Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) (6)
about Kasma Loha-unchit's Thailand Trips
FAQ's: General questions | Travel Concerns | Accommodations | Meals | Medical Concerns | Miscellaneous || 1-page FAQs (for printing)
Miscellaneous
What kind of weather can I expect?
The average day is similar to a hot Californian summer day (80's to 90's, fahrenheit), except that it will be more humid. Evenings, especially in the north, are likely to be nice and cool. In the hills and the mountainous Mae Hong Son province, there is a remote chance that we may even be surprised by some rather chilly nights and mornings (even into the 50's or high 40's, fahrenheit). Daytime temperatures range from mid 70's to 90's, and nighttime temperatures, 60's to 80's, depending on which part of the country we are in. Thailand is a sunny country, so you will need to bring protection from the sun.
What if I don't want to do some of the activities?
You are always welcome to take time away from the group. If you do not return for meals, you are responsible for your own.
Can we rent snorkel gear in Thailand?
If you wish to snorkel it is recommended that you bring your own gear, including a mask, snorkel, and fins. Although they are available for rent, the quality is not always good and there's nothing more disappointing than snorkeling with a leaky mask. Also, the sizes available may not be a perfect fit for you.
Fins are highly recommended to allow you to easily negotiate your way around the extensive reefs without tiring; they are especially helpful in a few of the places we snorkel that tend to get a little bit of a current. The newer, smaller fins have worked very well for many past trip members. If you are near-sighted or far-sighted, a dive shop can sell you a mask with corrective lenses.
Will there be a chance to go scuba diving during the trip?
Not really. In the past, trip members have remained after the trip to enjoy some of the wonderful dive spots in southern Thailand. Many guidebooks cover scuba diving and recommend agencies.
Will we get a chance to meet Thai people?
You will get a chance to meet and know our Thai drivers. We take numerous market walks where you'll have a chance to interact with Thais. We sometimes stop to observe farmers plant or harvest rice and participate in festivals and temple ceremonies should we come across any. Many of the places we stay at have very casual and friendly staff and, because they know Kasma well and like her so much, they are also ready to become your friends. Young monks at temples often like to practice their English with foreign visitors. Even Thai tourists visiting the same sites we visit frequently wish to make their acquaintance and get their pictures taken with you. So, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know Thai people and learn about their way of life.
What about shopping?
Thailand is a shoppers' paradise, with its widely available arts and crafts at reasonable prices. When we travel up north, one day is devoted to going around to factories. Unlike most conventional tours, Kasma and her drivers do not get a kick-back when members buy things, so she is free to pick the best places to shop. On our market walks there are often opportunities to buy things. In part, how much shopping we do will depend upon the group: the itinerary is somewhat flexible and if a majority of the group wishes to find more shopping opportunities, they can be accommodated.
Even people who are not usually shoppers often enjoy shopping in Thailand, due to the wide variety of reasonably-priced, beautiful things to buy and the friendliness of the people.
Will we have a chance to experience Thai night life?
Not on this trip. Most mornings we get a fairly early start for what will be a full day of activities: most people find they want to turn in early to get ready for the next day. If you are interested in bars, discos and night life, this is not the trip for you: Kasma deliberately does not visit places such as Phuket where there is easy availability of western-style night life.
How do I sign up?
First, read the General Trip Conditions/Contract for the trip you are interested in and make sure you understand all its provisions. Then contact Kasma to make sure that there is space available and so that Kasma can talk with you to be sure that you are a good fit for traveling with the group. She will make sure that you have the most updated version of the Trip Conditions and Agreement for your trip. She will then request a deposit, part of which is non-refundable, to hold your spot. The balance for the trip will be due 75 days before departure. After that time, no monies are refundable.
What about my other questions?
Please contact Kasma.
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