18 Day Classic Thailand with Laos & Cambodia
From
$2779
Land Only
$3849*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)
| Monday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom | Bangkok | |
| Kantary Hotel | Ayutthaya | |
| Sukhothai Treasure Hotel | Sukhothai | |
| The Riverie by Katathani | Chiang Rai | |
| Kantary Hills Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai | |
| Le Meridien Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai | |
| Le Bel Air Resort Luang Prabang | Luang Prabang | |
| Angkor Paradise Hotel | Siem Reap | |
| Wednesday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom | Bangkok | |
| Kantary Hotel | Ayutthaya | |
| Sukhothai Treasure Hotel | Sukhothai | |
| The Riverie by Katathani | Chiang Rai | |
| Kantary Hills Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai | |
| Le Meridien Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai | |
| Le Bel Air Resort Luang Prabang | Luang Prabang | |
| Angkor Paradise Hotel | Siem Reap | |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
| 2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $750 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$3129 | $4229* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Only 1 seat left! | $3029 | $4629* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Only 1 seat left! | $2929 | $4219* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2024 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $750 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$3149 | $4339* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Only 1 seat left! | $3099 | $4209* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$3099 | $4219* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $2779 | $3919* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $2779 | $3849* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang-Siem Reap and Siem Reap-Bangkok.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Round trip flights Los Angeles-Bangkok, Bangkok-Los Angeles
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- All intra-flights: Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang-Siem Reap & Siem Reap-Bangkok
- 16 nights First Class accommodations
- 4 nights Bangkok
- 1 night Ayutthaya
- 1 night Sukhothai
- 2 nights Chiang Rai
- 3 nights Chiang Mai
- 2 nights Luang Prabang
- 3 nights Siem Reap
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 28 meals: 16 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners with wine or beer
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in Luang Prabang & Siem Reap
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- In Bangkok, visit serene Wat Po, home of the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long
- Visit Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, used as a summer palace by the Siamese royalty
- Marvel at Chai Wattanaram Temple, one of Ayutthaya's most impressive remaining monuments
- Explore Historical Sukhothai, capital of the first Kingdom of Siam
- Visit the House of Opium and Golden Triangle
- Discover Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand
- Authentic Thai dinner at Chiang Mai private home
- Experience a Baci Ceremony and Luang Prabang Night Market
- Visit the Royal Palace Museum and cruise the Mekong River in Laos
- Stand in awe at the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat Temple Complex
- In Siem Reap enjoy an ox-cart ride and visit the National Museum
♦ Flights from the USA may arrive early on DAY 3. Sightseeing commences in the morning of Day 3
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This active program covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect from two to three hours walking on some touring days. The pace is fast, where you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Some tours require walking in the open air with no shade. There are a few long tail boat rides included in this tour, which require agility to embark and disembark. There are 72 steps in the Angkor Wat Temple, 37 of which have a steep incline. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, and people who have knee problems may want to carry a walking stick. A few early wake ups and two long drives, from Ayutthaya to Sukhothai and Sukhothai to Chiang Rai, are necessary to cover the territory. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This first class hotel is located in the heart of the shopping and business district of Bangkok.
Hotel Details
This superior first class hotel is located in the city of Ayutthaya, rich in culture and once the capital of Thailand.
Hotel Details
This deluxe hotel is located on an island in the Kok River not far from Chiang Rai City Center.
Hotel Details
This deluxe hotel, overlooking Doi Suthep Mountain, is located in the commercial district adjacent to the famous Night Bazaar.
Hotel Details
This first class resort is located on the Nam Khan riverside overlooking the city of Luang Prabang.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the heart of the shopping and business district of Bangkok.
Hotel Details
This superior first class hotel is located in the city of Ayutthaya, rich in culture and once the capital of Thailand.
Hotel Details
This deluxe hotel is located on an island in the Kok River not far from Chiang Rai City Center.
Hotel Details
This deluxe hotel, overlooking Doi Suthep Mountain, is located in the commercial district adjacent to the famous Night Bazaar.
Hotel Details
This first class resort is located on the Nam Khan riverside overlooking the city of Luang Prabang.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
This afternoon, embark on a long tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. Pass by Wat Arun, "Temple of Dawn" and other iconic landmarks. Take in scenic views of both banks of the river as you glide through the water and observe the simple life of the locals living along the river. Afterwards, travel to dinner on a tuk-tuk, Thailand's popular three-wheeled motorized taxi, to a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
| Day #4 | 19 Nov 2022 - 31 May 2024 | $50.00 |
Morning tour of Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the adjoining Grand Palace. Together they form the most impressive sights for visitors to Bangkok. Wat Phra Kaew consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics, dating back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. From Wat Phra Kaew continue to the Grand Palace. Despite the proximity of the two, there's a distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European designs of the Grand Palace. It is important to note that this palace is used now only for occasional ceremonial purposes and is no longer the royal residence.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 19 Nov 2022 - 30 Jun 2024 | $38.00 |
The tour departs Chiang Rai City in the morning for the drive to visit Hill Tribe at the foothill of Mae Chan. Upon arrival, change vehicles to the local Thai Combi which takes you up to the hill tribes, namely the Akha, Long Neck and Palong. See this unique way of life and culture of the tribes that is still maintained today.
This tour requires walking up several steps as well as uneven pavement and trails to get to the small village.
Approximate tour duration is 5 hours.
| Day #9 | 01 Jul 2021 - 30 Jun 2024 | $22.00 |
This morning, visit the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden (QSBG), located in the foothills of the Doi Suthep-Pui mountains north of Chiang Mai. QSBG was established in 1993, as the first botanical garden in Thailand. It covers an area of 6,500 acres and is named after Queen Sirikit. Follow the paths and take your time as you stroll through the lush grounds covered with exotic types of trees, plants and flowers. After your visit, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #10 | 01 Jul 2021 - 30 Jun 2024 | $39.00 |
A trip to Thailand is not complete without experiencing a traditional Thai Massage! Unlike other types of massages, in Thailand your masseuse will stretch, bend, and contort your body into various positions, known to quickly ease the stress of muscle tension and aids in curing minor illnesses. A set of personal cotton clothing will be given to you to wear during the massage.
Approximate tour duration is 1 hour. Gratuity is not included.
| Day #10 | 01 Jul 2021 - 30 Jun 2024 | $32.00 |
This afternoon, embark on a long tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. Pass by Wat Arun, "Temple of Dawn" and other iconic landmarks. Take in scenic views of both banks of the river as you glide through the water and observe the simple life of the locals living along the river. Afterwards, travel to dinner on a tuk-tuk, Thailand's popular three-wheeled motorized taxi, to a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
| Day #4 | 19 Nov 2022 - 31 May 2024 | $50.00 |
Morning tour of Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the adjoining Grand Palace. Together they form the most impressive sights for visitors to Bangkok. Wat Phra Kaew consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics, dating back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. From Wat Phra Kaew continue to the Grand Palace. Despite the proximity of the two, there's a distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European designs of the Grand Palace. It is important to note that this palace is used now only for occasional ceremonial purposes and is no longer the royal residence.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 19 Nov 2022 - 30 Jun 2024 | $38.00 |
The tour departs Chiang Rai City in the morning for the drive to visit Hill Tribe at the foothill of Mae Chan. Upon arrival, change vehicles to the local Thai Combi which takes you up to the hill tribes, namely the Akha, Long Neck and Palong. See this unique way of life and culture of the tribes that is still maintained today.
This tour requires walking up several steps as well as uneven pavement and trails to get to the small village.
Approximate tour duration is 5 hours.
| Day #9 | 01 Jul 2021 - 30 Jun 2024 | $22.00 |
This morning, visit the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden (QSBG), located in the foothills of the Doi Suthep-Pui mountains north of Chiang Mai. QSBG was established in 1993, as the first botanical garden in Thailand. It covers an area of 6,500 acres and is named after Queen Sirikit. Follow the paths and take your time as you stroll through the lush grounds covered with exotic types of trees, plants and flowers. After your visit, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #10 | 01 Jul 2021 - 30 Jun 2024 | $39.00 |
A trip to Thailand is not complete without experiencing a traditional Thai Massage! Unlike other types of massages, in Thailand your masseuse will stretch, bend, and contort your body into various positions, known to quickly ease the stress of muscle tension and aids in curing minor illnesses. A set of personal cotton clothing will be given to you to wear during the massage.
Approximate tour duration is 1 hour. Gratuity is not included.
| Day #10 | 01 Jul 2021 - 30 Jun 2024 | $32.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia - No inoculations are required. However, some inoculations are recommended. During the months of Dec-Mar, severe air pollution, resulting from widespread forest fires and agricultural burning may cause respiratory problems for some. Please consult your physician before traveling to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and/or Cambodia. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Cambodia - Cambodia has three seasons. The dry season is from November to March. The hot season is from March to June. The wet season is from July to October. Comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket are recommended. A hat and sunscreen lotion are especially recommended during the hot season. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover. Cambodia Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/default.aspx#southeast-asia-weather |
| Thailand - The rainy season is June through October. Bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothes you can layer and a waterproof windbreaker. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover. Thailand Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/default.aspx#thailand-weather |
| Laos - Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, with a pronounced rainy season from May-October, a cool dry season from November-February, and a hot dry season from March-April. Lightweight clothing is advised throughout the year, with an umbrella or raincoat for sudden cloudbursts. Be prepared for high temperatures and humidity. A sweater is advised for cooler evenings. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover. Shoes will need to be removed when entering Temples.
Laos Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/default.aspx#southeast-asia-weather |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| THAILAND: Books Presenting Thailand: A Journey through the Kingdom by John Hoskin Thailand: A Short History by David K. Wyatt A History of Thailand by Chris Baker Thailand – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Custums & Culture by Roger Jones Thailand: The Lotus Kingdom by Alistair Shearer Fascinating Thailand by John Hoskin THAILAND: Films Ong Bak (2003) Citizen Dog (2004) Fan Chan (2003) |
| CAMBODIA: Books Khmer: The Lost Empire of Cambodia by Thierry Zephir Enchanting Cambodia by Mick Shippen Cambodia: Report from A Stricken Land by Henry Kamm |
| LAOS: Books The Rough Guide to Laos by Jeff Cranmer & Steven Martin Another Quiet American: Stories of Life in Laos by Brett Dakin Stalking the Elephant Kings: In Search of Laos by Christopher Kremmer |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Thailand - Intra-Thailand flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while traveling within Thailand. |
| Cambodia - Intra-Cambodia flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while traveling within Cambodia. |
| Laos - Intra-Laos flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while traveling within Laos. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Escorted Tour Participants in Thailand |
| Please note that the number of participants may vary during your tour as some travelers may arrive and depart at different points in the itinerary. Some participants will begin their trip in Taipei, Taiwan before joining the tour in Bangkok, Thailand. Following Chiang Mai, Thailand some participants will end their journey in Bangkok, Thailand while others will continue to Phuket, Thailand or Angkor Wat, Cambodia before re-entering Bangkok, Thailand. Upon arrival in Bangkok, Thailand all tour participants will be invited to join a welcome orientation with your Tour Manager and you will meet all of your tour companions at that time. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Malaysia |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $7 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $3 per person per day, US $2 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $3 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Southeast Asia River Cruise: Crew $8 per person per day; Cruise Director $8 per person per day; Local Guides & Drivers $6 per person per day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Cambodia - Tipping is not customary in Cambodia, except in upmarket restaurants where 10% of the bill is appreciated - but only if a service charge has not already been added. |
| Laos - Tipping is not customary in Laos, except in upmarket restaurants where 10% of the bill is appreciated - but only if a service charge has not already been added. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Cambodia - The Cambodian Riel is the local currency. In tourist areas U.S. currency in widely accepted in cities. It is best to carry both Cambodian and U.S. currency in small denominations. Credit cards can generally be used at hotels, but smaller business may not accept them or may charge a service fee for their use. It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted locally. |
| Thailand - The Thai Baht is the currency of Thailand. It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted locally. |
| Laos - The Lao Kip is the local currency It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted locally. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Cambodia - Local handicrafts, silks, and replicas of ancient statues and artifacts are among the most popular items. |
| Thailand - Among the most sought after goods are Thai silk and cotton embroidery, pearls, objects inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, and leather wares. |
| Laos - Local markets provide great handcrafted items such as Hill tribe silk, couture-quality textiles, carvings, and jewelry. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
|
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Cambodia
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Thailand
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Laos
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| Languages |
| Cambodia - Khmer is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Thailand - Thai is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Laos - The official language is Lao. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Cambodia - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Thailand - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Laos - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Cambodia - While men often shake hands in greeting, woman tend to use the more traditional Som Pas greeting, with palms pressed together at chest level followed by a slight bow. Simple, modest clothing is appropriate. Footwear should be removed upon entering a Buddhist temple. Statues of the Buddha are considered sacred and should not be touched. |
| Thailand - In Thailand, there is a very sharp distinction between what is appropriate in public life versus private life. Expressing anger or physical affection in public is a faux pas. The Royal Family is treated with utmost respect and reverence, so if you are handling any object bearing the image of the King, treat it with respect. Casual dress is generally appropriate. |
| Laos - When greeting anyone for the first time, it is polite to hold your hands to your chin in a prayer position and slightly bow. Handshakes are generally not exchanged. Lao are embarrassed by public displays of affection - even hand-holding - especially in sacred places such as temples. Another Buddhist custom is related to the belief that the head is the most sacred part of the body and the feet the most impure. Likewise, putting one’s feet up onto furniture, or using them to point at something, are very rude gestures. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Cambodia - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Thailand - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Laos - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Cambodia |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 7: Victory Day Mar 8: International Women's Day Apr 14-16: Khmer New Year May 1: Labour Day May 4: Visak Bochea Day May 8: Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony May 14: King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday May 20: National Day of Remembrance Jun 1: Children's Day Jun 19: Queen Mother's Birthday Sep 24: Constitution Day Oct 15: Commemoration of Late King Father Oct 24: Paris Peace Agreements Day Oct 29: King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation Day Nov 9: Independence Day Nov 26-28: Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) Dec 10: Human Rights Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 7: Victory Day Jan 8: Victory Day Holiday Mar 8: International Women's Day Apr 14-16: Khmer New Year May 1: Labour Day May 14: King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday May 20: National Day of Remembrance May 22: Visak Bochea Day May 26: Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony Jun 18: Queen Mother's Birthday Sep 24: Constitution Day Oct 15: Commemoration of Late King Father Oct 23: Paris Peace Agreements Day Oct 29: King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation Day Nov 9: Independence Day Nov 14-16: Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) Dec 10: Human Rights Day |
| Holidays - Thailand |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day (Observed) Jan 22: Chinese New Year Mar 6: Magha Puja: veneration of Buddha Apr 6: Chakri Memorial Day Apr 13-15: Thai New Year May 1: Labor Day May 4: Coronation Day May 5: Visakha Bucha, Buddha Day Jun 3: Queens Suthida's Birthday Jun 5: Queens Suthida's Birthday (Observed) Jul 28: H.M. King's Birthday Aug 2: Asalha Puja, Buddhist Lent Aug 11: Mother's Day (Celebrated on the Queen's Birthday) (Observed) Aug 12: Mother's Day (Celebrated on the Queen's Birthday) Oct 13: Anniversary of the death of King Bhumibol Oct 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day Dec 15: King Bhumibol's Birthday/Father's Day Dec 10: Constitution Day Dec 11: Constitution Day (Observed) Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day (Observed) Jan 24: Magha Puja Feb 10: Lunar/Chinese New Year Apr 6: Chakri Memorial Day Apr 8: Chakri Day Holiday Apr 13-16: Thai New Year May 1: Labor Day May 4: Coronation Day May 6: Coronation Day Holiday/ Royal Ploughing Day May 22: Visakha Bucha, Buddha Day Jun 3: Queens Suthida's Birthday Jul 21: Asalha Puja, Buddhist Lent Day Jul 23: Buddhist Lent Day, observed Jul 28: H.M. King's Birthday Jul 29: H.M. King's Birthday, observed Aug 12: The Queen's Birthday / Mother's Day Oct 13: Anniversary of the death of King Bhumibol Oct 14: Anniversary of the death of King Bhumibol, observed Oct 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day Dec 5: King Bhumibol's Birthday/Father's Day Dec 10: Constitution Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Songkran Festival is celebrated the second week of April each year by splashing one another with water in the streets to mark the end of the dry season. You may get wet while in the city for the festival as locals will often toss water on strangers as a show of blessings and good wishes. |
| Holidays - Laos |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Pathet Lao Day Jan 20: Army Day Mar 8: Women's Day Apr 14-16: Lao New Year May 1: Labor Day Jun 1: Children's Day Dec 2: National Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 20: Army Day Mar 8: International Women's Day Apr 13-16: Lao New Year May 1: Labor Day May 22: Visakhabousa Day/Buddha's Birthday Jun 1: Children's Day Jul 20: Lao Women Union's Day Jul 22: Lao Women Union's Day, observed Oct 17: Boun Ok Phansa Nov 1: That Luang Festival Dec 2: National Day |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia - No inoculations are required. However, some inoculations are recommended. During the months of Dec-Mar, severe air pollution, resulting from widespread forest fires and agricultural burning may cause respiratory problems for some. Please consult your physician before traveling to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and/or Cambodia. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Cambodia - Cambodia has three seasons. The dry season is from November to March. The hot season is from March to June. The wet season is from July to October. Comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket are recommended. A hat and sunscreen lotion are especially recommended during the hot season. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover. Cambodia Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/default.aspx#southeast-asia-weather |
| Thailand - The rainy season is June through October. Bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothes you can layer and a waterproof windbreaker. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover. Thailand Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/default.aspx#thailand-weather |
| Laos - Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, with a pronounced rainy season from May-October, a cool dry season from November-February, and a hot dry season from March-April. Lightweight clothing is advised throughout the year, with an umbrella or raincoat for sudden cloudbursts. Be prepared for high temperatures and humidity. A sweater is advised for cooler evenings. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover. Shoes will need to be removed when entering Temples.
Laos Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/default.aspx#southeast-asia-weather |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| THAILAND: Books Presenting Thailand: A Journey through the Kingdom by John Hoskin Thailand: A Short History by David K. Wyatt A History of Thailand by Chris Baker Thailand – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Custums & Culture by Roger Jones Thailand: The Lotus Kingdom by Alistair Shearer Fascinating Thailand by John Hoskin THAILAND: Films Ong Bak (2003) Citizen Dog (2004) Fan Chan (2003) |
| CAMBODIA: Books Khmer: The Lost Empire of Cambodia by Thierry Zephir Enchanting Cambodia by Mick Shippen Cambodia: Report from A Stricken Land by Henry Kamm |
| LAOS: Books The Rough Guide to Laos by Jeff Cranmer & Steven Martin Another Quiet American: Stories of Life in Laos by Brett Dakin Stalking the Elephant Kings: In Search of Laos by Christopher Kremmer |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Thailand - Intra-Thailand flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while traveling within Thailand. |
| Cambodia - Intra-Cambodia flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while traveling within Cambodia. |
| Laos - Intra-Laos flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while traveling within Laos. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Escorted Tour Participants in Thailand |
| Please note that the number of participants may vary during your tour as some travelers may arrive and depart at different points in the itinerary. Some participants will begin their trip in Taipei, Taiwan before joining the tour in Bangkok, Thailand. Following Chiang Mai, Thailand some participants will end their journey in Bangkok, Thailand while others will continue to Phuket, Thailand or Angkor Wat, Cambodia before re-entering Bangkok, Thailand. Upon arrival in Bangkok, Thailand all tour participants will be invited to join a welcome orientation with your Tour Manager and you will meet all of your tour companions at that time. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Malaysia |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $7 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $3 per person per day, US $2 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $3 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Southeast Asia River Cruise: Crew $8 per person per day; Cruise Director $8 per person per day; Local Guides & Drivers $6 per person per day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Cambodia - Tipping is not customary in Cambodia, except in upmarket restaurants where 10% of the bill is appreciated - but only if a service charge has not already been added. |
| Laos - Tipping is not customary in Laos, except in upmarket restaurants where 10% of the bill is appreciated - but only if a service charge has not already been added. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Cambodia - The Cambodian Riel is the local currency. In tourist areas U.S. currency in widely accepted in cities. It is best to carry both Cambodian and U.S. currency in small denominations. Credit cards can generally be used at hotels, but smaller business may not accept them or may charge a service fee for their use. It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted locally. |
| Thailand - The Thai Baht is the currency of Thailand. It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted locally. |
| Laos - The Lao Kip is the local currency It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted locally. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Cambodia - Local handicrafts, silks, and replicas of ancient statues and artifacts are among the most popular items. |
| Thailand - Among the most sought after goods are Thai silk and cotton embroidery, pearls, objects inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, and leather wares. |
| Laos - Local markets provide great handcrafted items such as Hill tribe silk, couture-quality textiles, carvings, and jewelry. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Cambodia
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Thailand
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Laos
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| Languages |
| Cambodia - Khmer is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Thailand - Thai is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Laos - The official language is Lao. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Cambodia - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Thailand - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Laos - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Cambodia - While men often shake hands in greeting, woman tend to use the more traditional Som Pas greeting, with palms pressed together at chest level followed by a slight bow. Simple, modest clothing is appropriate. Footwear should be removed upon entering a Buddhist temple. Statues of the Buddha are considered sacred and should not be touched. |
| Thailand - In Thailand, there is a very sharp distinction between what is appropriate in public life versus private life. Expressing anger or physical affection in public is a faux pas. The Royal Family is treated with utmost respect and reverence, so if you are handling any object bearing the image of the King, treat it with respect. Casual dress is generally appropriate. |
| Laos - When greeting anyone for the first time, it is polite to hold your hands to your chin in a prayer position and slightly bow. Handshakes are generally not exchanged. Lao are embarrassed by public displays of affection - even hand-holding - especially in sacred places such as temples. Another Buddhist custom is related to the belief that the head is the most sacred part of the body and the feet the most impure. Likewise, putting one’s feet up onto furniture, or using them to point at something, are very rude gestures. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Cambodia - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Thailand - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Laos - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Cambodia |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 7: Victory Day Mar 8: International Women's Day Apr 14-16: Khmer New Year May 1: Labour Day May 4: Visak Bochea Day May 8: Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony May 14: King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday May 20: National Day of Remembrance Jun 1: Children's Day Jun 19: Queen Mother's Birthday Sep 24: Constitution Day Oct 15: Commemoration of Late King Father Oct 24: Paris Peace Agreements Day Oct 29: King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation Day Nov 9: Independence Day Nov 26-28: Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) Dec 10: Human Rights Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 7: Victory Day Jan 8: Victory Day Holiday Mar 8: International Women's Day Apr 14-16: Khmer New Year May 1: Labour Day May 14: King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday May 20: National Day of Remembrance May 22: Visak Bochea Day May 26: Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony Jun 18: Queen Mother's Birthday Sep 24: Constitution Day Oct 15: Commemoration of Late King Father Oct 23: Paris Peace Agreements Day Oct 29: King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation Day Nov 9: Independence Day Nov 14-16: Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) Dec 10: Human Rights Day |
| Holidays - Thailand |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day (Observed) Jan 22: Chinese New Year Mar 6: Magha Puja: veneration of Buddha Apr 6: Chakri Memorial Day Apr 13-15: Thai New Year May 1: Labor Day May 4: Coronation Day May 5: Visakha Bucha, Buddha Day Jun 3: Queens Suthida's Birthday Jun 5: Queens Suthida's Birthday (Observed) Jul 28: H.M. King's Birthday Aug 2: Asalha Puja, Buddhist Lent Aug 11: Mother's Day (Celebrated on the Queen's Birthday) (Observed) Aug 12: Mother's Day (Celebrated on the Queen's Birthday) Oct 13: Anniversary of the death of King Bhumibol Oct 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day Dec 15: King Bhumibol's Birthday/Father's Day Dec 10: Constitution Day Dec 11: Constitution Day (Observed) Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day (Observed) Jan 24: Magha Puja Feb 10: Lunar/Chinese New Year Apr 6: Chakri Memorial Day Apr 8: Chakri Day Holiday Apr 13-16: Thai New Year May 1: Labor Day May 4: Coronation Day May 6: Coronation Day Holiday/ Royal Ploughing Day May 22: Visakha Bucha, Buddha Day Jun 3: Queens Suthida's Birthday Jul 21: Asalha Puja, Buddhist Lent Day Jul 23: Buddhist Lent Day, observed Jul 28: H.M. King's Birthday Jul 29: H.M. King's Birthday, observed Aug 12: The Queen's Birthday / Mother's Day Oct 13: Anniversary of the death of King Bhumibol Oct 14: Anniversary of the death of King Bhumibol, observed Oct 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day Dec 5: King Bhumibol's Birthday/Father's Day Dec 10: Constitution Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Songkran Festival is celebrated the second week of April each year by splashing one another with water in the streets to mark the end of the dry season. You may get wet while in the city for the festival as locals will often toss water on strangers as a show of blessings and good wishes. |
| Holidays - Laos |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Pathet Lao Day Jan 20: Army Day Mar 8: Women's Day Apr 14-16: Lao New Year May 1: Labor Day Jun 1: Children's Day Dec 2: National Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 20: Army Day Mar 8: International Women's Day Apr 13-16: Lao New Year May 1: Labor Day May 22: Visakhabousa Day/Buddha's Birthday Jun 1: Children's Day Jul 20: Lao Women Union's Day Jul 22: Lao Women Union's Day, observed Oct 17: Boun Ok Phansa Nov 1: That Luang Festival Dec 2: National Day |
Our trip was amazing! Got home a few days ago and we are already doing our research to book with gate1 again for next year. I just have to say our tour manager Thang in Vietnam was A++++++ he went above and beyond what was expected of his job. Such a lovely guy with great personality. I could write a thesis on him and his great qualities. HE is the GEM of Vietnam. I have attached a few pictures. Thank you for booking us to the greatest adventure.
Lee H.
As with all our Gate 1 Tours we had a wonderful experience. The beauty, culture and history of the three countries we visited was amazing. More than anything our Tour Director for most of the tour Thang made it the the amazing experience it was. Like all Gate 1 Tour Directors, he was warm, knowledgeable and organized. But he went well above and beyond any Gate 1 guide we have had. He not only posted our schedule in the lobby of our hotel, he also handed out a personal copy of the schedule to each of us daily with suggestions that would help us in negotiating our way around on our own in each town. He also kept track of each and every one of us from the fastest to the slowest and made sure everyone's questions were answered. A truly amazing tour with an amazing tour director. Thank you.
Alice V.
We just returned from the 15 days classic Thailand with Angkor Wat. Gate 1 does not disappoint us. This is another memorable trip. All the hotels are unique, comfortable, and centrally located. Their daily included breakfasts and occasional dinners are all delicious with many food selections. Daily itinerary was jam packed with activities and sightseeing, but also allowed us to have some leisure time. We had an outstanding tour manager, Kaew!! She really treated each of us like a family. She always went above and beyond to make sure everyone is enjoying to the fullest!! We thoroughly enjoyed all the restaurants and food that she picked for us. The food is so delectable and I enjoy every morsel of it!! She also introduced and treated us the local munchies. This gives us the perfect idea of what munchies to buy in Chiang Mai and Bangkok markets to bring back to US. We really appreciated that she provided us a little booklet which contained day to day itineraries and useful information. We referred to it every night before we went to sleep. I noticed Gate 1 attracts such nice and friendly people to its tours. We shared many laughs together and thoroughly enjoyed their company! This is our second tour with Gate 1 and we know there will be many many more in the future, just as most of our tour members who have been traveling with Gate 1 more than 10 times. It speaks volumes!!
Pai C.
I recently had the privilege of embarking on a mesmerizing journey from Bangkok, through Cambodia, and finally Vietnam. While I have been on several Gate 1 trips in the past, and take nothing away from the guides we have had, Tran was exceptional. From the moment we met Tran, it was evident that we were in the presence of a true master of his craft. Tran's passion for his country and its rich cultural heritage shone through every aspect of our tour. His deep knowledge of Vietnam's history, traditions, and hidden gems added an invaluable layer of depth and authenticity to our experience. Whether we were exploring bustling cities, serene rural landscapes, or ancient temples, Tran's insightful commentary transported us back in time, allowing us to fully appreciate the significance of each place we visited. One of the most impressive qualities of Tran was his remarkable ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. His warm and friendly demeanor instantly put us at ease, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the members of our tour group. Tran's fluency in multiple languages ensured that every participant felt included and understood throughout the journey. Tran's meticulous attention to detail was evident in every aspect of our tour. From the carefully curated itinerary that seamlessly blended must-visit attractions with off-the-beaten-path treasures, to the perfectly timed rest stops and delectable local culinary experiences, every moment was thoughtfully planned and executed. Tran's exceptional organizational skills ensured that we made the most of our time, never feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Beyond being an exceptional guide, Tran also possessed an uncanny ability to anticipate our needs and cater to our individual preferences. Whether it was accommodating dietary restrictions, suggesting personalized excursions, or providing insightful recommendations for souvenirs, Tran's dedication to ensuring our comfort and satisfaction was truly outstanding. Moreover, Tran's genuine care for the environment and commitment to responsible tourism left a lasting impression on our group. He consistently encouraged us to minimize our ecological footprint and showcased eco-friendly initiatives in the areas we visited. Tran's dedication to sustainable tourism was truly commendable, and it inspired us to be more conscious travelers ourselves. In conclusion, Tran's remarkable expertise, genuine passion, and unwavering dedication to delivering an exceptional travel experience made him an outstanding tour guide. Anyone planning a trip to Vietnam and wanting to embark on an unforgettable journey, I wholeheartedly recommend Tran as their guide. His professionalism, knowledge, and infectious enthusiasm will undoubtedly leave you with cherished memories of this beautiful country. Thank you, Gate 1 and Tran, for an extraordinary adventure that exceeded all expectations!
Bryan C.
We have been to many trips using Gate1 but Hai is the BEST TOUR GUIDE ever! My husband, friends, and I had a wonderful experience because of him. He is patient with all of us! He is very helpful! He is very well organized with all his notes and maps. He is very approachable and always willing to help and answer any questions! Hai is very friendly and always has a smile and love all his jokes! Love his singing voice too! He is very easy to understand enjoyed listening about his beloved country. Thank you Gate1 for hiring Hai. Will highly recommend this trip to friends! It was a very memorable experience that I will not forget ! Learned so much about Vietnam and it's culture! It's worth traveling 18 hours on the plane and changing hotels and flying from Thailand to Cambodia to Vietnam!
Edna H.
The 18-day trip to Thailand with Laos and Cambodia was wonderful. Your guide "Yo" is a treasure. She is the best guide of my long life, and I am well-traveled! She has deep knowledge of the places she showed us, and great organizational and people skills. I loved the stories of Thai gods and princesses she told us at Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. She kept us laughing with her great sense of humor. When faced with the daunting "meals on one's own", Yo provided us with directions to various restaurants, which we tried and found to be excellent. When my son suddenly decided to stay in Bangkok, Yo offered ideas as to how he might spend his extra time in Thailand, and arranged through Gate 1 to get a later flight for his return to the U.S.. The tour surpassed my expectations. The hotels were beautiful, their locations central, and their breakfasts delicious. We signed up for all the tours and some extra ones, all arranged by Gate 1, and they were all excellent, especially the river cruises which brought respite from the heat. Gate 1 attracts such nice people to its tours! We shared lots of laughs together, and shared our best photographs through Whatsapp. I am proud of many beautiful pictures (taken by others in my Thailand group 'Family') which I can show my friends. I have recommended Gate 1 to other prospective travelers for years, and will continue to do so! Thanks Gate 1 for your thoughtful and action-packed 18-day Thailand tour!
Judith D.
Dear Gate 1 our first experience with your group is when we recently traveled to Cambodia and Vietnam. It was an awesome experience filled history and events that we will long remember. Our tour guide, Steve was simply the best...outstanding in every way. I my humble opinion he is a 10+++. We traveled many times through out Europe with many different guides and NONE of them come close or measure up to Steve. This young man (Steve) has mastered the skill and ability to make things happen in a flawless way. Each day was a great experience as we enjoyed people and cultures of both Cambodia and Vietnam. Some the high lights were as follows: Angkor Wat; The Water Buffalo cart ride through the country to see the small farms; Boat ride on Tonle Dap Lake; Ho Chi Minh City (so, so big); The Mekong Delta; oh yes the Sampan ride, coconut candy; Thu Bon River; yes, cooking our lunch...what an experience; oh, oh yes the Cyclo ride through the streets...you got up close with all the motor bikes; Dragon boat ride on the perfume river; The crowing event...Halong Bay...so, so beautiful and awesome as well as a great lunch. The Hotels were 5 star...the food always mouth watering. Finally the tour of Hanoi...Thank you Gate 1 we will be going on more of your tours...overall rating 10++. We would like to go to Africa with you and have Steve Chang as our guide... lastly the trip was fantastic/fabulous but the "KEY" to this whole trip was Steve...we will remember his attention to every detail, his caring, kindness, love for his job and country and making feel special. Thank you again.
Alton J.
If I could rate my overall experience 10 stars, I would! Gate 1 did a phenomenal job handling every aspect of this trip. All the details were taken care of, the hotels were top notch and the itinerary was well thought out and planned to perfection. Our tour guide Kit was nothing short of AMAZING! She was kind, funny, informative, helpful - literally the perfect guide! She was constantly bringing local snacks and treats on the bus for us to try to share a more realistic and personal view of the Thai culture and she constantly reminded us that she was there to help us in any way possible. All the little things she did to make our trip more fun were noticed and appreciated. (Like when she brought out a poster size print out of the Thai alphabet and number list and had a try to put together some words and numbers.) I was extremely impressed when she even showed up the morning we left at 1:00 AM - she was waiting for us in the lobby of the hotel to say good bye and make sure we got on the transport to the airport. She was a fantastic representation of both the Thai people and Gate 1. Also I want to mention our assistant driver Boat. He was always there with a smile and ice cold water and towels when we got on the bus after a long hot day of sight seeing. His positive attitude was much appreciated. The hotels were top notch - especially in Kanchanaburi and Pattaya. Thanks to everyone at Gate 1 for all the behinds the scenes work you do to put together these incredible vacation packages. I can't wait to book another one!
Susan T.
I just want to mention how great of an experience my husband and I had during our recent Thailand tour. Our tour manager, Oh T, was excellent. He went above and beyond our expectations. He did little things that made a huge difference in our tour experience. He is very organized and efficient. Our driver was good and very friendly and we felt very safe with his driving. The assistance was also great. He made sure we were taken care of. Overall, great great tour.
Linda C.
My trip to Vietnam went really well. My family enjoyed it very much, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to our tour manager Mr. Bee- not only he is extremely knowledgeable, he obviously loves his country and is very proud of it. Mr. Bee has excellent organization skills and the patient of a saint. Gate1 is lucky to have him. I would definitely recommend Gate1 Vietnam trip to my friends and family.
Chyi C.
We completed the 12-day Vietnam tour and I just wanted to send some praise for our tour guide. Bee was amazing. He was able to not only help us navigate the aspects of the tour but give us great advice as to where to visit in our spare time and where we should eat, and even a glimpse into how the locals truly live. He was also very patient throughout the whole tour with everyone involved. We were some of the younger people on the tour (under 30), and he managed to appeal to us as well as the older generations. The trip was truly memorable, and Bee was a big factor in that!
Trevor S.
WOW!!! Our tour manager, Mr. Vit is the BEST guide Ever!! Each day, he was engaging, patient, funny and full of information about Thailand's history, foods, religion and culture! This trip exceeded my expectation... and I look forward to enjoying more travels with the Gate 1 Family!!
Mary L.
Thailand 9 days trip March 2023. This was the best trip I have ever had and the tour guide Tony especially, went above and beyond to make sure that the trip was successful. Tony was amazing! He was organized, attentive, kind, unflappable, and extremely knowledgeable. We had a great group, and he got to know each of us individually - I really can't praise him highly enough. I've done multiple trips with Gate1 previously and going to continue with this company in the future. Always satisfied with their well organized service! Easy to contact, all required info received on time, they don't cheat on hotels which is very important ( I had this issue with other travel companies, so I completely switched to Gate 1), and which is more important Gate1 is an excellent problems solving company in case it occurs. So happy to travel with Gate 1!
Olga E.
Our tour manager "BOOM" was incredible! Truly one of the best I have ever had. She went out of her way to make sure all of us on the tour were happy and taken care of every single day of the trip. She obviously loves her country and really enjoys her job.
Karen L.
We had a wonderful experience. Boom should not only be a Tour Manager, she should be titled as "Gate 1 Brand Ambassador". Her knowledge of her country is truly remarkable. Her emphasis to detail truly made the trip memorable. Her passion for ensuring her clients enjoy the best experience is exemplary. We will be using Gate 1 again and recommend your company as the way to go.
James P.
I just got back from another wonderful, informative and extremely well planned vacation. This time was Vietnam. I wanted to specifically make a comment regarding your tour guides. All the vacation that I have taken with your company are incredible, the tour guides that you pick not only know their country and are passionate about their individual country, at the same time, they make you feel like family. Tom, our tour guide in Vietnam was not an exception but, he went way further than what he needed to do to make us feel comfortable and resolved any inconvenience.. At the end of the vacation we were all a family, Tom, solve all problems, made extremely good suggestions , and make us feel extremely comfortable in a country where we didn't not know the language, and it was a little bit difficult since most people don't speak English. He's directions to locations, suggestions to restaurants, the shopping was extremely helpful. His advice helped us get things of us good quality and at extremely good price. I had an incident and Tom with out hesitation solved it. Thanks again and really, you need to congratulate Tom for a job well done.
Linda W.
I wanted to add some comments regarding our local guide in Cambodia and Tour Manager in Vietnam - Mr. Nivath, our guide in Cambodia, was delightful! He was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, funny and went above and beyond. His personal stories added a depth and understanding of the history and life in Cambodia and was greatly appreciated. Siem Reap was definitely a highlight of the trip! Khanh Nguyen (Kan), our guide in Vietnam, was excellent. His logistical skills of navigating with all 36 of us was evident. We appreciated his Vietnam Destination Information Booklet as it helped keep us all on time and informed. Kan's currency conversion guide was also a great help. Kan was very knowledgeable, patient and generous and we appreciated his local unexpected snacks. We enjoyed his stories, patience and humour. I would definitely recommend this trip to others - 17 days worked well and the balance of Bangkok, Siem Reap Cambodia and the majority of days in Vietnam was a good experience and pace for us.
Shannon S.
The trip was outstanding. The tour Managers Jeffrey and Deno were both exceptional 100 percent knowledgeable of their duties, the Drivers were very hospitable and had great knowledgeable about their route. The food was enjoyable, all tours were on point, the hotels were beautiful. I have no complaints all accolades . Thank you for a wonderful trip
Pamela M.
Our trip to Vietnam was perfect! It starts with our tour guide Tom who was just the best of the best! He kept our group in a family mood, and that helped us to have a wonderful vacation. He knew everyone's name, and gave attention to everyone of us. Our group was a mixture of different backgrounds and nations- Vietnamese living in California, Polish and Hindu living in NY, and others. Not an easy task for anyone to keep the group together, I think. But, for Tom it was not a challenge at all. He was able to manage this difficult task with ease! His sense of humor and great artistic spirit was a huge plus! He sung songs for us, made a beautiful collage of pictures and videos so that we will never forget Vietnam! Good job Gate1 for having such a perfect employee!
Krystyna N.
The trip was fantastic and a beautiful place to spend my birthday! Thank you so much for taking care of us and giving us wonderful memories and experiences! Nee and her team took great care of us, even with the small things like snacks, candy, wet wipes after each activity, large bottles of water, plastic bags at our seats for garbage, hand sanitizer, masks, toilet paper, a clean bus every day, postcards to stamp at the opium museum, spontaneous stops to experience local life, and many more. Her tip of going to 7-11 was great! The booklet that Nee made of our daily itinerary with times, attire, Thai greetings, and places around the hotel was excellent and very helpful! We referred to it constantly. For example, when we're in our room being forgetful on the times for breakfast, luggage out, or pick-ups, we simply referred to the booklet. Also, since required attire for certain days was not listed on the Gate 1 itinerary travel documents, with the help of Nee's booklet, we could plan what to wear with the clothes that we brought. We've been traveling with Gate 1 since 2009 and this was the first time a Tour Manager had a booklet for us. Excellent! It was also helpful that her booklet was in a plastic bag because it was protected in my bag, and I also used it to store my whisper device and attraction tickets. On a knowledgeable note, Nee was great with information and stories. She gave us a glimpse of the Thai alphabet and how to meditate. Nee was also familiar with American brands and ways, so it was nice when she can compare something in Thailand to what we're used to in America. This comparison made it easier and better to understand. We were given an unforgettable and fun experience for our first time in Thailand. I confess that Thailand was not the first on "my map" but, after this trip, how very wrong I was. I left feeling awed and humbled, and filled my list of movies to watch at home with topics about the war there and the rescued soccer team. Thailand is now on "my map" and a place that I will plan to visit again. Thank you for everything, Gate 1, Nee and her team!!!
Arlene O.
Another wonderful Gate 1 trip! Although I have been to Thailand numerous times, my expectations were exceeded throughout the trip. Congratulations on having such a high quality tour manager, Ake. He is very knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, caring and professional. He made the trip very interesting and comfortable, and went above and beyond in providing many recommendations for our free times, treating us to local treats almost everyday to enrich our cultural experience, taking many group pictures for us everywhere, and being a wealth of knowledge and comfort at all hours!!! Our driver and his assistant were also very courteous. They both kept the bus sparking clean all day long. They took care of us with water wipes, sanitizers and even provided toilet papers. I am repeating a Thailand tour next year and it would be wonderful to have the same tour manager team.
Helen C.
I just wanted to take a few extra minutes to tell you how amazing Lift is. Lift was our tour guide for our trip to Thailand. We have traveled with gate1 about 6 times now and every time we go we have great guides, but Lift went above and beyond the previous guides we had! To describe Lift, I would have to say that she is kind, funny, willing to help everyone in the group above and beyond what I thought was expected, caring, and extremely knowledgeable! She was always making us laugh, this helped keep us entertained during some of the longer bus rides! My absolutely favorite part about her, was that she tried her best to make sure you experienced everything, so she would teach us the local language, taught us how to deal with certain venues, and sent us on our way so that we had the opportunity to learn and do things on our own. If we ever got uncomfortable or stuck in a situation, Lift would be close by to step in and help navigate that obstacle. I have no idea how she could do that for all 26 travelers, but she was always there for everyone when you needed her. Lift created bonds with each traveler, that I believe we will all carry with us for the rest of our lives, I truly truly appreciate everything she did for us and giving us the absolutely best experience in Thailand! Thank You Lift, we miss you!
Meghan B.
The 16 day trip was wonderful but largely due to our outstanding tour director, Boom. She was awesome! Her knowledge of the country and all of the unique stops along the way made it so much more special. I know from experience that trying to manage that many people is never easy, but she made it look easy...she knew all 36 names before we left Bangkok-simply amazing, and it made each one of us feel like we were part of a family, and not just 36 random people going on a tour. She was unflappable, very professional and attentive to all of our needs. This is my first Gate 1 experience, and based on this trip, and our outstanding tour director, Boom, it won't be our last. I just hope the other tour directors are as good as Boom.
Cherie W.
Wonderful trip! Your tour manager "Ray" in Thailand was amazing! He made the trip so meaningful sharing his vast knowledge of the countries we went to, as well as an understanding of its people and customs. Many members of our tour group commented that he was the best tour manager they have ever had. I guess we got really lucky as this was our first Gate One trip! The trip went flawlessly and surpassed our expectations. We are usually independent travelers, but this sure was the way to see Thailand, Laos and Cambodia and all its experiences! If you have the opportunity, please share this with Ray.
Nancy F.
As always, my husband and I enjoyed Singapore and Malaysia. This is our 31st trip with Gate1! Each country had their unique beauty, customs and traditions to experience. Ruslim, our tour manager was superb and very well organized. He made our tour very enjoyable and safe.
Maria P.
Kudos to our guide Udom and his entire crew for a wonderful tour in Thailand! His long experience and native's knowledge of all things Thailand were invaluable in previewing what we saw. His choices of sites and hotels were excellent, and he himself demonstrated how to make coconut sugar and climb a coconut tree, and even dug up a small tapioca bush to show us the roots to explain the flour-making process. He showed us a typical Thai family home and graciously answered all our questions, along with making sure we had transfer arrangements and solved any problems that cropped up. It was our first group tour, but not our last! Loved it!
Terence F.
I'd like to express our appreciation to our tour manager Kit. We just finished our 13 days classic Thailand trip. Kit is very considerate and helpful with planning our free time activities. We arrived one day earlier before the trip starts, Kit greeted us at the hotel when we arrived, and provided adequate information about currency exchange, how to get around the city, what's fun to do in addition to what's included in the tour, and food recommendations. We had a wonderful time and fell in love with Thailand, will definitely visit Thailand again.
Qinli Z.
I want to take a little extra time to share more information about our amazing trip to Vietnam and Cambodia! Our local guide, Sohpai, and our tour Director, Duc, were absolutely the best tour experience I've ever had! Duc. Especially went out of his way to accommodate my 82 year old father and made our experience in Vietnam a dream come true. I cannot express enough what a unique and compassionate soul Duc is. I hope that Gate 1 recognizes his exceptional service. For example, Duc helped my father go to the pharmacy after a small cut, gave him concern and helped bring cough drops for my partner who caught a cold. Duc really went above and beyond to help my family. Everyone on our tour thought he was amazing. I've included some of my favorite pictures from the trip, including a picture with Duc, that I will always cherish along with the friendship we built. Thank you for facilitating an amazing trip! And thank you for bringing us together with Duc. This truly was a once in a lifetime experience.
Emily T.
This was the best trip I have ever had and the tour guides especially, went above and beyond to make sure that the trip was successful. Lift is delightful, funny and entertaining. Buffalo, no words are good enough to describe him. He is a tour guides teacher with a wealth of knowledge, a great personality, entertaining, a good photographer, caring and I feel privileged to have had him be out tour guide.
Hazel L.
Both tour managers were excellent. Lift was great and had an infectious personality. Buffalo was the best tour manager I have ever had in all of my Gate One trips. He worked incredibly hard even helping with serving meals. He did a couple of excellent videos of our trip which he shared with the group. He even prepared a booklet with everything we needed to know including daily adventures and recommendations for restaurants in every city. Both tour managers are terrific assets to Gate One and I hope to see them again on another Gate One trip.
Robert S.
Thanks Gate1 for a wonderful experience in Thailand. Congratulations on having a high quality guide like Lada, she was kind, respectful, went above and beyond to meet the expectations at the same time she was on time to every activity. She knew the history of Thailand and shared all the details with us. Our group was big ( 40 people) and she had to deal with some difficult customers. I am ready to go back to Thailand with Gate1 but we will request to be in one of Lada's group. This time instead of 4 people, my whole family of 8 is planning to go.
Jose P.
My wife and I are fans of your packages, and I have never left feedback until now. However, I have been bragging about my trips and referring your company to friends and co-workers for years. We even took my in-laws on this trip, and cannot wait for our next adventure! Our latest trip to Thailand, has been the BEST vacation my wife and I have taken. The sights, the culture, and above ALL made this trip so memorable! I want to thank all your staff, but specially our tour guide (Lada), who went beyond her obligations for us by: constantly checking in on us ,providing all sorts of recommendations and making arrangements on our "leisure" days , going to pharmacies to find medication for us!! , paying out of pocket for us to try local treats!! , taking pictures for the group ,being a wealth of knowledge and source of security and comfort at ALL hours!! I cannot wait for our next adventure! People like her have made me appreciate guided tours even more (rather than looking at your "leisure" packages/deals). Again, thank you for everything you do!
Metin N.
Dang - our tour guide was magnificent from beginning to end. His knowledge of the country was stellar, his ability to lead the tour- keep everyone on track and happy was excellent. His availability, energy, enthusiasm and going the extra mile was apparent every minute of every day. There was not one misstep during the 17 days - all because of Dang!!!! He was thoughtful and provided our group with many little touches that made the trip even more special. Vietnam could not have a more stellar or genuinely committed ambassador. In Cambodia the country tour person was Sang. Another stellar guide that knew the history and imparted it with interest joy and empathy. A lovely gentle man who loves what he does and made the trip. We are astonished that in 17 days there was not one single issue!!!!! No small feat given we were 37 strangers to start with - and a lot of tour logistics. It could not have been a better trip. Most people on the trip were booking more trips for next year on Gate 1, before they even got home. Dang and Sang are exemplary employees that both provided us with the trip of the lifetime. I cannot say enough about how skilled, genuine and lovely they are. RUN don't walk to take this tour and try and get Dang and Sang as the amazing tour leaders.
Arthur A.
Our recent Gems of Southeast Asia trip was the most extraordinary trip we've ever taken - and we have been committed travelers for years. Although the pace was a bit strenuous, we absolutely loved every aspect of the trip - the sights, activities, accommodations, and tons of information. I especially want to commend our guides - particularly tour manager Ukkrit or Steven, as he called himself for us. Ukkrit was amazing! He was organized, attentive, kind, unflappable, and extremely knowledgeable. We had a great group, and he got to know each of us individually - I really can't praise him highly enough. Our local guides, too, were exceptional and I learned so much! While we had some issues with Gate 1 at the front end, once we were on the trip it couldn't have been better. Many thanks - and we look forward to our next journey with you.
Deborah C.
The trip was great, except too much rain. The tour manager Mr .Oh chose the dinner location with local family -excellent. The host in Bangkok showed us the teakwood house which was very impressive, the food was good as well. We are well attended by Mr. Oh. A job well done.
Helen L.
It was great. We had a very nice tour guide who makes sure that we are taken cared of. She makes us laugh, dance, and sing for us. I never had a good trip as nice as this one. I met new friends and we are all happy on the tour. Thanks Gate 1. Hope to be on a tour with Gate 1 in the near future.
Ruben B.
We had a great time. All of our Gate 1 Guides were good and we enjoyed seeing and learning about Bangkok, Siem Reap and the country of Vietnam. We especially enjoyed Tran Nghia, the Gate 1 guide in Vietnam. He is wonderful.
Dave F. Minneapolis, MN
Enjoyed my trip to Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam. The tour managers were excellent guides. Kept us safe & gave history info & necessary information about the specific place we were staying.
Cristina A. Tyngsborough, MA
Our trip was awesome. The hotels were marvelous and UZA couldn’t do anything better. She is funny, kind and caring with all of us besides being extremely knowledgeable in the history and places in Thailand. She really went the extra mile. The driver was very courteous and accommodating and the bus everyday was sparking clean. He really took care of us with the water, wipes, sanitize even paper for the toilets. We had an amazing time, looking forward to the next one.
Ramon T. Guaynabo, PR
The trip was great! Some resort hotels even exceeded our expectations! Ake is an excellent tour manager. He is very knowledgeable about the history and geography about Thailand. Plus he worked beyond the call of duty to taking care of us in order to make sure that we had a safe and pleasant trip. He treated us just like a part of his family members. Gate 1 is lucky to have a tour guide as he is. Keep doing a good job!
Bonny L. Fountain Valley, CA
Our trip was amazing! Tick, our tour guide, was so knowledgeable about everything. The hotels were top-notch and the sights Gate 1 chose were perfect. We have a real "feel" for the country and culture! We already want to do another Gate 1 tour.
Marcia S. Henderson, NV
It was a wonderful trip! The tour guide was amazing! She takes care of every detail to make sure we have a great experience. Ms. Boom knows a lot about Thailand and explains with details everything. We really enjoyed our time in Thailand!! The driver and helper were always ready to help us and the cold water before our visit to the temple is a sample of an excellent service. Many thanks Gate 1 for such a great experience. This is our first tour with your company and we will continue traveling with you guys…your service is spectacular!!
Julia H. Plantation, FL
Our trip was great and we all enjoyed it very much. The itinerary was well-planned, interesting and informative. What we liked most is the Tour Manager, Tho, because he's so kind, organized, detail-oriented, caring, good sense of humor and likable. He's the best Tour Manager we've ever had with Gate-1 or any other tours.
Shaun T. Cypress, CA
We had a great trip, had a great tour manager (Steven) ... We thoroughly enjoyed the entire country. Steven (tour manager) did an amazing job organizing all those trips. He was like a father to 31 kids, making sure we were comfortable and more importantly didn’t get lost ... We have already recommended Gate 1 to our relatives and friends and definitely will toured with Gate 1 again.
Sherry R. Ontario, Canada
We just got home from our 17 day trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and cannot stop raving about this experience! Gate 1, you did a sensational job of organizing and executing this trip! Everything we saw and did was planned meticulously and went off without a hitch. The itinerary was fabulous! The combination of big cities, countrysides and small villages gave us a good taste of each country. The included activities were all beyond fabulous and we learned so much. We also had free time to explore on our own which we enjoyed and for which we were well prepared. The food choices offered in all countries were wonderful and I tried things I had never had before . Vietnamese food is now a favorite of mine! The hotels were all lovely and conveniently located and the breakfasts at each one were incredible! We chose to do all of the offered optional tours and were ecstatic that we did! Every one of them was outstanding and varied and we loved all the experiences offered. What a trip!! 17 days flew and gave us memories to last a lifetime! Our group of 20 was the perfect size. We were different ages and backgrounds and got along so beautifully which added to the enjoyment of the trip. I’d like to particularly let you know how exceptional all our guides were. Each of them was extremely knowledgeable, organized, enthusiastic and well prepared. They all spoke English so well and were easily understood. I always felt well cared for and safe in every environment. Tuk met us at the airport in Thailand and started off our trip in such a wonderful way. She carefully guided us through so many amazing sights and made everything interesting, fascinating and enjoyable. I fell in love with Sarnak in Cambodia. What a personable, charming and bright young man! His stories, both personal and educational, added such depth to our understanding and compassion for Cambodia. He deserves special recognition! We spent the most time with Tho in Vietnam. I can’t say enough great things about him! He was amazing and we were fortunate to have him with us. Efficient, bright, caring and organized, he thought of everything to make our trip safe, interesting, educational and fun. His recommendations for our free time were so helpful. I was so pleased that he gave us written instructions and recommendations everyday because there was so much going on and having a piece of paper to refer to was extremely helpful. He was the tour guide for all the optional tours we went on and his knowledge and experience made each day extra special. Tho was an exceptional guide in every way! I guess you can see that we loved this magical trip! Thank you Gate 1 for the trip of a lifetime!
Beth & Sheldon W. New Rochelle, NY
I just wanted to reach out and say that Yo is the absolute best guide I’ve had out of 7 Gate 1 trips. She went above and beyond for everyone, and all of the little ‘extras’ and recommendations for free time were incredible. I’d go back on a tour to SE Asia just to have her as a guide again.
Lana B. Sylva, NC
Our trip was great! We had so much fun visiting Thailand and its people. The food, the sights and the prices were incredible. We enjoyed Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Oh was an excellent tour guide. Everything was very well organized. We will definitely recommend Gate 1 to our friends and family and we will continue being loyal customers for sure!
Mariah F. Blaine, WA
The trip was absolutely wonderful! Our tour guide was so informative, my daughter who had been in Vietnam already for the past year learned so much information from him regarding the history and customs of this lovely country. He was most professional and patient with all questions and requests. The hotels were clean and conveniently located. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. The local tour guide for Cambodia was also a delight! We just had an absolutely relaxing and informative vacation.
Sheryl H. El Segundo, CA
The trip was absolutely amazing. Everything about the tour was fulfilling: Our FABULOUS tour guide, Buffalo, imparting his knowledge, humor, and sensitivity, addressing all our needs throughout the 12 days we were together - Our Cambodian guide, who enabled us to learn so much about the country and historic monuments, the above average hotel accommodations, comfortable travel vehicles, pace of the trip and all the unbelievable sights we were introduced to. So happy to travel with Gate 1.
Nola S. Pompton Lakes, NJ
The trip was great! We had a memorable experience. The 3 guides in each area of Bangkok, Cambodia and Vietnam were so helpful and informative. As we were in Vietnam the longest we want to sing the praises of Duc. He was fantastic. From helping us for our Vietnam visa to sharing his knowledge and insights of Vietnam, providing us tastings of Vietnamese food and experiencing unique aspects of Vietnamese culture, going into some of their homes and meeting the local people.
Doris B. Guam, Guatemala