We do require a deposit of 500 THB/Person which can be paid via PayPal to [email protected] or via Credit Card through our booking system. The remaining amount can be paid on the tour to avoid Paypal fees. If you prefer to pay the amount in full, we will have to ADD 4.4% Paypal fee surcharge to the tour price.
FAQ
How can I pay?
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, you can pay by credit card directly through our booking system.
What is included on the tour package?
It depends on the tour package but usually includes:
- Licensed tour guide (Vanguard)
- All the different fun types of transport in Bangkok
- Private boat tour through the canals on the westside of Bangkok (check on type of tour)
- Lunch and plenty of street food, snacks and drinks
- All admission fees
- Insurance
Where is the meeting points for the tour?
On the Bangkok Starters, Bangkok Three Sixty and Bye Bye China Town we will meet at the BTS Skytrain station Saphan Taksin, Exit 2. (Map)
On the Nightriders we will meet at the Bangkokvanguards office, close to the Democracy Monument. (Map)
On the Bike2Bascis and Coastline Adventures we will meet at BTS Skytrain Station Wong Wian Yai, Exit 1. (Map)
Is there a pick up service from hotel or airport?
We do offer a pick up service for private tours. For join-in tours we normally do not offer a pick up service but should you require a pick up service from your hotel to the meeting point, please contact us via email.
We do offer airport pick ups and drop offs, please contact us via email.
Why to book with Bangkok Vanguards?
We are different from classic tour operators in Bangkok in a sense that we did not start out to become a tour operator but worked with international media on the production side, e.g. location scouting, finding stories and protagonists. We have been working extensively with documentary filmmakers and journalists and let our experience and knowledge flow into our way of designing and conducting many of our tours. We are also known in the social innovation field and thus have many relationships with leaders and people in urban communities, civil society and other social sector related stakeholders. As such, depending on the type of tours, we add a critical and informative twist to it, not just theory but engaging with locals and seeing the realities that otherwise only people from media would see. As such we know how to combine the fun elements for which people visit Bangkok with the realities and the human side of the city to give you an understanding of Thailand not only from the point of history, traditional and modern culture or religion but also from the angle of sustainable development.
What are the booking information?
Fill out the booking form in the action button “BOOK HERE” below to inquire about the availability and pay a small deposit payment. When we receive the deposit we will check the availability of guides. Once the guide confirms availability you will receive the confirmation with all the details and the remaining balance which can be paid in person on the day of tour.
Why is the tour not immediately confirmed once I paid the deposit?
We are a very small team and niche tour operator which in many cases cannot easily be scaled that we have enough guides on standby. As we work with free-lancers we need to inquire about their availability and can only confirm if they are available to do the tour.
How advance should I plan to book a trip?
In the low season March – October tours can currently still be booked quite spontaneously. However, in the high-season Nov-Feb we simply recommend booking as early as possible. Also because our groups are small and can quickly fill up.
What is the refund policy?
Cancellations which are made at least 24 hours before tour begin will be 100% refunded. Cancellation within 24 hours before tour begins will not be refunded.
What are the languages offered in the tour?
We do offer the tours in English and German. If you require a German-speaking guide, please contact us via email.
Are the tours suitable for children?
Some tours, some tours aren’t. It also depends on the age of the children. We currently do not offer biking tours for kids. Also, specific tours such as the Bye Bye Chinatown walking tour are less suitable for children. Whereby the Bangkok Three Sixty despite its length has always been a favorite among the kids. However, please note that if your children are very young and need special attention we recommend booking a private tour.
Can I cancel or change my reservations?
Yes, you can cancel and change your reservation. Please note that cancellation less than 24 hours before tour begin will not be refunded.
What if I’m late, how long will you wait?
If you’re late we require you to notify us. If possible let us know your location or let us talk to the taxi driver (if you’re coming by taxi, which we usually don’t recommend if you have alternatives). If you’re beyond 15min.late we might need to arrange a new meeting point for you to catch up with the group. Because of time sensitivity and planning of the route we can’t wait for too long and hope for your understanding.
I’m a vegan, is the tour suitable for me?
Yes, it’s still doable food wise as there are many sweets, fruits and other dishes that can fill you up. Though you have to be prepared that the group is going to try a wide range of food that is not always vegan friendly but will try our best to suit your diet.
What are the cancellation policy?
Cancellation within less than 24 hours before tour begin will not be refunded.
Is it too hot to ride a bicycles in Thailand?
It really depends on your tolerance towards tropical climates. We’re all in this together and if it was too hot we would refrain cycling. It largely depends on the route and a given time. Yes, it can be hot but it’s usually so much fun and exciting that the heat becomes secondary and after an hour you will have acclimatized.
What if it rains?
Tours will start by default. The guide has booked his time and needs to be compensated as such we’re operating tours also when it rains. Depending on how heavy the rainfall is we might postpone the start, take a break, and-, or adjust the route. However, a spontaneous cancellation by the side of the guests due to rain is still subjected to the deposit payment and cannot be reimbursed.
What kinds of bikes do you have?
We have all mountain bikes of various brands, ranging from Trek, Merida to Gary Fisher bikes.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes, we do require our guests to wear helmets for insurance reasons.
I’m a beginner on the bike, can I still join the ride?
You have to be comfortable on the bike and a certain amount of experience. If just learned to ride the bike the day before yesterday, we might not recommend it. However if you have spent a decent amount of time on the bike, you should be fine. Please note that the Bike2Basics, leads over single-track pathways in the orchards. You have to have some fundamental skills and be comfortable on a mountain bike.