I highly recommend KimKim.com (Prestige Asia) for your next trip to Thailand . They made this the easiest (and cheapest) getaway to plan last minute. Airport to hotel transfer, booking, and checkin were all convenient and the cars and rooms exceeded our expectation. Our guides were with us full days and were punctual, prepared, thoughtful, and gracious. In Bangkok, Game, and driver, Dan, were flawless. I loved that they were our guides both days waiting to pick us up in the lobby,...
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I highly recommend KimKim.com (Prestige Asia) for your next trip to Thailand . They made this the easiest (and cheapest) getaway to plan last minute. Airport to hotel transfer, booking, and checkin were all convenient and the cars and rooms exceeded our expectation. Our guides were with us full days and were punctual, prepared, thoughtful, and gracious. In Bangkok, Game, and driver, Dan, were flawless. I loved that they were our guides both days waiting to pick us up in the lobby, stayed engaged all day, anticipated every need (water, food, breaks -etc) and even made Bangkok traffic a bit less nerve wracking. I literally couldn't stump Game no matter what question I asked and her introduction to traditional Thai food and culture reflected her thoughtful listening and getting to know us. The temples she chose for our visit were beautiful; but her timing on each beat the rush and capitalized on the events of the day like the monk's morning chant, afternoon blessings at the reclining Buddha , and changing of guards at the Palace. Her faith and love for her country and its history was reflected at each place and it made our visit so much more spiritual and impactful.
In Chiang Mai, Kan was a force of nature! She picked us up for an evening street food tour and drove us herself. She expertly navigated rush hour traffic while pointing out the things to see on our route. We visited a few temples before the street food market and Kan's timing was perfection. We caught the monks evening chant at one, a beautiful sunset on the temple with the golden domes, and an after dark experience at the last that cast the scene in a whole new and beautiful way. We got to see the place lit up and experience it in a more quiet reflective way. Kan knew many of the monks and watching their interaction was fun. She pointed out the monk school and Buddhist university nearby and helped us understand the process and call to becoming a monk. Kan pointed out the differences between the culture, language, and temples in Bangkok and those in Chiang Mai. She really made it feel like a completely new experience though we spent the previous two days at temples. At the street market Kan knew everyone! She was like a local celebrity with vendors greeting and joking with her. She listened to our taste and needs and found exactly the right things for us to try and even a place to sit down and enjoy it in the busy market where such was limited. We absolutely couldn't have had that experience without her guidance. Her love of the city and ability to make us feel at home in it gave us the courage to venture out on our own and enjoy it the next day.
In Phuket, we had our only small group tour- having done only private tours in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Even that felt personal and tailored to our needs. We were picked up at our hotel and taken to the pier for our speedboat tour to Ko Phi Phi island. After breakfast and a brief (and hilariously colorful) introduction at the pier, we were assured in boarding our covered speed boat with about 30 other people. I was immediately so grateful not to have been on the larger much slower boat that seemed to herd tourists! Our guide Pineapple was so much fun. She danced and joked and entertained everyone. She and the young man with her were the life of the party. They kept everyone entertained on the ride out to the islands but also made sure we were safe, accounted for after every event, and well fed and hydrated. Our group was fantastic and so much fun. I was happy to spend this time with them. Later our long boat captain was also amazing offering to take photos for us, finding amazing spots away from the crowds, and even assisting me when my sea legs failed.
On every tour, in every hotel, in every car or transport, at every meal, I felt heard and considered by our tour planner Minah. David and Lily were also amazing help on the phone when we landed and I had questions. Most of those questions were really just them reassuring my own uncertainly because I had never been on a tour that was so reliable and so anticipatory of my needs.
I genuinely couldn't be more grateful to KimKim.com for an absolutely flawless, fun, and spiritual trip. I am 100% certain it was so because of them. While I could have likely spent the time to research and book most of it myself I would have most definitely missed the context and connection they brought and most certainly would have been a lot more stressful had I not had their expert help.
Hotel Reviews
Oceanfront Beach Resort
Phuket
This hotel was the gem of our trip. It is absolutely breathtaking. Our room had an amazing ocean view and a layout that made me want to sketch it so I could recreate it at home. The finishes were all pristine and modern. The bed was comfortable and the view could be seen from the couch, the bed, and even the enormous bathtub! Like all hotels in this area it's across a busy street from the beach but access is easy. The pools are beautiful. The restaurant is listed as Italian but had a menu the size of a small novel and served every kind of cuisine unimaginable. There is even a shuttle to town. Loved this hotel.
Authenticity & Character
Modern and sleek with clear Asian influence.
Location
Great view, not truly a beach resort but as close as any in Patong. Beach access is available but it's a very busy slightly scary street to cross.
Staff
Impeccable. Perfection.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless and luxurious
Centara Riverside Hotel Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
The hotel is beautiful. The view of the river is nice. The staff is extremely accommodating and friendly.
Authenticity & Character
The space is undoubtably beautiful. The lobby is particularly beautiful and the restaurant overlooks the river.
Location
While this may be exactly what some visitors like about the hotel, it was too far from the center of town and less walkable than we would have preferred.
Staff
I have never experienced staff as professional and gracious as I have in Thailand in general and this hotel is no exception. The staff are amazing all around.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was spotless.
Rembrandt Hotel and Suites SHA Plus Certified
Bangkok
The staff at this hotel are the stars of this review! I have never, no matter the rating or class of hotel or the city in which it was located, felt so catered to or cared for. There wasn't an encounter with any of them that was 100% above any expectation. I could have had. The front desk, bellman, bar, restaurant, and room service staff were all impeccably dressed, professional, warm, and genuinely thoughtful of their guests. No one missed a single opportunity to make us feel like not just guest but literally celebrity guests.
The room itself was comfortable and clean and though it could use some updating to finishes was in the perfect location to explore downtown. We had an amazing view and felt safe at all times.
Highly recommend this hotel.
Authenticity & Character
Just enough traditional style
Location
Perfect home base
Staff
I'd give them 100 stars if I could
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was spotless though some finishes could use updating
Activity Reviews
Explore the Koh Phi Phi By Speedboat
Phuket
Absolutely stunning. The experience was one for the books. Can't recommend enough. Our guide - Pineapple - was a hoot! Our group was small and fun. The tour itself was such a great experience.
Quality of Experience
Loved everything about this day. The longboat excursion is not to be missed. Be sure and add it at the pier. You won't regret if.
Food
The restaurant choice was good and had many options for everyone However, if you chose, you could eat wherever you like in the village on your own. On the way back, we were served pineapple and watermelon and cookies. There was always soda and water available and the guides encouraged everyone to help themselves and drink water.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our boat captain actively avoided as many waves and bumps as possible. His driving experience was obvious to anyone who has ever ridden in or driven a speedboat. The staff at the pier were extremely accommodating, making sure everyone got on the boat carefully and safe safely. Our guides were a blast on the boat, entertaining everyone and making sure everyone had water and food. When we reported or reconvened anywhere they counted and insured everyone was there the entire trip felt safe, safe and fun because the staff was so attentive and clearly well trained in safety.
Transport
The speedboat was most definitely the best option for the island tour and our long boat was so much fun
Elephant Jungle Expedition at Chai Lai Orchid Ecolodge!
Chiang Mai
The jewel of our whole trip. I loved this tour so much. We have seen the space shuttle launch, nearly touched whales jumping near our ship off the coast of Sidney, gazed at the Northern lights, dog sledded in Alaska, and traveled to many many places and this is hands down the coolest thing we have ever done as tourists. The village is rugged and simple but beautiful in both. The people were all warm and kind. The tour itself was so much fun. There was so much to do and see. I was terrified of the bamboo raft but within moments felt secure and found myself lost in the sights around the river. Watching and even petting the elephants as they moved through the forest path beside us was magical. When they chose they left the path and climbed hills to graze on vegetation and then rejoined us. I would have never experienced bathing an elephant otherwise! That even sounds odd to say but splashing water on an elephants back as she lay in the river beside us was the coolest thing ever. She literally made eye contact the whole time. I wasn't sure which one of us was more interested in the other. Even our lunch by the river was so authentic and cool - served to us in a hut in banana leaf with a bamboo spoon with veggies cooked in a bamboo shoot! Feeding the elephants was so much fun. The trek to the waterfalls and even watching braver guest go under it was so much fun. Our guide Sam made everything perfect. Even in such a rugged place he made us feel safe and went out of his way to make sure my clumsiness didn't ruin the day! He was always there with an outstretched hand to make sure I was steady. He even made me a very helpful bamboo walking stick - which was later swiped and eaten by an elephant - and even that was cool! His guidance made this the best day ever. Later watching the baby elephant interact and play with his teenage handler would put any western notion about exploiting animals to rest. It was completely clear in this village the elephants call the shots and the villagers are there to care for them. There were no cages to be seen, no walls or enclosures, no leads or leashes, no rides or saddles. I never even saw a rope on an elephant. They literally went where they pleased. The baby elephant was even leaping and running and mimicking the noises of his minder. The boy would lay in the grass and the baby would run to him and stand over him. The bond was clear and experiencing it was touching.
There is so much to see and do on this tour. Experiencing the beauty and simplicity of this place and the people and animals here will deeply impact the way you view much in life. Highly recommend.
Quality of Experience
Perfect in every way. So much to see and do. All of it mildly terrifying on its face but so worth it after just a few moments you forget your comfort zone and are lost in the moment.
Food
How can it get any better than eating food with homemade bamboo spoons that is grown in the village, cooked in bamboo shoots and banana leaves, while sitting on a hand weaved mat in a hut on the river while watching elephants play?!?
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sam is a superstar., a genuinely warm, kind and caring man who clearly loves his job, people, nature, and life. A true gem. We are so grateful to have spent the day with him.
Transport
At first glance the trucks look a bit rugged but they traversed places my very expensive jeep wouldn't have managed as well. The ride is a bit scary - up some fairly steep hills on dirt roads but the driver managed it all as if it was nothing. Keep your eyes closed and your hand on the rail and you'll be grateful you fid. Oh and the bamboo raft ride was amazing. Again, scared the heck out of me at first, but I'm so glad I put that aside and had the best day ever.
Chiang Mai Temple Local Street Food Tour
Chiang Mai
I couldn't believe how new and different this felt after two full days of temple tours. Our trip was arranged well with one day of very ornate grand temples in Bangkok, followed by a day of historic temple ruins, and then this tour in Chiang Mai. I was worried it was too much; but each felt different and this was no exception. The architecture was unique and just as beautiful. I loved the monk chant and wishing lanterns. Our guide, Kan, made this a truly special day by timing everything just right. We caught the monks chant, then saw sunset in the perfect spot, and then experienced beautiful temples illuminated at night. I would have never been able to have done this without her. Loved it.
Quality of Experience
Perfection. I could have wandered the grounds of any one of these places all day.
Food
The street food tour was a sensory circus! The smells, sounds, lights, people, traffic and sidewalks that seemed intent on causing injury were a lot! I would have never tried this without Kan but I'm SO glad I did. Though we are consummate foodies, after a much too late night of way too many cocktails in Bangkok and a flight we likely weren't the best tour guests but Kan managed to find food we enjoyed. She seemed to know everyone and found the perfect spot to enjoy it peacefully in a place that would have otherwise felt a bit chaotic.
Best advice - separate your Bangkok bar crawl tour from your street food tour by a least a day so you can fully enjoy both. Seems obvious in retrospect.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kan was knowledgeable and fun, welcoming - like seeing it with a friend.
Transport
Punctual, safe, and clean.
Exploring the Ancient Ayutthaya
Thailand
Game (our guide) made this tour deeply meaningful by explaining the history of the site. I would not have understood how moving this place was without the context she provided. On its own beautiful and tranquil. The ruins themselves feel intimate and sacred. Even walking the grounds and path around the water make you feel connected to the very long history of this place and the people.
Quality of Experience
Beautiful and touching.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Game and Dan are the dynamic duo!
Bangkok Spiritual Encounter
Bangkok
Deeply touching experience. Guide Game and Driver Dan made this a truly magical day.
Quality of Experience
Flawless all around
Food
Game's restaurant choice was perfect. She listened to what we liked and ordered our food ahead of time. When we arrived the table was set and, though we would have been delighted for her to join us, she left us alone to enjoy the meal.
Later, she even helped us pick out and try durian!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The best part of the day was chatting with and getting to know Game, our guide. Driver Dan was an expert at traffic on roads that would have made me otherwise very nervous.
Transport
Perfect. Punctual. The van was comfortable and felt safe. We were on a private tour with just the two of us and our guide so there was ample space. It was well stocked with water and tissues and nice and cool on a hot day.
Local specialist: Minah Trinh
