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the 'What you Get' section of this Go Guide) we will be at the airport, ready to transfer you to your hotel. Further if you are booking pre-tour accommodation with us an airport arrival transfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrives very, very early in the morning) you will need to purchase a night of pre-tour accommodation to save you waiting until standard hotel check in time, which is generally 2pm.

Health Requirements It is recommended that you be vaccinated for Tetanus and Polio, if you haven't had a booster in the last ten years. Food and waterborne diseases are more common, so we recommend vaccinations for typhoid (valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A (validity varies). If travelling to remote areas, further vaccinations including TB, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Diphtheria and Japanese encephalitis may also be necessary. We recommend you contact a health professional for the most up-to-date immunisation information. Malaria in Thailand Areas with Malaria: Rural only. Including forested areas that border Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia and Laos, and rural, forested areas in the districts of Phang Nga and Phuket. Malaria is not found in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phang Nga and Phuket. The risk of contracting Malaria in Thailand is low. Malaria information provided by the Centre for Disease Control & Prevention, USA, and is offered as guidance only. Bilharzia may be present in some rivers and lakes and we recommend it best to avoid swimming in untested waterways. Yellow Fever is not present in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Burma however, a Yellow Fever certificate is required for those travelling from an infected area. Vaccination and health information can change so please contact your local health care provider for the most up to date information prior to travelling.

Drugs: Thai law prohibits the possession, sale or purchase of illicit drugs. Charges for possession or purchase can range from 2-15 years in prison and in some cases the death penalty.

Guides And Groups Our longest group tour in Southeast Asia is our Bangkok to Angkor Wat - 25 day tour, with the exception of our Time for Thailand, Thailand Temples & Tribes and Bangkok, Beach & Beyond tours, all other group tours that we offer are sectors of this larger tour. As such on your holiday you may have travellers join you part way through your tour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi or Saigon) or end their tour when you continue on. Guiding: A Thai guide will escort all arrangements throughout Thailand. If your tour continues to another country a qualified guide native to that country will escort the tour from there forward. If travelling on our Time for Thailand, Thailand Temples, Tribes and Bangkok, Beach & Beyond or Thailand & Angkor Temples tours, guests will travel together for days 1 to 9 and go there separate ways for the remaining days of the tour.

Transportation On all our tours we use a combination of vehicles including mini buses, small and large size coaches. When travelling in the north of Thailand our vehicles of choice are mini buses as they are best equipped at navigating narrow winding roads and mountain passes. In these areas a number of mini buses rather than one large coach. Each vehicle comfortably accommodates 8 persons and tour guide will swap between vehicles offering commentary en-route, in addition to making stops to give more further information at points of interest.

Shopping Bangkok is rapidly gaining a reputation as a key shopping destination in Asia, with visitors being drawn by the variety of products and shopping environments, as well as the great prices. Chatuchak, is a market that gains momentum over the weekend to become arguably the largest in Southeast Asia, everything can be found here, from hand made jewellery to the latest fashions. This city is blessed with a number of top quality shopping malls, perhaps the most popular for visitors is MBK. This 8 floor monstrosity offers everything from telephones to sushi, designer labels to unique designs. It is safe to assume that anything with a brand that is being sold out of a store bearing the same brand may not necessarily be the ‘real deal’. There is something here for everyone, including a multi screen cinema showing the latest movies in English for those who would like to rest their weary feet whilst others continue on their spending spree. Another wonderful feature of Bangkok are her nightmarkets. It seems that once the sun goes down, the temporary stalls come out, everywhere. Patpong is famous for its genuine fakes, Sukhumvit Road boats a similar reputation. The mixture of

updated on 21-07-2014 This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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bargains, street food and general vibe of the city make these markets a highlight to explore by foot. Remember to haggle, and if you think something is over priced then walk away. They will not sell to you at a loss, so if they can make some money on the deal they will call you back. Caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware! It is always safe to assume that anything with a brand on it is a copy and should be treated as such. Some of these copies can be incredibly good, leaving the untrained eye incapable of telling the difference. It is therefore always best to assume it is a copy unless you really know what you are looking at. The city is also well known for its scams. Some tailors will drastically overcharge for shoddy workmanship that is delivered minutes before you leave on your return flight so you cant get it changed. Some jewellers have been known to sell fake or greatly over priced products. If the jewellers or tailors does not come highly recommended, a large amount of caution should be used. IMPORTANT: Any purchases made whilst travelling are at your own discretion. Make sure you are completely happy at the product you are purchasing. on the go will not become involved at any time, at a later date or once you return home should your purchase not live up to your expectations. Proceed with caution.

It's your choice to shop here, elsewhere or not at all in your free time.

Airline Luggage Allowance If your tour includes international or domestic flights please be mindful that the free baggage allowance for Economy class travel within the region is strictly 20kg and 1 piece of hand luggage up to 6kg. Any additional weight is charged at a per kilo rate. You may wish to keep this in mind whilst shopping.

It's not like home Travel to far - flung corners of the earth involves lifestyles and conditions that are sometimes very different from what you are used to back home. You must come prepared to cope with unusual situations, local inadequacies and unpredictable events as and when they occur. Foreign travel is definitely not suitable for people who expect or demand everything to go exactly as planned. With the greatest respect and in the interest of your ultimate enjoyment you must understand this. Things can and do change in foreign countries.

A New Tailored Suit! If you are looking to have suits made up, you might like to consider 'The Grand Fashion International' tailor shop. The shop is open from 9am - 9pm daily and is easy enough to get to by taxi. the address can be found in your welcome letter that you will receive upon arrival. The shop offers quality suiting and garments made to measure. Customer feedback so far has been very good. The shop works with cotton, linen, wool, wool blends and all other suiting fabrics, though it and if you were looking stretch fabrics, inexpensive cotton t's or crazy cheap - off the side of the road kind of stuff this would not be the place. Head to the night markets instead. Prices: Tailored ladies/men cotton blend shirts business shirts start at USD$40, Ladies trousers fully lined at USD$60, Mens blazer/jacket fully lined USD$90 and a fully lined suit, with shirts from USD$160. The catch! You are going to need at least 48 hours to have items made. After making your order you would need 1 - 2 fittings to ensure that suit fits just right. The shop can send a car to pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to and from their premises for the fittings. My best advice would be at the time you are placing the order, schedule your fittings there and then so you can plan your time for the days ahead. If for example you arrived a day early, you could visit the tailor on this day then schedule your first fitting at say 4pm on day 1, then a final fitting (if required) at say 7.30pm on day 2). Don't be afraid to haggle a little with the tailor, they are lovely gentlemen and small savings can be made. Also do let them know that you are travelling with On the Go. They are aware of our itineraries and what time fittings can be scheduled plus its in their best interest to keep you satisfied.

Bangkok to Laos - 11 days www.onthegotours.com UK020 7371 1113 [email protected]     AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected]      NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038      USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

updated on 21-07-2014 This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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