Safety Updates
The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority of Intrepid. With this in mind we monitor world events very closely. Intrepid makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources...
- The level of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) travel advisory. For any Intrepid Travel operated trip if this advisory is at Level 5 'Do Not Travel' then Intrepid will either cancel a trip or reroute the itinerary to avoid the areas concerned.
- With over 400 leaders on the ground in operational destinations and subsidiary companies in our main hub cities, Intrepid has access to a up to the minute flow of information as to the mood and feelings within the countries we work in.
- We are also in regular contact with the various operators we use. Their in depth knowledge and understanding of their various areas is vital.
- Other Government travel advisories...
- World Health Organisation
safety guidelines
Please also read our safety guidelines for further information on the operational safety standards you can expect on every Intrepid trip.Thailand (28 May 10)
The Australian government have revised their travel warning to a Level 4 for Bangkok.
Intrepid are now happy to advise that scheduled departures from the 7 June will operate as usual across Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Travellers who have previously been advised of an alternate start or finish point to their trip (Siem Reap or Chiang Mai) - the alternative arrangements will remain (please see 24 May safety update for specific departures affected)
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (24 May 10)
At today, 24th May, the Australian Government maintains a "Do not Travel" security warning for Bangkok. In accordance with our stated Safety Policy, Intrepid Travel will be cancelling the departure of the following trips (departing between 1st June - 6th June)
Cancelled departures:
Treasures of the North Code: TSK departing: 6th June
Northern Thailand Code: TSN departing: 6th June
South East Asia Basix Code: TRM departing 5 June
Departures running with altered itineraries :
These trips will now have a finishing destination of Siem Reap, Freedom Hotel. Trips will finish on the scheduled date.
Best of Vietnam & Cambodia Code: VSK departing 30 May
Best of Vietnam & Cambodia Code: VSK departing 2 June
Road to Angkor - West Code: KSE departing 4 June
Road to Angkor - West Code: KSE departing 5 June
Indochina Overland Code: VSL departing 5 June
Road to Angkor - West Code: KSE departing 6 June
Inside Indochina Code: VRK departing 6 June
Best of Vietnam & Cambodia Code: VSK departing 6 June
Freedom Hotel
Route 6
Siem Reap
Cambodia
Tel: +855 (0) 63 963 473
We will continue to monitor the security warning for Bangkok. Should the warning change whilst you are on trip, we will resume the usual finishing destination of Bangkok - your leader will advise you during the course of your trip. Our office in Bangkok can assist you with local flights.
These trips will now have a starting destination of Siem Reap. Trips will start on the scheduled date in Siem Reap, please make your own way to the listed Hotel to commence your tour:
Indochina Encompassed Code: KRD departing 1 June
Indochina Unplugged Code: KRN departing 1 June
Cambodia Basix Code: KRR departing 1 June
Cambodia Basix Code: KRR departing 6 June
Victory Guest House
Airport Road
Siem Reap
Tel: +855 (0)12 451286
Road to Angkor - East Code: KSD departing 1 June
Best of Cambodia and Vietnam Code: KSK departing 1 June
Road to Angkor - East Code: KSD departing 5 June
Best of Cambodia and Vietnam Code: KSK departing 5 June
Freedom Hotel
Route 6
Siem Reap
Cambodia
Tel: +855 (0) 63 963 473
These trips will now have a starting destination of Chiang Mai. Trips will start on the scheduled date in Chiang Mai, please make your own way to the People Place hotel to commence your tour:
Great Indochina Loop Code: VSV departing 5 June
Bangkok to Hanoi Code: LSV departing 6 June
Trail of the Dragon Code: TSC departing 6 June
People Place Hotel
9 Soi 8 Sridonchai Rd
Chiang Mai, Thailand
PH: + 66 53 282 487
These trips will now have a finishing destination of Koh Samui. Trips will finish on the scheduled date in Koh Samui.
Colours of Asia Code: MSN departing 6 June
Trail of the Gecko Code: MSK departing 6 June
Lamai Buri Hotel
126/69 M.3,
T.Maret
Lamai Beach
Koh Samui
Thailand
Tel: +66(0)77 424275-6
We will continue to monitor the security warning for Bangkok. Should the warning change whilst you are on trip, we will resume the usual finishing destination of Bangkok - your leader will advise you of any changes during the trip. Our office in Bangkok can assist you with local flights.
For passengers travelling on the following trips 'Tap into Thailand & Trekking Thailand' - we offer an alternative itinerary starting & finishing in Chiang Mai. The itinerary is as follows:
Tap into Thailand Code: TRO departing 2 June, Peoples Place Hotel - altered itinerary
Trekking Thailand Code: TRP departing 4 June, Peoples Place Hotel - altered itinerary
Tap into Thailand Code: TRO departing 5 June, Peoples Place Hotel - altered itinerary
Day 1 Chiang Mai
Days 2-3 Hilltribe Trek
Days 4-5 Chiang Mai
Full details of this itinerary can be found via the following link: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/tripnotes/TAXS/2010-01-01
You may find the following airlines useful for obtaining flights:
* Air Asia (www.airasia.com)
* Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com)
* Fireflyz (www.fireflyz.com)
* Vietnam Airlines (www.vietnamairlines.com.vn )
* Nok Air (www.nokair.com)
* One Two Go (www.fly12go.com)
* Thai Airways (www.thaiairways.co.th)
If you are currently in Thailand, please contact our Bangkok Office on +66 (0)2 282 2863, who can assist you with any local flight or ground transport arrangements. The office is located on the 2nd Floor on New World City Lodge Hotel, Samsen Soi 2, Banglamphu.
Your agent or any one of our Intrepid offices can assist with alternative arrangements if required
Please visit this page for updated information regarding your departure and the overall situation in Bangkok.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (20 May 10)
Currently the following trips are running in Thailand or scheduled to arrive to Bangkok over the next few days, all travellers are safe and accounted for.
Our leaders are in constant contact with our Bangkok office and alternative finishing points have been arranged for all trips to a location outside of Bangkok. Leaders are assisting passengers with their onward arrangements.
Tap into Thailand
13 May Code: TRO100513
15 May Code: TRO100515
16 May Code: TRO100516
Timeless Thailand
14 May Code: TKK100514
Northern Thailand
9 May Code: TSN100509
16 May Code: TSN100516
Tribal Thailand
9 May Code: TRN100509
16 May Code: TRN100516
Treasures of the North
14 May Code: TSK100514
16 May Code: TSK100516
Southern Encounter
15 May Code: TRS100515
Thailand Unplugged
8 May Code: TRW100508
Treasures of the South
16 May Code: TST100516
Trekking Thailand
15 May Code: TRP100515
17 May Code: TRP100517
Treasures of Thailand
9 May Code:TSB10509
16 May Code:TSB100516
Colours of Asia
9 May Code: MSN100509
Road to Angkor - West
15 May Code: KSE100515
16 May Code: KSE100516
18 May Code: KSE100518
Great Indochina Loop
28 April Code: VSV100428
1 May Code: VSV100501
Indochina Overland
3 May Code: VSL100503
Tap into Laos
9th May Code: LRK100509
16 May Code: LRK100516
Indochina Adventure
2 May Code: LRP100502
Please continue to monitor this site for any further updates to our current and future departures and the overall situation in Bangkok. The overall DFAT advice to Thailand and Bangkok remains unchanged from yesterday.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (19 May 10)
Today, the Australian Government have raised their security warning for Bangkok to Level 5 - Do not Travel. In accordance with Intrepid Travels safety policy - All Intrepid trips starting or finishing in Bangkok have been cancelled effective immediately until 31st May 2010.
We will review the running of further departures on the 24 May 2010 and advise via this safety update.
The following trips departing 19 May, up to and including 31 May have been cancelled:
Timeless Thailand Code: TKK
Bangkok to Bali Overland Code: TRI
South East Asia Basix Code: TRM
Tap into Thailand Code: TRO
Trekking Thailand Code: TRP
Southern Encounter Code: TRS
Thailand Unplugged Code: TRW
Treasures of Thailand Code: TSB
Trail of the Dragon Code: TSC
Thailand Encompassed Code: TSE
Treasures of the North Code: TSK
Northern Thailand Code: TSN
A Taste of Thailand Code: TSP
Treasures of the South Code: TST
Road to Angkor - Westbound Code: KSD
Road to Angkor - Eastbound Code: KSE
Trail of the Khmer Code: KSL
Cambodia Basix Code: KRR
Essence of Indochina Code: KKU
Cambodia Basix Westbound Code: KRS
Indochina Loop Code: VSV
Colours of Asia Code: MSN
Malay Basix Code: MRS
Trail of the Gecko Code: MSK
Bangkok to Hanoi Code: LSV
Tap into Laos Code: LRK
Indochina Adventure Code: LRP
For our departures from Mon 1 June onwards
Intrepid will review the Bangkok situation on Monday 24 May and will update this site at that time, including advice of possible future cancellations.
We recommend travellers contact their families to put their minds at ease. Should your trip be affected by these cancellations we suggest that travellers contact their travel agent and/or airline to make any necessary arrangements.
If you are currently in Bangkok and scheduled to depart on a cancelled trip, please contact our Bangkok office on +66 (0)2 282 2863 who will assist you in any way they can. The office is located on the 2nd Floor on New World City Lodge Hotel, Samsen Soi 2, Banglamphu.
Please visit this page for updated information regarding your departure and the overall situation in Bangkok.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (14 May 10)
We remind all passengers and visitors to Bangkok to stay away from the Ratchaprasong intersection and any large gatherings.
Our trips remain unaffected and departures are running as scheduled.
Our office in Bangkok continues to monitor the situation and any changes to our departures will be advised via this safety update.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (14 May 10)
Overnight in Bangkok security forces began an operation to pressure the remaining red shirt demonstrators into leaving their protest site at Ratchaprasong intersection.
The aim of the operation is to prevent movement of people, equipment and supplies in and out of the protest site. The area around the protesters has been sealed off by the authorities and no public transport will run in this area.
Our start and finish hotels are well away from the protest area and people are going about their daily lives as normal.
All airports and trains are operating as normal.
All sightseeing in Bangkok will continue as normal and we will monitor the situation.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (13 May 10)
Last night (12th May) the Thai government decided to abandon the plan to dissolve parliament on the 14th November and now remain committed to continue their elected term until mid 2011. This is due to the "red shirts' not disbanding their protest site at Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok.
Our departures continue to run as scheduled as the Ratchaprasong intersection is well away from our starting and finishing points within Bangkok and our programmed touring does not frequent this area.
We will continue to monitor the evolving situation in Bangkok and provide updates as required.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (04 May 10)
Last night Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva addressed the nation on TV. The government offered to hold an election on the 14th November on the condition that five objectives of national conciliation are achieved. These 5 objectives revolve around healing the divides that has brought the protesters out onto the street including implementing reforms that tackle economic disparities and inequalities. The Red Shirt leadership has been reported as saying the proposal is "interesting" and they will consider it in consultation with various groups. We hope that this is the first step towards a united Thailand.
Our trips remain uninterrupted and all arrangements for scheduled departures are unchanged.
Our Bangkok based staff continue to monitor all available channels and we will continue to post safety updates that concern Bangkok and Thailand.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (03 May 10)
The situation in Bangkok remains calm and it is reported that both the government and the 'red shirts' are trying to find a peaceful resolution to the protests.
International travel warnings remain at discouraging all but 'non essential' travel to Bangkok and in some instances, Thailand.
Our tours are running as scheduled with no disruption; and our Bangkok staff will continue to closely monitor all available channels. Should the current situation change we will communicate impacts via this safety update.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (29 April 10)
Overnight there were further disturbances in the outskirts of Bangkok and the main protest hub of Ratchaprasong. This area encompasses the Erawan shrine on the corner of the Rama I/Ploenchit and Ratchadamri roads and nearby commercial areas. Red shirt demonstrators are also concentrated at the southern end of Ratchadamri road opposite the Silom road commercial and tourist district.
We strongly recommend passengers avoid any protest sites or demonstrations and exercise extreme caution due to the strong possibility of further violence.
Our Bangkok based team continue to closely monitor the situation and are in direct and frequent communication with all of our leaders and therefore travelling groups. At this stage, despite revised travel warnings to Bangkok by a few countries, there are no present or foreseen disruptions to our scheduled departures.
We will continue to post developing information to this site.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (28 April 10)
We continue to monitor the situation in Bangkok and across Thailand and advise that there are no disruptions to our scheduled departures.
The Australian Government warning remains unchanged at the 28th April, 2010 at 'reconsider your need to travel'.Please refer to the website link below for further detailed information.
Our Bangkok-based ground staff will continue to watch the situation and advise of any further updates as events unfold. We will also continue to monitor all available channels including those provided by government and local authorities and update this safety notification as required.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (23 April 10)
Overnight there has been a violent escalation in the anti-Government (Red Shirt) demonstrations that are currently concentrated in the Bangkok city centre around the area known as “Ratchaprasong”. This area encompasses the Erawan shrine on the corner of the Rama I/Ploenchit and Ratchadamri roads and nearby commercial areas. Red shirt demonstrators are also concentrated on Ratchadamri road opposite the Silom road commercial district. It is also reported that violence spilled into the Sala Deang and Lumpini Park areas.
The Australian Government recommends the following 'There is a strong possibility of renewed violent clashes in Bangkok between demonstrators and security forces. These clashes could involve the use of lethal force and could occur at any time. Australians should avoid any protest sites or demonstrations in Bangkok and exercise extreme caution due to the strong possibility of further violence.' We reiterate to our passengers and travellers to Bangkok, stay well away from above the indicated areas.
The effected area is several kilometres from our starting and finishing point hotels and at this stage there will be no disruptions to our departing and arriving trips.
Booked Airport transfers will run as normal, however, we recommend our passengers who have not booked a transfer to leave the hotel at least 4 hours before their flight time to ensure a timely arrival at the Airport.
Hualumphong Train station has been closed, all of our scheduled train departures and arrivals will be from/to Sam Saen Train Station.
Our Bangkok-based ground staff will continue to monitor the situation and advise of any further updates as events unfold. We will also continue to monitor all available channels including those provided by government and local authorities and update this safety notification as required.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (20 April 10)
Anti government protesters have moved from the Ratchadamneon (Khao San Rd) area of Bangkok to areas surrounding the Central World Shopping centre & the Rajprasong intersection in Patumwan. There is an Army presence in the central business area including Silom and Sathorn roads.Intrepid strongly recommends passengers and visitors to Bangkok to stay away from this area.
All our start point accommodations are several kilometers from the effected area and we recommend all clients to stay within the vicinity of our start point hotels. The tourist area of Khao San road is unaffected at this time. All trips and sightseeing will continue as normal.
Our Bangkok-based ground staff will continue to monitor the situation and advise of any further updates as events unfold. We will also continue to monitor all available channels including those provided by government and local authorities and update this safety notification as required.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (11 April 10)
Anti-government protests in Bangkok overnight escalated to riots with a number of fatalities amoung both protesters and government troops and police.
The location of the riots last night moved to the proximity of (but not directly in) the Khao San Road area where two of our main hotels are located.
Prior to last nights escalation our group leaders advised all travellers to return to their hotels. We can confirm that all of our travellers have been accounted for and, in line with our previous advice, have been instructed to remain inside the hotels for the immediate future. We have also requested all our travellers contact their families as soon as possible to confirm that they are safe and well.
At this stage there has been no aggression directed towards tourists and Australian Government travel advice to Thailand remains at the same level.
Our Bangkok-based ground staff will continue to monitor the situation and advise us of any further updates as events unfold. We will also continue to monitor all available channels including those provided by government and local authorities.
Regarding any trips starting over the next 3 days we will assess the situation today and make a decision as to whether to cancel or continue trips based on the information from the sources listed above.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
Thailand (11 April 10)
Further updates from our Bangkok-based staff indicate that the area surrounding the Khao San Rd area (and our hotels in the immediate vicinity) is now quiet and the troops and police have withdrawn.
However in the best interests of safety we have moved all our travellers currently staying at the Viengtai Hotel to the Royal River Hotel, located in a residential area several kilometres north and across the Chao Praya river. This area provides easy access to transport hubs such as train stations and expressways far from where any trouble is occurring.
At this stage trips already running will continue to operate, with minor changes to avoid any affected areas. We will continue to monitor the situation and update this site if and when any changes occur.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand
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