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Payment can be made as follows:
1) By Credit Card: Contact Us for details
2) By Bank Transfer: Contact Us for details.
All accounts must be settled before departure by cash (Thai Baht Only) or major credit card.
Lost Horizons is not responsible for any loss, injury or damage
sustained by our guests. Additional expenses incurred due to delays,
accidents, natural disasters, political action and unrest must be
borne by the guest. Lost Horizons reserve the right to change trip
itineraries if necessary.
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Travel In Thailand
It's easy, comfortable, and relatively cheap. Lost Horizons trips
generally originate at the airport nearest to the trip location,
where we meet you with an air-conditioned car or van. We request
that you arrange your own domestic flights, which may be booked
in most cities around the world. But if you need assistance, don't
hesitate to contact us.
Getting To Lost Horizons Resorts
Flights are available to four airports in South Thailand. The price
of the following domestic flights in Thailand range from 2,000 to
3,000 bhat, one-way (approx $50-70 US).
Surat Thani
With two flights a day from Bangkok, this is the closest
airport to Khao Soke (90 minutes) and reasonably convenient
to Golden Buddha Beach (2 hours, 20 minutes).
Phuket
There
are flights almost every hour so it is convenient for
travel to Khao Soke and Golden Buddha Beach, both of which
are 2.5 hours away. From many countries around the world,
there are direct flights to Phuket International Airport,
eliminating the need to transit Bangkok.
Krabi
There are several convenient direct
flights to Krabi.
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Train
The air-conditioned sleeper train service is the cheapest, safest,
and most comfortable way to reach the South. Trains leave major
Bangkok stations at about 7:00 in the evening and reach Surat Thani
at about 6:30 in the morning. There are several excellent shops
selling Western and Thai breakfasts at the Surat Thani station.
Our vehicle picks you up at the station and transfers you to Khao
Soke, Golden Buddha, Krabi, or other southern destination. From
October to April, you need to purchase tickets several days in advance.
Tour Bus
Air-conditioned tour busses with reclining seats ply the roads between
most major cities in Thailand. They are available directly to the
Golden Buddha boat pier, Krabi, and Surat Thani, leaving about 7
PM from the Southern tour bus terminal in Thonburi and arriving
about 5:00 to 8:00 a.m. in the morning. These busses are relatively
inexpensive and time-effective, but they are not as comfortable
or safe as trains. You usually need to purchase tickets several
hours before departure
Jeep Rental
An excellent way of getting around one region of Thailand is to
rent your own jeep. If you specify dates and what you would like
to see, we can provide recommended routes. An air-conditioned Suzuki
jeep can be rented in most major tourist towns for about 1,200 baht
($34) per day. To rent a jeep, contact Lost Horizons or any of several
shops in Phuket. And remember, in Thailand we drive on the left-hand
side of the road, like the English but unlike the Americans.
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Thailand is at its best from November to early May. In the
South, the months of March and April are hot, but less so
than other parts of Thailand. The monsoon season from May
to October is rough, meaning rough seas, frequent rain (usually
downpours of short duration), bugs and (in the jungle) leaches.
Vegetation is also at its peak of lushness at this time, and
monsoon showers are usually followed by blue skies and brilliant
sunsets. Sites are open all year but boat trips and jungle
trips are sometimes difficult.
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Bringing Small Children
We are often asked if our resorts and trips are suitable for infants
and very small children. The resorts definitely are. Many parents
bring small children and the children love it. Some of the excursions,
like the rainforest treks, are not suitable for small ones, although
we have found 4-year olds who can enjoy a hike of one hour or so. |
Currency
Quotes and advance payments are in Euros only.
However,
currencty rates can change daily, so you should check current
rates to get the latest exchange
rates for the dollar or your currency versus the value of
the baht.
Medical Requirements
For visitors from most nations, no vaccinations are required or recommended for entry into Thailand. Medical care of a high, international standard, is available at many hospitals in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, and costs are well below those for equivalent attention in other countries.
Malaria
Malaria is not a major risk in Thailand, but the risk is present. It is higher in the rainy season. Thai Malaria Division of the Thai Department of Public Health issues the following information.
Areas where malaria is transmitted. Mosquitoes transmitting malaria are found in the hilly and forested areas of Thailand. If you are going to visit such areas for any purpose and plan to stay overnight or after dusk, the instructions for self-protection are given in the following paragraphs.
Prophylaxis. Due to problems of resistance of malaria parasites to anti-malarial drugs, prophylaxis is not recommended.
Protection against mosquito bites is the basic tactic. Sleep under
a bed net even if the mosquitoes do not seem to be present. The malaria
mosquito vectors bite at night. Apply mosquito repellent on exposed
parts of the body at regular intervals after dusk.
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Malaria (cont.)
Blood examination for malaria parasite. Following any visit to possible malaria areas, any episode of fever should be considered possibly of malaria origin. A visit should be made to a district malaria office, or nearest provincial or district hospital for blood examinations and rapid treatment. Contact the Tropical Disease Hospital in Bangkok (tel: 254-1272-3, 245-7558) for more information.
Clothing -- What To Wear And Bring
Do not bring lots of luggage. It's a long trip; you'll be getting on and off various conveyances; in most places, you can buy any items you forgot to pack at very low prices. So bring the minimum - bathing suits for the beach, shorts, T-shirts, 1 pair long pants, good walking shoes for forest walks, flip-flops for the beach. On Lost Horizons trips, you are provided with linen, towels, and soap.
Flashlights, insect repellent, and other useful items. Do bring a flashlight and two extra batteries, suntan oil, film, some mosquito repellent, important personal medicines and supplies.
Hardship Level
Lost Horizons resorts and programs are designed as 'soft adventure'
and can be enjoyed by any person in reasonable health. A jungle safari
in the Khao Soke National Park requires reasonable fitness but it
is much easier than, for example, many treks in Nepal. Guest should
be prepared for the occasional wait for a boat and other inconveniences,
although we strive to keep these to a minimum. |
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Comfort and fine cuisine in
