Before You Depart

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Our flights to Thailand and back are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure. If you are planning a connecting flight, please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs. Flight schedules are subject to change.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

Airlines do not assign seats in advance for group fares – seat assignments are arranged upon check-in at the airport. smarTours is not involved with seat assignments. If you require a specific seat due to a medical condition, please obtain a doctor’s note you can present to the airline at check-in.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.

When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Bangkok and ends in Bangkok. We recommend that you:

• Fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) with enough time to meet the group at 5 PM at the hotel for an orientation and welcome dinner
• In 2024, fly out of Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) after 3 PM (due to travel)
• In 2025, fly out of Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) after 6 PM (due to travel)

BOOKING YOUR OWN TRANSFERS

In Thailand, private taxis are a reliable way to get to/from the airport. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport offers a range of taxi services just outside the arrivals terminal. You can take a metered taxi to your hotel. Make sure to queue at the official taxi stand and avoid touts. The fare will include tolls and airport surcharge, but be sure to confirm with the driver before starting your journey.

TOUR MEETING POINT

When and where you’ll meet the rest of the group depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: Upon arrival in destination, please proceed through customs and immigration. Our Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs with a smarTours sign.
• 2024 smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM.
• 2025 smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive around 3 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner at 6 PM on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM.

TOUR ENDING POINT

The final end point for your tour depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport for our connecting flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok International Airport where we’ll catch our return flight to the U.S.
• 2024 smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport in Chiang Rai for the flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok International Airport. The tour ends upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport (BKK).

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

Travelers must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. U.S. passport holders do not require a visa for Thailand. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates for current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country including passport and visa requirements. You can also learn more about passport and visa services. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are not currently required, however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local health authorities for their suggestions. The CDC recommends you stay up to date on routine vaccinations, and consult your physician at least one month prior to travel. Learn more about the CDC’s destination-specific recommendations.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

The official currency in Thailand is the Thai baht (฿). Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. The best place to exchange money is at a local ATM in the destination. You may also exchange money before your trip at your bank. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations. You should also alert your bank and credit card companies that you will be out of the country to avoid any issues.

CLIMATE

Thailand’s climate is tropical. Expect daytime high temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Chiang Mai is about 10 degrees cooler.

CULTURE & DRESS

Casual clothes are in order. Given Thailand’s wide range of temperatures, we recommend you bring a sweater and/or layer to accommodate cooler morning/evening temperatures. Please note that religious centers and temples will often require ankle-length pants, skirts or dresses, high necked shirts that cover your shoulders (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts) and, for women, a scarf to cover their hair. We recommend that you bring along comfortable walking shoes, an all weather jacket, a hat and an umbrella.

Electricity

Thailand operates on 230 volts/50 Hz and uses plug types A, B, C, and O. Learn more about plug types, adapters, and converters.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. Please note that for the internal flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai to Bangkok, there is a weight restriction of 44 lbs. If you carry excess luggage, you may be required to pay excess baggage fees. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.