Announcing: My February 2014 Thailand Tour

Announcing: My February 2014 Thailand TourBy Nomadic Matt | Published October 9th, 2013

Thailand has always been one of my favorite countries in the world and the years I spent living there are some of my most memorable. I long for Thailand on a constant basis and I love showing people around a country I still call home and opening them up to the magic that is Thailand.

That’s why I was so excited in August to announce that one of the four tours I’ll be leading in 2014 will be in Thailand. The country has so much to offer: delicious food, outstanding beaches, lush jungles, and some of the happiest, friendliest people on earth.

And now it’s time to announce the full details and open sign-ups for the tour!

When: Feb, 7th 2014 – Feb 24th, 2014 (18 days)
How many people? Maximum of 12

Day 1 (Feb 7th, 2014): Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok.Group introductions and dinner.

Day 2 (Feb 8th, 2014): Bangkok

Visit to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, the Jim Thompson House, and more.Optional group dinner and night out.

Day 3 (Feb 9th, 2014): Bangkok

Visit to the weekend market.Optional group dinner and night out.

Day 4 (Feb 10th, 2014): Bangkok – Khao Yai

Travel to Khao Yai National Park for hiking in a jungle.Half-day jungle trek.

Day 5 (Feb 11th, 2014): Khao Yai

Full day guided hiking trek to learn about the landscape and find some elephants. This is one of my favorite parks in all of Thailand.

Day 6 (Feb 12th, 2014): Khao Yai – Chaing Mai

Travel day with a slight stop over in Lopburi and then overnight on train to Chiang Mai.

Day 7 (Feb 13th, 2014): Chiang Mai

Temple tour of Chiang Mai, including a visit to Wat Doi Suthep.Included group dinner.

Day 8 (Feb 14th, 2014): Chiang Mai

Full day visit to an Elephant Sanctuary.Visit to the city’s famous night market.Optional group dinner.

Day 9 (Feb 15th, 2014): Chiang Mai

Full day jungle trek.Optional group dinner.

Day 10 (Feb 16th, 2014): Chiang Mai

Day on your own: relax, explore, and enjoy.Optional group dinner.

Day 11 (Feb 17th, 2014): Chaing Mai to Koh Lanta

Fly to Krabi, transfer to Ko Lanta to enjoy some of Thailand’s famous beaches!Group seafood dinner (non-seafood options available).

Day 12 (Feb 18th, 2014): Koh Lanta

Day snorkel trip.Optional group dinner.

Day 13 (Feb 19th, 2014): Koh Lanta

Beach day!Optional group dinner.

Day 14 (Feb 20th, 2014): Koh Lanta

Beach day (or snorkel, dive, hike, whatever!).Optional group dinner.

Day 15 (Feb 21st, 2014): Ko Lanta – Krabi

Back to Krabi to relax before going back to Bangkok.Optional group dinner.

Day 16 (Feb 22nd, 2014): Krabi – Bangkok

Back to Bangkok.Optional group dinner.

Day 17 (Feb 23rd, 2014): Bangkok

Day trip to Ayutthaya, one of the old capitals of Thailand.Good bye dinner.

Day 18 (Feb 24th, 2014): Bangkok

While we are there, I’ll be planning many optional activities, food tours, and more. We’ll be visiting my favorite restaurants, bars, food stalls, and sights in the country!

What’s included?

All accommodationsLocal tour guideListed activitiesInter-city transportationLocal city transportation when traveling as a groupOne group meal in each city

What’s not included?

International airfareApplicable visa feesFood outside that listed aboveAlcoholSouvenirsAnything not listed

How much?
This 18 day tour is $2,500 USD.

What kind of rooms are we staying in?
We will be staying in guesthouses that will have air-conditioning and private bathrooms. If you are traveling alone, you will be paired with another traveler of the same gender.

Why does this tour cost so much?
Thailand is a very cheap country, but what makes this tour a bit more expensive than doing it on your own is that we are traveling above “backpacker style” so there are more comforts as well as the internal flights. Additionally, in order to run a tour in Thailand I have to have a Thai guide with us at all times. I’m working with a company to help set up the tour and, due to the adventure activities on the tour, have insurance for the trip in case something happens.

Is international airfare provided?
No, you’ll be responsible for your own airfare to and from the tour.

Will I need travel insurance?
Yes, all guests will be required to have travel insurance for the duration of the trip. I’ll be asking for proof before departure. If you don’t have it, you won’t be able to come.

Is there an age requirement?
You must be 18 years or older.

Will I need to fill out any release forms?
Yes, you’ll also be required to fill out and sign a liability waiver releasing me and Nomadic Matt Tours from any and all liability related to the tour.

What if I change my mind? What is your refund policy?
I’ll cry but understand. Plans change. The refund policy is as follows: if you cancel 90 days before departure, you’ll get 100% of your money back, minus $500 for a non-refundable flight. If you cancel between 90-60 days before departure, a 50% refund. If you cancel within 60-30 days of departure, a 25% refund. Cancelation within 30 days results in a 0% refund.

Will I have any time to myself?
Of course! I hate the tours that book every minute of your day. While we will be busy, there will also be plenty of time for you to explore on your own!

What about visas?
If you require a visa to enter Thailand, you’ll need to get that in advance at your own cost.

How many spots can I buy at once?
Reservations on the tour are limited to a maximum of 2 per person to ensure everyone gets a chance to go!

If you try to get in and there’s no more room, e-mail me at [email protected] with the subject “waitlist” and I’ll put your name on the waitlist!

P.S. – Not able to make this tour? I’ll be offering more in the future! You can stay informed by signing up to this list.