WHERE DOES THE TOUR START AND FINISH?
DO YOU CATER FOR VEGETARIAN, VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE DIETS ON ULTIMATE THAILAND TOURS?
WHO WILL I BE TRAVELLING WITH?
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?
CAN I BOOK EXTRA NIGHTS?
CAN YOU HELP ME ORGANISE FLIGHTS & INSURANCE?
WHAT ABOUT THE FULL MOON PARTY?
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO THAILAND?
DO I NEED A VISA?
WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY IN AND OUT OF?
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FLIGHT IS DELAYED?
WHERE DOES THE TOUR START AND FINISH?
The Ultimate Thailand Island Hopper tour starts in Bangkok and ends in Koh Samui.
The 16 Day Thailand Island Hopper tour operates on the same itinerary as Ultimate Thailand original for Days 1 - 10. On Day-11, customers booked onto the 16-day itinerary will continue onto East Thai islands with their group leader.
The 16 day tour ends in Koh Samui on Day-16. A departure transfer to Koh Samui Airport or pier is not included but can be pre-booked or organised prior to departure with your tour leader.
DO YOU CATER FOR VEGETARIAN, VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE DIETS ON ULTIMATE THAILAND TOURS?
Vegetarian
Yes. We can cater for vegetarian diets on our Ultimate Thailand itineraries, and Thailand is generally very vegetarian-friendly. Many local dishes are rice- or noodle-based and can be prepared without meat, and tofu and vegetable options are widely available. Please make sure you advise us of your dietary requirements at the time of booking so this can be communicated to our guides and suppliers in advance.
Vegan
Vegan diets are possible but can be more challenging, particularly in rural areas and on islands. While larger cities and tourist hubs are more familiar with vegan requests, many Thai dishes commonly include fish sauce, oyster sauce, eggs, or other hidden animal products. As a result, vegan meals may be limited, simpler, and sometimes quite bland compared to standard or vegetarian options.
If you are travelling as a vegan, please be aware that:
- Vegan options may be limited for some included meals
- Meals can be repetitive or basic
- You may need to organise some meals independently
- Hidden ingredients and cross-contamination can be difficult to avoid
Gluten-Free
Gluten-free diets can also be accommodated, but with limitations. While rice is a staple in Thailand, soy sauce and other condiments commonly used in Thai cooking often contain gluten. In smaller towns and less tourist-focused areas, awareness of gluten-free requirements can be limited.
If you are gluten-free:
- Options may be restricted for included meals
- There is a higher risk of cross-contamination
- Some meals may be very simple or repetitive
- You may need to supplement with your own snacks or meals
- We strongly recommend advising us of all dietary requirements before travel and being flexible while on tour. Our guides will always do their best to assist and communicate your needs, but availability and understanding can vary significantly depending on location and local kitchens.
If you have strict dietary requirements or medical-level food restrictions, we encourage you to contact our team before booking so we can help you assess whether the Ultimate Thailand itinerary is suitable for you.
WHO WILL I BE TRAVELLING WITH?
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a mate, you’ll meet like-minded travellers from all over the world. Group sizes vary with each tour however we like to keep things fun yet personal so you’ll be travelling with no more than 30 others.
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?
We recommend making an appointment with your GP to discuss which vaccinations will be needed for your trip.
The Hepatitis A vaccine is strongly recommended. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination may be an option, but not essential.
Malaria isn’t common in the areas we visit, but stock up on bug spray in Bangkok as there are other diseases such as Dengue that are more common.
We recommend organising all vaccines at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to Thailand.
CAN I BOOK EXTRA NIGHTS?
If you need additional nights before or after your trip, just add them to your booking when you checkout.
Not sure if you need extra nights? Get in touch to chat with a member of the crew before or after you book
CAN YOU HELP ME ORGANISE FLIGHTS & INSURANCE?
WHAT ABOUT THE FULL MOON PARTY?
During the Ultimate Thailand Island hopper, we visit Koh Phangan, home to the legendary Full Moon Party!
Some Ultimate Thailand tour dates coincide with the Full Moon Party. If your tour lines up with a Full Moon Party we'll make sure your group can attend.
There are also some epic Half-Moon parties on the island that take place in the middle of the jungle! If your tour dates align, we'll also give you the option to join the party!
If your tour does not line-up with any “official” Full Moon parties, no need to worry! We always organise Ultimate parties for you in Koh Phangan regardless!
Check out our guide to the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party here.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO THAILAND?
Thailand is a great country to visit all year round! As the country is so vast different weather systems spread out across the region. So if you're visiting at a certain time of the year and the weather is due to be hot and dry in Bangkok, you may experience a little rain in the southern islands. Not to worry though, if rain does occur it usually does not last very long and can be a relief from the heat!
DO I NEED A VISA?
In some cases, yes, and the process is very easy!
Citizens of 41 different nationalities, including Australia, NZ, UK, USA and most of Europe, can enter Thailand without a pre-arranged visa. This ‘visa exemption’ allows you to stay 30 days when entering Thailand by air, and 15 days when crossing into Thailand by land.
It's worth noting that without proof of an onward ticket and sufficient funds for your expected stay any visitor can be denied entry. For more information about 60-Day Tourist Visas, Visa Extensions and Visa Runs check out our Thailand visa info here.
WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY IN AND OUT OF?
Ultimate Thailand starts in Bangkok.
You can choose to fly into either of the two International Airports, Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the newer airport of the two and is a little closer to the city.
Return flights to Bangkok are generally cheaper than organising a flight one-way. Our tour ends in Koh Samui but your guide will be able to advise you on the best way to get back to Bangkok for your flight, and help you organise the transfer!
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FLIGHT IS DELAYED?
If your flight arrival information changes, please let us know as soon as can so that we can rearrange your airport transfer. You can give us a call or email us with the updated date, time and flight number. If your flight is delayed, please find the relevant contact number to call on your Welcome Booklet to adjust your pick up time.
