Vietnam of today is a youthful nation fueled by the desire for modernisation and commercialisation while protective of its traditional past. In the stoic political capital of Hanoi in the north and vibrant cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City in the south, observing modern cities in the making. But along small streets, like those in the Old Quarter in Hanoi, you will still find silversmiths practicing their century-old trade, far removed from the modern changes around them. The former imperial capital of Hue and the ancient port city of Hoi An offer an evocative glimpse into the country’s rich historical past.
Hanoi, Halong/Lan Ha bay, Mai Chau, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong, Phu Quoc Island
20 Days - 19 Nights
Essential Vietnam
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon
12 Days - 11 Nights
Overview
Thailand is one of the most favorite holiday destination in Asia. It has rich historic culture, lively arts, beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife, friendly and hospitable people and with one of the best cuisines in the world makes Thailand a fascinating country to visit. Thailand also serves as a hub for Southeast Asia, is well placed to combine with other countries in the region.
Bangkok is the largest and most populous city in the country. It has more 10 million inhabitants and is known among Thais as Krung Thep which means “city of angels”.
Torn by a decade of civil war, Cambodia has only recently experienced peace and is beginning to establish itself as an attractive tourist destination. As one of the poorest countries in the world, the country has relied heavily on tourism for its economic growth. The government of Cambodia has given priority to developing the country’s cultural and eco-tourism industries to facilitate economic development and help reduce the widespread poverty.
The main tourist attraction of Cambodia is the ancient archeological ruins of Angkor, a World Heritage Site in Siem Reap.
Hanoi, Mai Chau, Lan Ha bay, Hoi An, Siem Reap, Mekong cruise and Saigon
22 Days - 21 Nights
Ancient Kingdoms of Indochina and the Siam
Chiang Rai, Siem Riep, Phom Penh, Luang Prabang
15 Days - 14 Nights
Overview
Laos, a peaceful land-locked nation, is one of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems. The stunning natural beauty of forested mountains and valleys teeming with wildlife combined with a fascinating Buddhist culture make Laos a superb destination for those seeking an adventurous and authentic cultural experience.
The tranquil capital city of Vientiane maintains a vintage charm with its faded old colonial architecture juxtaposed with ornate, gilded temples.
You will be able to exchange pounds sterling to Baht at the airport, banks, exchange booths and most larger hotels
The currency used in Thailand and what you can expect to pay
The currency of Thailand is the Baht (฿). The Baht is an open traded currency which means it can be purchased and exchanged outside of Thailand, therefore you are able to exchange your local currency for Thai Baht in banks, post offices and at other foreign exchange businesses before travelling. However, you are more likely to receive a better exchange rate in Thailand.
The Baht is available in note form in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 & 2000 and in coin form in denominations of 1, 2, 5 & 10. A Baht is made up of 100 santang, available in 1, 5, 10, 25 & 50 santang coins.
You will be able to exchange pounds sterling to Baht at the airport, banks, exchange booths and most larger hotels . PLEASE NOTE YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CHANGE SCOTTISH OR NORTHERN IRISH BANK NOTES IN THAILAND and where you can exchange them it may be at a lower rate!
The preferred payment method across most of Thailand is cash as many smaller traders, taxis, tuk tuk driver do not have card facilities. However larger hotels, restaurants and stores are more likely to accept Visa and MasterCard, often with a small additional charge.
When you change Baht back to pounds it will be at a much worse rate, therefore it is advisable to only exchange or withdraw what you need.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are plentiful throughout Thailand, and most will accept cards issued by any of the major international banking networks.
As with travel to any other country, please inform your bank/credit card company of your travel plans. This should avoid unexpected blocks being placed on your card. Also check whether they impose a fee for withdrawing cash or making purchases abroad so you don’t have a raft of surprise charges waiting for you when you come back! Keep a list of your card numbers and contact phone numbers for your bank separate to your wallet or purse, so if you do lose your cards you’ll know how to get in touch with your card issuer.
The prices below are shown as an indication of prices across Thailand, however prices in tourist areas, hotel or resort may be substantially higher.
Restaurants
Avg (THB)
Range (THB)
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
100
450 – 210
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
850
500 – 2000
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
200
160 – 250
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught)
70
50 – 120
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle)
110
80 – 200
Cappuccino (regular)
65
35 – 130
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle)
22
15 – 40
Water (0.33 litre bottle)
12
9 – 20
Markets
Avg. (THB)
Range (THB)
Milk (regular), (1 litre)
58
45 – 95
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
46
30 – 100
Rice (white), (1kg)
42
20 – 75
Eggs (12)
70
48 – 100
Local Cheese (1kg)
600
300 – 1500
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg)
90
44 – 175
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
