From Thai dramas to a trip of a lifetime
Thailand
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Oct 25 - Nov 8, 2024
Thailand was never really on my list to go to until I started watching Thai dramas. It was one of the best ways to learn about Thailand a places I would want to visit if I ever went. Tina was very proactive in making sure that places I want to visit and see was able to be on my itinerary.
As I started to research my Thailand trip, what I ran into for tours was they only went north or south. I wanted to go north, but end my trip in the south. Kimkim was able to accommodate that. I started in Bangkok able to see many famous sites while my tour guide explained much of the history of Bangkok and Ayutthaya. As Thailand has over 35,000 temples, I definitely saw my fair share of ones that are still used and ones that are ancient ruins. My first dinner in Thailand was so delicious that I still talk about how it became the perfect Thai dish to start my time in Bangkok.
My Thai dramas did not disappoint as I left Bangkok and headed to Kanchanaburi. Tina planned for us to take the train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi leading us to travel Thailand with planes, trains, and automobiles. It was good to try, but definitely would not want to do it again. Long train rides with no a/c and comfortable seats is something that I could skip next time. While doing research around Kanchanaburi, I was able to visit a mineral springs and spa letting me get my first Thai massage. Tina was able to build that into my itinerary. After Kanchanaburi, we headed up to Chiang Rai, then to Chiang Mai, and I finished my time in Phuket.
I will say, Phuket was not one of my favorite parts of my trip, but I think some of that is based on beaches not always being a place I want to visit. Staying in Patong area wasn't an interesting part of my trip. But when I headed to Old Phuket for a day, I definitely felt Old Phuket was a place I would have loved to stay in. I loved the atmosphere of Old Phuket, plus being around the Sino-Portuguese buildings made for great photo opportunities.
Overall, my trip was worth the cost and I will use Kimkim again to plan a trip to visit other parts of Thailand.
Hotel Reviews
The only good thing about this hotel was location--right next to Chinatown--and breakfast. I was given a room at the end of the hall giving me a large room. However, the bed was incredibly uncomfortable leading me to not sleeping well and the scent of cannabis in the hallway displeased me and gave me a headache. Overall, I do not recommend this hotel until they change the mattresses for someone to be able to sleep comfortably.
The character of this hotel reminded us we were staying in Thailand. Especially when we came back from dinner and found a lizard welcoming us back. Thankfully the staff was able to wrangle the lizard out so we could go to bed. The size of room was comfortable and accommodated 2 twin beds well.
As someone who isn't a beach person or party atmosphere, overall, the location of the hotel wasn't something I would go visit again. I was never able to catch the shuttle to Patong area leading me to have to pay a taxi every place. As Phuket is hard to navigate, going any place, even just what one would assume to be a quick drive, became long and tedious. The bed was comfortable. The room was nicely decorated. The amenities at the hotel were nice. Overall, it was just the location that has me rate the hotel what I rated.
U Inchantree was a cute hotel right next to the River Kwai. I will say the room we stayed in was very tiny for 2 people to stay in. The beds were comfortable and breakfast every morning started the day on the right foot. Overall, we did like the hotel, but the tiny room was difficult to navigate.
The hotel was nicely situated with lots of character. The staff was friendly and the room we stayed in was very comfortable with comfortable beds.
Activity Reviews
This ended up being one of the best experiences I had while in Thailand. It made my time in Phuket at least worth visiting so I could do the canoe. We had an interesting experience as when we were going to light the Loy Krathong, it was pouring down rain. The main guide said that the staff was willing to canoe us to the cave so that we could light the basket for those that wanted to go. As I knew this was a once in a lifetime chance, I decided to go ahead with having the staff member paddle us to the cave. Even though I was soaked, I loved having the opportunity to experience it. Throughout the day, the places we were canoed to were breathtaking and we were able to enjoy the sites. Finally, the food that the company provided definitely sent you back with a full stomach of good meals throughout the day. I cannot recommend this experience enough.
Hi Kate,
Thank you so much for your kind feedback! I truly appreciate you taking the time to share such thoughtful comments. It was a pleasure assisting you, and I hope to have the opportunity to work with you again in the future.
Best,
Tina