About All Points East
All Points East is an award winning* specialist tour operator offering small group travel to Southeast Asia. We were founded in 1999 by brother and sister, Mark and Lesley, based on Mark's deep knowledge of and love for the region. In addition to our exciting itineraries, combining ‘must ....more
Reasons to tour with All Points East
25 years as Southeast Asia specialists - in-depth knowledge of the region
Small groups (maximum 12) for a more personal experience - actual group size is 6-10
Carefully paced tours, combining 'must sees' with more off the beaten track experiences
Around 70% of our customers return to us to book further tours
A small customer support team offering a personal and flexible service, including advice on a wide range of tour extensions
Opportunities to interact with local people and stay in smaller, family-run hotels and guest houses (with en suite and air con!)
What We Offer
Our aim is to provide tours which combine the best of both worlds with ‘Western’ organizational and logistical skills associated with the in-depth local knowledge and expertise of our locally employed staff. That’s what we’ve been doing for 25 years.
We’re also very proud, and reckon it’s a good sign, ....more
Economic Impact
Our tours have a positive impact on local communities in several ways. Our clients appreciate the chance to sample genuine local cuisine (which is why we include around 50% of meals in the cost of our tours), rather than the bland fare offered by tourist set menus, so on all ....more
Cultural Preservation
All of our tours take account of the impact (both positive and negative) on local communities - in fact this is a priority. We are committed to minimising the negative consequences when visiting local people, villages and tribal groups as our smaller group sizes have far less impact, are far ....more
Our Story
We set up All Points East (then operating as Gecko Travel) in late 1999 with offices in both the UK and Thailand and ran our first Thai tours in early 2000. Even 20 years ago Southeast Asia was a different place with just fledgeling WiFi, few mobile phones and a ....more
Accreditations and Associations
ATOL protected
Covid Policies
All restrictions have been lifted in our destination countries. Please contact us for the latest guidance.
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability underpins All Points East activity. Much of the detail is outlined elsewhere in our company profile but we would emphasise the way our smaller tour groups help to reduce the impact on the natural environment. Smaller groups make for more cohesive groups and this allows tour leaders to ....more
Responsible Tourism
We believe that all travel should be as ‘responsible tourism’ and ‘sustainable’ as possible (it can never be 100% so) and take active steps to ensure this is the case. For example, we are committed to running genuinely small group tours – the maximum group size is 12, but more ....more
Awards
* 2008 Tourism Authority of Thailand winner for the Best Green Specialist Tour Operator
* 2010 Tourism Authority of Thailand winner for the Best Tour Operator for Local Communities
* 2012 Tourism Authority of Thailand Green Excellence Award winner for Nature, Marine and Heritage Tourism
* 2016 World Guide Awards Silver Medal ....more
Social Responsibility
As a small, family-owned business we need to choose our charitable and community activity carefully. Our approach has always been to focus on one project at a time to ensure that goals are achieved. For example, we were closely involved with raising the finance for the construction of a ....more
Activities
Interests
Trip Styles
Indian Subcontinent
South East Asia
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s your policy on tipping?
Tipping is discretionary. People always appreciate a gesture for their hard work and dedication but staff are paid and don’t rely on tips. It's hard to give a guideline before a tour as it does depend on the group size. The tour leaders don’t collect money for tips but are happy to advise. What often works well is if the group appoint someone to collect and distribute tips on behalf of the whole group.
You say small, but how small are your groups?
Limiting our group sizes to either 10 or 12 persons maximum is important to us on many levels. It’s a simple method to reduce impact and improve responsible tourism. It’s a significant advantage when visiting local people, villages, tribal groups and so on, a smaller group has far less impact, is far less intimidating and there's a much greater chance of a warm welcome and opportunities for genuine interaction. (No villager is going to invite 18 people in for a cup of tea!) Furthermore, service is inevitably improved with a higher ratio of guides and tour-leaders to customers and we are able to offer a more personalized service. Information and directions are passed on more easily and a high level of flexibility can be maintained, which isn't possible with larger groups. Benefits arise with respect to any nature-based activities. Not only do smaller groups have a less negative impact on the natural environment but, as above, it is easier for a guide to transmit instructions and knowledge. There is also far more chance of spotting birds and wildlife with lower numbers. Last but not least - on an enjoyment level, small numbers create a much more cohesive group with far less chance of cliques or 'groups within groups'. It's often been described by those who travel with us - and we'll allow ourselves a pat on the back at this point as it is the intention - as, "more like a group of friends and not like a tour group at all".
Are the tours suitable if I am travelling alone?
Our small group tours make ideal holidays for solo travellers. Small fully escorted groups, eating together, family style, no compulsory single supplements all go towards making you feel like you are travelling with a group of friends. If you don’t want to share then ask about single room supplements.
Can I book my flights through you?
We are happy to book your flights from the UK to your destination. There are few direct flights but we can offer a wide range of options, from regional airports as well as London, using most major airlines – most often Thai, Emirates and Qatar. Prices on the website are a guideline and we find the best prices and routes for you. Upgrades to Premium Economy or Business class are available.
Security - how safe is South East Asia?
Travel in most of Southeast Asia is generally very safe and the vast majority of the local population is extremely honest. We'd say there are three things to watch out for; crossing busy roads (goes without saying really) and being careful in busy markets (same as anywhere). Thirdly, we’d advise you to be a bit wary after dark in some of the larger cities where petty crimes such as bag snatching are not unheard of, so take care with phones, cameras and bags. Your tour leader knows the area well and will advise.
What’s the payment plan for the tours?
We ask you to pay a 10% deposit upon booking your holiday with the balance being due 60 days prior to departure. There is no surcharge for paying by credit card. There is no charge for debit cards. We accept most major credit cards including American Express.
Can I extend my trip beyond the scheduled dates of the tour?
Yes, definitely. We can be entirely flexible when it comes to planning your trip with us, except, of course, on the dates of the tour itself. Many of our customers choose to add an additional night or two at the start or end of the tour. Our suite of tour extensions are also very popular, whether they involve some relaxation time on a beach or getting underneath the skin of a Southeast Asian city. Each tour page gives extension options relevant to that particular tour, so feel free to have a look through. Alternatively, you can give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Why go on an escorted tour rather than go it alone?
Obviously there are advantages to both styles of travel. One of the main ones in favour of a small group tour is that, if you have limited time, we’ve done the planning for you and make sure you get to all the ‘must sees’ and some hidden gems. We find tour leaders much more interesting than out of date guide books and they combine this with humour (and patience). It’s also interesting and fun to travel with a small group of like-minded people.
Will your tours cater for pescatarians/vegetarians/vegans?
On the tours we eat family style as South East Asian food lends itself so well with this. So, there are lots of dishes on the table usually ordered by the tour leader. They are very used to vegetarians and vegans and order with this in mind …. Usually ordering double the vegetarian dishes as everyone wants some! Pescatarians will be in their element while most eateries and hotel restaurants will have a selection of vegetarian and vegan options on their menus. Tofu is not as widely found as in Southeast Asia but young jackfruit or pumpkin are common curry ingredients instead of fish or chicken. Dairy products are not generally a feature of South East Asian cooking so will rarely be seen outside of hotel buffet breakfasts and while eggs are widely used, they are optional. You won’t be left out on our journey through the delicious local foods on offer.
Book With Confidence
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Low Deposit
All Points East requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your tour, tourhub doesn't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of All Points East charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of tour cost At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of tour cost -
Secure payments
All payments are held in a dedicated client account.
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