About Us

The team at Essential Travel has acquired over ten years first-hand knowledge of Thailand and the Mekong region. Both two founding members started as guides and tour leaders gaining a deep insight into the region, before progressing to SE Asian Operations Manager for Explore UK and finally founding Essential Travel in 2002.

Our listed tours are intended as a guideline only and can be modified to suit your trip tastes and requirements. Our strength lies in our in depth knowledge of the area and we can offer you informed suggestions and modifications.

All itineraries listed are operated as individual FIT tours. This means you will have your own private transport, guides and services. These are not group tours and there are no fixed departure dates. Simply choose a time to travel and we will do the rest.

From trekking in Umphang, to sightseeing at the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or a week relaxing at some of the most exclusive resorts in Thailand, Essential Travel has the knowledge and experience offer the very best in tailor-made travel to Thailand and beyond.

Why choose Essential Travel?

• Key Asian ground operator to major UK Adventure suppliers (inc. Explore Worldwide, KE Adventures and Kumuka.)
• Competitive rates and high quality service.
• Alternative, culturally sensitive and innovative tours ranging from classic cultural visits and beach holidays, to wilderness adventures and cooking holidays.
• Eco-friendly and sustainable tourism is of paramount importance.
• Itineraries from 3 days to 3 weeks in Thailand, Indochina and further.
• Safety and welfare of clients is of prime concern.
• Reliable, personal and specialised service.

Throughout this period, we have all become increasingly aware of ‘low impact/sustainable tourism’ and at Essential Travel we have established links and co-operation with a wide range of suppliers throughout the country. Using only regional services and local guides, we contribute directly to the areas and communities that we work alongside. But our responsibilities do not end there, as it is also important that clients are well briefed in the behavioral and cultural sensitivities of each region. Our local guides are carefully selected and receive in-house training before any tour undertaken.

With this wealth of experience, local knowledge and approach, we have developed an unbeatable range of innovative, alternative and culturally sensitive tours that can be tailor-made to your clients needs. You can be assured that we can provide you with expert local advice and can also offer you new suggestions and ideas for your existing programmes.

Our sister partners also enable us to cover the Indochina Region and we are happy to offer you a package covering the entire area.

From classic cultural, railway, cooking, trekking, rafting and beach holidays in Thailand, to remote cross-country adventures spanning the Indochina Region, we can provide you with a unique hands-on and competitive service that cannot be beaten.