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Important Information

Thailand: Songkran Water Festival
Arm yourself with water guns, super soakers and a sense of adventure if you plan on joining this gay Songkran tour.
Country info

VISAS:ย A visa is not typically required for American, Australian, British and Canadian citizens travelling to Thailand for fewer than 30 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.

CULTURE SHOCK: Tourism in Thailand is well-developed enough to afford many of the luxuries of home, however in our experience the culture and craziness of Thailand can be a tad overwhelming at times. Songkran in particular is an absolutely wild experience that may be particularly overwhelming to someโ€”we canโ€™t stress enough that as soon as you leave our Bangkok hotel, you are fair game to be sprayed, splashed and water-bombed. We recommend you relax, have a sense of humour and take it easy.

LOCAL LGBTQ+ SCENE: Most major cities in Thailand, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, have vibrant gay scenes with exciting nightlife and welcoming locals. While it is not yet viewed as socially acceptable for LGBTQ+ locals, tourists are welcomed with open arms.

WEATHER: Expect it to be hot and sticky with a chance of showers. We recommend travelling with a light sweater and a water resistant jacket, but donโ€™t leave your summer clothes at home: mid-day temperatures can climb well above 30ยฐC/85ยฐF.

VACCINATIONS: Based on the entry requirements, there are no other immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

ELECTRICITY:ย You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type A/B/C sockets. Visitย http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/thailand/ย for more information.

CONNECTIVITY:ย All our hotels will have Wi-Fi access, so feel free to tweet, pin, post and share your experience with your friends and family at home. They might be a tad jealous!

Illness on tour

Weโ€™re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, and it is our belief that each traveller has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from illness. Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, nor to isolate in the event of respiratory illness. Our Hosts and/or Group Leaders may ask those with respiratory or cold symptoms to wear a mask in confined areas. Local laws may be more strict and will always supersede our policies.

How we travel

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded folks. Whateverโ€™s on the itinerary โ€“ from fireside camping to five-star decadence โ€“ our goal is to make the experience magical. Weโ€™re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Domestic Airfare

Domestic airfare is not included on the 2025 departure. We will provide the recommended flight details in the official Trip Guarantee email. If you are booking your trip less than 90 days to departure, there is a chance you will have to purchase a different flight than the rest of the group.

Travel Insurance

For everybodyโ€™s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage. We highly recommend that you insure your full purchase, including trip cancellation and medical.

Your guide

All Out Adventures are led by an LGBTQ+ (or LGBTQ-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if youโ€™d like to delve deeper into the local culture.

Fellow adventurers

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybodyโ€™s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we canโ€™t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because weโ€™re a gay tour operator doesnโ€™t mean weโ€™re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

Flying solo

If youโ€™ve never travelled on your own, itโ€™s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If thereโ€™s an odd number of solos, weโ€™ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

Itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. Itโ€™s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.

Optional activities

Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn whatโ€™s available.

Meals

To keep things flexible, not all meals are included in the trip price. Although we typically dine together so that everybody can get a taste of everything, feel free to explore on your ownโ€ฆyour guide will always have some restaurant recommendations.

Starting Point

Hotel Clover Patong
162/8-11 Taweewong Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand 83150
Phone: +66 76 685 088

Standard check-in time is between 2PM and 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.

If you are checking in to the hotel under your Out Adventures reservation, a complimentary arrival transfer will be included.

Finishing Point

Pullman Hotel G
188 Si Lom, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Phone: +66 2 352 4000

Money

The local currency is Thai Baht. We usually recommend carrying local currency for small purchases, however credit cards are accepted at most upscale restaurants, and at hotels. We recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used only in the case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Tipping

If you are happy with services throughout your trip, tipping your tour leader is recommended. We recommend budgeting about $50 – $80 USD. Further tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation.

What to bring

Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while youโ€™ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you donโ€™t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.

The following packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Our Out Adventure Specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring.

Travel Documents:

  • Passport/Visas/Flight Itineraries/Travel Insurance
  • Pre-trip packet
  • Credit/ATM card

General Personal Items:

  • Eye mask/ear plugs
  • Smartphone/camera/tablet/charging cords/International travel plug
  • Daypack
  • Luggage lock
  • Personal Wipes
  • Guidebook/Phrase book/Reading material
  • Protection for your devices from water
  • Travel-size towel

Shoes:

  • Socks
  • Walking shoes
  • Sandals and water shoes for sharp rocks
  • Shoes you’d feel comfortable wearing to dinner

Bottoms:

  • Underwear
  • Light pants for temple visits
  • Shorts
  • Swimwear
  • Pants you’d feel comfortable wearing to dinner

Tops:

  • Short-sleeved shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Sweaters
  • A tropical shirt to wear during Songkran (we can also swing by a shop and buy one in Bangkok)
  • Shirts you’d feel comfortable wearing to dinner

Jackets:

  • Waterproof jacket/poncho

Other:

  • Sunglasses/Hat
  • Goggles for Songkran
  • Small Umbrella
  • Refillable water bottle(s)

Health-related Items:

  • Small First aid kit including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, zinc oxide tape and small scissors, blister pads, diarrhea tablets, dioralyte rehydration packs
  • Personal Medication
  • High protection sunscreen/lip balm
  • Insect repellent/bite cream/antihistamine
  • Antibacterial gel/wipes
  • Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant
Groups within Groups

We love when groups of friends join us on an OUT Adventure, whether youโ€™re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

  • Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
  • Mix up walking partners on excursions
  • Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
  • Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret ๐Ÿ˜‰

If youโ€™d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if youโ€™re interested in a customized quote.

Physical ratings & considerations

All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 โ€“ Relaxing

  • Very little or no hiking
  • Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Lowย altitude
  • Suitable for all fitness levels

2 โ€“ Light

  • Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
  • Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Suitable for most fitness levels

3 โ€“ Average

  • Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
  • Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
  • Suitable for an average fitness level

4 โ€“ Demanding

  • Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
  • Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
  • Suitable for a good fitness level

5 โ€“ Challenging

  • Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
  • Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
  • Suitable for above average fitness level

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

From 3195 USD

We canโ€™t wait to help you plan an awesome adventure, but due to a high level of fake inquiries we now record your IP address when you submit an inquiry. This helps local authorities identify and prevent harassment against Out Adventures, or any intended recipients.

Book now

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

From 3195 USD
Ask a Question

Ask a Question

We canโ€™t wait to help you plan an awesome adventure, but due to a high level of fake inquiries we now record your IP address when you submit an inquiry. This helps local authorities identify and prevent harassment against Out Adventures, or any intended recipients.