Tour Description

It doesn't get much better than a 7-day sailing adventure through Thailand’s best islands. Spend your time enjoying sublime seascapes, snorkelling through turquoise waters, relaxing on white beaches and discovering craggy limestone peaks by boat. Welcome to the beautiful Andaman Sea! This is your chance to experience the region with the wind in your hair and the sun and salt on your skin. From the iconic landscape of Koh Phi Phi to bustling Phuket – this yacht adventure gives you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard and kayak by day and chill out on the deck watching the sunset by night. With a like-minded group by your side and a private chef cooking up fresh Thai flavours – what better way to spend a week in Thailand?

Priced From:

$ 2295.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01NOV2024

Valid To: 31DEC2026

Start Location: Phuket

End Location: Phuket

Countries: Thailand,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Leave behind the vibrant, modern pizzazz of Phuket and set sail on the beautifully calm waters of the Andaman Sea – by yacht no less!

Slip into the beach-loving life with long walks on the finest white sands and salty swims in the inviting azure waters of Thailand’s best beaches.

There are few things more relaxing than sleeping out beneath the stars, rocked by the gentle pitch of a yacht. Choose to spend a night on the deck and see for yourself.

Feast on delicious food with no effort at all – you’ll have the added benefit of an onboard chef, whipping up Thai favourites daily.

Relax with the knowledge that the biggest decision of the day is whether to paddleboard, snorkel, swim with the tropical fish or kayak across shimmering seas.

Itinerary

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Phuket, Thailand’s largest and most popular island. Phuket is an island full of sunshine exotica and modern pizazz. It has excellent beaches, a huge array of restaurants serving local flavours, comfortable hotels, bars and shopping options – so you might want to consider arriving a couple of days early. Today, be ready to board and meet your skipper and group at 1 pm. After an orientation of the yacht, you’ll begin your journey across the Andaman Sea. Your skipper will select an island to anchor for the night where you’ll have time to enjoy a dip in the clear water, followed by a relaxing dinner on board and a beautiful sunset.  

After breakfast on board, you’ll head to Koh Phanak, where you have the option to visit the ice cream cave, full of stalagmites and stalactites. You’ll be transferred to the small beach via a dinghy, from where you’ll explore the ice cream-like structures in the cave. Next, head to Koh Hong, where you’ll be given an instructional briefing for a kayak or paddleboard trip to the island. Enjoy a delicious Thai lunch on board when you return and then head to Koh Phak Bia, where you’ll spend the evening. You can swim, kayak or paddleboard, or just kick back on the yacht and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The sunset here is not to be missed! Your chef will tantalise your taste buds with an amazing Thai dinner this evening. 

This morning after breakfast, you’ll sail to Chicken Island – with its distinctive bird-like shape and bright blue waters full of diverse marine life, this is the perfect spot to enjoy some snorkelling. After you snorkel and have some lunch, sail towards Railay Beach in the late afternoon. There will be plenty of time to relax at the beach, read a good book in the sun or walk the coastline. Railay Beach has some great restaurants, too, so tonight you can join the group for an optional dinner on the beachfront at one of the local favourites that features live music. Later, head back to the yacht which will be anchored in the bay, via a longtail boat – a real Thai experience! 

After breakfast on board, head towards the most talked about place in Thailand – Koh Phi Phi. For many, this is the iconic image of Thailand – two islands connected by a great arc of pure white sand, striking limestone cliffs and unbelievably inviting waters. Travellers are drawn to the island thanks to its colourful marine life, as well as the array of shops, bars, restaurants and fire spectacles on the beach. You will arrive at approximately 12 pm and will have free time to wander around and explore. This is the perfect spot if you’re looking to buy any souvenirs – maybe it’s time for a new sarong or a hat? In the late afternoon, meet back with your skipper and other group members, and sail to Koh Phi Phi Leh for the night.

Rise and shine for a picture-perfect morning! You’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast prepared by your chef and then sail towards Viking Cave, where you’ll learn about the fascinating history of the limestone cliff and cave underneath. Next, sail to Koh Khai, a small collection of islands out in the middle of the Andaman Sea. Here, you can enjoy some excellent snorkelling and swim among brightly coloured corals and huge schools of tropical fish. After lunch on board, continue sailing towards Koh Mai Thon and arrive in the late afternoon. Celebrate the crystal-clear waters of the area with a spot of kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming or snorkelling – or just take this chance to relax on board with a good book. Join your group for dinner on the boat and kick back with a drink, watching the sunset. 

This morning after breakfast, sail to Koh Hae, also known also as Coral Island, for a morning snorkel or kayak followed by a delicious lunch on board. After lunch, sail toward the Koh Man Islands and stop for a snorkel between Koh Man and Nui Beach. If you prefer to be above water, you can instead enjoy some kayaking and paddleboarding here. Tonight, head to Nui Beach via dingy and enjoy an optional dinner at one of the many restaurants on the beachfront. Nui Beach is known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, as it resembles a private beach and is only accessible by boat (or by trekking across the jungle). Return to the yacht, where you might want to consider spending your final evening sleeping under the stars out on the deck. 

Take a last-minute swim this morning before a smooth sail brings you back to Phuket, at approximately 12 pm. This is where your Andaman seafaring odyssey comes to an end. You’re free to explore all that Phuket has to offer, or to continue your onward journey home. 

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

24NOV2024

Return Date :

30NOV2024

3390NZD

not available

Departure Date :

24NOV2024

Return Date :

30NOV2024

2920NZD

not available

Departure Date :

01DEC2024

Return Date :

07DEC2024

3330NZD

available

Departure Date :

01DEC2024

Return Date :

07DEC2024

2920NZD

available

Departure Date :

08DEC2024

Return Date :

14DEC2024

3330NZD

available

Departure Date :

08DEC2024

Return Date :

14DEC2024

2735NZD

available

Departure Date :

15DEC2024

Return Date :

21DEC2024

3460NZD

available

Departure Date :

15DEC2024

Return Date :

21DEC2024

2845NZD

available

Departure Date :

22DEC2024

Return Date :

28DEC2024

3520NZD

available

Departure Date :

22DEC2024

Return Date :

28DEC2024

3110NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Phuket Sailing Adventure

Trip code

TSSZC

Validity

Validity: 01 Nov 2024 to 31 Dec 2026

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Sailing

Transport

Boat,dinghy

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

We don't ask travellers to complete a physical participation form for this trip however we do ask you read through the trip notes carefully to ensure that this trip is the right trip for you. This applies to the included activities and moving around the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over 2 decks. The steps between the decks are steep

Joining point

The Klong Bar & Restaurant (Previously The Pier Restaurant & Bar)

52/4 Moo 9, Tamon Chalong A. Muang

Phuket

83130

THAILAND

Joining point instructions

Chalong Bay is approximately 1 hour from Phuket airport. Taxis are readily available from the airport and/or from your hotel. From Phuket Airport a taxi service is available to Chalong, the drive is approximately 60 minutes and costs $40-$55. Buses run hourly from Phuket Airport to Central Big C. From Central Big C there are taxis available to Chalong. The total travel time is approximately 1hour 12 minutes and will cost $17-$22. On arrival at Chalong Bay Pier, if you turn to face the ocean, the Klong Bar & Restaurant is located approx 200m to the left. https://goo.gl/maps/YTiWM8RCk2tQ5ZyF9

Finish point

The Klong Bar & Restaurant (Previously The Pier Restaurant & Bar)

52/4 Moo 9, Tamon Chalong A. Muang

Phuket

83130

THAILAND

Finish point instructions

This tour ends at approximately 12pm on day 7. We recommend that you do not book a flight to depart from Phuket until after 4pm, if you are flying out on this day. It can take about 1 hour by taxi to get from Chalong to the airport and this will cost about US$30 - US$40.

Important information

1. The tour commences from Phuket on Day 1 at 1 pm and finishes on arrival into Phuket on Day 7 at approximately 12 pm depending on weather conditions. 2. All travellers must pay National Park fees locally. Please allow US$20 for these fees. PASSPORT DETAILS: Please provide full passport details at time of booking including exact name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, issue and expiry dates as these are essential for booking services on this trip. AACCOMMODATION ON BOARD THE YACHT This trip is accommodated on board a 58 foot, twin-hulled sailing catamaran. Our boat is equipped with 1 x twin-share, 2 x double-share and 2 x quad-share cabins each with en-suite bathrooms and fans. The skipper will allocate the rooms on arrival to the boat and single travellers will be paired up with another passenger of the same sex, this may mean sharing a double mattress. The skipper will also be sharing the catamaran's facilities and sleeping quarters. While some may find the living quarters quite close, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort is more than made up for by the spirit of this sailing experience.

Group leader

On your Thailand sailing trip you will be accompanied by one of our skippers and a chef. Your skipper's role involves taking charge of the sailing, organising the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip, managing trip logistics, safety of the vessel and safety for all passengers on board. All skippers have extensive sailing miles experience and hold a 'yacht master offshore license' or higher. They have been carefully selected and undergone intensive training of each itinerary they sail. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect your skipper to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Your chef will prepare tasty local cuisine meals using the best of the local fresh produce available.

Safety

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

LIFE JACKETS: Intrepid will provide life jackets for private boats, but cannot guarantee that all public ferries will have enough life jackets or life rings for all clients.

WATER SAFETY AT SEA: Travellers that are able and confident swimmers will be able to enjoy swimming & snorkelling off the boat, but please always note the skipper's advice and instructions on when and where to swim and what precautions to consider. Travellers who are not able to swim are certainly welcome on this trip, but you will be required to wear a life jacket when we are sailing.

CLIFF JUMPING We do not allow cliff jumping on our tours as it is a dangerous activity and against Intrepid policy.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Why we love it

Leave behind the vibrant, modern pizzazz of Phuket and set sail on the beautifully calm waters of the Andaman Sea – by yacht no less!

Slip into the beach-loving life with long walks on the finest white sands and salty swims in the inviting azure waters of Thailand’s best beaches.

There are few things more relaxing than sleeping out beneath the stars, rocked by the gentle pitch of a yacht. Choose to spend a night on the deck and see for yourself.

Feast on delicious food with no effort at all – you’ll have the added benefit of an onboard chef, whipping up Thai favourites daily.

Relax with the knowledge that the biggest decision of the day is whether to paddleboard, snorkel, swim with the tropical fish or kayak across shimmering seas.

Is this trip right for you

As most of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including stairs. Your friendly crew will be able to help with the effects of sea sickness if needed.   Time on the water also means time in the sun. Remember to pack sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. See ‘Essential Trip Information’ below for a full packing list.  

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. DENGUE FEVER: Dengue fever occurs in Thailand, and is particularly common during the rainy season (November-March in Koh Samui and the south-east of the Thai peninsula and May-October in the rest of Thailand, including Phuket), peaking in July and August. There is no vaccination or specific treatment available for dengue fever. MALARIA: Malaria can be contracted throughout the year in rural areas, particularly near the borders with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Speak to your doctor about preventative medication if you are concerned about malaria. OTHER: Other mosquito borne illnesses, such as Japanese encephalitis also occur in some areas. Always take preventative measures to protect yourself against mosquitoes such as wearing long clothing, using repellent and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn. CPAP Machines: If you are travelling with a CPAP machine on our Asian sailing trips, please note that there is a 220V socket in each cabin on most boats. These sockets only work when we are connected to shore power and are only available at some of the ports that we visit. Sometimes shore power sockets are interrupted causing a trip of the supply or is not available at all. We cannot guarantee power for the whole trip, so we recommend that you bring a back-up battery (or two). If you are travelling by yourself, we highly recommend that you book a single supplement to limit disruption to other passengers.

Food and dietary requirements

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS If you have any special dietary requirements or food allergies you must advise us at the time of booking. We will endeavour to accommodate all requests but please note that as we have limited refrigeration and storage space on board the yachts and for the most part of the trip we will not have easy access to shops or supermarkets. Vegans, coeliacs or those with specific meal requirements might choose to supplement meals with supplies bought from home, e.g. protein bars, dried fruits and so on. PLEASE NOTE: We are travelling in a remote region that does not have the convenience of shops or supermarkets. With limited space and refrigeration on on board most of our meals will be supplemented by fish caught or traded with local fisherman. For your convenience most meals on your Thailand sailing adventure are included, and will be prepared on board by the resident chef. When a meal is not included you will have the opportunity to disembark the boat and eat on the mainland at a local restaurant. Tea, coffee and juice will be provided at breakfast, drinking water will provided at all times and the following drinks are available to purchase on board the boat. Softdrinks 30 baht Beers 70 baht Wine. 950 baht per bottle

Money matters

The official currency of Thailand is the Baht (THB). The most convenient and cheapest way to obtain local currency is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat. ATMs are now available in most towns and visa cash advances are available in major banks. Foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded can be very difficult to exchange, clean bills in small denominations are most useful. Traveller's cheques can be difficult to change. The use of credit cards is restricted, mainly to major hotels. SPENDING MONEY: When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need. Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. This should make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that's this document). For your convenience most meals on your Thailand sailing adventure are included, and will be prepared on board by the resident chef. When a meal is not included you will have the opportunity to disembark the boat and eat on the mainland at a local restaurant. Tea, coffee and juice will be provided at breakfast, drinking water will provided at all times and the following drinks are available to purchase on board the boat. Soft Drinks THB40 Beers THB80 NATIONAL PARK FEES: All travellers must pay National Park fees locally. Please allow US$20 for these fees. If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. Although can be difficult to source we advise you to carry small notes of local currency each day to make tipping easier. The following amounts are per person suggestions based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers: Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - round your bill up to the nearest US$1. More up-market restaurants we suggest 10% to 15% of your bill. Tipping: We suggest US$5 - 7 per day. This will be shared equally between the skipper and the boat crew. Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps). If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST Space on board the vessel is very limited - for your own comfort and safety, luggage should be kept to an absolute minimum. The use of a backpack, soft sports bag or duffle bag is recommended - we highly recommend you do not travel with a hard suitcase. If you are travelling with a larger bag or suitcase you can leave these bags at your hotel [usually for a small fee]. This is only applicable if you are returning to the same hotel at the end of the trip, if you aren't, it will be your own responsibility to make your own way back to collect your luggage. If you are leaving a bag at a hotel or in a locker do not leave cash, credit cards, passports or any irreplaceable belongings behind. Daypack [a smaller back pack that you can take with you on island excursions] Comfortable clothing for warmer temperatures [shorts, t-shirts, light long sleeved tops and pants] A fleece or warmer jumper for the evenings or early mornings A light rain coat or poncho Comfortable shoes [trainers or walking shoes are sufficient for most trips] Sandals or thongs/flip flops/jandals Sunscreen [bio degradable and waterproof if available] and lip balm [to combat the effects of wind burn] Sunhat [that can be secured as it can get windy out on the water] Swimming costume Rash vest [for sun protection while snorkelling and swimming] Bio-degradable shampoo, conditioner and soap Dry bag Beach Towel Sarong Pegs [so you can hang your swimming costume or towel out to dry] Insect repellent [for island visits] Adaptor/electrical plug Camera/GoPro Earplugs Batteries [if you do not have rechargeable camera batteries] Please ensure you travel with all required medicines, pain killers and toiletries that you may need while in on this sailing trip. You are travelling to quite a remote destination and will not have immediate access to pharmacies and even then they may not stock your required medication. Special Items required for this trip - There are many opportunities for snorkelling during this trip. Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided onboard the yacht and are for use by all passengers. Some passengers choose to bring their own, however this is a personal choice. - Beach towels are provided however you may want to bring your own or a sorong as there are no laundry facilities on board. - Reusable water bottle - During our trip, we are usually sailing and anchoring in sheltered waters. However, it is possible we may encounter some movement in open waters - if you are prone to motion sickness, and you might wish to bring some preventative medication.

If you are travelling with a suitcase we recommend that you bring a smaller bag with you on board and leave your suitcase at our base in Chalong. As you depart for your sailing adventure your bags will be transported to our base and they will be ready to be collected at the disembarkation point on your return.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, please contact our local office: PEAK DMC Thailand: +66 (0) 89 810 3722

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel LOCAL DRESS: Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees by wearing sleeves and long trousers. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in areas of predominantly hot climate. In many rural areas women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong. ELEPHANT PERFORMANCES & ELEPHANT RIDING: While we respect each individual’s decisions while travelling, Intrepid does not include elephant rides or unnatural performance activities on any itinerary, and we recommend you bypass these activities should they be offered to you during your stay. Professional wildlife conservation and animal welfare organisations, including World Animal Protection, advise that contrary to common belief, captive elephants remain wild animals and despite good intentions, unfortunately, many venues are unable to provide the appropriate living conditions elephants require and this ultimately impacts their well-being. While there is some merit in the argument that the money you pay for the activity goes towards keeping the elephants and their mahouts employed, we know that it also fuels demand for elephants to be captured in the wild or captive-bred. We thank you for your support in improving the welfare of these majestic creatures. Further information is available on the below link: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/elephants-welfare

The Intrepid Foundation

We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

Accommodation notes

This trip is accommodated on board a 58 foot, twin-hulled sailing catamaran. Our boat is equipped with 1 x twin-share, 2 x double-share and 2 x quad-share cabins each with en-suite bathrooms and fans. ***Please note if you are a couple and book into a quad cabin you will be split by gender into a male share and female share cabin. There are times where we may have two couples booked in a quad and we can ask if they would be happy to share [with another couple]. We will not willingly book a male or female into the same cabin without first notifying and checking with all travellers involved. If you are a couple and do not wish to be split into gender specific cabins we recommend you look at booking a twin share cabin*** Fresh water is available for showers, and toilets are either electronic or the hand pump variety. The boat is equipped with a motor for times when the wind is not sufficient for sailing. Our boats are real catamarans and this is a real sailing trip. Catamarans are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible. The skipper will allocate the rooms on arrival to the boat and single travellers will be paired up with another passenger of the same sex, this may mean sharing a double mattress. The skipper will also be sharing the catamaran's facilities and sleeping quarters. While some may find the living quarters quite close, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort is more than made up for by the spirit of this sailing experience. Please note space is at a premium on board a yacht so we highly recommend that travellers bring a soft sided bag or backpack. ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION: Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. For most of our destinations, we can provide transfers between the airport/hotel and the port/marina. Please check the joining and finish point information in the trip notes for details.

Transport notes

This is a sailing adventure so our time is spent on board a catamaran yacht. We tend to use the same vessel for the duration of our season however there could be times when we do need to swap boats due to maintenance issues. You may be asked to assist on-deck, particularly when coming into or leaving port. No experience is necessary, but getting to know some 'sailing language' might help to get you into the spirit of the adventure. ** Time spent sailing on this trip is highly dependent on weather conditions and at your skipper's discretion. ** Port - left Starboard - right Bow - front of the boat Stern - rear of the boat Deck - outside, upper area of the boat Hull - the main part or body of the boat Keel - part of the boat under water that keeps the boat stable and stops it capsizing Mainsail - the large sail attached to the mast and boom Mast - the big vertical pole that supports the mainsail Boom - the big horizontal pole attached to the mainsail, coming off the rear of the mast (swing from side to side) Jib, headsail, genoa, foresail - smaller sail near the front of the boat Sheet - ropes used to control the sails Booty - another word for pirate treasure Lines - other ropes on the boat (ropes are never called ropes on yachts) Spinnaker - large extra sail Trim the sails - adjust the position of the sails when the wind changes strength or direction Tiller or wheel or helm - used to steer the boat Helmsman - person steering the boat Running - sailing with the wind Tack - turning the bow of the boat when sailing through the wind Jibe - turning the stern of the boat when sailing through the wind Figure-eight knot - the stopper: often used at the end of lines to stop them getting away. Bowline (knot) - strong and dependable knot that is commonly used Clove Hitch (knot) - not as secure it is often used to attach an object to a line

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling. The bonus of our sailing adventures are that they are small groups, a maximum of 8 - 14 travellers (with the average number of travellers 7). However when you add in a Skipper and sometimes a cook and the fact you will be eating, sleeping and lounging about together for up to 9 days in the confines of a catamaran you may need to call on some patience, maybe some headphones but above all a sense of humour. Most travellers come away from our sailing adventures saying it was a the trip of a lifetime and that they have made lifelong friends..............we're sure you will too! PARTICIPATION: You don't need to hold a recreational skippers ticket or any sailing experience at all to join this trip however you may be called on to help around the boat, help keep the bathrooms and galley clean by emptying the bins and overall keeping the communal areas free and available for your fellow travellers.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. For sailing trips the itinerary will be subject to change depending on weather conditions. Your skipper will make the final decision to ensure safety at all times. Generally daily sailing time would not exceed 6 hours. Please note that we will endeavour to sail at all times but there may be times during the trip that we will use the sails and motor or just the motor.

Accommodation

Overnight boat (6 nights)

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