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Will my husband enjoy a Phu Phiang tour?
A: The best way to answer this question is to tell you that every male traveler we’ve ever had has thoroughly enjoyed himself! In our experience, men enjoy the trips just as much as women but are often most enthralled with different components. For example, the silver-making master craftsman we visit in Surin always captivates the attention of male travelers with his hard work and impressive skill. We’ve made an effort to include sights and experiences that appeal to both genders. We’re also flexible and open during our tours so that if the men involved would like to make a detour, it is often possible. One other thing we’ve noticed: the men on our tours are always quick to befriend each other and often have similar interests. This certainly helps during the shopping stops!
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Can I bring my children?
A: We welcome people of all ages on our tours. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when planning your trip. First of all, will you be traveling with a group of people who will create a positive environment for you and your child? As is the case with any group, if people have significantly different needs everyone may suffer. Also, will the tour you’ve chosen appeal to the child? Consider the duration of the tour and the activities involved. As always, we’re happy to be flexible to the desires and needs of your group and can discuss child-friendly activities with you. Please be sure to let us know well in advance if you plan to bring your children.
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Who are these tours suitable for?
A: Our tours are suitable for anyone with an open-mind and a desire to learn new things. Of course, a good sense of humor goes a long way too! Each itinerary is designed to be an exciting and unique journey, but the higher purpose is to engage in a meaningful cultural experience that will perhaps change your world view. With a little patience and understanding you can experience a culture far different from your own in the most authentic of ways!
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How long are the tours?
A: We offer tours from one day to three weeks or more! You will find descriptions of tours that are 1 – 5 days long on the Tour Itineraries page. Usually, tours longer than this are custom built to suit the group’s needs. If you are interested in learning more about these extended trips please contact us at info@phuphiang.com.
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I want to experience culture but I also want to be comfortable! Can Phu Phiang accommodate this?
A: We have a wide range of accommodation choices to suit various needs. On each trip we try to use a variety of carefully chosen establishments so that you can experience the diversity available. Some tours incorporate a night in a village homestay while others are scheduled to stay in hotels. The major factor that determines the level of accommodation is location – many small rural areas do not offer much choice! However, we can guarantee that each facility is clean, comfortable and appropriate for a visitor. We also guarantee that we’ll give you accurate information. You will never arrive at a guesthouse expecting a five star hotel! If you have specific concerns about your tour itinerary, please talk to us about them at any time.
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
A: A variety of transportation methods are used on our tours, especially the longer ones! Travel between regions is usually by airplane, overnight sleeper train, overnight bus or private air-conditioned van. Travel within each region is always by private air-conditioned van. Within Bangkok we often use private vans but may also use metered taxis or the BTS SkyTrain, depending on the size of the group and where we are going.
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Can Phu Phiang arrange a tour according to a group’s interest?
Yes, Phu Phiang is happy to arrange a private tour according to your group’s interests. Themed tours are available for special interest groups such as:
- Craft associations
- Fair Trade organizations
- Social development groups
- Teachers, academic researchers, and students
- Groups interested in community-based tourism
- Retail buyers
To learn more about our custom tour services, please contact us at
info@phuphiang.com. Please include the country from which you will be travelling and the number of people in your group (if known).
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How do the villages benefit from these tours?
A: The villages our tours visit benefit in a variety of ways, such as:
- Financially: These tours can serve the communities as an income stream that supplements the money earned from agricultural activities. The communities we visit are given a donation, which goes to the group, village or co-operative and is used for the mutual benefit of everyone. Our tours also provide a market for the villagers’ craft products since quite often the tour participants wish to purchase craft products from the villages they visit. When this is the case, 100% of the profit goes to the craft producers.
- FCultural exchange: One of the reasons that people really enjoy Phu Phiang tours is the two-way communication that is possible during the village visits. You will find that despite major differences in culture and language you are able to have meaningful communication with the people you meet. You will surely be curious to know about the village lifestyle and craft work while the villagers themselves will want to know about you and the country you come from. This curiosity leads to meaningful communication and a sharing of information; we hope that a new mutual respect will develop and perhaps attitudes will be challenged.
- Traditional craft skills are preserved: When we visit traditional artisans to admire their beautiful handicrafts and complicated means of production, it is a reward and an inspiration for the young and old who are able to witness the value they’ve created. This helps to encourage villagers to preserve and value the traditional craft skills that have been passed down to them. We hope they will continue to pass their knowledge on and preserve the beautiful traditions for a long time to come.
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Can I buy crafts from the villages?
A: Yes, most of the craft producing villages we go to have product on hand to sell to visitors. Enabling sales of handmade craft products are one way that Phu Phiang tours contribute to the villagers’ supplementary income. While we do stop at the village shops when possible, please do not feel pressured to buy things! The artisans are very happy to simply show you their goods and have you visit their village. If you do wish to buy something, you can feel good about the fact that your money is going directly into the hands of the person who made the product.
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What level of fitness and/or health is required to participate in a Phu Phiang tour?
A: We are proud to offer tours that are appealing and accessible to people of all ages. Our tours are generally suitable for individuals of all fitness levels. The most difficult activities you are likely to encounter on a Phu Phiang tour are walking over uneven village terrain and spending a long time in the very strong sun. While many of our tours do incorporate walking in the forest or through villages, we generally follow a specified path. It is a very good idea to check with your doctor before you begin travelling so that he or she may provide suggestions. If you have a physical disability which may hinder your ability to take part in certain activities, please let us know in advance so that we can be sure to provide appropriate alternatives or suggestions.
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Do I need any vaccinations or health checks before embarking on a tour?
A: Your doctor or travel health clinic will likely recommend a variety of vaccinations and/or medications to take with you on your trip to Thailand. You should talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible since some vaccinations must be administered over a period of time. It is also advisable to have a health check up to ensure that the duration and means of travel is suitable.
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What happens if I fall ill during the tour?
A: Should it be required, quality healthcare of the same standard as Western countries is available in Thailand. Your guides will always be aware of the closest high-quality hospital in the areas in which you are travelling. Simply let us know immediately if you are feeling unwell. The sooner we know, the better.
However, you should be aware that some of the places we visit are quite remote and some distance from a hospital. It is important that you have a health check up before leaving your country. Your doctor can help you anticipate any potential problems and provide advice and medication in advance.
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Can my special dietary requirements be accommodated?
A: It is important that you notify us of any dietary requirements as soon as possible. In most cases, we can accommodate your needs without any trouble as long as we know in advance.
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Does every tour include a homestay?
A: No, not every tour itinerary incorporates a village homestay. We usually include them when time and location allows (not every village is able to or interested in providing a homestay just as not all groups are interested in experiencing one). We can include one or more homestays in our custom built extended tour itineraries. If you are interested in adding a homestay to your chosen tour itinerary, please contact us for more details.
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What should I expect during the homestay?
A: Specific homestay arrangements vary by village and group. We are happy to provide more specific information about your particular homestay plans – just send us an email! In general, your homestay experience will be very simple. You will stay in a local village home with the family and get to know your hosts and their way of life. Usually guests sleep on a mattress on the floor in a separate room or area from the host family. You will be provided bedding and a mosquito net. Toilet facilities vary by village and home but are most often Asian style with squat toilet and splash shower. Some remote villages will not have electricity and so it is helpful to bring along a headlamp for use in the night. Meals are usually eaten together with the rest of the tour group and your Phu Phiang guides, however at times you may eat separately with your host family. Depending on the size of the group you will either have a dedicated translator in the homestay or a translator that is shared amongst a small number of homes. In the case of the latter, the translator will move around and spend time in each of the different homes helping you to communicate and interact with the family. But not to worry! When your translator is not there you can still interact with the family in a meaningful way; perhaps you will help cook a meal or play with the kids.
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What should I expect from facilities in the villages?
A: Village facilities vary greatly. Some villages are actually quite developed while others remain very traditional. Either way, most are very simple. During village visits your guides will explain the specific facilities to you in more detail as required, but please feel free to ask questions at any time. In general, toilet facilities will be Asian style with squat toilets.
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I would like to spend additional time in Thailand after (or before) my trip. Can Phu Phiang help me arrange accommodation and transportation?
A: We are happy to help you make further arrangements for your Thailand extension including making hotel, transportation or other site visit arrangements. Please feel free to email your specific requirements to us and we will work with you on an individual basis.
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How can I learn about the local customs and language before arriving in Thailand?
A: First of all, you can check out our Things to Know page where you will find information on etiquette, transportation, important Thai concepts and Thai language. If this doesn’t satisfy your zest for knowledge you can have a look at the following websites and/or read some of the suggested books. If you still have further questions, please feel free to email us and we’ll try to answer them!
License No. 11/3477