FAQ

Who owns the website of Bangkok Day Tours?

The Website www.bangkokdaytours.com is owned by Bangkok Day Tours Company Limited, one of the oldest established Tour Companies in Bangkok, Thailand.

Is Bangkok Day Tours a registered company?

Yes. Bangkok Day Tours Co. Ltd. is a legally registered company in Thailand, with 100% Thai ownership.

Does Bangkok Day Tours have a license from the Tourism Authority of Thailand?

Yes. Bangkok Day Tours Co Ltd is licensed with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. TAT License No: 14/03039

Can you book hotels for us?

If your tour includes an overnight stay in a province outside Bangkok, we organise your hotel for you and it’s included in the price of the tour. At present we do not book hotels in Bangkok.

Can you recommend a hotel for us in Bangkok?

Yes, once we know your budget and which part of the city you want to stay in. Prices range from 700 baht per night to 5000 baht per night.

How qualified are your guides?

Bangkok Day Tours always use licensed guides from the local areas, most of whom have graduated from university in Tourism related studies.

How well do the guides speak English?

All our guides are competent English speakers but you need to remember that English is a second language for Thai people. Provided you speak clearly, they will be able to understand you well.

What languages can your guides speak?

All of our guides speak Thai and English. In addition we can provide guides who speak French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Indonesian, Mandarin, Cantonese and Vietnamese.

Why does Bangkok Day Tours require a deposit?

Because of the number of people who come to Bangkok, go out late, wake with a serious hangover, then call us 10 minutes before pick-up time and say ‘Sorry, I have food poisoning and can’t do the tour today’. They offer no compensation for the vehicle which has been booked for them or for the driver and guide. Thus the need for a non-refundable deposit.

How much deposit is required?

In order to secure your booking a non-refundable deposit of 40% is required. This can be paid by secure credit card online when you make your booking.

How can I pay the balance?

You have two choices for payment of the balance. You can pay online by secure credit card must be made one calendar month before the commencement date of the tour by using Visa, Master Card or AMEX. Excluded Credit Card fees 5% Alternatively, you can pay cash in Thai Baht on pick-up.

Can I pay for the whole tour instead of paying a deposit?

Yes. If you prefer to make only one payment you can choose this option when you book, must be made one calendar month before the commencement date of the tour. Except the special deal via email.

When is total payment for the tour due?

All credit card payments, except for deposits, must be made one calendar month before the commencement date of the tour. Excluded Credit Card fees 5%

Can I pay by credit card on the day of the tour?

No. You cannot pay by credit card on the day of pick-up. Payments made on the day of the tour must be in cash and only in Thai Baht.

Can I pay in foreign currency?

No. Foreign currencies are not accepted. All cash payments must be in Thai Baht. ATM machines are readily available for those who don’t have local currency.

How accurate is the information on your website?

The information contained in this website and all sub domains of bangkokdaytours.com has been prepared in good faith from both internal and external sources. The information is believed to be accurate and current at the date the information was placed on the web site but is subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Bangkok Day Tours makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to its completeness or accuracy. Bangkok Day Tours shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect loss arising from the use of the information contained in the website.

How secure is our personal information?

Bangkok Day Tours utilise the latest in Secure Server Technology to ensure that all personal and transactional information is protected to the highest standards. While information is the cornerstone of our ability to provide a superior travel service, our most important asset is our customers’ trust. Keeping customer information secure, and using it only as our customers would want us to, is a top priority for all of us at Bangkok Day Tours. Bangkok Day Tours collects personal information that relates to travel bookings but never makes your personal details available to other companies for marketing purposes other than for the marketing of Bangkok Day Tours branded products and services. We may hold your personal details in order to process your order and/or maintain your account and/or for research purposes. We reserve the right to use “cookies” technology to reduce the time required for visitors to submit transactions. No other company has access to our cookies.

What is your refund policy for cancellations?

Cancellation of confirmed bookings with Bangkok Day Tours must be done by email. No refunds will be given for phone cancellations. 15% Cancellation Fee will be charged if you cancel after the full cost of the tour has been paid. 50% Cancellation Fee will be charged if you cancel within one calendar month in advance of the tour’s scheduled departure time. 100% Cancellation Fee will be charged if you cancel within fifteen calendar days in advance of the tour’s scheduled departure time. Non-refundable Tours:

1. A 40% deposit to confirm bookings is non-refundable.
2. The Tiger Exclusive Program and The Tiger Temple Breakfast with the Monks Tour is non-refundable.
3. Tours cancelled due to civil unrest or natural disasters or any event of force majeure are non-refundable.
4. For tours held during any Special Event Period there is no refund under any circumstances.

This includes, but is not limited to, Public and National Holidays, School Holidays, Festivals, Songkran, Christmas, New Year, Ramadan.

How many people will there be on this tour?

All our tours are private, meaning that the tour is exclusively for your group. This means that you can stop when you want and move on when you want.

Can we add to our group?

Yes you can and this is often done by clients stopping off on cruise ships. If you book and then mention your booking on the forum roll calls for that shipping line, others might want to join with you. This will obviously reduce the price per head for the tour.

Do you have any join tours?

We only have one join tour and that is on ANZAC Day each year. Apart from that, all our tours are private and are only for the people in your group.

What happens if I am traveling alone?

If you are traveling alone you will need to pay the premium for one person. All our tours are costed on a minimum of two people.

Where can I smoke in Thailand?

Thailand has quite strict laws regarding smoking which means the only place you can smoke is outside in designated smoking areas. You are not permitted to smoke in any public place including the BTS and MRT stations, on trains or buses, in taxis or any hire vehicle. Also, smoking is prohibited in any air conditioned building including shopping centres, restaurants and pubs.

Are Bangkok Day Tours vehicles smoke-free?

Yes they are. Thailand’s laws prohibit smoking in any hire vehicle and that includes all our cars and vans.

Will the driver stop for a ‘smokers break’?

If the drive exceeds two hours then the driver will stop one time on request. The only exception to this is the Morning Breakfast with Monks Tour which is run under the constraints of time and stops on the way are not permitted.

We are traveling with young children and are worried about what they will be able to eat?

Thai people have a genuine affection for children so you can rest assured that your kids will be very well taken care of. Every restaurant we go to has food suitable for children of all ages and most of them will be able to cater for basic European food like french fries and chicken nuggets.

I don’t like spicy food. Will there still be things I can eat?

Sure. Although Thai cuisine is famous for its hot and spicy dishes there is a whole range of dishes which are not spicy at all, so you can relax and enjoy your Thai meals. Remember that different food is part of the adventure of travel.

I am a vegetarian. Will there be suitable food available?

Yes, as long as you advise us when you book. Thai people are healthy eaters and many are vegetarian so there are lots of choices available for you.

Are there any special dress requirements when visiting the Grand Palace?

A strict dress code applies at the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha which is Thailand’s most sacred site. Visitors must be properly dressed before being allowed entry to the temple. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. No tank tops or singlets. Pants must cover the ankles. Women must be similarly modestly dressed. No see-through clothes or bare shoulders. No shorts or tights as outer garment. If long pants are worn they must cover the ankles. Proper shoes must be worn by everyone. No flip flops.

Are there any special dress requirements when visiting the Tiger Temple?

As the Tiger Temple is a working Buddhist monastery, there are some dress codes in place. Women must cover their shoulders and knees. Tank tops, short skirts, shorts, shawls and scarves are not permitted. Tights cannot be worn as an outer garment. As well, bright colours, such as red, orange, and pink are not allowed. These colours excite the tigers, and are not permitted on the grounds.

What does the tour price include?

Inclusions: Air Conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide in the province where the tour takes place, all entry fees plus lunch, dinner and accommodation for overnight tours outside of Bangkok.

What does the tour price exclude?

Exclusions: Accommodation and dinner in Bangkok, drinks other than water with meals, tips for driver and guide.

What does the tour price presume?

It presumes that all tours start and finish in Bangkok Province. Tours starting or finishing in another province will be subject to a surcharge. Please note that Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport is in Samut Prakarn Province and pickups from hotels in that area attract a 1500 baht surcharge each way. Also at any hotel near DMK (Don Muang International Airport).

What kind of cars do you use for one or two people?

If the tour is only for one or two person we normally use Honda BR-V or SUV vehicle in the same level.

What kind of vehicles do you use for groups of three or more people?

For three or more people we use Toyota VIP Vans which are equipped with all the mod-cons like independent air conditioning systems. Most of the vans have nine seats, but for touring purposes six adults is a comfortable number.

Why are there no monks in Wat Phra Kaeo?

Wat Phra Kaeo is the royal chapel and therefore no monks reside there. It serves as the center for all religious rites pertaining to the state and monarchy, such as ordinations under royal patronage, special ecclesiastical rites, and the swearing of fealty. Despite it’s national importance, Wat Phra Kaeo is the only temple in Thailand that doesn’t have any resident monks, and so is not a seat of Buddhist learning in the same way as the likes of Wat Pho and Wat Mahathat.

Why does the King not live in the Grand Palace?

The Grand Palace served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century until early in the 20th Century. It was not only the home of the King and his court, but also the entire administrative seat of government. Within the walls were the country’s war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. The Grand Palace, however, remains the seat of power and spiritual heart of the Thai kingdom. The present King of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, resides officially at the Chitralada Palace which is also in Bangkok, although he spends most of his time at his palace in Hua Hin beside the beach.

Why is there no temple at the Tiger Temple?

If your going to the Tiger Temple expecting to see something comparable to the glittering temples in Bangkok, you’ll be very disappointed. The Tiger Temple was originally established as a forest monastery, where the few resident monks could attain a higher level of spirituality by being isolated from the rest of humanity. The main attraction at this temple are the tigers, so please don’t ask to see the temple. It’s only a slab of concrete with a tin roof, something akin to a hayshed back home.