Thailand Explorer Trips

A great group of people. Modifications were made to the itinerary due to the Thai-Cambodian border dispute and this turned out not to be the trip we had originally signed up for. Leaders and guides were very pleasant and helpful. Some great experiences on the trip.

This is a great trip - really varied in terms of what you see and do and also in the places that you stay. It certainly covers the highlights of Northern Thailand. Our tour leader, Champ, was excellent. Very friendly and good at keeping us updated as to what was happening each day. He took the time to make food recommendations at most restaurants and took us around food markets telling us what was what - invaluable local knowledge. If you want to experience Thailand than I can recommend this trip. It has given me a taste of the country and I'd definitely like to visit again.

Overall the trip was brilliant. Koh Ngai was amazing. Fantasy resort was excellent and you didn’t feel like you were just another guest. The trips to the Emerald cave and Koh Mook were both excelled. The group also hiked over part of the island to Paradise Beach, which was well worth it. On the way we came across a huge monitor lizard that looked as though it had been dropped in from the Galapagos Isles. One of our group were also visited by a scorpion in their room. Didn’t see that in the guidebook! The accommodation in Koh Lanta was disappointing after Koh Ngai. Nakara wasn’t a pleasant hotel, its redeeming feature was it was on the beach, the room floorboards cracked every time you stepped on them, disappointing! The trip to Walking with Giants was truly amazing! Plus the night visit to Koh Lanta old town was a gem! Koh Yao Noi dispersed first impressions. The Bangmeehomestay was in a beautiful location and the hosts did everything they could to help us enjoy our stay. A few of us hired bikes and ride around the coast, truly stunning little island! And then there was Ao Nang! Not a lot to be said about it, the Holiday Style is fronted by an enormous car park with no flora whatsoever, in the hotel was OK. AO Nang is OK if you just want bars and restaurants and hustle and bustle, I don’t think it was the right location for this tour! Having said that three of us did a day trip to Railay Beach, now that was awesome! Plus the trip to Hong Islands was enjoyable, especially the climb to the viewpoint!

The Best of Northern Thailand is an excellent tour if you want to have a dip into the country and see what 'Thailand is about'. The itinerary is great, but it is fast paced with stuff to do all the time. The range and number of places to visit is great ranging from an elephant sanctuary, Buddhist temples, WW2 site (Hellfire pass), train over the River Kwai, Earwan Waterfalls, the famed Maeklong railway/market, the Grand Palace in Bangkok to name some. The tour guide was excellent and the trip was better because of him. The accommodation was satisfactory - some of the hotels were a little tired. The highlight of the accommodation was the Boutique Raft Hotel - where your room is above a fast flowing river - how cool!!! Not great for vegetarians or if you have any food intolerances. I'd definitely recommend this trip!!!

Flew from Edinburgh via Doha and Bangkok to Chang Mai. Timings a bit tight but we got there and bags a few hours later. Met by the guide (Witt)- great guy and really helpful. Itinerary was great, stayed in some top places and saw a great number of temples etc. Food ideas were always top notch and well thought out. All very good quality food and usually cheap. The home stay in Nanton Chan was exceptional and the friendliness and acceptance of us by the people was great. The tour meanders down to Bangkok where it finishes and we really enjoyed. Also the people who seem to book via Explore are great bunch and very friendly so everyone fits in. The driving was full on but comfortable and our drivers were exceptional. If you are into full on temples and Thai culture this is an excellent break. Flying back to Edinburgh was tight so probably leave longer gaps between connections.

A really great relaxing holiday, with a good mix of activities and free time. The three islands we visited were all subtly different and it was good to experience those differences. Our leader Mhor was very good, sharing his culture and knowledge. His recommendations for trips in our free time were much appreciated. The only small negative, there was perhaps one too many days in Krabi. It seemed any option for our free day was not as good as things we had already done. Overall a great trip.