Alternative Thailand

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

For October to April departures:

Fly into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). We suggest you fly out of Phuket Airport (HKT), as it is the nearest airport to where we finish the adventure.

For May to September departures:

Fly into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and depart from Koh Samui Airport (USM), not Phuket.

What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Please try to arrive before 3 pm on Day 1 in time for the welcome meeting.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

Depart at your own leisure any time on Day 9. Your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer. 

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

• Pack Leader: 11 USD per day
• Driver: 3.5 USD per day
• Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, porters, waiters, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
• Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

• UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
• US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
• Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

Excluding alcohol, we’d suggest budgeting the equivalent of 30 GBP. That said, if you’re willing to eat like a local it can be a lot less. It is still possible in Thailand to buy a plate of food for 1-2 GBP.

Please note that tips for your Pack Leader and driver are not included in the cost of this adventure.

Will I need any special equipment?

For the waterfall hike, we recommend that you wear good-quality water-shoes or waterproof sandals, preferably with the heels covered. You’ll be sent a detailed packing list upon booking your adventure.

What is the overnight train like? Can I request a private cabin?

Travelling by train is a local rather than a luxury experience, but it’s one of the best ways to experience the real Southeast Asia. Here are some notes to help prepare you for the experience:

• The cabin we are using is a 2nd class sleeper train with 20 bunk beds (maximum 40 people). If you’re a light sleeper, it’s a good idea to bring ear plugs as the cabins can be noisy at night.
• Private cabins are not available and there is no single supplement option for this part of the trip. You will be sharing your cabin with local people, however, we will try to put all Flashpackers in the same cabin, along with your guide.
• The train bathrooms are shared and although showers are available on board, these consist of a toilet with a shower head, so it’s better to wait to freshen up at your hotel upon arrival in Krabi.
• Please also be aware that Bangkok train station is very large and busy. You will be travelling to the station during peak rush hour, which can feel chaotic. You won’t be able to board the train until an hour before departure. Overnight trains are often subject to delays and may stop unexpectedly to let other trains go past.

What are the floating raft houses like?

The floating raft houses in Khao Sok National Park offer basic accommodation in a serene and secluded setting. The rooms are simple but functional, with mattresses set on tropical hardwood floors, ensuite bathrooms with hot water shower, and a small private deck.

More basic than our standard Flash Pack accommodation, the floating raft houses and have been chosen as an experiential rather than a luxury stay. Waking up to the sounds of the lake and tropical birds is a true back-to-nature experience and you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery.

Will I get to drive the jet ski?

The jet ski experience will be shared, so two Flashpackers will ride one jet ski taking turns to drive. There will be a full safety briefing and the operator will assess your experience and skills on a jet ski to ensure you enjoy this activity safely and have a great experience.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.