January 20th – 31st, 2024
Your exciting food journey to Southeast Asia is coming up, and it’s sure to be a trip to remember. Please read the following document carefully as it contains important information to help you prepare for the adventure ahead. If you have any questions at all, simply let us know!
You will need a passport to travel to Southeast Asia. Your passport should be valid until at least August 2024 and it should have 2 full empty pages.
If you don’t have empty pages, please contact us and we will send you instructions for getting a new passport in time for the tour.
➜ Thailand – Citizens of the USA, some EU countries, Canada, and Australia are allowed to enter Thailand without a visa for stays of less than 30 days. As a result, no preparations are needed and you don’t need to obtain a tourist visa for this country.
➜ Malaysia – Citizens of the USA, most EU countries, Canada, New Zealand and Australia are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for stays of less than 90 days. As a result, no preparations are needed and you don’t need to obtain a tourist visa for this country.
➜ Singapore – Citizens of the USA, EU countries, Canada, New Zealand and Australia are allowed to enter Singapore without a visa for stays of less than 90 days. As a result, no preparations are needed and you don’t need to obtain a tourist visa for this country.
Please note that, for this tour, you should arrive at the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok and depart from the Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), as these are the most convinient airports for this journey.
Currently none of the countries require any specific immunizations to enter. However, it is always worthwhile to consult with a healthcare professional about any optional vaccinations that might be beneficial for you during the tour. These may include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Malaria and Meningitis.
Get set for a flavorful 12-day journey through Southeast Asia, where both delicious cuisine and warm local culture will take the stage. Your taste buds are in for a treat as we explore Bangkok’s vibrant street food scene, take part in an authentic Thai cooking class, dive into Kuala Lumpur’s famous street markets and visit the bustling hawker centers in Singapore. We’ll sample traditional dishes like boat noodles, nasi lemak, satay, and more. Even a visit to a honey farm and tea plantation in the Cameron Highlands is on the menu.
But this trip isn’t just about savoring food, it’s also about engaging with the vibrant and rich cultures of Southeast Asia. Whether visiting the mesmerizing temples of Ayutthaya in Thailand, exploring Kuala Lumpur’s lively neighborhoods, or mingling with the locals in Singapore, you’ll find a region full of warmth and community.
So pack your appetite for this amazing culinary exploration that’s both tasty and enriching. This is your chance to savor new flavors, embrace the engaging culture, and indulge in the best food that Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have to offer. The dishes are prepared, and your seat at the table awaits!
We’ll stay in 3* and 4* hotels during this trip. Accommodation is mid-range and all rooms have a private bathroom.
During the trip, we’ll get around with a combination of comfortable vans, public transportation and short flights between countries.
On this tour, you’ll have air conditioning in our hotels located in the major cities. However, the accommodations in the Cameron Highlands don’t count with air conditioning. Instead, each room is outfitted with a ceiling fan for your convenience. It’s worth noting that the highlands generally offer a cooler climate, contributing to a comfortable stay.
➜ Population: 71.6 million people
➜ Religion: The predominant religion is Buddhism, practiced by about 93% of the population. There are also small minorities of Muslims, Christians, and Hindus.
➜ Languages: Central Thai (Siamese) is the official language of Thailand. While English is commonly understood in tourist areas, it is less frequently spoken in local communities.
➜ History: Thailand boasts a rich history with its ancient kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Over the years, it’s the only Southeast Asian nation never colonized by European powers.
➜ Politics: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy under the reign of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. While the country operates with a parliamentary system, the King’s influence is extensive, highlighting the unique blend of tradition and modernity in Thai governance.
➜ Population: 33.57 million people
➜ Religion: Islam is the official religion, practiced by about 64% of the population. There are also significant minorities of Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus.
➜ Languages: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the only official language of Malaysia. English is also widely spoken in urban areas, although it can be harder to find in rural areas.
➜ History: Malaysia has a diverse cultural history, influenced by various civilizations, including the Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Europeans. Since gaining independence from British rule in 1957, Malaysia has transformed into a multicultural and economically dynamic nation.
➜ Politics: Malaysia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The King, known as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is the head of state, and the Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, is the head of government. The nation’s political landscape emphasizes harmony and collaboration among its various ethnic and religious communities.
➜ Population: 5.7 million people
➜ Religion: Singapore has a diverse religious landscape, with Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Hinduism all being practiced. No single religion is predominant.
➜ Languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are the official languages of Singapore. English is the main language of business and administration and is widely spoken and understood.
➜ History: Before its modern history began with the establishment of a British trading post by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, Singapore was known as Temasek and was a bustling trading port in the 14th century. It briefly joined Malaysia in 1963 before gaining full independence in 1965, transforming into one of the world’s most prosperous and advanced economies.
➜ Politics: Singapore is a parliamentary republic with a Westminster system of unicameral parliamentary government. The President of Singapore, Halimah Yacob, is the country’s head of state, and the Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, is the head of government. Known for its stability and efficient governance, Singapore’s political system emphasizes rule of law and a commitment to economic development.
Tap water in Singapore is safe to drink, but in Malaysia and Thailand it’s not ideal for drinking, and you should always opt for bottled water. Many travelers also opt for bottled water to brush their teeth in these two countries.
All of the food provided during the tour will be completely safe to consume. Fruits and vegetables are always washed in filtered water, so the chances of getting a stomach bug are slim. Street food at popular markets and food stalls is also safe to eat. We would only suggest avoiding street food from vendors where the food appears to have been sitting out for a long time. Most street food is cooked fresh though, so this should rarely be an issue.
➜ Thailand: Thai Baht (THB) – $1 USD = 35 THB.
➜ Malaysia: Malaysian Ringgit (RM) – $1 USD = 4.65 RM.
➜ Singapore: Singapore Dollar (SGD)- $1 USD = 1.35 SGD.
In terms of spending money, you should estimate an average of $35 USD per person per day for all of your needs. This would be for meals that are not included in the tour, basic purchases (laundry service, snacks, etc) as well as any activities you choose to do on your own.
As for exchanging money, the best method is via ATM machines which can be found in all cities.
If using an ATM is not an option, or the fees are too high, simply bring USD or Euros to exchange at money exchange offices that are located in all of the big cities.
*Credit cards are easily accepted in most places throughout the countries, including larger restaurants and many shops. However, in smaller local restaurants and traditional stores, cash might still be the preferred payment method. While you can rely on credit cards for the majority of your transactions, it’s wise to carry some cash for those small shops and restaurants where cards may not be accepted.
*USD are generally not accepted for purchases. Most transactions must be made with local currencies.
Tipping in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore is not as common as in the West but in some cases it is expected and/or appreciated. Here’s a general guideline:
➜ Restaurants – 5% – 10% if a service charge is not already added to the bill
➜ Hotel staff – $1 – $2 USD if someone helps you with luggage or anything else
➜ Tour leader – If you wish to tip your tour leader, they will always be greatly appreciative
*Tips for local guides and waitstaff at included meals are already included.
Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore are very safe countries. The chances of anything happening are very slim as long as you use the same common sense you would use at home.
➜ Watch your stuff – When wandering around crowded areas, it’s always a good idea to keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket or secured in a purse or backpack. The purse, backpack or shoulder bag should be hanging by your front hip, with zippers fastened. Keep in mind that when out and about each day, you may leave valuables in your room as the hotels we use are all very safe.
➜ Scams – Most ‘scams’ in both Thailand and Malaysia are nothing major. For instance, some taxis might try to overcharge, so it’s best to always opt for Grab, the Southeast Asian version of Uber. If you decide to take a tuktuk, always negotiate the price beforehand to prevent overcharging. Outside temples, when you’re not accompanied by a guide, you might be approached with offers to visit a “tsunami temple” (which doesn’t exist) or be told that a temple is closed, which often leads to an unnecessarily costly tuktuk journey. Always trust your instincts, if something feels off it’s best to decline and move on. In Singapore, scams are extremely rare.
During this trip, you can expect relatively consistent weather. January is a favorable time to explore this part of the world, characterized by pleasant temperatures without extreme heat and minimal rainfall. Here are the average temperatures of each destination we will visit:
➜ Bangkok: 90F/32C high – 72F/22C low
➜ Kuala Lumpur: 90F/32C high – 73F/23C low
➜ Cameron Highlands: 73F/23C high – 57F/14C low
➜ Singapore: 88F/31C high – 75F/24C low
In Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, locals typically wear clothes similar to what you’d see in the West. As a result, you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in. However, when visiting temples and sacred places, it is required to cover your legs and wear shirts with at least short sleeves. You can always purchase a sarong to wrap around your legs outside of some temples to ensure you’re dressed appropriately.
➜ Laundry – Laundry will be available at almost all of the accommodations and at local laundromats that offer same day service for around $10 per load.
We recommend packing the following items:
The most important thing is that you don’t overpack as moving around country with your luggage can be tiresome and the less stuff you have, the more thankful you’ll be once the tour begins.
If you have any questions about other items you were thinking about bringing or not bringing, just send us an email and we’ll be happy to let you know if such an item is necessary for this trip.
You may bring your camera bodies and lenses into Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore as a tourist.
➜ Thailand – Although highly regulated, you may bring your drone into Thailand. To do so, you must first register at the NBTC registration portal, providing a copy of your passport, photographs of the drone and controller serial numbers and a copy of the drone insurance policy, which must include a 1 million THB coverage. After receiving approval, you must then register at the CAAT online drone registration portal 15 business days prior to arrival. Please note that the drone must not exceed 25 kgs (55 lbs) and you must follow all of the current regulations.
➜ Malaysia – In order to bring your drone into Malaysia you must first register at the NBTC registration portal and obtain a special license by filling out the application form and sending it to drone.atf@caam.gov.my at least 14 days prior to arrival. Please note that the drone must not exceed 20 kgs (44 lbs) and you must follow all of the current regulations.
➜ Singapore – If your drone weights less than 7kgs (15lbs) you may bring and fly your drone in Singapore. To do so, you must register your drone in the CAAS portal, take an online UA Basic Training course and obtain a UA Pilot’s lisence. If your drone weights between 7kgs (15 lbs) and 25 kgs (55 lbs), you must additionally obtain both a Class 2 Activity Permit and a Class 1 Activity Permit.
Electrical sockets in Thailand are compatible with both types A and B plug types (commonly used in the United States), as well as type C plug types (commonly used in Europe). However, both Malaysia and Singapore use plug G type (commonly used in the UK). It is highly recommended to purchase these adapters in advance.
As for electricity, check your chargers to see if they say 110 – 230V If they do, you will not have any problems charging your device while on the tour.
Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have generally strong internet throughout and all of our accommodations will have WiFi.
If you wish to have a data connection on your phone throughout the tour, the easiest way will be to purchase an E-SIM before the trip, as this will allow you to stay connected from the moment you land at the airport.
We can also set up local SIM cards upon arrival for those who wish. Just make sure you have a GSM-enabled unlocked phone in order to use a foreign SIM card.
Another option is to activate your home network’s ‘international plan’ which will allow you to continue using your phone as you would at home, with access to a data connection, for a fee that usually ranges from $5 – $10 per day.
Yes! Some days, particularly in the cities, will include time together as well as free time for you to enjoy a destination at your own pace. With that said, your tour leader will always be available to offer personal recommendations and suggestions as to things you might want to do or see, places to eat and other interesting activities that you might want to check out when there is free time.
We will set up a WhatsApp chat 2 weeks prior to the start of the tour that will include all of the participants as well as your tour leader. This will allow everyone to get to know each other in advance, ask questions and communicate with your tour leader both before and during the tour. It will be very useful for you to have WhatsApp available to you during the tour as this will be the main method of communication.
That’s it for now and we hope you are continuing to get more and more excited about this incredible adventure, just as we are!
If you have any questions about anything, please reach out to team@wanderingearl.com
