i cant really remember but i think he paid $2500 for his flights, tour, insurance etc and he only booked one month ahead of his trip. I'd ask him for you, but he left for thailand (again) today.
If you've ever seen the movie The Beach how in the beginning theres that guy that gets Richard to...
a mate of mine went on a tour to thailand last year and he said it was great because he met all these new people and didnt have to think about organising himself, but the downsides were leaving before he was ready, early morning starts and not being able to escape the company of annoying...