Q What inoculations / shots do I need before travelling to Thailand for a fly fishing vacation ?
A We recommend you consult your doctor / physician at least one month before travelling. If you intend to fly fish in the Jungle, ensure you tell your doctor that you will be in the jungle on the Thai / Burma border. Please see our WHO & health advice links to the right of this page.
Whilst we can give you an outline of the health risks and requirements for Thailand, it is important that you check with your doctor/physician on the latest recommendations.
Q What about health insurance ?
A We earnestly suggest you take out a full health cover insurance which includes repatriation costs. We also suggest full international air ambulance cover is sought. Check our links to he right of this page.
Q I take prescibed medication. How does this affect me ?
A Ensure you bring sufficient supplies to cover your stay plus some extra to allow for any unforseen delays. Obtain a letter from your doctor / physician clearly listing the medication you are carrying and confirming it is prescribed for your personal use. This letter can save sigificant delays if any officials query the medicationyou are carrying.
Q What if I become ill whilst staying with you ?
A For minor ailments (digestive disorders etc.) we keep supplies of suitable medication. For more serious illness we have a hospital within 5 minutes of our villa. Should you fall ill whilst jungle fly fishing we have contact with local doctors and if necessary can quickly and efficiently evacuate you to a Bangkok hospital.
Q What about major illness or accident ?
A On arrival we ask for your passport and visa details together with next of kin information and health insurance details. If you become incapacitated we will liaise with all necessary authorities and your family on your behalf.
Q If I get toothache ?
A We will take you to our own dentist located close by. She is exceptionally gentle and caring. I personally vouch for the quality of dental treatment - she has fixed me up before. Also - dental treatment here is a fraction of the cost in the UK & USA.
Q What about small accidents, say when in a boat fishing ?
A We always carry suitable first aid kits and are trained to use them.
Using the First Aid equipment shown, Max can take a hook out of your finger before you know what happened. The pliers & cutters are used on the hook not on your finger ! You do however have the option to go to a hospital. Less painful but you will lose valuable fly fishing time.
Q What if I get a hook stuck in my finger ?
A No problem, we carry the necessary cutters to remove the hook. Or, you may elect to be taken to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Q What happens if I hook the Guide ?
A He will become somewhat agitated and use appropriate language Run & Hide !
Q Are mosquitoes and other biting insects a problem ?
A Less of a problem than in many tropical countries. Some insect repellents are greasy, unpleasant on the skin and may damage fly lines. When we are fishing from boats on the water there are no biting insects to bother you. I use and recommend “Bull Frog Mosquito Coast” this is a combined SPF deet free sunblock & Insect Repellent. One application works for about 8 hours - unless you sweat profusely. I use it only on the backs of my hands.
Q Is sunburn a problem ?
A It can be, even on cloudy days but not if you dress appropriately. Wear long sleeved SPF 30 + shirts, long pants, a wide brimmed hat (ball caps are not suitable), soft shoes or sandals AND SOCKS. Use the sunblock recommend above. Most frequently burned areas are the backs of hands and tops of feet.
Q What about dehydration and heat exhaustion / heat stroke ?
A This can be a serious problem for the unwary. You will be dehydrated before you feel thirsty. We carry copious amounts of fresh, cold drinking water. When fly fishing we will constantly remind you to drink. Both of our boats are equipped with sun canopies, allowing you to get out of the sun. When bank fly fishing, we arrange for sun umbrellas and tables. These few precautions, together with the correct clothing and hat will avoid all sun related problems. Also, unpleasant as it may sound - check the colour of your urine. If it is pale you are ok - if it is a yellow or dark colour you need to drink at least a litre of water immediately.
Q I hear Thai food is very hot is it safe to eat ?
A Do not eat food from street vendors. When staying at our villa we provide Thai, Western and Chinese food. The food is prepared with Western tastes in mind and the amount of Chilli (heat) an be regulated to suit your tastes. When fishing away from our villa we eat only at resorts and restaurants we know of and approve. However, be aware that very hot food may have a severe laxative effect upon your digestive system.
Q What about drinking water ? is it safe ?
A Our own drinking water is purified and infra red treated by our own filtration plant. It tastes good and is safe to drink. We use this water to make ice and to wash vegetables, fruit and salad. When fly fishing away for the day we carry our own water. When way from home we use sealed bottled water purchased from reliable sources.
Q I’ve seen Thai longtail boats - are they safe ?
LARGE Boats yes, they work OK and are stable in the water
Small boats - not for fly fishing. These boat are very narrow, have no seats and only a couple of inches freeboard. You will not feel safe sitting in one and will certainly experience difficulties when attempting to fly fish. The very action of fly fishing sets up a disturbing rocking motion of the boat. When you see one of these boats whizzing along the river, it is the forward momentum which creates stability. When stopped in the water, this momentum is absent, as is the stability.
Q OK - what boats do you use ?
A Customer Safety is of paramount importance. On our 50 acre clearwater lake at Pathum Thani we use a twin hulled 10 metre, 3 metre beam solar powered boat. When jungle fly fishing at Khao Laem we use the only glass fibre, double hulled speed boat on the lake. Both boats are equipped with lifejackets. The Khao Laem boat has a 50 HP Yamaha engine and a back-up auxiliary engine. When fly fishing at Khao Laem because of it’s vast size, our skipper always swings by the Ranger Station to report our departure and return. Should we fail to return - a full scale search is mounted covering all the known fly fishing marks we go to.