FAQs
TRAVEL QUESTIONS
• Do I have to arrange my own flights?
• Will I have to pay extra to transport my bike?
• Where can I leave my bike if I continue my holiday in Thailand?
• Do you provide airport transfers?
• Do I need travel insurance?
• Do I need a visa for Thailand?
• Do I need any vaccinations?
• What are the medical services like in Thailand?
ACCOMMODATION QUESTIONS
• What kind of accommodation do you provide?
• Are meals and drinks included in the price?
• Will a laundry service be available?
• Should I offer tips to hotel and waiting staff?
CYCLING QUESTIONS
• Do I need to bring my own bike? Or can I rent one?
• How do I avoid excess baggage charges transporting my bike?
• How fit do I need to be?
• What gearing is recommended?
• Do you provide a support vehicle?
• Can I bring my non-cycling partner with me?
TRAVEL QUESTIONS
Do I have to arrange my own flights?
International and domestic flights are not included in our prices and are your responsibility to arrange. Book early to get the best deals. Connecting flights from Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) International Airport are available through Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and various low cost airlines, such as; Air Asia, One2Go, Nok Air. Be aware when booking internal flights that Bangkok currently has two airports; Suvarnabhumi (BKK) & Don Mueang (DMK). Transferring from one to the other on the same day is not a practical exercise!
Will I have to pay extra to transport my bike?
If you plan a little in advance then travelling with your bike is straightforward. Your bike will be included in your check-in baggage allowance, so please check your airline policy before you travel and make every effort to keep within this allowance. For most economy class tickets this is 20kgs per person. Sometimes airlines will grant an additional allowance for sports equipment, if requested in advance, but this cannot be relied upon. Although some airlines may be lenient if your baggage is a few kg over, excess baggage charges can be expensive. Memberships to frequent flyer programs usually offer an increase in baggage allowance to 30kg. Hand luggage is not weighed so pack heavy items in this to carry onto the plane with you.
Where can I leave my bike if I continue my holiday in Thailand?
If you wish to spend more time holidaying in Thailand before or after your tour with us you have the possibility of leaving your luggage and/or bicycle at Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) International Airport. The airport has a convenient and secure left luggage service located inside the airport terminal. The "Left Baggage" service counter is operated by Chubb Security Aviation. This service costs 100 Baht/piece/day. The counter is located on the 2nd floor of the terminal building next to the Tourist Police office and on the 4th floor adjacent to the airport medical centre.
Alternatively if you wish to travel in the Chiang Mai region Crouching Tiger Tours can take care of your bikes.
Do you provide airport transfers?
Yes. We will organise your transfers to/from the airport at our departure and destination cities, to your hotel at the beginning and end of your stay. This is included in the cost of your tour.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it is an obligation that our guests possess comprehensive travel insurance covering accident, personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation, loss of luggage and cancellation. In addition, the policy should cover your bike and cycling activities. You'll also need to send us a copy of your insurance policy at the time of final payment for your booking. Below are some links to insurance companies who specialise in cycle touring.
Essential Travel
JS Insurance
Snowcard
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Citizens of Australia, Europe and USA as well as nationals from 40 countries are exempted from visa application for entering into Thailand for the purpose of tourism if their stay in the country does not exceed 30 days. You may require a minimum validity of six months be shown on your passport. Crouching Tiger Cycling Tours advises you to confirm visa requirements with your local Thai Embassy or consulate for current applicable laws.
Do I need any vaccinations for Thailand?
Visitors do not require vaccinations unless coming from or passing through a designated contaminated area. However some vaccinations are recommended and we suggest contacting your GP for up to date advice at least 6 weeks before you travel. Recommended vaccinations include typhoid, polio, hepatitis A, and tetanus.
What are the medical services like in Thailand?
All tourist destinations and provincial capitals have very good quality hospitals and clinics staffed by well trained doctors and nurses. Many have the latest technology, state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Even in the most unlikely locations there will be numerous hospital employees able to speak very good English.
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ACCOMMODATION QUESTIONS
What kind of accommodation do you provide?
All our hotels, lodgings and resorts are carefully and personally chosen for their quality, comfort and interest. Some are in exceptionally beautiful locations, and many have swimming pools and/or spa facilities. Even in the more rural areas where the accommodation is simple, we will ensure it is always comfortable, clean and welcoming. Our prices are based on sharing a twin/double room, but single occupancy is available for an additional cost.
Are meals and drinks included in the price?
All meals are included in our prices unless otherwise stated. The hotels provide excellent cuisine, with freshly prepared delicacies typical of the region. However all drinks, sodas and alcoholic beverages, including any purchases from the mini bar must be paid for by guests.
Will a laundry service be available?
Laundry can be arranged by most hotels at guests' own expense.
Should I tip hotel and restaurant staff?
Despite the fact the local population rarely tip, it has become normal practice for tourists to offer gratuities to hotel and restaurant staff, but you can do this at your own discretion.
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CYCLING QUESTIONS
Do I have to bring my own bike? Or can I rent one?
We advise you to bring your own bicycle to gain maximum enjoyment and comfort from knowing your own bike well. In our experience most people prefer to bring their own. In any case, it is the responsibility of our clients to ensure that their bike is well maintained and fully insured. It is a requirement that all clients bring and wear a helmet. We arrange airport/ hotel transfers and help with your bike on arrival and departure. So just pack it up and check it in as luggage on your flight (but be sure to confirm with your airline any excess baggage policies).
For those of you who would prefer to leave your bike behind we now have quality flat bar road bicycles available for rent.
How do I avoid excess baggage charges transporting my bike?
Taking your bike on a flight is straightforward if you take a little time to forward plan. We strongly advise you to contact your airline to confirm their policy in regards to travelling with your bike. On most flights your bike will be counted towards your luggage allowance, which for international flights is often 20kgs. Sometimes by joining a frequent flyer program you can have an extra allowance so check with the airline you wish to use. Some airlines charge a small fee for a bike which frees up your luggage allowance and will be cheaper than paying excess weight on check in. Most airlines require you to transport your bike in a box, and if you want to keep your weight down think of using a soft bike bag or even asking a bike shop for a cardboard bike box which they are usually happy to give to you. Think of placing some reinforcement between your forks and around your derailleur for protection and to prevent these piercing the box. Fork braces and wheel cups can also help protect your bike and packaging.
How fit do I need to be?
We suggest you have a good level of fitness and are in good health. Our tours are challenging at times and require personal resolve to ensure you benefit from the exhilaration of the spectacular views and down-hill stages. We typically cycle between 80km to 120km a day, with some tough climbs though magnificent terrain. However, you can take advantage of our support vehicle at any time and we are very flexible to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
What gearing is recommended?
Joining our road cycling tours in Thailand we advise the use of a compact crankset on racing bikes or a triple crankset on touring bikes. For example, a gear combination of 34-50 and 12-27 will be more suitable for any of our tours throughout Thailand. Similarly, cycling with us in Sri Lanka you may benefit from having a compact crankset although the roads in general are not steep.
Do you provide a support vehicle?
Yes, all our tours are guided and fully supported by a minibus and/or support vehicle. Our support crew is on hand with water, high energy snacks and mechanical support. If at any time your legs have had enough you can retire to the minibus to finish or even start the route! If group size or club or team training itineraries require additional support we can arrange a police escort for a greater level of traffic management and road safety*. The local police enjoy taking an active part in our tours and if desired this can be arranged.
*for groups of six or more cyclsits.
Can I bring my non-cycling partner with me?
Yes. Absolutely! We offer non-cycling partners the option of taking their own personal tour (min 4 pers). They will be well looked after by a licensed guide and visit many places of interest in the area. Our clients will enjoy the day soaking up the local culture; ornatetemples, elephant rescue centres, local craft villages, markets, etc. Everyone will then be reunited at our hotel in the afternoons. Alternatively, non-cyclists are welcome to travel in the minibus where they can relax in air conditioned comfort and enjoy the spectacular views, stopping along the way to sample local delicacies from road-side stalls. Contact Us for further details.
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GOT OTHER QUESTIONS?
For further information please feel free to call us on
+66 53 202 501 or email info@crouchingtigertours.com
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