Our first time using a travel agency while visiting a country
Thailand | Dec 23 - Jan 1, 2023

S
Siva B.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2023

This is our first time using kimkim for our travel. We were a little hesitant to go with travel agencies but wanted try it out on this trip since we could not find any local specialists for our Thailand visit. Kimkim and our local specialist Dat came through and made this trip a memorable one. We enjoyed the trip and Dat was just a WhatsApp call away through our entire trip. We were able to reach him any time of the day and he was ready to help us right away. Thanks Dat for that. It made us feel safe and secure while traveling without having to worry about where to go, who to meet and what our next destination would be.
We were in Bangkok for 2 days, Chiang Mai for 2 days and Koh Yao Yai for 3 days. The itinerary was just right. Not too full and not too empty. We all enjoyed the visit to the Doi Inthanon National park and the elephant sanctuary the most. The local guides in Bangkok and Chiang Mai were very knowledgeable and were able to guide us to all places and explain the history and provide context. If only we were able to secure our overnight train tickets to Chaing Mai from Bangkok, it would have been a perfect visit for us.
After Bangkok and Chiang Mai, our expectations were raised for the relaxing visit to Koh Yao Yai but was a little underwhelmed. We shared our thoughts on this to Dat and he immediately contacted the resort and did his best to make our stay as comfortable as possible. Thanks again for your prompt action on this Dat. Much appreciated.
Overall we enjoyed this trip to Thailand and we will be recommending Kimkim and Dat to our friends and families.
Some recommendations for future travelers to Thailand:
1. It would be good to have some input before the travel on what type of dress to pack. Especially if we are visiting temples, we need to get long pants for women.
2. Bangkok traffic is notorious. We felt that we spent a lot of time in traffic going to various places.
3. Flying between destinations takes away nearly half day in each airport visit. Overnight trains preferable where possible.

Hotel Reviews
Century Park Hotel
Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
White Boutique Hotel and Spa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Baan Taranya Resort, Koh Yao Yai
Authenticity & Character
Location
There were boats moored at the beaches. The beaches had low tide every single day of our visit making playing the beach for kids next to impossible.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Tour (join-in) - Doi Suthep Hill (N)
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Tour (join-in) - Doi Suthep Hill (N)
Chiang Mai

It's a family experience not to be missed. The elephants were super friendly and the staff were very knowledgeable and accommodative.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day trip to Ayutthaya (N)
Day trip to Ayutthaya (N)
Bangkok

The guide was very knowledgeable and patiently explained the history behind the palace, ruins and temple in Ayutthaya. The trip back to and from Bangkok was very long. We felt that we spent more time on the road than actually visiting places in Ayutthaya.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Damnern Saduak Floating Market - City tour (N)
Damnern Saduak Floating Market - City tour (N)
Bangkok

The long tail boat ride to this market was fun. The market itself was very vibrant and one of a kind.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day trip to Doi Inthanon Hill (N)
Day trip to Doi Inthanon Hill (N)
Chiang Mai

The hike in the national forest was a highlight of this trip. We all enjoyed it the most. The weather was also perfect. Visit to the waterfall and the temple was also very good.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Dat Nguyen
Dat
Dat Nguyen
Local specialist in Hanoi | Replied on Jan 09, 2023

Dear Siva,
Thank you so much for leaving us such a detailed review! We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your trip. Your reviews will help us to improve our service to become better!
Once again, thank you so much for choosing us for this trip to Thailand! I hope to see you on your next vacation to Southeast Asia in the future.
Wish you have a wonderful day!
Dat