Kelly Lu

We found the guides such as Indran and Nantha very helpful, personable and open to our questions and queries. Overall the trip met our expectations. The Oriental Village in Langkawi wasn't interesting though and some of the historical sites were only 100 years old which weren't that interesting. Kuala Lumpur was interesting, Penang was nice, the Cameron Highlands was good although our hotel could do with a revamp (the swimming pool was less than inviting). Langkawi was great especially the islands trip and cooking class, which was great fun. Pia, the chef from the cooking class, is a great character.

The absolute best trip of our lives celebrating our honeymoon. Kelly was so responsive and easy to work with. She planned the most memorable honeymooon along with our aunt. We saw the best of Thailand, from city, to jungle, to lake, to forest, to beaches!!! We felt so in touch with the culture and had spectacular food while staying at fabulous resorts. We would recommend this trip to anyone and everyone! 15/10!!

Overall, we had a fantastic trip. Kelli was very attentive and responsive to our questions and in helping us plan this trip.
Overall, the individual guides that we had in the different cities were quite good. The biggest issue with the guides is that their English was often very difficult to understand. I don't know if Kim Kim is able to choose specific guides but in the past we have had guides in other countries who we could understand much more easily.
On a positive note, all the accommodations we stayed in were extremely nice. Kim Kim, arranged for people to meet us at the airport and at the boat after a two day trip down the Mekong River, which was very helpful.
We did a cooking activity in both Chiang Mai and in Laos, which Kelli arranged and both were wonderful. We also loved the rice farming center in Luang Prabang. We visited many temples in both countries, which were extremely beautiful. All the guides seemed knowledgeable. They took us for lunches which were included in many of the day trips, and the food was generally excellent. At the end of our trip, we wanted to go birding and Kelly connected us with a guide who was reasonably knowledgeable about birds, and sent us to an area which attracts many bird watchers. In addition, he found local guides that accompanied us on the birdwatching trips, and we saw many species of birds and were even lucky enough to catch a wonderful sighting of a gibbon family on the last day.
The reason for four rather than five stars is somewhat complicated. I think that the biggest problem was that it seemed that Kelli had not experienced some of the activities which were arranged . For example, we had a bicycle trip planned in Luang Prahbang but part of it would have taken place on a very busy road and part of it would've taken place on an extremely hilly Road, probably beyond our physical capability. so we skipped it but had already paid. We substituted this with one of our favorite experiences which we found on our own -- learning about silk weaving which is a local craft. Also, some of the activities in Thailand were extremely touristy like the market train, which we would've preferred to skip. and and Visiting the "Karen tribe" in Chiang Rai; it seemed like the the women were on display and afterwards we read controversial discussions "on line " about the way these women are treated in Thailand.
This was our third time using Kim Kim travel and I'm not sure if I will use them again. The main reason is their lack of transparency about costs and the mixed experience I've had with finding someone who really understands the kind of activities we really want. Additionally, KimKim is really a "middle man" and hired another tour operator, which we could have done directly and paid for one less layer.

We had a wonderful trip to Thailand and Laos! The local guides were generally attentive and informative and communication between Kelly and them was quite good. The bookings for activities and accommodations were, with one exception, very good. Logistics were handled professionally and were generally seamless .

Activity Reviews

Full Day Chiang Rai Tour with White Temple & Karen Hill Tribe

Chiang Rai

I think the visit to the Karen. Village was exploitative and would not recommend it’ll

Half Day Fun Cooking Experience With a Local Lanna Family

Chiang Mai

Lots of fun, informative and delicious

Take the Mekong River Cruise to Luang Prabang (Join-in)

Thailand

Relaxing and beautiful . The food was great, too

Full Day Wat Xieng Thong and Night Market Tour

Luang Prabang

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Attentive, knowledgeable , friendly

Half Day Lao Cooking Class

Luang Prabang

Fun, we prepared a great lunch

Bangkok - Khokkham - Laem Pakpia - Kaeng Krachan -Day 1

Kaeng Krachan National Park

Long day; excellent birding. Knowledgeable. Guide

Kaeng Krachan National Park - the summit area of Panoen Thung- Day 2

Kaeng Krachan National Park

Great birding

Quality of Experience

Kaeng Krachan National Park to Bangkrang Camp Ground area - Day 3

Kaeng Krachan National Park

Saw A scopes owl and a family of gibbons!!

Quality of Experience

Half day Local Farm Visit and Kuang Si Waterfall

Luang Prabang

Kelly did an outstanding job of planning our trip, answering questions, offering suggestions, and resolving problems. She adeptly stayed on top of all details and kept us well informed of our daily itinerary. We truly appreciate her efforts and responsiveness and helping make our trip hassle free and an unforgettable experience.

Hotel Reviews

Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18

Bankok

Hotel was nothing special. Breakfast was subpar compared to other hotels we stayed at in Thailand. Good location but rooms are small. Mini kitchen is nice along with complimentary beverages. Couldn't properly control air conditioning. But staff was pleasant.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Couldn't properly control air conditioner.

Smile Lanna Hotel Chiang Mai

Great place! Highly recommended!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Panan Krabi Resort

Krabi

Excellent stay. Great location!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beverages should be complimentary in room as with other hotels.

Grand Mercure Phuket Patong

Phuket

Grat location. Excellent stay. Great breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full day Bangkok City Tour with Canal tour

Bangkok

Great way to see Bangkok.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

It's a lot of driving.

Transport

Luxury Cruise with Dinner on Chao Phraya River in Bangkok

Bangkok

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Bangkok

Long drive. Probably not worth seeing Railway market. But floating market was fun.

Quality of Experience

Food

Need better options.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Long, long drive.

I recently organized a trip to Thailand through Kimkim for a group of seven travelers, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish! As the founder of Lesbifriends Travel, I’m always looking for reliable platforms to help me create meaningful and well-organized group trips, and Kimkim exceeded my expectations on the fourth trip we have taken with them.

The itinerary was meticulously curated by Kelly who I worked with for several months. It included incredible activities that perfectly balanced adventure, culture, and relaxation. We explored the bustling streets of Bangkok, visited the awe-inspiring Grand Palace, and enjoyed a serene boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. Chiang Mai was a highlight, where we had a magical experience at an ethical elephant sanctuary and visited the vibrant Night Bazaar. The cooking class in a local Thai village was a group favorite—learning to make authentic dishes was so much fun!

Our guides were absolutely fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure we had the best experience possible. They shared fascinating insights into Thai history and culture and gave us great local tips for food and shopping.

Kimkim made the planning process so easy, and their support team was attentive and responsive throughout. Every activity was well-coordinated, and we felt completely taken care of.

This trip to Thailand was truly a transformative experience for everyone in our group, and I can’t wait to use Kimkim again for our next adventure. Highly recommend!

Activity Reviews

Dinner Cruise at Wonderful Pearl Cruise on Chao Phraya River

Bangkok

The Dinner Cruise on the Wonderful Pearl was a highlight of our trip! The views of Bangkok’s illuminated landmarks from the river were stunning, especially Wat Arun and the Grand Palace at night. The buffet featured a great variety of delicious Thai and international dishes, and the live music added to the elegant atmosphere. The service was pretty good. It was a perfect mix of relaxation and sightseeing, and our group left with unforgettable memories. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Bangkok!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was not the best; could have been more engaging.

Transport

Full Day Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Bangkok

The Full-Day Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tour was an unforgettable journey into Thailand’s vibrant market culture. Watching the train pass through the Maeklong Railway Market was such a thrilling and unique experience! The floating market was equally captivating—gliding through the canals, shopping from boats, and tasting delicious local snacks was so much fun. Our guide made the experience even better with insightful stories and tips. This tour was a perfect mix of adventure and culture, and it’s a must for anyone visiting Bangkok!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Khantoke Traditional Northern Thai Dinner

Chiang Mai

The Khantoke Traditional Northern Thai Dinner was a delightful way to immerse ourselves in the rich culture of Chiang Mai. The food was flavorful, showcasing authentic Northern Thai dishes, and the traditional dance performances were mesmerizing. The setting was beautiful, with a cozy, communal atmosphere. However, the service felt a bit rushed at times, and it was hard to hear the explanations of the performances from our table. Overall, it was a memorable experience with great food and entertainment, but a few small adjustments could make it even better.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Create and Release Floating Lanterns & Riverside Dinner

Chiang Mai

The Create and Release Floating Lanterns & Riverside Dinner was a beautiful and serene experience. Releasing the lanterns into the night sky was magical and felt so special—it was definitely a highlight of the evening. The riverside setting for dinner was lovely, and the food was delicious. However, the activity felt a bit rushed, and there was some confusion during the setup for the lantern release, which took away from the otherwise peaceful atmosphere. With better organization and more attention to detail, this could easily be a standout experience. Overall, it was enjoyable but left room for improvement.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full day Bangkok City Tour with Canal tour

Bangkok

The Full-Day Bangkok City Tour with Canal Tour was an incredible experience that truly showcased the city’s vibrant history and culture. We started the day exploring iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, both absolutely breathtaking. The highlight was the serene canal tour, offering a unique perspective of local life along the waterways. Our guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and attentive to every detail. The day was perfectly paced, with plenty of time to soak in each site. It’s a must-do activity for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in Bangkok!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full day with visiting local school & paper umbrella painting

Chiang Mai

The Full Day Tour visiting a local school and paper umbrella painting was the absolute highlight of our trip! This experience offered such a meaningful connection to the local community. Visiting the school and interacting with the children was heartwarming—our group loved learning about their daily routines and sharing smiles and stories. The paper umbrella painting workshop was pure magic. Tapping into our creativity, we painted beautiful designs under the guidance of talented local artisans. It was both relaxing and inspiring, and everyone walked away with a one-of-a-kind souvenir to cherish. Our guide was exceptional, seamlessly blending cultural insights with engaging activities. This tour was more than just sightseeing—it was a hands-on, heart-filled day that left a lasting impression on all of us. Highly, highly recommend for anyone looking to dive deeper into the heart of Chiang Mai!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kelly provided us with a great itinerary to cover everything we wanted to see and do. Our local guide was Otto who further helped us explore and understand Thailand and Bangkok during our wonderful visit there.

The trip was amazing. The local guides were great -- except for the guy who was supposed to pick us up in Bangkok and didn't. After we grabbed a cab we learned we were to meet the pickup at Gate 6 -- the issue is, no one told us this.

This would be one of example of challenging communications between Kelly and us. There were may back and forth conversations about inter-Thailand flights and this example of not communicating to us where we needed to get picked up.

We had a wonderful 2 week trip to Vietnam. The KimKim team/Kelly were so easy to work with so there was minimal preparation need to plan the trip…we really just packed and got on a plan! Vietnam was a great country to travel with kids, as it always felt safe, had lots of activities and action to keep them engaged and the people in Vietnam were really nice to the kids. Food was a highlight-really great restaurants were organized and the food tour in Ho Chi Min (Street Food Man tour with Tanya) was, as my kids said ‘10 out of 5 stars’! We loved Hoi Ann and were glad we spent extra time there. Although our beach day rained it was still great to have a day to relax by the ocean and pool mid way. Our only disappointments were 1. Ha Long Bay is way too busy and kayaking in bay of litter was not what we expected-was definitely worth the extra day to get out to the less busy went out to the less busy and more pristine areas. we would not recommend Ha Long Bay unless it is 3 day 2 night and you can get out of actual Ha Long Bay area . 2. A lot of places/activities have lost their authenticity with tourism increasing so much again post covid (good for the country obviously), but does make you feel a bit like a heard of sheep checking off a to do list of tourist activities. Would definitely skip Ba Na (even though that is where the golden bridge is it was way too busy and all fake). Would definitely try to get off the beaten path more if we went back to Vietnam.

Hotel Reviews

L Heritage Diamond

Hanoi

The location of L Heritage Diamond was great, being in the old city. However, the hotel itself wasn't up to the standard of the other hotels we stayed at. It lacked a pool, and the dining room was quite basic, offering a rather uninspiring environment. There wasn't anything particularly wrong with the hotel, but it didn't compare to the quality of the others on our trip.

Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An

Hoi An

We really liked our stay at Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An. It was comfortable and slightly outside the main city, which we enjoyed for a quieter environment. It took about a 25-minute walk to reach the heart of Hoi An, which might not be ideal for everyone, but we were okay with it.

Harmony Hotel & Spa

Ho Chi Minh City

Our stay in Ho Chi Minh City at the Harmony Hotel & Spa was excellent. We loved the location and found the hotel amenities and service to be top-notch. It perfectly suited our needs and was one of the highlights of our accommodations.

Activity Reviews

Drive to Da Nang with Visit to the Golden Bridge

Vietnam

The drive to Da Nang and visit to the Golden Bridge was not enjoyable for us. It was extremely crowded, which made the experience less pleasant. It should be noted that the area features an artificial French village, which didn’t match our expectations.

Half Day Cooking Class(join in)

Hoi An

The cooking class in Hoi An was fantastic! It was a private, making it special and immersive. Our kids had a great time, enjoying the hands-on activity.

Private Lantern Making Experience in Hoi An

Hoi An

The lantern making experience felt rushed and not as immersive as we had hoped. The process was more like putting fabric over a frame and gluing it, with little hands-on time for us, especially for the kids, which left them a bit disappointed.

Half day Thanh Ha Pottery Village Tour

Hoi An

The tour of Thanh Ha Pottery Village was underwhelming. It was scheduled for four hours, but we only spent a few minutes at a pottery wheel. The experience seemed more like a brief stop rather than an in-depth activity.

Full Day Mekong Delta Tour (My Tho)

Ho Chi Minh City

We had a fantastic time on the Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour in Ho Chi Minh City. It was one of the best parts of our trip and offered amazing insights and flavors!

Our trip was fun, although we found communication with Kelly to be challenging.

Hotel Reviews

Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok

Bangkok

Authenticity & Character

Location

too far to planned excursions

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong

Phuket

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Private Night Food tour with Tuk Tuk

Bangkok

This was not a "food tour"....we simply stopped at one restaurant. Would have liked exposure to more.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport