Telephone: 01257 410686
© 2006 GLOBAL TOURING UK
Global Touring UK
European Motorcycle Touring Holidays 2010
Listed below is more information of what is included on the Thailand tours and a little more about the tour itself.
It is important to inform you that we act as agents for our partners in Thailand
and do not actually accompany the tours.
The company in Thailand has been set-up
by two long term ex-pats and motorbike enthusiasts now resident in Phuket. All the
tour leaders have lived and worked in Thailand for a long time and are all experienced
riders and tour guides. They have travelled the tour routes many times and will know
places that many tourists do not see.
The tour includes:
Motorcycle Hire
Accommodation
Tour Guide
Tour price does not
include:
Air fares
Meals
Snacks
Drinks
Refreshments
Entrance fees
Pre and Post tour
hotel accommodation
Passport & Visa Fees
Personal Insurance
Fuel
Accommodation
You
will stay in good class tourist hotels or guest houses throughout the tour except
in Khoa Sok where you stay in bungalows in the National Park. All have air conditioning
and most have mini-bars and a swimming pool.
The Climate
Tropical Thailand is very
warm all year round. November to April is the hot season and also when tourism is
at a peak. The average daily temperature at this time is around 34 degrees. The rest
of the year brings daily showers although they tend not to last long and are usually
in the evening. Whatever the season it is always warm and the temperature rarely
falls below 25 degrees.
Health
Southern Thailand has no specific health hazards that
require immunization. Medical facilities are on par with those in the West. Most
doctors and pharmacists are able to speak English. Although medical care is cheap
by western standards, we strongly advise you to take out medical insurance for the
duration of your trip.
Visas
All visitors to Thailand must bring a valid passport.
Visitors from most countries staying for 30 days or less are issued with a holiday
visa on arrival in the country. If you intend to stay longer than 30 days or if you
are unsure if you require a visa apply to your nearest Thai embassy or consulate
or check on the thaivisa.com website.
Driving License
Ideally you should bring an
international driving license which is easily available in most countries. In practice
the Thai police will accept a license issued in your own country.
Helmets
Although
you will see many people riding motorcycles without helmets in Thailand, they are
obligatory. Helmets will be available free of charge but most riders prefer to bring
their own. Thai helmets are not made to the same standard to those in the west. We
recommend an open face helmet with a full visor as protection against wind and insects.
What to Wear
Most riders choose to wear jeans, trainers and t-shirts. A light jacket
and gloves are also advisable as protection against the sun. Please do not bring
too much luggage as everything has to be carried on the motorbikes and you will not
actually need that much clothing. Laundries are everywhere and you can have your
clothes cleaned easily and cheaply overnight. Clothes are very cheap in Thailand,
so this is a perfect opportunity to go home with more than you came with.
Back-up
Vehicle
A back-up vehicle is not available on the tours. It adds a great deal to
the cost of the tour and is very rarely required.
The Roads
The roads in Thailand
are amongst the best in South East Asia and generally in excellent condition. The
driving regulations are much the same as in the West and you drive on the left. Most
roads have a lane reserved for motorbikes.
Driving in Thailand
Taking into consideration
that the Thai driving test consists of little more than the ability to park a car
and there is very little enforcement of traffic regulations, the standard of driving
is generally very good. Thai are not usually aggressive drivers, so if you ride defensively
but with confidence, you will have no problems.
Mileage
On average you will ride
approximately 300 kilometres a day and try to reach your destination by mid-afternoon
every day. There are plenty of rest stops for drinks and refreshments and to allow
you to take photographs.
Food
For many people the food in Thailand is one of the
highlights of the trip. Thailand is famous for the quality and variety of its food.
It is also inexpensive with a good meal costing no more than 250 Baht. There are
also many restaurants selling international cuisine in larger towns.
Motorcycle Insurance
There is no equivalent comprehensive motorcycle insurance in Thailand. All riders are covered for third party injuries but no other cover is included in the cost of the tour. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is offered to limit you liability for damage to the motorcycle to £500. As labour costs are so low in Thailand you would have to do a serious amount of damage to get anywhere near that amount.
