CK41 Tours

The process of getting a trip plan organised and the communication with Tina/Kim Kim throughout the process was great. It is possible that there was some misunderstanding about exactly what we were after but this was probably not Tinas fault. We were disappointed with Bangkok and found our tour to be too long, too detailed and the family lost interest. We cancelled our day 2 tour for this reason. Our excursions in Chang Mai were generally great, except for mountain trip which was completely fogged out and we could see nothing. The elephant sanctuary and the cooking class were fabulous. The company we did our diving in Koh Tao was also a great. Some of the other tours were not as good. When you say small group tours I expected maybe 10 people, not 30 something as was the case with the Ang Thong Marine Park trip. The boat was packed, no room to move and you could not see out of it. The whole day was like herding sheep from one overcrowded destination to another with too much time at each. I would have much preferred a private trip and would have been happy to pay for it.

Hotel Reviews

The Inside House

Chiang Mai

Amazing hotel, just beautiful. Staff and amenities and the attention to detail was superb. Cannot rate highly enough.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sairee Hut Resort

Surat Thani

Lovely stafff and great location. Rooms are a bit dated but very comfortable .

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui

Surat Thani

The resort is lovely. The grounds and accommodation are beautiful & the pool and private beach superb. the staff are just lovely and the breakfast is great. My only small criticism is that the resort is a 15 minute ($20 aud) grab ride from Chaweng. As such I think the resort should offer a regular free shuttle service in and out.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Koh Kret Island Adventure: Culture, Biking, and Local Experiences

Bangkok

Didn't do it. Was told there was nothing open on the island on a Monday, it was super hot and wondered why it was suggested.

Traditional Thai Massage at Fah Lanna Spa

Chiang Mai

This was not a pleasant experience for the family as a whole. I enjoyed the massage as I like a firm remedial massage however my family hated it. I don't understand why you would recommend this type of experience. It would have been so much nicer if it was a relaxation massage with oil not a pounding. Really disappointed

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We all loved Mr Toy. What a delight

Transport

Welcome to Bangkok!

Bangkok

As our plane was late, we only went to the food street. We felt rushed through the street and not really able to stop and look at things. At the end we found out we weren't going to go back up the street. We ended up having dinner in a nearby restaurant. We did not need a guide to do this.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Elephant Nature Park Visit

Chiang Mai

This was a great morning. The elephant sanctuary is wonderful and to be up close to the elephants and see them thriving in their new environment was wonderful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Exploring Bangkok by local transfers and walking tour

Bangkok

Nina was a wealth of information, however we didn't really want to know every intricate detail about each temple. She was lovely but when I tried to explain that the family was losing interest she didn't really understand. In the end we cut the tour short.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fun Diving (Scuba diving certification not need)

Koh Tao

We had a great day and the company we used were very professional and lovely. Unfortunately we got bad weather and the second dive was very average.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A Day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park!

Chiang Mai

There is no point in going on this day trip if the weather isn't perfect. We were ill equipped. It was wet and cold. We could see nothing as there was a fog completely blacking out the views and the pagodas. We felt it was a waste of a day.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Grandma's Home Cooking School

Chiang Mai

This was a really fun day. The food we cooked, our guide and the whole experience was wonderful

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Angtong National Marine Park

Thailand

This was sold to us as a small group tour. I do not consider 30 plus people a small group. the trip to the first island takes nearly 2 hours. You are squashed in a speedboat with your knees touching the seat in front of you. You cannot see out of the boat unless you stand up. The destinations are pretty but are overcrowded with 100's of people on similar excursions. You spend too much time at each place and it is like herding sheep.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had such a fantastic trip to Thailand! We were initially hesitant to book through KimKim because the price was so much lower than through the other travel companies we considered, but we took a chance and are so glad we did! KimKim reps met us at each airport on our trip and transported us to our hotels, taking away so much travel stress. The hotels they booked in each of our destinations (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, & Koh Samui) were all great and in fantastic locations. We knew we weren’t booking luxury hotels and we didn’t expect luxury amenities, but we were very pleasantly surprised with how luxurious our accommodations were. Each hotel was very clean, very safe, and very comfortable — and had gorgeous swimming pools, very nice and spacious rooms, and delicious breakfasts included — far more than you get with included breakfasts in the U.S.
Leo, our guide in Bangkok, was a delight—striking the perfect note between taking us to all the sites and experiences we were excited about while also giving us plenty of time to rest and enjoy our vacation. We particularly enjoyed visiting the palaces and temples and trying out the foods in the markets and night markets. Leo even helped us order! We arrived in Bangkok early and had 2 days on our own. We spent those visiting Benchakitti and Lumphini Parks - which I highly recommend — and the Snake Experience, where we saw how anti venom is made by extracting venom from live cobras — this turned out to be a favorite experience of the teens in our group! We also visited the Jim Thompson House and the indoor floating market at the IconSiam shopping mall. If you have more time, I recommend all of these experiences. And, on the recommendation of a friend, we went to the Akara Sky Hanuman high rise rooftop dining & show experience— we had a blast and the views were spectacular!
The highlight of our Chiang Mai visit — and possibly of our entire trip— was the elephant sanctuary! Getting to interact so closely with the elephants was unreal. Do not skip that experience!!! The rest of Chiang Mai was less exciting — the drive to the mountain top and to see the waterfall and gardens was beautiful and easy for everyone in our group. We were worried my 75 year old mother might struggle — but easily did it all, and did it in flip flops! And the cooler temps at the top of the mountain were a welcomed respite from the heat. We also walked the city in our own to see the temples and the old wall. Protip: I asked ChatGPT to create a 3 hour walking tour that started at our hotel and took us to the major temples, then I imported that tour into Googlemaps. Worked great! Personally, I would have enjoyed having a guided tour and learning more about each temple, but the self guided walking tour was all the rest of my group was interested in after spending so much time in more impressive temples in Bangkok.
We purposely ended our trip in Koh Samui so we could have some relaxing beach time. My only criticism there is that the Pig Island excursion was awful and not something I would recommend. Instead of a charming encounter with pigs like we expected, we were told on the boat ride over that the pigs are very dangerous and bite off tourists’ fingertips EVERY DAY. They’re also quite aggressive. One sow rammed me when I was just sitting at a table because she wanted to lie where my feet were. It hurt and cut my leg and left a bruise. I would not take young children on this excursion at all because I don’t think they would appreciate how dangerous and aggressive the pigs are, and there are so many adorable piglets, I don’t think a young child would be able to resist touching them or trying to hold one.
While we were there, a pack of wild dogs attacked a piglet and began eating it live right in front of us — truly horrifying! — ans the piglet screamed for help. A group of tourists intervened to stop it and scare off the dogs, but I doubt the piglet survived. My 13 year old was crying at this point and went to go sit on the boat. And then, again and again, two or three boars chased down and raped sows in front of us, clearly against their will. At one point they did this right under a table of tourists, using the tourists to corner the sow so she couldn’t escape while 3 boars attacked her. Eventually we all sat on top of the tables for safety until it was time to leave.
The snorkeling portion of the Pig Island trip was also lackluster. Very poor visibility and a location that could be described as mid — at best.
But Pig Island was the only part of our entire trip I wouldn’t recommend, and it was so indescribably bad that we’ll be laughing about it for many years to come.
We ended our time in Koh Samui at a restaurant that was recommended by a local — Lanlandaw Viewpoint Restaurant. I highly recommend this! The front desk staff at the hotel (who were wonderful!) helped us arrange it all. A driver from the restaurant came to pick us up and then drove us about 20 minutes over rutted dirt roads up a mountain to the restaurant, which featured a spectacular overlook and view and great food. Be advised, it’s cash only —no credit cards!
All in all, a spectacular, almost seamless, vacation that was everything we hoped for and even better than we expected. We will certainly use KimKim again and we’re already talking about where we should go for our next trip!

I chose Kimkim randomly when I decided to travel to Thailand and could not be more pleased.

Bella helped me plan a trip based on my interests which included pickup from my arrival through ten days of robust activities and to my departure.

My driver Chin was fabulous from the first pickup. My guide Leena met me at the hotel where we embarked on a public transportation tour of Bangkok. It was a wonder way to get the local pulse. Two sky trains an express boat all added to my wonder. Her knowledge of the history and culture was impressive. I experienced Wat Arun and learned about its design and how broken teacups from China were used in the design. We visited the Emerald Buddha, The Reclining Buddha, and the Main Palace. All with rich detail from Leena. Explored Chinatown had a meal and took the subway back to my hotel.
The next day She and Chin took me to the Railroad and Floating Market pointing out the sea salt fields along the way. She even helped me resolve an exchange problem.
Chin brought be to the airport to Chaing Mai where I met Lilly my guide and Text the driver. Lily showed me the city and temples much different than Bangkok and stayed with me throughout my engrossing Elephant experience and lunch. Lilly also traveled with me to the airport to be sure all went well

The next elements of my trip were equally well coordinated. From Chiang Mai I was met by a driver in Samui who took me my boat to Koh Tao and helped me check in. I was met in Koh Tao by a driver who brought me to an extraordinary Beach resort hotel My beautiful room was 75 feet from the shore.
There I was picked up for an outstanding snorkeling trip with a side mountain hike. Tons of fish and giant sea turtles

At my next trip was well coordinated with drivers taking me to boat and airport where I was met in Phuket by my guide Ben with driver She gave a wonderful tour of Phuket. Viewing from high above the area and exploring Chinatown and old Portuguese building. My trip culminated with a visually stunning and exhilarating speed boat tour of the iconic James Bond islands and boat ride into a cave and a canoeing adventure under and through huge monolithic rocks rising from the sea.
Once again picked at airport and Chin in Bangkok who brought me to my departure flight.

This the adventure of a lifetime artistically organized and executed by Bella who I hold in great esteem.

If you thinking of travel to Thailand or elsewhere in Asia , save your money and call Bella at Kimkim.

Hotel Reviews

Koh Tao Beach Club Resort

Surat Thani

I was blown away by my room close to the beach and well appointed

Authenticity & Character

Charming l

Location

75 feet from the shore Close to the port I watched the sunset from my bed.

Staff

The massage therapist was outstanding.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Perfect

De Charme Hotel

Amphoe Muang, Si Phum, Chiang Mai

Great staff beautiful hotel

Authenticity & Character

It felt right

Location

Close to walking street market and temples

Staff

Helpful Friendly Efficient

Cleanliness & Comfort

Well maintained

Layalina Hotel

Phuket

A hidden gem Set off the Main Street the hotel opened into a wonderland. Small hotel. Huge room with everything zi could ask for

Authenticity & Character

Charming delightful comfortable

Location

Right on the beach with breakfast served on room terrace

Staff

Could not be more attentive and personable

Cleanliness & Comfort

Attention to detail wonderful facility and room a gem

Activity Reviews

A visit to Mae Klong Railway market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market!

Bangkok

The markets were a feature. My guide Leena made it even more special

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Knowledge attentiveness and personal toucj

Transport

Bangkok city tour with a food tasting at Chinatown!

Bangkok

Couldn’t ask for more. My guide made the experience more wonderful than the sites themselves. She made me feel special. The choice to travel either mass transit brought me close to the culture

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Chin was fantastic

Welcome to Chiang Mai!

Chiang Mai

My guide Lilly gave me a personalized tour of the city and temples and provided great insight into how to spend my free time. Adapted tour to meet my interests

Quality of Experience

Ancient temples

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Comfortable timely efficient

Eco-Elephant Care Full Day

Chiang Mai

More than I had hoped for. The facility guide was amazing I learned much about elephants and interacting with them. Beyond expectations

Quality of Experience

Learning about and feeding the elephants with various food type. Feeding them helped to connect when interacting in the wild and water

Food

The lunch buffet rivaled restaurants amazing Tom Yum soup

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Lilly made sure I had everything I needed. I enjoyed her company and attentiveness

Transport

Always there great drive

Snorkeling Trip!

Koh Tao

Multiple sights amazing fish and turtles a side trip up a mountain safe friendly wonderful

Quality of Experience

Food

Excellent buffet

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The crew was remarkable

Transport

Short ride to hotel

Phuket Half-Day City Tour

Phuket

My guide Ben gave me a personalized tour of the city based on information she drew from me. Tiger Kingdom was perfect

Quality of Experience

Tiger kingdom. Ben’s caring detailed manner

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Phang Nga bay or James Bond island by speed boat

Thailand

The lead guy Bobbi made the amazing sights more remarkable. Always ready with a helpful funny answer.

Quality of Experience

Great island tour cave exploring canoeing and buffet on the Muslim Island

Food

Hardy full Thai buffets

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Organized intelligent entertaining and safety conscious

Transport

Smooth ride comfortable van

My family trip to Thailand was executed to perfection. We traveled throughout the country and all of our guides and drivers were friendly, on time, and adaptable to my family's needs. Communicated with our local specialist was easy as we traveled, and I was impressed that they took the time to confirm our daily activities with the hotel front desk staff, so we always knew where to meet and when to depart for the next day. Our activities included visiting markets, guided tours to temples, sea kayaking, a Thai cooking class, and a visit to an elephant sanctuary, and each excursion was top-notch. I'll definitely use Kim Kim for my next big vacation.

Our tour guide for Chang Mai was amazing! (Natalie). She has such a bubbly personality and spoke clear English.

Bella was fantastic! She was very responsive and easy to work with. We also appreciated that she noticed things like a 5-hour gap between our hotel checkout time and when we needed to be at the airport, and she booked a car and driver to fill that time with a tour.

Hotel Review

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort

We loved this hotel! Beautiful property and rooms, incredibly kind staff, and great breakfast!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Welcome to Thailand (Bangkok city tour with a food tasting at Chinatown!)

Bangkok

Loved the guide, China Town, and the Michelin star food stall!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Scuba Diving at Spectacular diving spot in Ao Nang

Thailand

Excellent guides, incredible setting, and beautiful dives (with tons of fish)!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Working with Kim Kim was the best experience ever. I completed their simple form and heard back from a local travel agent from Thailand within 24 hours. My experience after that was nothing less than perfect. Mint, my agent was spectacular. For a few weeks after my initial submission, Mint worked with me to customize the perfect itinerary for me and my family in Thailand. She would respond within 24 hours to my emails, she answered all my questions, calmed any concerns I would think of and supported us before, during and after the trip. My first night in Thailand, I reached out to Mint looking for kid friendly areas quite late in the night (Jet lag) to get food, Mint responded quickly and guided us to a safe area and helped us arrange transportation so we wouldn’t get ripped off. I reached out to Mint almost everyday of our trip and she always responded with helpful tips and went way above and beyond to ensure our trip was perfect. She would reach out to us to confirm we had our vouchers and confirmations. She reached out to the hotels and arranged for us to receive lunchboxes on the days we were departing before breakfast. For one of our excursions, we were unable to load the photos from our tour guide, Mint got in touch with them, got the photos and sent them to us. This was my first time working with Kim Kim and it was exceptional. I would highly recommend them if you are planning a trip to Thailand.

Mint put together a great itinerary. Leena was punctual and very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the whole trip. The cooking class might have been the highlight of the visit. The only suggestion would be during the tasting event in Chinatown that Leena would have provided tastes of several dishes. Instead she would ask if we wanted to try this booth or that booth. Once we had a dish it represented the whole meal and we had very little room for other foods.

Activity Review

Authentic Thai Cooking Class in a Traditional House!

Bangkok

This was probably the highlight of the trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Prompt and safe.

Awesome time thanks to Mint and Kimkim, the guides and tours were all amazing. Will definitely look forward to booking again!

Hotel Reviews

Solitaire Bangkok Sukhumvit 11

Bangkok

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Centara Grand Beach Resort

Krabi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Dinner Cruise on Chao Phraya River

Bangkok

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Enjoy Food Tasting in Chinatown!

Bangkok

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hong Island trip by Speed Boat!

Thailand

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bangkok by local transfers and temple visit

Bangkok

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A visit to Mae Klong Railway market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market!

Bangkok

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Exploring the Ancient Ayutthaya

Thailand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

5 Islands Sunset Cruise with Kayaking and Swimming in Bio-luminescence!

Thailand

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Phi Phi island, Bamboo Island, Pi Leh lagoon & Maya bay by speedboat

Phuket

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a very creative, supportive and intelligent dialog with Mint Pham, who was responsible for our vacation schedule. Mint was responsive, intelligent, and supported us with extra effort at every turn, and handled every problem that we presented, some of which were completely outside the normal scope. Her selection of hotels was especially important, and she picked great hotels with great services and locations. This was key to the entire trip, which turned out to be so successful because of the location, sophistication and high-end characteristics of each hotel. The excursions were for the most part great. This was total support and exceptional advice and planning. I would give Mint a 5.0 rating on a scale of 5, and recommend her services to anyone traveling in Southeast Asia.
Mint organized our trip which included Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Ko Samui. We really enjoyed ourselves, saw a lot and were sorry to go. The Thai people were so friendly and supportive.