Kimkim Trip Reviews for Thailand

Located in the middle of Bangkok, it was conveniently located near many tours

I had my own separate room, which was a “hut” with all the amenities

Love the breakfast

This resort is amazing! I rarely stay at 5-star hotels, but this is definitely one I recommend!

The Phare Circus was a unique cultural experience. It was made even better by getting the VIP treatment in that we were able to keep the aluminum water bottle as a memory of the event.

This was a memorable tour of Chinatown, while getting a chance to taste different foods. Make sure you’re hungry, because the food is filling.

This was an amazing visit to an island of “gypsies”. Very interesting tour.

Our stay at Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel was genuinely enjoyable and easy. The location is a real advantage. The hotel is within walking distance of the Old Town and many key attractions, which made getting around simple and relaxed. The free bicycles were a big plus for us—we used them and especially enjoyed a morning ride out to the rice fields just outside of town. Quiet roads, flat terrain, and a peaceful start to the day. The room was clean, well maintained, and practical, with enough space for two people and their luggage. The hotel has a calm, classic feel that suits Hoi An well. Staff were welcoming and attentive, and service felt genuine rather than rehearsed. Breakfast was solid, with good options to start the day. Overall, a comfortable, well-located boutique hotel with thoughtful extras that actually get used. A great base for exploring Hoi An, both on foot and by bike.

Our stay at Lynnaya Urban River Resort was excellent from start to finish. We wished we coukd stay longer. The room was very comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with ample space for two people and their luggage—no feeling of being cramped or having to rearrange bags constantly. The room layout really works. The outdoor shower was a standout feature: well executed, private, and honestly a pleasure to use. It added character without sacrificing comfort. Service was top notch throughout the stay. Staff were attentive, warm, and genuinely focused on making things easy and pleasant, without ever feeling scripted or overbearing. Breakfast was another strong point, with good options and solid quality, making mornings relaxed and unrushed. Overall, this is a fantastic hotel—comfortable, well designed, and very well run. A great base in Siem Reap and an easy place to recommend.

The room at White Lotus Hue Hotel was comfortable for two people traveling with luggage, which immediately made the stay easier. There was enough space to move around without constantly negotiating bags, and the room felt practical and well set up. Service was very good throughout—staff were attentive, friendly, and handled things efficiently. The central location is another strong point, making it easy to walk to key sights or get around Huế without much planning. Breakfast was the only minor downside. Although there was plenty of food and seating, the buffet area felt chaotic, with a lot of pushing and shoving that took away from what should have been a relaxed start to the day. Overall, a solid and convenient hotel with good service and comfort, slightly let down by breakfast organization.

The boat itself, Dora and all the other boats, stayed anchored most of the time, or moved very little. Practically everything—boarding at the port, excursions, and disembarkation—was done via small, simple shuttle boats. They were functional, not luxurious, and clearly built for logistics rather than comfort. In that sense, Dora operates more as a floating hotel than a true cruise ship. You eat on board, sleep on board, relax on deck, and enjoy the scenery from a fixed position in the bay. Explorations are done on a transporter boat. worth noting is that the sense of peace and quiet is not available . The Dora & Nearby boats run their engines frequently—even when anchored—and the smell of diesel and engine noise is quite unpleasant, which detracts from the otherwise serene setting. The staff deserves real credit. They were consistently friendly, attentive, and accommodating. Service felt warm and genuine. The food was good, well prepared and reliable, but not especially memorable or adventurous. The activities, while well organized, felt manufactured. They follow a polished script designed to move many guests efficiently through a curated version of the experience. it lacks authenticity, spontaneity or a sense of discovery. Stepping back, Ha Long Bay is undeniably beautiful. Still, after going through the full program, I’m left thinking that a well-planned day trip from Hanoi is probably sufficient to experience the bay’s essence. An overnight cruise adds comfort and atmosphere, but not necessarily deeper access or insight. In short: comfortable, pleasant, professionally run. but our goal is simply to understand and appreciate the bay, and we don’t need more than a day trip. But look for service the offers kayaking as it was the highlight of our trip on Hà Lin Bay

We really enjoyed our stay at Le Close du Fil Hotel. The rooms were spacious, clean, and genuinely comfortable, with plenty of room to settle in and relax. We especially liked the French colonial vibe—the décor is tasteful, cohesive, and gives the place real character without feeling heavy or overdone. Breakfast was good . There were choices available, and everything was freshly made, which made mornings easy and enjoyable. Overall, a comfortable and well-run hotel with charm, space, and a strong breakfast. A solid base for exploring Ninh Bình.

The Gateway Inn Pu Luong's staff provided excellent service throughout our stay and were consistently attentive and welcoming. The food options were good, well prepared, and thoughtfully presented. The rooms themselves were clean to a certain extend. However, upon check-in, some of the cups in the room and the bathroom did not appear to be clean, which was a minor but noticeable issue. Some doors did not close properly which allow flys to get in. In addition, the rooms are very rustic, which may appeal to some travelers but felt overly basic for our expectations. The room was very small without any storage space. The bathroom had only a sink with no counter space and storage. Furthermore, there was a hole in the wall (30x30 cm) that allowed curious guests to look into our bathroom,. We also experienced that the hot water running out mid shower each time.

We had a front-facing room with a balcony, which unfortunately reduced the usable room size quite a bit. For two people traveling with luggage, the space already felt tight, and the balcony layout made it more so. Because of street noise, we didn’t end up using the balcony at all, so it felt like wasted space. Welcoming and friendly service and an excellent breakfast, but as space matters, a quieter, non-balcony room might be the better choice.

Angkor at sunrise is worth every minute of lost sleep. Standing before Angkor Wat as the first light touches the towers is something you don’t quite forget. The silhouettes slowly sharpen, the sky shifts from indigo to gold, and for a few quiet minutes the entire complex feels suspended in time. Then the day unfolds — temple after temple, each with its own scale, texture, and story. It’s physically long, but intellectually and emotionally absorbing. Inside one of the active temples, we were invited to sit while a Buddhist monk offered a brief blessing. It was understated and sincere. A soft chant, a light sprinkle of water, a red thread tied around the wrist. No theatrics, no performance — just a simple ritual that reminded us these are not ruins. They are living spaces of faith. By evening, We came across a local family honoring their ancestors, through music and dancing. There was rhythm and laughter. It felt joyful rather than solemn. Not staged. Just life unfolding naturally beside thousand-year-old stone. That layering — sunrise over an ancient empire, quiet spiritual blessing, then living cultural celebration — is what made the day feel complete. Angkor is history, yes. But it is also very much alive.

The costumes were detailed and elegant, the hand gestures precise, and the choreography disciplined. There is no question that Cambodian classical dance is technically beautiful. That said, I found myself missing context. We had little understanding of the storyline, the mythological background, or what each dance represented. Without explanation, it becomes visually impressive but emotionally distant. A short introduction before each segment would have made a significant difference. I also have to admit it felt somewhat staged for tourists. The dinner format, the flow of groups in and out, the predictable structure — it lacked a sense of intimacy or spontaneity. It felt curated rather than lived. Interestingly, the next day we came across a local village “celebration of life” ceremony. No stage lighting. No polished choreography. Just music, movement, community, and authenticity. That experience was captivating in a completely different way — real, unfiltered, grounded in daily life.

Riding bikes with Ms. Thanh through Hue — and then into the smaller surrounding communities — gave us a much broader perspective of the city. It’s one thing to visit monuments, citydels , and historic sites. It’s another to cycle through neighborhoods, cross small bridges, pass schoolyards, markets, and homes, and see daily life unfolding naturally. The rhythm is different when you’re on a bike. Slower. Closer to the ground. More human. What made it especially meaningful was the interaction with local families. Through Ms. Thanh’s introductions, we were able to have real conversations — simple, genuine exchanges — and get a glimpse into how people actually live. Seeing their homes, understanding their routines, hearing about their work and family life added a layer you simply don’t get from sightseeing alone. It didn’t feel staged. It felt respectful and authentic. For us, this was a fantastic experience — one that moved beyond tourism and into something more personal and memorable.

Seeing Hue at night from a cyclo gives you a completely different perspective. The pace is slow, but traffic was not. 😁 You glide streets, past the river, through small alleys you would never think to enter on your own. It’s relaxed and immersive at the same time. The food was the real highlight. Hue cuisine is distinct — more refined, more layered, slightly imperial in character. This tour allowed us to sample a wide variety of local dishes in places we would not have found independently. Small family-run spots, street vendors, modest restaurants. Nothing fancy, but authentic and well chosen. What I appreciated most was the structure. It wasn’t just eating for the sake of eating. The tour guide Ms. Thanh. Provided explanation. Why certain dishes are specific to Hue. How royal cuisine influenced portion size and presentation. How flavors here differ from Hanoi or Saigon. By the end of the evening, we weren’t just full — we understood Hue better.

We did a city tour of Hue, and it’s genuinely a very interesting and beautiful place. There’s real historical depth here — imperial legacy, layered architecture, and a sense of Vietnam’s past that still feels present. The Citadel alone carries enough stories to fill a full day. Hue has an exciting past. Dynasties, wars, reconstruction — you can feel that this city has seen a lot. It’s not just another stop on the map. That said, I couldn’t help but feel that with a stronger guide, the experience could have been truly amazing. The sites themselves are powerful, but they need context, narrative, and storytelling to bring them fully to life. We received information, but not quite the depth or energy that would have transformed the visit from interesting to unforgettable. Hue deserves a guide who can connect the dots, explain the political and cultural shifts, and make the emperors, battles, and architecture feel alive again. Still, as a destination, Hue is absolutely worth visiting. Just make sure you have a guide who can elevate it to the level it deserves.

We spent the day Exploring the Natural Beauty of Ninh Binh (Tam Coc – Hang Mua – Bich Dong) with Trung as our guide, and overall it was a very rewarding experience. Trung did an excellent job leading the day. He was organized, clear, and informative without overwhelming us. Climbing the 500 steps up Ngoa Long Mountain at Hang Mua was a highlight. It’s a proper climb — you feel it in your legs — but the view at the top absolutely justifies the effort. Dramatic limestone peaks, river winding below, rice fields stretching out. It’s the kind of panorama that makes you pause for a moment. The bike ride was another enjoyable part of the day. Cycling through the countryside, passing small villages and open fields, gave us a more grounded feel for the area. It broke up the itinerary nicely and kept the day active. The boat ride in Tam Coc was pleasant, though more structured than I expected. You follow a fixed route, and while the scenery is beautiful, there’s limited opportunity to stop or explore the temples along the river. I would rate that portion around 3/5 — still worthwhile, just less flexible than I had hoped. Overall, Trung made the experience smooth and engaging. His steady guidance, local insight, and calm presence tied everything together. Ninh Binh is visually stunning, and having a knowledgeable guide like Trung makes it much more than just a photo stop.

Trung, our guide, made the experience. He wasn’t just reciting facts — he explained context. History, local customs, farming practices, village dynamics — all delivered in a clear, thoughtful way that made everything feel connected rather than staged. You could tell he genuinely understands the region and cares about sharing it properly. The village visits felt authentic, not performative. We walked through working indigenous communities, saw how families live, how crops are grown, how small local economies function. It was real life, not a curated “tourist version.” The bamboo rafting was simple and peaceful. No engines, no rush — just drifting along the river with the landscape around us. A nice counterbalance to the walking portions of the day. The cultural walk itself was well paced. Enough activity to feel engaged, but not exhausting. A good mix of activity and culture Overall, If one is looking to understand the area beyond the surface, this is absolutely worth your time.

The Hoi An Teh Dar Show was visually impressive and highly athletic. The scale of the production is striking — stage, elaborate costumes, coordinated choreography. The performers are remarkably skilled, and the mix of music and dance keeps the energy high throughout. It’s clearly a major production, and while it leans theatrical rather than intimate, it delivers strong visual impact. We enjoyed it. The RÊU dinner that followed was, in many ways, the highlight of the evening. The food are the RÊU was superb — fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and rooted in a genuine farm-to-table philosophy. Knowing the ingredients come from their own organic farm adds credibility, but more importantly, you can taste the difference. The setting was calm and welcoming, a nice contrast to the scale of the show. Overall, a well-rounded evening: spectacle on stage, and substance on the plate.

The bike rides through the rice paddies outside Hoi An were easily the best part of our time there. Within minutes of leaving the busy old town, everything changes. The noise fades. The air feels different. Wide stretches of green rice fields open up on both sides, broken only by small farm paths, water buffalo, and the occasional farmer tending crops. It’s peaceful in a way the town itself simply isn’t. The terrain is mostly flat and manageable, making it accessible even if you’re not a serious cyclist. You can ride at your own pace, stop for photos, or just take in the landscape. There’s something grounding about being in working farmland rather than a curated tourist space. What we appreciated most was the contrast. After navigating crowded streets, the paddies felt authentic and unforced. Just daily life unfolding around you. If you do go to Hoi An, don’t miss this. And if possible, go early in the morning when the light is soft and the paths are quiet. That’s when it feels most real.

Boarding the Dora was smooth and handled efficiently. Everything worked like a well-oiled machine — organized, structured, and clearly something the crew does day in and day out. That said, it also felt mechanical. The process was efficient, but somewhat impersonal. There wasn’t much of a personal touch or sense of welcome that made us feel like guests rather than passengers being processed. It wasn’t problematic — just slightly transactional. A small gesture, a warmer introduction, or a moment of genuine engagement would have made a noticeable difference.

This was, without question, the highlight of our time in Vietnam. Two full days of hiking through Pu Luong’s valleys, indigenous villages, farms, and layered rice paddies — it felt real, unfiltered, and beautifully human. The landscape is stunning . Green. Alive. Walking through working farms and seeing daily life unfold gave the experience depth. Nothing felt staged. It felt authentic and grounded. The hike to Hieu Waterfall was equally rewarding. Lush surroundings, fresh water, and a sense of calm that you simply don’t find in the more touristic areas. Exploring the large cave added a different dimension — rugged, natural, and impressive in scale. It was an active two days, but deeply satisfying. If someone asked me what felt most genuine in Vietnam, this would be it. A fantastic experience.

Hoi An was beautiful, but also extremely crowded during our visit. The volume of tourists negatively impacted the experience. The city tour ended up being cut short because the streets were simply too congested to move comfortably or pause for meaningful explanations. It became more about navigating through the crowds than actually absorbing the history and atmosphere of the old town. The evening boat ride and lantern experience, which we had hoped would feel magical, came across as rushed and highly commercialized. With so many boats operating at once and constant activity around us, there was no sense of ospirituality. Instead of feeling reflective or intimate, it felt more like a coordinated production line. There is still charm in Hoi An, but timing and expectations matter. In peak hours, the experience can feel more touristic than transcendent.

The final day of the cruise felt somewhat staged and less authentic than we had hoped. The activities seemed designed more to fit a standard program than to offer a genuine sense of place. It gave the impression of a scripted experience rather than something organic. Disembarkation, much like boarding, was efficient and well organized. Everything moved smoothly and on schedule, which we appreciated. Overall, the logistics were handled professionally — we just would have preferred a more natural and immersive close to the journey.

This particular activity felt somewhat manufactured and lacking meaningful context. We were hoping for a deeper introduction to the local indigenous community — their history, traditions, and way of life — but that connection was largely missing. The bike ride itself was pleasant enough, but it felt more like a staged tourist add-on than an authentic cultural experience. Without proper background or real interaction, it came across as something designed primarily for visitors rather than something rooted in genuine local engagement. It wasn’t unpleasant — just a bit superficial. With more context, storytelling, or direct community involvement, it could have been far more impactful.

This was truly one of the more unique cultural experiences we’ve had in Vietnam. The Hanoi city tour itself was very informative and engaging. It gave us useful historical and cultural context, not just the usual checklist of sites. We walked away understanding the layers of the city — imperial history, French influence, modern Vietnam — all woven together in a way that made sense. But the highlight was unquestionably the private water puppet experience with Artist Phan Thanh Liem. Meeting the artist himself — the puppeteer who actually creates the puppets — and his wife in their home studio added an entirely different dimension. This wasn’t a staged tourist production. It felt personal. Intimate. Authentic. Seeing how the puppets are carved, painted, and brought to life made the performance far more meaningful. The show itself was charming and skillful, but what stayed with us was the conversation afterward. Hearing about his family’s history in this traditional art form, and the effort to preserve it, gave real depth to what we were watching

it was a privet tour...excellent!!

too many people, it was a diving trip, we were like the underdogs, didn't have suits for us

I was not in the best of spirits when I arrived. The staff graciously introduced me to the comforts of my room and the resort, and I soon relaxed and enjoyed the rest of my stay.

I arrived earlier than anticipated. The staff were very accommodating and help me feel welcomed and supported. I think this is a great hotel in a great location in a great city. They are steps away from parks, walks, markets, restaurants and entertainment. I would be happy to spend more time in Silom district, and I would be very happy to use Furama Silom as my base.

This adventture gets high marks for the quality of the snorkeling and the staff. We saw many fish at each of the snorkeling stops, and a turtle at the last stop. When it came time to don the life preservers, I was struggling to put on one of the smaller l.ps. The group leader started chiding me about my age and my girth, and it became a point for both of us to make sure that the cajoling was all done with love. In fact, we kept up the act throughout the experince. Another traveler said that our interaction helped bring smiles to other passengers.

The wildlife was right there. Herons and other birds were comfortable with us floating by. And there was a group of monkeys within 10 feet of us at times, and they were carrying on chasing each other, flying through the trees and falling over each other in the water. It was delightful to see how their families were interacting.

The views of the cliffs are spectacular, making this a trip wiell worth taking. the ride was smooth and soothing.

My guide Asol does a great job of introducing the sites and what to expect when visiting them. We had a little extra time in front of the Grand Palace, which gave opportunities to feel the rhythm of this marvelous city. I especially enjoyed the tour of the China Town district, and the flower marker was amazing both on the variety of the flowers and the scale of the market. The second time that we went by the river to see the palaces at night was inspiring to me. I really enjoyed the entire Tuk Tuk tour, and I highly recommend you hire Asol to guide you through its features.

This lovely hotel proved to be an oasis on the beach, offering tranquility, relaxation, and outstanding service. We loved our time there!

The Nakamanda Resort and Spa was incredibly special. It's a more intimate setting, away from the hustle and bustle of popular beaches, offering a lovely retreat. The setting and service were top-notch, making it one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in.

Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa wasn't a great fit for us. The resort is spread out over hilly terrain. Walking to meals, the beach, and the pools is possible but not practical. It was too spread out for our taste. The resort was filled with families with young children, which wasn’t the energy we were looking for.

The 500 Rai Floating Resort in Khao Sok National Park was totally unique, and exceeded my expectations. It really was unique. The room moved with the sway of the lake. The accommodation was comfortable and well-equipped, with air conditioning and a nice kitchen. The logistics of getting to and from the resort were handled flawlessly, which made our stay relaxing and stress-free.

Exploring the Ancient Ayutthaya with Leo was a memorable experience. Our guide and driver were extremely pleasant and knowledgeable, which enriched our understanding of the site’s historical significance. The entire day was seamlessly organized, allowing us to fully enjoy the outing.

Visiting the Mae Klong Railway market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with our guide was a fantastic experience. Witnessing the train pass through the market was incredible, and the floating market was vibrant and unique. The guide's expertise ensured we didn’t miss any important details.

This is not your typical market! It’s crowded, chaotic, and sensational all at once! We preferred to watch more than we indulged. Our guide, Tea looked after us, ensuring that we ate things that we understood were safe! She was great, and incredibly patient! It was a great night out!

Our temple day tour in Bangkok was excellent. Having our guide Tia with us made the experience smooth and enjoyable, especially given our dietary restrictions. The knowledge and insight provided by the guide were invaluable.

All of the staff were helpful, but MAI was exceptional. The food, grounds, gym, were all great. This is the only resort with a dry sauna and steam room our curator could find.

I loved my stay here. The rooftop pool, and the river views, are spectacular. It is a large high-rise place with a shopping mall attached to it, and it does have the vibe of a big place for tourists from around the world. It's also located on the river and offers a free boat shuttle which is a super amenity.

Just a beautiful hotel. Room was very nice as were staff.

Stayed in a tend but attached bathroom was fixed structure so it worked nicely.

Great Beach and had a lot of nice amenities - morning palates classes, Thai boxing, and guided hiking.

Nice place for Sunset over the beach. Breakfast's were good.

Waterfall was very fun and biking was nothing special.

Glad we did it. Temples and Black museum were amazing - But because of instruction it was a long day 3.5 hours each way.

It was great to learn about the local Lanna peoples. Good a good over view of their culture and family dynamics and well as food.

Elephants seems to be treated very well and they had a baby elephant at this camp.

Very good guide and food was great.

fun activity for the day. Went to the bat cave and did a short informative hike before lunch and swim. Guide was energetic and other tourist on trip were fun.

Waste of time and money - we were dropped off at camp site. Food was already cooked and they gave it to us with minimal interaction and then took us back to hotel when we were done. should have just gone to local restaurant

Did not come close to the experience as was described before the trip - no coffee stop and river was crowed and noisey

Guide was great, he even took some amazing picture for us. Sun Set was beautiful. Low tide meant we couldn't go through the mangroves but really didnt need to as we went thgouh part of them and it would have been more of the same. Went to san bar for Sunset

Stopped at each island for about 30 minutes except a little longer for lunch - beaches were getting crowded.

Was fun and guide was good. Guide did the kayaking but that was fine.

this is not a hotel. it is a cheap hostel. the location is bad, the rooms are small and smelly. the bed was good but towels were thin. breakfast was dull the best part about this hotel is the Bakery Holy just outside of it.

This is not a luxury Hotel but it is GOOD enough. The location is perfect and very central. the rooms are big, comfortable king bed, and the AC works well. Two pools with plenty of sitting

if you are looking for a resort to eat well and not to move for few days, it is a very nice option. we were there 5 days on a breakfast only plane and we tried to travel around. not much to see and do in Khao Lak, we did the trip to Samillian island and the mangrove paddling experience and just chilled on the other nights . everything on the resort is expansive but there are few local options around. Nice, American style resort. Please note - it is more on the quite style - not to much activity and music. I loved it, but some people going on resort for a week may find it boring. Food at breakfast buffet was OUTSTANDING

I am a bit ambivalent about this place. A - I wish it was located IN the Khaosok little village and not few kilometres away - the resort is isolated so if you want to grab dinner in the little village they charge 400 BTH for a round trip. B - the actual Tents are massive, clean, fully equipped with AC unit, warm water, and a VERY comfortable bed. The place is very clean and comfortable. C - breakfast was good

What a BEAUTIFUL Charming and relaxed hotel . We were treated at the airport by the hotel rep. He drove us to the hotel and pointed some interesting places along the way. The hotel is NOT in the old town it is in a very close proximity to the night weekly night market which is a plus for after you finish the night. The hotel stuff were UNBELIEVABLE, friendly, eager to help, to make you feel at home (that includes the servers at the breakfast ), they helped us coordinating the arrival of our delayed luggage this hotel is not for backpacking crowd , the demographic is a bit older - which for us was super. Grab is available in Chiang Mai do moving around was cheap and easy. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

again - very very busy in terms of the amount of people around but the tour itself is good and recommended

no one was on this tour but us and it was very nice.

the experience should be amazing BUT - there were GAZILION other people all over the tour operator shoved WHY too many people on each boat but other than that they supplied high level of English speaking guilds, good food and lots of drinks. the island were very beautiful but hard to enjoy for the amount of people around you

we canceled this activity. it was TOO much

THE BEST DAY OF THIS WHOLE TRIP !

wondeRFUL way to start the exploration of the park. our guide was so nice and so eager to show us animals.

waste of time going all the way there . nothing much to see but LOTS and LOTS of tourists.

LOVED

Too busy … and a bit long . The islands have beauty but too much crammed into one day !

Beautiful views, amazing room layouts. This location is in a more quiet part of Phuket which allows for some time for peace and tranquility. The spa service was amazing and the views at the bar and restaurant are breathtaking.

Budget friendly hotel, in the city, with a great breakfast.

This is a must do activity. Beautiful views of the islands , exploring caves, and hidden ecosystem.

Our tour guide was wonderful. The temples were amazing and I enjoyed learning the culture of Thailand.

We really enjoyed our Thai massage and soaking in the hot springs.

A must do! We had a great day exploring the islands. Our guides made it very fun!

Amazing food and memorable dinner on the beach with a beautiful sunset. Couldn't have asked for more!

We really enjoyed our time with the elephants. You will get wet if bathing the elephants in the water, but that was part of. the fun!

We loved this dinner cruise. Highly recommend for a romantic evening. The food was amazing!

A must do for a first time traveler to Thailand!