Thailand Reviews

Review 1

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

So many to choose from...Hiking around rice paddies and spectacular scenery whilst staying with hilltribes and engaging in local practices like drinking rice whisky.Drifting around Halong Bay and eating the best seafood I have ever eaten caught fresh off the boat. My eyes being opened to the atrocities that occured in Cambodia at the Tuol Sleng prison and torture center. Getting a sense of what it was like to be a Viet Cong soldier crawling around the tunnels in Cuchi while it was pouring with rain. Going with "Mr Handsome" and Handsome sandwiches and laundry to watch ringside Thai boxing on Ko Penang.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Excellent, they all go out of their way to ensure you have the best possible experience.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Absolutely, as we were taken to more out of the way places we got to support the local economies there.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Definately.Prior to trying an Imaginative Traveller trip I always thought it better to do independent travel but both trips I have done I got to have experiences and see places I never would have if I had gone to that country on my own.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Although taking an imaginative trip may seem expensive at first when compared to organising it yourself, you get to experience so much more with the experienced guides who have been there and done that.

Reviewed by Kirsty Gilmour who travelled in July 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip

Review 2

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

So many to choose from...Hiking around rice paddies and spectacular scenery whilst staying with hilltribes and engaging in local practices like drinking rice whisky.Drifting around Halong Bay and eating the best seafood I have ever eaten caught fresh off the boat. My eyes being opened to the atrocities that occured in Cambodia at the Tuol Sleng prison and torture center. Getting a sense of what it was like to be a Viet Cong soldier crawling around the tunnels in Cuchi while it was pouring with rain. Going with "Mr Handsome" and Handsome sandwiches and laundry to watch ringside Thai boxing on Ko Penang.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Excellent, they all go out of their way to ensure you have the best possible experience.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Absolutely, as we were taken to more out of the way places we got to support the local economies there.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Definately.Prior to trying an Imaginative Traveller trip I always thought it better to do independent travel but both trips I have done I got to have experiences and see places I never would have if I had gone to that country on my own.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Although taking an imaginative trip may seem expensive at first when compared to organising it yourself, you get to experience so much more with the experienced guides who have been there and done that.

Reviewed by Kirsty Gilmour who travelled in July 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip

Review 3

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

There are so many memorable times and things Angkor Wat was a big highlight as was the border crossing and journey by pickup trucks! The Cambodian people and their smiles I will always remember. Great company in the evenings and fantastic food.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Brilliant Shane really looked after us all made us all welcome and did more than expected spending each evening with us sorting out meals and drinks and generally keeping us all more than happy and well looked after.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes absolutley using the loacla guides and resturants

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Try your company cant fault you guys at all

Reviewed by Diane Kavanagh who travelled in November 2008 on the Cambodia Discovery trip

Review 4

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

There are so many memorable times and things Angkor Wat was a big highlight as was the border crossing and journey by pickup trucks! The Cambodian people and their smiles I will always remember. Great company in the evenings and fantastic food.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Brilliant Shane really looked after us all made us all welcome and did more than expected spending each evening with us sorting out meals and drinks and generally keeping us all more than happy and well looked after.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes absolutley using the loacla guides and resturants

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Try your company cant fault you guys at all

Reviewed by Diane Kavanagh who travelled in November 2008 on the Cambodia Discovery trip

Review 5

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

eperiancing the local food and culture, meeting new people local and the group alike.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

the tour leaders are great (not just this tour) they are friendly helpful and their general knowledge of the country and local ameinites

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

i would have thought so, the people that we came in contact with gained greatly in knowledge of other people's country and also a little wealthier by our spending especially in the out of the way villages that we visit, also Imtrav donates to the local orphanage their too plus we also have the option to help out too like making a donation or buy them supplies that they greatly need

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

yes i do, experiencing their culture and going around lets you get to grips with their country and the people, by sampling ther culture and food and their religion really lets you get under the skin of their country

What advice would you give to other travellers?

take it easy, get to blend in with the people and always try to respect the advice of the tour leader as they know the country better then yourself but the best advce would be to just relax and enjoy your holiday

Reviewed by Daniel Sellers who travelled in October 2006 on the Highlights and Hilltribes trip

Review 6

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Cambodia - loved the people (especially the little kids) loved the atmosphere and loved the scenery. I also enjoyed the unusual truck ride from the border to Siem reap!!

How would you rate the tour leaders?

I found the tour leader a little patronising but he had some extremely useful local knowledge. He was also very keen to stay as part of the group and joined us for meals etc which i thought i was nice.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Our tour guide did mention about some local projects but not in any great detail

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

We were only in each location for a few days at a time so we didnt get to fully experience each country (but that isnt a negative of the trip as we were looking for a short tour)

What advice would you give to other travellers?

What ever price they offer you - don't be embarrassed to cut it in half!!

Reviewed by Sian Peach who travelled in May 2008 on the Majestic Angkor trip

Review 7

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Taking a very reluctant husband, who on day three wanted to know where we could go next year with you! Finding that football trancends all language barriers, the boys played in the tribal village till the sun went down.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Oi was phenominal, don't believe she can be beaten!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Not sure, but it definatly benefitted us. The benefit of taking children to a different culture and enviroment, where they are expoded to a life without play stations was invaluble.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Just go, don't hesitate, don't worry everything is thought of and you are so well looked after.

Reviewed by Jane Lewis who travelled in July 2007 on the Fabulous Thailand trip

Review 8

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Waking up in a hill village and seeing elephants waiting to take us to our next destination.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, eg the hill village certainly got some trade from us - but there was a slight feeling of laying things on for the tourist which I'd have preferred not to have been there. eg doing a traditional dance, not really necessary. Difficult fine line.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes - because geographically we saw a fair bit, you did start to get a feel for the different areas and it was great stopping off at roadside cafes and stalls and seeing a bit of real Thailand.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

We were a bit worried to start with, taking our 10 and 12 year old children on this type of holiday but we really needn't have worried. We had a fantastic time from beginning to end. The children absolutely loved it, and because all the travel arrangements, transfers etc were taken care of, we could just enjoy the country to the full. It felt safe, but at the same time quite an adventure, an excellent combination for a family holiday.

Reviewed by Murray Anderson-Wallace who travelled in December 2007 on the Fabulous Thailand trip

Review 9

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Spending the night in a hilltribe, seeing the kids dancing and leaving the place riding elephants the next day.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

The local leaders were very good and really increased the value of the experience. The trip leader was great. She was always trying to help and gave great advice and information.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I am glad that I could have a deeper experience compared to regular tourists, at least in the first part of the trip. The second part (Krabi) was great because the beach is beautiful, but it was more touristy.

Reviewed by Rodrigo Riul who travelled in March 2007 on the Thailand Encompassed trip

Review 10

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Getting up early morning to see the Monks receiving Alms in Luang Prabang. Seeing the DVD about the horrors of the US bombing;walking from one site to the next on the Plain of Jars through the mine cleared area. I think the best was going into a local village where they are not spoilt by tourism in any form, and being invited to share the rice wine with them as friends in the head man's house. They were just lovely people in all ways.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

I found all the tour leaders extremely good and Ian is extremely knowledgable about the whole area and the people; for example taking us to a village he knew that is not on the tourist tat trial and they would not have dollar signs in their eyes just smiles of welcome.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

I hope that we benefited the local people by buying their home made goods, being friendly and treating them with the respect they deserve. We were the funny foreigners not them.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

To get under the skin of a country you have to live there a year or two and have a working knowledge of the language. Tourists only skim the surface. I lived and worked over a period of 13 years in Egypt, Jordan, The Lebanon and Iran and there I felt that I had got under the skin of the countries. This is why I say you must live and work with the locals not just a 2 week visit.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

RESPECT all local customs and their way of life (even if you don't agree with it). Remember that you are the funny foreigner not the locals, it is their country and no where, not even your home country, is perfect. Always SMILE with your eyes as well, it gets you so far with all ages and peoples. Learn some of the local language like hello, goodbye and especially please and thank you.

Reviewed by Gloria Percy who travelled in March 2008 on the Magical Laos trip

Review 11

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Visiting local villages and interacting with the people.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

The tour leader was excellent and managed to cater for a group of disperate tour members, helping us to get the most out of the trip.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes. We spent in locally run markets, shops and restaurants.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

We scratched the surface of Lao, which is more than most tour company's do.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go on holiday with an open mind and experience all you can of the local people.

Reviewed by Peter Elliott who travelled in March 2008 on the Magical Laos trip

Review 12

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

The Temples at Siem Reap were beautiful and that was probably my favourite day of the tour.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Excellent, you could tell that Krista loves Cambodia, and enjoys showing others around the country.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely, we gave blood at the Childrens Hospital in Siem Reap, and took fruit and supplies to the Landmine Museum, amongst other things.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, absolutely.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.

Reviewed by Emily Ashdown who travelled in February 2008 on the Majestic Angkor trip

Review 13

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Trekking in the mountains of Chiang Mai, traveling on the overnight train, meeting good friends. Watching the stars whilst sitting in front of a camp fire miles away from anywhere.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Pong is mad! Being a local he knew all the ins and outs of Thailand and I learnt a lot from him. He is very knowledgeable and a lot of fun to be with. Go Pong! The trekking guides were also brilliant - Pan and Boon if I remember rightly. It was great to watch them run up and down those steep slopes in their flipflops stopping every now and then to machete through the bush and make haats out of palm leaves. They're also great cooks!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Not sure about this one. Im Trav deifinitely show respect towards the local tribe people but I did feel rather intrusive at times. Money wise I thought that Im Trav did benefit the local people as one person from the group was always responsible for giving the guide etc a tip (tipping kitty)

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes - again mostly to the knowledge of Pong. Of course, traveling in a group can limit your experiences of a country but it was so diverse and we got to see a lot of things other tourists don't (Pong´s impromptu ´tour´of Bangkok was a whirlwind of colours, foods, smells and madness - especially the 5 man tuk tuk ride and the taxi boat that had tarpaulin on each side to stop the canal from pouring in as we sped nosisily towards the centre!)

What advice would you give to other travellers?

If you want to see and feel a country or an area go on an Im Trav tour - you´ll see so much and meet so many likeminded people and go away with a fine sense of achievement. Recommended.

Reviewed by Llinos Jones who travelled in January 2008 on the Northern Adventure trip

Review 14

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

The people. Good group of people, varying ages, some couples, some singles. But everyone very nice and made the tour very enjoyable.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Very good. Knowledge and motivating, trying to get the whole group involved.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Spend 2 nights in Koh Sok national park. Guides there, also provided food, shelter etc. Very much dependant upon tourism.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

If I had have spent 2 weeks in a 4* hotel I don't feel I would have had the same Thailand experience. Good to get to slighty more out of reach areas, and just soak up the experience, and have a more basic existance as the Thai's do.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go with an open mind, and don't expect creature comforts. but in return you will have a fantastic holiday, go to some great places and meet some great traveling companions. Just enjoy the experience!

Reviewed by Donna Fell who travelled in November 2007 on the Beaches & Jungles trip

Review 15

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Kao Suk National Park.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

I hope so.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I think I could taste some of the real Thai.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.

Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the Wilderness Adventure trip

Review 16

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!

How would you rate the tour leaders?

amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!

Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the Wilderness Adventure trip

Review 17

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

trekking and staying at the homestays and our stay at Halong bay, also visiting the killing fields in Cambodia.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Excellent, they were all fantastic, had a lot of knowledge about the places we visited, always on hand to help with any inquires.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes definetly.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, every country I visited.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do as many trips as possible, they are safe, affordable and offer great services.

Reviewed by Laura Morris who travelled in June 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip

Review 18

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Kao Suk National Park.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

I hope so.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I think I could taste some of the real Thai.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.

Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the age of travellers trip

Review 19

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!

How would you rate the tour leaders?

amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!

Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the age of travellers trip

Review 20

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Kao Suk National Park.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

I hope so.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I think I could taste some of the real Thai.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.

Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the PIG trip

Review 21

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!

How would you rate the tour leaders?

amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!

Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the PIG trip

Review 22

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Kao Suk National Park.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

I hope so.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I think I could taste some of the real Thai.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.

Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the Thailand Wilderness Adventure Nov 15 2008 trip

Review 23

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!

How would you rate the tour leaders?

amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!

Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the Thailand Wilderness Adventure Nov 15 2008 trip

Review 24

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Spending the night in a hilltribe, seeing the kids dancing and leaving the place riding elephants the next day.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

The local leaders were very good and really increased the value of the experience. The trip leader was great. She was always trying to help and gave great advice and information.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I am glad that I could have a deeper experience compared to regular tourists, at least in the first part of the trip. The second part (Krabi) was great because the beach is beautiful, but it was more touristy.

Reviewed by Rodrigo Riul who travelled in March 2007 on the Thailand Encompassed trip

Review 25

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

trekking and staying at the homestays and our stay at Halong bay, also visiting the killing fields in Cambodia.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Excellent, they were all fantastic, had a lot of knowledge about the places we visited, always on hand to help with any inquires.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes definetly.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, every country I visited.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do as many trips as possible, they are safe, affordable and offer great services.

Reviewed by Laura Morris who travelled in June 2007 on the Hanoi to Singapore trip

Review 26

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Trekking in the mountains of Chiang Mai, traveling on the overnight train, meeting good friends. Watching the stars whilst sitting in front of a camp fire miles away from anywhere.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Pong is mad! Being a local he knew all the ins and outs of Thailand and I learnt a lot from him. He is very knowledgeable and a lot of fun to be with. Go Pong! The trekking guides were also brilliant - Pan and Boon if I remember rightly. It was great to watch them run up and down those steep slopes in their flipflops stopping every now and then to machete through the bush and make haats out of palm leaves. They're also great cooks!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Not sure about this one. Im Trav deifinitely show respect towards the local tribe people but I did feel rather intrusive at times. Money wise I thought that Im Trav did benefit the local people as one person from the group was always responsible for giving the guide etc a tip (tipping kitty)

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes - again mostly to the knowledge of Pong. Of course, traveling in a group can limit your experiences of a country but it was so diverse and we got to see a lot of things other tourists don't (Pong´s impromptu ´tour´of Bangkok was a whirlwind of colours, foods, smells and madness - especially the 5 man tuk tuk ride and the taxi boat that had tarpaulin on each side to stop the canal from pouring in as we sped nosisily towards the centre!)

What advice would you give to other travellers?

If you want to see and feel a country or an area go on an Im Trav tour - you´ll see so much and meet so many likeminded people and go away with a fine sense of achievement. Recommended.

Reviewed by Llinos Jones who travelled in January 2008 on the Northern Adventure trip

Review 27

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Taking a very reluctant husband, who on day three wanted to know where we could go next year with you! Finding that football trancends all language barriers, the boys played in the tribal village till the sun went down.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Oi was phenominal, don't believe she can be beaten!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Not sure, but it definatly benefitted us. The benefit of taking children to a different culture and enviroment, where they are expoded to a life without play stations was invaluble.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Just go, don't hesitate, don't worry everything is thought of and you are so well looked after.

Reviewed by Jane Lewis who travelled in July 2007 on the Fabulous Thailand trip

Review 28

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Waking up in a hill village and seeing elephants waiting to take us to our next destination.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, eg the hill village certainly got some trade from us - but there was a slight feeling of laying things on for the tourist which I'd have preferred not to have been there. eg doing a traditional dance, not really necessary. Difficult fine line.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes - because geographically we saw a fair bit, you did start to get a feel for the different areas and it was great stopping off at roadside cafes and stalls and seeing a bit of real Thailand.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

We were a bit worried to start with, taking our 10 and 12 year old children on this type of holiday but we really needn't have worried. We had a fantastic time from beginning to end. The children absolutely loved it, and because all the travel arrangements, transfers etc were taken care of, we could just enjoy the country to the full. It felt safe, but at the same time quite an adventure, an excellent combination for a family holiday.

Reviewed by Murray Anderson-Wallace who travelled in December 2007 on the Fabulous Thailand trip

Review 29

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Kao Suk National Park.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

I hope so.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I think I could taste some of the real Thai.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.

Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the Thai Wilderness SAWA 15th November 2008 trip

Review 30

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!

How would you rate the tour leaders?

amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!

Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the Thai Wilderness SAWA 15th November 2008 trip

Review 31

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Trekking in the mountains of Chiang Mai, traveling on the overnight train, meeting good friends. Watching the stars whilst sitting in front of a camp fire miles away from anywhere.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Pong is mad! Being a local he knew all the ins and outs of Thailand and I learnt a lot from him. He is very knowledgeable and a lot of fun to be with. Go Pong! The trekking guides were also brilliant - Pan and Boon if I remember rightly. It was great to watch them run up and down those steep slopes in their flipflops stopping every now and then to machete through the bush and make haats out of palm leaves. They're also great cooks!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Not sure about this one. Im Trav deifinitely show respect towards the local tribe people but I did feel rather intrusive at times. Money wise I thought that Im Trav did benefit the local people as one person from the group was always responsible for giving the guide etc a tip (tipping kitty)

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes - again mostly to the knowledge of Pong. Of course, traveling in a group can limit your experiences of a country but it was so diverse and we got to see a lot of things other tourists don't (Pong´s impromptu ´tour´of Bangkok was a whirlwind of colours, foods, smells and madness - especially the 5 man tuk tuk ride and the taxi boat that had tarpaulin on each side to stop the canal from pouring in as we sped nosisily towards the centre!)

What advice would you give to other travellers?

If you want to see and feel a country or an area go on an Im Trav tour - you´ll see so much and meet so many likeminded people and go away with a fine sense of achievement. Recommended.

Reviewed by Llinos Jones who travelled in January 2008 on the Northern Adventure 22nd Nov? trip

Review 32

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Kao Suk National Park.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

I hope so.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I think I could taste some of the real Thai.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.

Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the Wilderness Adventure Thailand 27th June - 11th July - post tour traveling? trip

Review 33

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!

How would you rate the tour leaders?

amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!

Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the Wilderness Adventure Thailand 27th June - 11th July - post tour traveling? trip

Review 34

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Taking a very reluctant husband, who on day three wanted to know where we could go next year with you! Finding that football trancends all language barriers, the boys played in the tribal village till the sun went down.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Oi was phenominal, don't believe she can be beaten!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Not sure, but it definatly benefitted us. The benefit of taking children to a different culture and enviroment, where they are expoded to a life without play stations was invaluble.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Just go, don't hesitate, don't worry everything is thought of and you are so well looked after.

Reviewed by Jane Lewis who travelled in July 2007 on the fab thailand trip

Review 35

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Waking up in a hill village and seeing elephants waiting to take us to our next destination.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, eg the hill village certainly got some trade from us - but there was a slight feeling of laying things on for the tourist which I'd have preferred not to have been there. eg doing a traditional dance, not really necessary. Difficult fine line.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes - because geographically we saw a fair bit, you did start to get a feel for the different areas and it was great stopping off at roadside cafes and stalls and seeing a bit of real Thailand.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

We were a bit worried to start with, taking our 10 and 12 year old children on this type of holiday but we really needn't have worried. We had a fantastic time from beginning to end. The children absolutely loved it, and because all the travel arrangements, transfers etc were taken care of, we could just enjoy the country to the full. It felt safe, but at the same time quite an adventure, an excellent combination for a family holiday.

Reviewed by Murray Anderson-Wallace who travelled in December 2007 on the fab thailand trip

Review 36

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Taking a very reluctant husband, who on day three wanted to know where we could go next year with you! Finding that football trancends all language barriers, the boys played in the tribal village till the sun went down.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Oi was phenominal, don't believe she can be beaten!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Not sure, but it definatly benefitted us. The benefit of taking children to a different culture and enviroment, where they are expoded to a life without play stations was invaluble.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Just go, don't hesitate, don't worry everything is thought of and you are so well looked after.

Reviewed by Jane Lewis who travelled in July 2007 on the chaing mai days out trip

Review 37

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Waking up in a hill village and seeing elephants waiting to take us to our next destination.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, eg the hill village certainly got some trade from us - but there was a slight feeling of laying things on for the tourist which I'd have preferred not to have been there. eg doing a traditional dance, not really necessary. Difficult fine line.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes - because geographically we saw a fair bit, you did start to get a feel for the different areas and it was great stopping off at roadside cafes and stalls and seeing a bit of real Thailand.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

We were a bit worried to start with, taking our 10 and 12 year old children on this type of holiday but we really needn't have worried. We had a fantastic time from beginning to end. The children absolutely loved it, and because all the travel arrangements, transfers etc were taken care of, we could just enjoy the country to the full. It felt safe, but at the same time quite an adventure, an excellent combination for a family holiday.

Reviewed by Murray Anderson-Wallace who travelled in December 2007 on the chaing mai days out trip

Review 38

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Kao Suk National Park.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Great. She was really helpful and fun. She is good at bringing tour members together.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

I hope so.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I think I could taste some of the real Thai.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

All activites is not really hard. But if you feel it's too hard, don't give up. Because it's worth doing it.

Reviewed by Yuko Imamura who travelled in December 2005 on the Thailand Wilderness Tour Depart August 8th trip

Review 39

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

being proposed to under the waterfall at chang mai, i said yes!

How would you rate the tour leaders?

amazing, they have real passion for their country. our main tour leader kit went out of his way to help the group on a number of occasions, i dont think he had a single day off.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes, the tourists bring needed money into their community, without us they would be unable to live the life they would like to lead.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

after a few days we became very confident with the ways of thailand, i very much enjoyed haggling prices in the local markets.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

when advised to be physically fit for trekking in the jungle, take their advice! i did no training because i concidered myself as reasonably fit, how wrong i was, i really struggled with trekking in the jungle!

Reviewed by Louise Orriss who travelled in March 2008 on the Thailand Wilderness Tour Depart August 8th trip

Review 40

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

The people. Good group of people, varying ages, some couples, some singles. But everyone very nice and made the tour very enjoyable.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Very good. Knowledge and motivating, trying to get the whole group involved.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Spend 2 nights in Koh Sok national park. Guides there, also provided food, shelter etc. Very much dependant upon tourism.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

If I had have spent 2 weeks in a 4* hotel I don't feel I would have had the same Thailand experience. Good to get to slighty more out of reach areas, and just soak up the experience, and have a more basic existance as the Thai's do.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go with an open mind, and don't expect creature comforts. but in return you will have a fantastic holiday, go to some great places and meet some great traveling companions. Just enjoy the experience!

Reviewed by Donna Fell who travelled in November 2007 on the Beaches and Jungle - Departing Saturday 25 April 2009 trip

Review 41

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Taking a very reluctant husband, who on day three wanted to know where we could go next year with you! Finding that football trancends all language barriers, the boys played in the tribal village till the sun went down.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Oi was phenominal, don't believe she can be beaten!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Not sure, but it definatly benefitted us. The benefit of taking children to a different culture and enviroment, where they are expoded to a life without play stations was invaluble.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Just go, don't hesitate, don't worry everything is thought of and you are so well looked after.

Reviewed by Jane Lewis who travelled in July 2007 on the Family adventure in Thailand trip

Review 42

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

Waking up in a hill village and seeing elephants waiting to take us to our next destination.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, eg the hill village certainly got some trade from us - but there was a slight feeling of laying things on for the tourist which I'd have preferred not to have been there. eg doing a traditional dance, not really necessary. Difficult fine line.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes - because geographically we saw a fair bit, you did start to get a feel for the different areas and it was great stopping off at roadside cafes and stalls and seeing a bit of real Thailand.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

We were a bit worried to start with, taking our 10 and 12 year old children on this type of holiday but we really needn't have worried. We had a fantastic time from beginning to end. The children absolutely loved it, and because all the travel arrangements, transfers etc were taken care of, we could just enjoy the country to the full. It felt safe, but at the same time quite an adventure, an excellent combination for a family holiday.

Reviewed by Murray Anderson-Wallace who travelled in December 2007 on the Family adventure in Thailand trip

Thailand Forum Feedback

minimum numbers for tour

Hi, I noticed that the tour I'm booked on (Thailand Northern Adventure, 27th June) isn't yet guaranteed to run. I just wanted to know how much notice we are given if the tour is not going to run because of lack of people. Thanks, Sarah x

Beaches and Jungle - Departing Saturday 25 April 2009

Hi guys... I am going on the Beaches and Jungle tour that takes place between Saturday 25 April and Saturday 2nd May, departing from Bangkok. It would be great to chat to anyone going on this tour, especially as i arrive at the initial hotel the day before. I believe there are 17 of us on this trip so it would be great to hear from some like minded individuals :0)

Hanoi to Bangkok

We will be on the Hanoi to Bangkok Tour in July. I am making flight stuff back to the US. Can you tell me what time the overnight train from Chaing Mai gets into Bangkok? I am unable to get the plane tickets until I know what time we get into Bangkok. Eric and Ashley

Indochina Adventure, 18/12/09

So, I took the plunge and booked this tour today, and I know time's going to drag between now and December as a result, particularly as I pretty much can't have any time off work until I go! Anyway, I just thought I'd get in early and start a topic for anyone who's taking the tour, to say hello etc. Apparently only me and one other person have booked so far (feel free to step out of the shadows and say hello, whoever you are), so we could do with at least another 4 of you signing up too - that way the tour will be guaranteed to run. :D Look forward to hearing from you! Dom

Elephants and Adventure Thailand Oct17th

Hi All, Myself and my Girlfriend will be on the Elephants and Adventure tour, so thought I'd post to say 'Hi' to anyone going in October! As you may be able to tell I've been to Thailand a few times, however this will be my Girlfriends first trip! So seeing as she Loves elephants what better way! Thanks to Emma at imaginative for sorting out all the details:)