Thailand Reviews
Review 1
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Scenery in Laos; one of the trip members falling off the elephant into the Nam Khan river (several times!); then capsizing us into the Nam Song in Vang Vieng on the very first rapid and losing her sarong.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Thinh Lai, our guide in Vietnam - the very best tour guide! We missed him on crossing to Cambodia. Other guides, with the possible exception of the Lao guide, were also very good, but Thinh was exceptional - informative, helpful, funny, friendly. He organised optional activities taiored to the group's wishes and went far beyond the call of duty.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
1. Read the pre-departure notes, and stick to the advice in it. You really don't need to take anything other than what it recommends. 2.Make use of the tailors in Hoi An - excellent value and quality of work. If you have favourite garments you'd like copied, take them with you or bring photos/patterns. 3. Make sure your insurance covers itinerary changes caused by weather. We had to but extra flights because of flooding and not all of us manged to get our money back.
Reviewed by Magdalena Styles who travelled in October 2011 on the Thai-Indochina Loop trip
Review 2
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole trip was fantastic but I think Cambodia was the highlight for me. Amazingly friendly and happy people. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap & Angkor were all great places to visit. Ate tarantulas, rode an elephant & had a couple of fish massages...great experiences!
What did you think of your tour leader?
All three were excellent. Very knowledgable, approachable and friendly
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Just do it! Be open minded to everything, say yes to as much as possible and enjoy the whole experience
Reviewed by Andrew Davies who travelled in June 2011 on the Indochina Discoverer trip
Review 3
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Too many to name just one but, Trip to Phi Phi Island was amazing.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Robbie was really great guide. Nothing was too much trouble, really friendly and knowledgeable, took us to some great restaurants.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Take plenty of spending money. Make sure you get at Thai Massage.
Reviewed by Christopher Gray who travelled in June 2011 on the Beachcomber trip
Review 4
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Too many to name just one but, Trip to Phi Phi Island was amazing.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Robbie was really great guide. Nothing was too much trouble, really friendly and knowledgeable, took us to some great restaurants.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Take plenty of spending money. Make sure you get at Thai Massage.
Reviewed by Christopher Gray who travelled in June 2011 on the Beachcomber trip
Review 5
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Laos and Cambodia.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Very good. Our Laos leader was slightly impeded by his grasp of the English language, but he was very helpful.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes - should have with all the handicrafts I bought!
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Kick back and enjoy the experience.
Reviewed by Sadie Ellen Tobin who travelled in November 2010 on the Laos & Cambodia trip
Review 6
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cambodia, it was an amazing experience to visit the country
What did you think of your tour leader?
first class, especially sam (cambodia)
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes as we managed to get off the beaten track and even went to a charity concert for a kids hospital
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
yes def
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Be aware of the taxi drivers in Bangkok trying to rip you off and always ask for a meter
Reviewed by Christian Dyke who travelled in November 2010 on the Overland Indochina trip
Review 7
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling in Hue amidst the mass of other cyclists and motorcylclists was an unforgetable, if scary ( and I am an everyday cyclist)experience.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Each was obviously an individual. Our leader in Cambodia was brilliant; full of fun and enthusiasm. Regretably this could not be said of the Vietnamese leader. The Thai leader was fine.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes I do.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
This is our fourth holiday with IT. This holiday probably involved the most travel time, so be prepared to either spend your time watching the world unfold, which I found fascinating or bring lots of reading matter. I did very little reading and was never bored.
Reviewed by Mark Goulbourn who travelled in September 2010 on the Indochina Discoverer trip
Review 8
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many to choose from...Hiking around rice paddies and spectacular scenery whilst staying with hilltribes and engaging in local practices like drinking rice whisky.Drifting around Halong Bay and eating the best seafood I have ever eaten caught fresh off the boat. My eyes being opened to the atrocities that occured in Cambodia at the Tuol Sleng prison and torture center. Getting a sense of what it was like to be a Viet Cong soldier crawling around the tunnels in Cuchi while it was pouring with rain. Going with "Mr Handsome" and Handsome sandwiches and laundry to watch ringside Thai boxing on Ko Penang.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they all go out of their way to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Absolutely, as we were taken to more out of the way places we got to support the local economies there.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Definately.Prior to trying an Imaginative Traveller trip I always thought it better to do independent travel but both trips I have done I got to have experiences and see places I never would have if I had gone to that country on my own.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Although taking an imaginative trip may seem expensive at first when compared to organising it yourself, you get to experience so much more with the experienced guides who have been there and done that.
Reviewed by Kirsty Gilmour who travelled in July 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Review 9
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many to choose from...Hiking around rice paddies and spectacular scenery whilst staying with hilltribes and engaging in local practices like drinking rice whisky.Drifting around Halong Bay and eating the best seafood I have ever eaten caught fresh off the boat. My eyes being opened to the atrocities that occured in Cambodia at the Tuol Sleng prison and torture center. Getting a sense of what it was like to be a Viet Cong soldier crawling around the tunnels in Cuchi while it was pouring with rain. Going with "Mr Handsome" and Handsome sandwiches and laundry to watch ringside Thai boxing on Ko Penang.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they all go out of their way to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Absolutely, as we were taken to more out of the way places we got to support the local economies there.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Definately.Prior to trying an Imaginative Traveller trip I always thought it better to do independent travel but both trips I have done I got to have experiences and see places I never would have if I had gone to that country on my own.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Although taking an imaginative trip may seem expensive at first when compared to organising it yourself, you get to experience so much more with the experienced guides who have been there and done that.
Reviewed by Kirsty Gilmour who travelled in July 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Review 10
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There are so many memorable times and things Angkor Wat was a big highlight as was the border crossing and journey by pickup trucks! The Cambodian people and their smiles I will always remember. Great company in the evenings and fantastic food.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Brilliant Shane really looked after us all made us all welcome and did more than expected spending each evening with us sorting out meals and drinks and generally keeping us all more than happy and well looked after.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes absolutley using the loacla guides and resturants
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
definatly
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Try your company cant fault you guys at all
Reviewed by Diane Kavanagh who travelled in November 2008 on the Cambodia Discovery trip
Review 11
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There are so many memorable times and things Angkor Wat was a big highlight as was the border crossing and journey by pickup trucks! The Cambodian people and their smiles I will always remember. Great company in the evenings and fantastic food.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Brilliant Shane really looked after us all made us all welcome and did more than expected spending each evening with us sorting out meals and drinks and generally keeping us all more than happy and well looked after.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes absolutley using the loacla guides and resturants
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
definatly
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Try your company cant fault you guys at all
Reviewed by Diane Kavanagh who travelled in November 2008 on the Cambodia Discovery trip
Review 12
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
eperiancing the local food and culture, meeting new people local and the group alike.
What did you think of your tour leader?
the tour leaders are great (not just this tour) they are friendly helpful and their general knowledge of the country and local ameinites
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
i would have thought so, the people that we came in contact with gained greatly in knowledge of other people's country and also a little wealthier by our spending especially in the out of the way villages that we visit, also Imtrav donates to the local orphanage their too plus we also have the option to help out too like making a donation or buy them supplies that they greatly need
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
yes i do, experiencing their culture and going around lets you get to grips with their country and the people, by sampling ther culture and food and their religion really lets you get under the skin of their country
What advice would you give to other travellers?
take it easy, get to blend in with the people and always try to respect the advice of the tour leader as they know the country better then yourself but the best advce would be to just relax and enjoy your holiday
Reviewed by Daniel Sellers who travelled in October 2006 on the Highlights and Hilltribes trip
Review 13
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cambodia - loved the people (especially the little kids) loved the atmosphere and loved the scenery. I also enjoyed the unusual truck ride from the border to Siem reap!!
What did you think of your tour leader?
I found the tour leader a little patronising but he had some extremely useful local knowledge. He was also very keen to stay as part of the group and joined us for meals etc which i thought i was nice.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Our tour guide did mention about some local projects but not in any great detail
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
We were only in each location for a few days at a time so we didnt get to fully experience each country (but that isnt a negative of the trip as we were looking for a short tour)
What advice would you give to other travellers?
What ever price they offer you - don't be embarrassed to cut it in half!!
Reviewed by Sian Peach who travelled in May 2008 on the Majestic Angkor trip
Review 14
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting up early morning to see the Monks receiving Alms in Luang Prabang. Seeing the DVD about the horrors of the US bombing;walking from one site to the next on the Plain of Jars through the mine cleared area. I think the best was going into a local village where they are not spoilt by tourism in any form, and being invited to share the rice wine with them as friends in the head man's house. They were just lovely people in all ways.
What did you think of your tour leader?
I found all the tour leaders extremely good and Ian is extremely knowledgable about the whole area and the people; for example taking us to a village he knew that is not on the tourist tat trial and they would not have dollar signs in their eyes just smiles of welcome.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope that we benefited the local people by buying their home made goods, being friendly and treating them with the respect they deserve. We were the funny foreigners not them.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
To get under the skin of a country you have to live there a year or two and have a working knowledge of the language. Tourists only skim the surface. I lived and worked over a period of 13 years in Egypt, Jordan, The Lebanon and Iran and there I felt that I had got under the skin of the countries. This is why I say you must live and work with the locals not just a 2 week visit.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
RESPECT all local customs and their way of life (even if you don't agree with it). Remember that you are the funny foreigner not the locals, it is their country and no where, not even your home country, is perfect. Always SMILE with your eyes as well, it gets you so far with all ages and peoples. Learn some of the local language like hello, goodbye and especially please and thank you.
Reviewed by Gloria Percy who travelled in March 2008 on the Magical Laos trip
Review 15
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The people. Good group of people, varying ages, some couples, some singles. But everyone very nice and made the tour very enjoyable.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Very good. Knowledge and motivating, trying to get the whole group involved.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Spend 2 nights in Koh Sok national park. Guides there, also provided food, shelter etc. Very much dependant upon tourism.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
If I had have spent 2 weeks in a 4* hotel I don't feel I would have had the same Thailand experience. Good to get to slighty more out of reach areas, and just soak up the experience, and have a more basic existance as the Thai's do.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Go with an open mind, and don't expect creature comforts. but in return you will have a fantastic holiday, go to some great places and meet some great traveling companions. Just enjoy the experience!
Reviewed by Donna Fell who travelled in November 2007 on the Beaches & Jungles trip
Review 16
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The people. Good group of people, varying ages, some couples, some singles. But everyone very nice and made the tour very enjoyable.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Very good. Knowledge and motivating, trying to get the whole group involved.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Spend 2 nights in Koh Sok national park. Guides there, also provided food, shelter etc. Very much dependant upon tourism.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
If I had have spent 2 weeks in a 4* hotel I don't feel I would have had the same Thailand experience. Good to get to slighty more out of reach areas, and just soak up the experience, and have a more basic existance as the Thai's do.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Go with an open mind, and don't expect creature comforts. but in return you will have a fantastic holiday, go to some great places and meet some great traveling companions. Just enjoy the experience!
Reviewed by Donna Fell who travelled in November 2007 on the Beaches and Jungle - Departing Saturday 25 April 2009 trip
Review 17
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Taking a very reluctant husband, who on day three wanted to know where we could go next year with you! Finding that football trancends all language barriers, the boys played in the tribal village till the sun went down.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Oi was phenominal, don't believe she can be beaten!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Not sure, but it definatly benefitted us. The benefit of taking children to a different culture and enviroment, where they are expoded to a life without play stations was invaluble.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Just go, don't hesitate, don't worry everything is thought of and you are so well looked after.
Reviewed by Jane Lewis who travelled in July 2007 on the Fabulous Thailand trip
Review 18
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Taking a very reluctant husband, who on day three wanted to know where we could go next year with you! Finding that football trancends all language barriers, the boys played in the tribal village till the sun went down.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Oi was phenominal, don't believe she can be beaten!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Not sure, but it definatly benefitted us. The benefit of taking children to a different culture and enviroment, where they are expoded to a life without play stations was invaluble.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Just go, don't hesitate, don't worry everything is thought of and you are so well looked after.
Reviewed by Jane Lewis who travelled in July 2007 on the Fabulous Thailand trip
Review 19
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Taking a very reluctant husband, who on day three wanted to know where we could go next year with you! Finding that football trancends all language barriers, the boys played in the tribal village till the sun went down.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Oi was phenominal, don't believe she can be beaten!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Not sure, but it definatly benefitted us. The benefit of taking children to a different culture and enviroment, where they are expoded to a life without play stations was invaluble.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Just go, don't hesitate, don't worry everything is thought of and you are so well looked after.
Reviewed by Jane Lewis who travelled in July 2007 on the fab thailand trip
Review 20
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Taking a very reluctant husband, who on day three wanted to know where we could go next year with you! Finding that football trancends all language barriers, the boys played in the tribal village till the sun went down.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Oi was phenominal, don't believe she can be beaten!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Not sure, but it definatly benefitted us. The benefit of taking children to a different culture and enviroment, where they are expoded to a life without play stations was invaluble.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Just go, don't hesitate, don't worry everything is thought of and you are so well looked after.
Reviewed by Jane Lewis who travelled in July 2007 on the chaing mai days out trip
Review 21
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Taking a very reluctant husband, who on day three wanted to know where we could go next year with you! Finding that football trancends all language barriers, the boys played in the tribal village till the sun went down.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Oi was phenominal, don't believe she can be beaten!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Not sure, but it definatly benefitted us. The benefit of taking children to a different culture and enviroment, where they are expoded to a life without play stations was invaluble.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Just go, don't hesitate, don't worry everything is thought of and you are so well looked after.
Reviewed by Jane Lewis who travelled in July 2007 on the Family adventure in Thailand trip
Review 22
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trekking in the mountains of Chiang Mai, traveling on the overnight train, meeting good friends. Watching the stars whilst sitting in front of a camp fire miles away from anywhere.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Pong is mad! Being a local he knew all the ins and outs of Thailand and I learnt a lot from him. He is very knowledgeable and a lot of fun to be with. Go Pong! The trekking guides were also brilliant - Pan and Boon if I remember rightly. It was great to watch them run up and down those steep slopes in their flipflops stopping every now and then to machete through the bush and make haats out of palm leaves. They're also great cooks!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Not sure about this one. Im Trav deifinitely show respect towards the local tribe people but I did feel rather intrusive at times. Money wise I thought that Im Trav did benefit the local people as one person from the group was always responsible for giving the guide etc a tip (tipping kitty)
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes - again mostly to the knowledge of Pong. Of course, traveling in a group can limit your experiences of a country but it was so diverse and we got to see a lot of things other tourists don't (Pong´s impromptu ´tour´of Bangkok was a whirlwind of colours, foods, smells and madness - especially the 5 man tuk tuk ride and the taxi boat that had tarpaulin on each side to stop the canal from pouring in as we sped nosisily towards the centre!)
What advice would you give to other travellers?
If you want to see and feel a country or an area go on an Im Trav tour - you´ll see so much and meet so many likeminded people and go away with a fine sense of achievement. Recommended.
Reviewed by Llinos Jones who travelled in January 2008 on the Northern Adventure trip
Review 23
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trekking in the mountains of Chiang Mai, traveling on the overnight train, meeting good friends. Watching the stars whilst sitting in front of a camp fire miles away from anywhere.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Pong is mad! Being a local he knew all the ins and outs of Thailand and I learnt a lot from him. He is very knowledgeable and a lot of fun to be with. Go Pong! The trekking guides were also brilliant - Pan and Boon if I remember rightly. It was great to watch them run up and down those steep slopes in their flipflops stopping every now and then to machete through the bush and make haats out of palm leaves. They're also great cooks!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Not sure about this one. Im Trav deifinitely show respect towards the local tribe people but I did feel rather intrusive at times. Money wise I thought that Im Trav did benefit the local people as one person from the group was always responsible for giving the guide etc a tip (tipping kitty)
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes - again mostly to the knowledge of Pong. Of course, traveling in a group can limit your experiences of a country but it was so diverse and we got to see a lot of things other tourists don't (Pong´s impromptu ´tour´of Bangkok was a whirlwind of colours, foods, smells and madness - especially the 5 man tuk tuk ride and the taxi boat that had tarpaulin on each side to stop the canal from pouring in as we sped nosisily towards the centre!)
What advice would you give to other travellers?
If you want to see and feel a country or an area go on an Im Trav tour - you´ll see so much and meet so many likeminded people and go away with a fine sense of achievement. Recommended.
Reviewed by Llinos Jones who travelled in January 2008 on the Northern Adventure trip
Review 24
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trekking in the mountains of Chiang Mai, traveling on the overnight train, meeting good friends. Watching the stars whilst sitting in front of a camp fire miles away from anywhere.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Pong is mad! Being a local he knew all the ins and outs of Thailand and I learnt a lot from him. He is very knowledgeable and a lot of fun to be with. Go Pong! The trekking guides were also brilliant - Pan and Boon if I remember rightly. It was great to watch them run up and down those steep slopes in their flipflops stopping every now and then to machete through the bush and make haats out of palm leaves. They're also great cooks!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Not sure about this one. Im Trav deifinitely show respect towards the local tribe people but I did feel rather intrusive at times. Money wise I thought that Im Trav did benefit the local people as one person from the group was always responsible for giving the guide etc a tip (tipping kitty)
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes - again mostly to the knowledge of Pong. Of course, traveling in a group can limit your experiences of a country but it was so diverse and we got to see a lot of things other tourists don't (Pong´s impromptu ´tour´of Bangkok was a whirlwind of colours, foods, smells and madness - especially the 5 man tuk tuk ride and the taxi boat that had tarpaulin on each side to stop the canal from pouring in as we sped nosisily towards the centre!)
What advice would you give to other travellers?
If you want to see and feel a country or an area go on an Im Trav tour - you´ll see so much and meet so many likeminded people and go away with a fine sense of achievement. Recommended.
Reviewed by Llinos Jones who travelled in January 2008 on the Northern Adventure 22nd Nov? trip
Review 25
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Kao Suk National Park.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I think I could taste some of the real Thai.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.
Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the Wilderness Adventure trip
Review 26
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Kao Suk National Park.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I think I could taste some of the real Thai.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.
Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the age of travellers trip
Review 27
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Kao Suk National Park.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I think I could taste some of the real Thai.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.
Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the PIG trip
Review 28
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Kao Suk National Park.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I think I could taste some of the real Thai.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.
Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the Thailand Wilderness Adventure Nov 15 2008 trip
Review 29
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Kao Suk National Park.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I think I could taste some of the real Thai.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.
Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the Thai Wilderness SAWA 15th November 2008 trip
Review 30
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Kao Suk National Park.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I think I could taste some of the real Thai.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.
Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the Wilderness Adventure Thailand 27th June - 11th July - post tour traveling? trip
Review 31
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Kao Suk National Park.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I think I could taste some of the real Thai.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.
Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the Thailand Wilderness Tour Depart August 8th trip
Review 32
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Temples at Siem Reap were beautiful and that was probably my favourite day of the tour.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, you could tell that Krista loves Cambodia, and enjoys showing others around the country.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Definitely, we gave blood at the Childrens Hospital in Siem Reap, and took fruit and supplies to the Landmine Museum, amongst other things.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, absolutely.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.
Reviewed by Emily Ashdown who travelled in February 2008 on the Majestic Angkor trip
Review 33
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Waking up in a hill village and seeing elephants waiting to take us to our next destination.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, eg the hill village certainly got some trade from us - but there was a slight feeling of laying things on for the tourist which I'd have preferred not to have been there. eg doing a traditional dance, not really necessary. Difficult fine line.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes - because geographically we saw a fair bit, you did start to get a feel for the different areas and it was great stopping off at roadside cafes and stalls and seeing a bit of real Thailand.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
We were a bit worried to start with, taking our 10 and 12 year old children on this type of holiday but we really needn't have worried. We had a fantastic time from beginning to end. The children absolutely loved it, and because all the travel arrangements, transfers etc were taken care of, we could just enjoy the country to the full. It felt safe, but at the same time quite an adventure, an excellent combination for a family holiday.
Reviewed by Murray Anderson-Wallace who travelled in December 2007 on the Fabulous Thailand trip
Review 34
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Waking up in a hill village and seeing elephants waiting to take us to our next destination.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, eg the hill village certainly got some trade from us - but there was a slight feeling of laying things on for the tourist which I'd have preferred not to have been there. eg doing a traditional dance, not really necessary. Difficult fine line.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes - because geographically we saw a fair bit, you did start to get a feel for the different areas and it was great stopping off at roadside cafes and stalls and seeing a bit of real Thailand.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
We were a bit worried to start with, taking our 10 and 12 year old children on this type of holiday but we really needn't have worried. We had a fantastic time from beginning to end. The children absolutely loved it, and because all the travel arrangements, transfers etc were taken care of, we could just enjoy the country to the full. It felt safe, but at the same time quite an adventure, an excellent combination for a family holiday.
Reviewed by Murray Anderson-Wallace who travelled in December 2007 on the Fabulous Thailand trip
Review 35
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Waking up in a hill village and seeing elephants waiting to take us to our next destination.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, eg the hill village certainly got some trade from us - but there was a slight feeling of laying things on for the tourist which I'd have preferred not to have been there. eg doing a traditional dance, not really necessary. Difficult fine line.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes - because geographically we saw a fair bit, you did start to get a feel for the different areas and it was great stopping off at roadside cafes and stalls and seeing a bit of real Thailand.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
We were a bit worried to start with, taking our 10 and 12 year old children on this type of holiday but we really needn't have worried. We had a fantastic time from beginning to end. The children absolutely loved it, and because all the travel arrangements, transfers etc were taken care of, we could just enjoy the country to the full. It felt safe, but at the same time quite an adventure, an excellent combination for a family holiday.
Reviewed by Murray Anderson-Wallace who travelled in December 2007 on the fab thailand trip
Review 36
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Waking up in a hill village and seeing elephants waiting to take us to our next destination.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, eg the hill village certainly got some trade from us - but there was a slight feeling of laying things on for the tourist which I'd have preferred not to have been there. eg doing a traditional dance, not really necessary. Difficult fine line.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes - because geographically we saw a fair bit, you did start to get a feel for the different areas and it was great stopping off at roadside cafes and stalls and seeing a bit of real Thailand.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
We were a bit worried to start with, taking our 10 and 12 year old children on this type of holiday but we really needn't have worried. We had a fantastic time from beginning to end. The children absolutely loved it, and because all the travel arrangements, transfers etc were taken care of, we could just enjoy the country to the full. It felt safe, but at the same time quite an adventure, an excellent combination for a family holiday.
Reviewed by Murray Anderson-Wallace who travelled in December 2007 on the chaing mai days out trip
Review 37
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Waking up in a hill village and seeing elephants waiting to take us to our next destination.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes, eg the hill village certainly got some trade from us - but there was a slight feeling of laying things on for the tourist which I'd have preferred not to have been there. eg doing a traditional dance, not really necessary. Difficult fine line.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes - because geographically we saw a fair bit, you did start to get a feel for the different areas and it was great stopping off at roadside cafes and stalls and seeing a bit of real Thailand.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
We were a bit worried to start with, taking our 10 and 12 year old children on this type of holiday but we really needn't have worried. We had a fantastic time from beginning to end. The children absolutely loved it, and because all the travel arrangements, transfers etc were taken care of, we could just enjoy the country to the full. It felt safe, but at the same time quite an adventure, an excellent combination for a family holiday.
Reviewed by Murray Anderson-Wallace who travelled in December 2007 on the Family adventure in Thailand trip
Review 38
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting local villages and interacting with the people.
What did you think of your tour leader?
The tour leader was excellent and managed to cater for a group of disperate tour members, helping us to get the most out of the trip.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes. We spent in locally run markets, shops and restaurants.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
We scratched the surface of Lao, which is more than most tour company's do.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Go on holiday with an open mind and experience all you can of the local people.
Reviewed by Peter Elliott who travelled in March 2008 on the Magical Laos trip
Review 39
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!
What did you think of your tour leader?
amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!
Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the Wilderness Adventure trip
Review 40
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!
What did you think of your tour leader?
amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!
Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the age of travellers trip
Review 41
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!
What did you think of your tour leader?
amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!
Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the PIG trip
Review 42
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!
What did you think of your tour leader?
amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!
Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the Thailand Wilderness Adventure Nov 15 2008 trip
Review 43
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!
What did you think of your tour leader?
amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!
Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the Thai Wilderness SAWA 15th November 2008 trip
Review 44
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!
What did you think of your tour leader?
amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!
Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the Wilderness Adventure Thailand 27th June - 11th July - post tour traveling? trip
Review 45
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!
What did you think of your tour leader?
amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!
Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the Thailand Wilderness Tour Depart August 8th trip
Review 46
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Spending the night in a hilltribe, seeing the kids dancing and leaving the place riding elephants the next day.
What did you think of your tour leader?
The local leaders were very good and really increased the value of the experience. The trip leader was great. She was always trying to help and gave great advice and information.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I am glad that I could have a deeper experience compared to regular tourists, at least in the first part of the trip. The second part (Krabi) was great because the beach is beautiful, but it was more touristy.
Reviewed by Rodrigo Riul who travelled in March 2007 on the Thailand Encompassed trip
Review 47
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Spending the night in a hilltribe, seeing the kids dancing and leaving the place riding elephants the next day.
What did you think of your tour leader?
The local leaders were very good and really increased the value of the experience. The trip leader was great. She was always trying to help and gave great advice and information.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I am glad that I could have a deeper experience compared to regular tourists, at least in the first part of the trip. The second part (Krabi) was great because the beach is beautiful, but it was more touristy.
Reviewed by Rodrigo Riul who travelled in March 2007 on the Thailand Encompassed trip
Review 48
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
trekking and staying at the homestays and our stay at Halong bay, also visiting the killing fields in Cambodia.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they were all fantastic, had a lot of knowledge about the places we visited, always on hand to help with any inquires.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes definetly.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, every country I visited.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Do as many trips as possible, they are safe, affordable and offer great services.
Reviewed by Laura Morris who travelled in June 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Review 49
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
trekking and staying at the homestays and our stay at Halong bay, also visiting the killing fields in Cambodia.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Excellent, they were all fantastic, had a lot of knowledge about the places we visited, always on hand to help with any inquires.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes definetly.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, every country I visited.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Do as many trips as possible, they are safe, affordable and offer great services.
Reviewed by Laura Morris who travelled in June 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip
Thailand Forum Feedback
minimum numbers for tour
Hi, I noticed that the tour I'm booked on (Thailand Northern Adventure, 27th June) isn't yet guaranteed to run. I just wanted to know how much notice we are given if the tour is not going to run because of lack of people. Thanks, Sarah x
Beaches and Jungle - Departing Saturday 25 April 2009
Hi guys... I am going on the Beaches and Jungle tour that takes place between Saturday 25 April and Saturday 2nd May, departing from Bangkok. It would be great to chat to anyone going on this tour, especially as i arrive at the initial hotel the day before. I believe there are 17 of us on this trip so it would be great to hear from some like minded individuals :0)
Hanoi to Bangkok
We will be on the Hanoi to Bangkok Tour in July. I am making flight stuff back to the US. Can you tell me what time the overnight train from Chaing Mai gets into Bangkok? I am unable to get the plane tickets until I know what time we get into Bangkok. Eric and Ashley
Indochina Adventure, 18/12/09
So, I took the plunge and booked this tour today, and I know time's going to drag between now and December as a result, particularly as I pretty much can't have any time off work until I go! Anyway, I just thought I'd get in early and start a topic for anyone who's taking the tour, to say hello etc. Apparently only me and one other person have booked so far (feel free to step out of the shadows and say hello, whoever you are), so we could do with at least another 4 of you signing up too - that way the tour will be guaranteed to run. :D Look forward to hearing from you! Dom
Elephants and Adventure Thailand Oct17th
Hi All, Myself and my Girlfriend will be on the Elephants and Adventure tour, so thought I'd post to say 'Hi' to anyone going in October! As you may be able to tell I've been to Thailand a few times, however this will be my Girlfriends first trip! So seeing as she Loves elephants what better way! Thanks to Emma at imaginative for sorting out all the details:)
Our tailor made adventure holidays will truly inspire and delight the senses and will live in your memory for ever.
more info