18 independent reviews for Thailand adventure holiday, self drive Tuk Tuk
Reviews for Thailand adventure holiday, self drive Tuk Tuk
Shawn Dietrich review 17 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Washing the Elephants in the river!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentLaurence Impey review 30 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The driving option was exciting and in many places challenging, but usually on roads with very light traffic. The unrushed speed of the tuk tuks was ideal for viewing the countryside and residential areas. This was a great opportunity to learn something of Buddhism; the temples were breathtaking. The walk in the National Park, the close engagement with elephants, the rafting, the caving were all hugely enjoyable: instructive, impressive and/or great fun.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely bring a jumper for the evenings at the higher altitudes. Perhaps prefer a month other than March, when smoke in the atmosphere from so much burning shrouds the distant views to a certain extent.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The accommodation, coffee stops, restaurant meals and locally produced craftwork undoubtedly benefited local people, whether employed or owners. It was charming to come into close contact with such friendly and welcoming local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A string of superlatives for the organisation, care of guests, variety of activities, scenery and peoples. Whether opting to drive or be driven, this is a fascinating, exciting and extremely sociable tour.MONIQUE AUNGER review 23 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Interacting with the elephants. This was a bucket list dream come true for me to be so close to elephants. Exploring the Lod Caves. It was like being in an Indiana Jones movie. The whole tour was so well planned, and we never felt rushed. Our guides Big and OA answered all of our questions. Our mechanic Win was an absolute sweetheart who had our Tuktuks ready to go everyday. It was so enjoyable and relaxing to have all of the details taken care of so we could just enjoy the driving and sight-seeing.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I went on this tour the first two weeks of March 2024. Northern Thailand was experiencing very poor air quality at that time and I developed a cough from the toxic air pollution that I brought home with me. I would recommend if you have any respiratory issues to pick a time of year that does not impact you - but no one can really predict mother nature.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the holiday benefited local communities because we travelled to rural and remote areas that many other tourists do not get to. The roadside stops for the market items and the weird & wonderful restaurants that our guides took us to were often not the kind of places that you would frequent as a tourist on your own. But every business and site that we visited was safe, unique and definitely provided economic support. Several of our stops on this tour supported conservation such as the elephant sanctuary, the waterfall hike and Doi Inthanon.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a spectacular holiday. I was traveling alone, so it was fantastic to be part of our small tour group. I had travel woes getting to Thailand, and Bruce from the operator was in contact with me while I was enroute across the globe and arranged for my pickup at the airport to catch up with the group as I arrived a few hours late on the day the tour started. This was just fantastic service. My luggage also got lost in transit, and the guides we so accommodating to take me to the local market to buy some clothes on day one. Three other women in the group were travelling alone like me and we had a fantastic mix of people from around the world. Driving a tuktuk was a unique experience that I will always chrish.Richard Seal review 15 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Driving the tuk tuks through the Thailand countryside with knowledgeable guides.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
A couple of long days driving, ok if there are two drivers in the party. Bring a good cushion!!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely beneficial to the local people and economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Paul Toogood review 12 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The elephants were great as was the bamboo rafting2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just enjoy its great3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We met and were in harmony with local people who were lovely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10 well put together our travelling guides were fantastic knowledgeable and really thoughtful 10/10Jackie Cox review 24 Feb 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything, it was just fantastic from start to finish.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light, you don't need everything you think you do!!!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely. We ate in local restaurants, stopped on the roadside for food, coffee and local markets and stayed in local family run accommodation. Bruce was very much for this way of thinking, putting back to the local communities and benefitting them.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was the best adventure holiday, ever. The perfect way to see Thailand and immerse yourself in to its way of life, through villages etc. is to travel by Tuk Tuk. We also had a great group of people.Frances Lambert review 17 Feb 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking with the elephants, having local guides happy to answer any questions , so many(all unique) temples. Watching Street food being made to order.Driving the tuks!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you travel in January bring warm clothes even a woolly hat. Be prepared that Thai mattresses can be firm and you can ask for mattress toppers in some establishments.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Local guides were amazing throughout. Locally owned places to stay and eat.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing well planned and paced. We had such a great time it was relaxing challenging and a proper adventure. Thoroughly recommend.Scott Nakaoka review 28 Dec 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our guide who made everything fun and memorable.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be ready for an adventure.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10Marlene Sinclair review 28 Dec 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
In fact it's a question with several answers because everything is absolutely wonderful about this trip.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go and enjoy.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Perfect with a wonderful team.Kath Shepherd review 25 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything was just wonderful. The tuk tuks, elephants, fantastic food, such friendly people and a great group of fellow travellers and fantastic guides.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Come prepared to have lots of fun.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. They made sure we ate at and visited venues and villages that catered for their communities.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
15/10. It was fab from start to finish.Nick Moss review 5 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Aside from driving the Tuk Tuks, which was ludicrously fun, it was bathing the elephants which was a joyous experience and I could have done it for much longer, they seemed to love it as much as we did. The food was excellent as well2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I'd highly recommend the self drive option. It is more fun than it has any right to be. Don't fret about rainy season. It may chuck it down for an hour but the rest of the day was just fine. It rained on our training day and once when we were driving. Rained a couple of times at night. Otherwise the weather was sunny or light cloud cover with no rain which we actually preferred since it wasn't as hot. (Late August)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Everything we did was helping local people, everywhere we stopped was run by local people so we were putting money back into the local communities. Most of Thailand seems to be playing catch up in terms of the environment. Almost everywhere we went is still using single use plastic, cups and straws for instance, and cutlery was often wrapped in plastic. A few places were making the effort though so they are on their way.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really great fun, the whole family loved it. Us and two kids (20 and 18) The kids were thrilled to be able to drive themselves. The mountains were glorious and despite being rainy seasonLynda Proud review 20 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Driving the Tuk Tuk2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring along your good sense of humour and leave all your troubles behind3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes especially the hill tribes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely fantasticAngela Ogilvie review 31 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
What we loved most is the people - the locals are kind, gentle and go out of their way to lend a helping hand. They are full of smiles and exude a sense of peace. The itinerary was superb! Going 'off the beaten' track and getting under the skin of Northern Thailand, just fabulous! From Bruce the CEO to the guides - in particular OA and Yaya excellent! The food, the weather all amazing!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely pack warm clothes for up in the mountains, it can really get cold. Layering is a good option. Northern Thailand is very different to the well trodden south, it's like travelling to a totally different country - the way of life is slower, more relaxed and gentle. Chiang Mai is an amazing city - would definitely recommend spending time there post or pre holiday.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely, we stayed at locally owned hotels, ate in various places - all local and visited local markets.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
5* I would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone thinking about going, you won't be disappointed!Dave Rocklyn review 23 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our local guide introduced us to some real local food, it was all fantastic whether from roadside stalls or restaurants. To have the food ordered for us and explained made all the difference,when our Thai vocabulary was nil and many locals spoke little English in the off the beaten track places we visited. Our guides were so much more than we expected as we have done a few overseas guided tours before. Boyz and Oa are simply fantastic at showing this area and all it has to offer, even what tree is that and the locals use the bark for sunscreen... Who,d a thought.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The Tuk Tuk seat can get a bit hard after 10 days. Bring a cushion! Shorter trips should not be an issue. other than that, just bring ur sense of adventure and open mind.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. The words responsible and ethical were strongly reflected in the way our tour was run.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
11 out of 10.Damien Jones review 7 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Feeding, walking, swimming and bathing the elephants.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
None - the holiday was extremely well planned and executed.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - I think that all of the accomodation, dinning, cafes and activities we visited were well chosen, were off the tourist trail and were selected to benefit the more remote communities.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our holiday was our honeymoon. We had an outstanding adventure that we will never forget. The planning was seemless, the guides were exemplary and promoted Thai culture and values. We made some great friends and will definitely be back. The trip is HIGHLY recommended and should be on everyone's bucket list.Sarah Chaplin review 7 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The experience with the elephants, knowing that we were visiting a camp that is ethical, is run by locals and the other wasn’t a tourist trap.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack a sense of adventure and enjoy the ride! Everything is taken care of for you, you really don’t need to think about much more than getting up in the morning.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
100%. One of the things that makes this trip so special is that you are immersed in Thai culture from day 1. The places that we stop for lunches and dinners are small locally run independent restaurants. The 'tourist spots’ you visit aren’t overcrowded and genuinely are handicrafts or food stalls run by the people making the products.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a fantastic trip and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. The knowledge of the guides, the choice of accommodation and the places that we visit all combine to make a very memorable trip around Chiang Mai province. The 11 days gives a perfect balance of on the go and downtime and the experience of driving the Tuk Tuk is the icing on the cake.Wenda Turrell review 7 Feb 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all pretty exciting & memorable. Driving the Tuk Tuk around the mountain roads was awesome. The river rafting was exciting (prepare to get wet) & a waterfall trek was beautiful, we sat on the ground by a waterfall eating lunch with chopsticks out of a banana leaf, truly memorable2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It was much colder at night & first thing in the morning than expected (we went in Jan) Take some warm clothing.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely, we stayed in accommodation off the beaten track & bought local goods at the markets. We used coffee shops along the way & local restaurants. We visited & supported an elephant sanctuary4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a truly amazing trip, off the beaten track. We felt we’d seen & experienced the real Thailand. We had such a variety of experiences, every day was different. Our two guides were superb (Boyz & Yaya) & really looked after us. Would highly recommend this trip for anyone who wants a bit of an adventureRead the operator's response here:
Many thanks for taking the time to leave such a lovely review - and more importantly for being such fantastic, intrepid travellers. It was our absolute pleasure to help you get off the beaten track and into the real heart of Thailand and hopefully to give you a sense of the region that our team are so passionate about.
Tony Rocha review 13 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Driving 850km on mountain roads with 4000 bends. We had a great caring tour leader/guide in Tony. Bruce was excellent and speedy in response to all my queries prior to the tour.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Our trip was in December, and it was very cold. Bring enough warm clothes.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we lived in small local hotels and ate at local restaurants and coffee shops. Unfortunately we only had plastic bottled water. Some new arrangement should be implemented to eliminate the use of plastic.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, fun, adventurous.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Tony and group
Many thanks for having been such fantastic adventurous travellers and having been so much fun on the trip. The team really enjoyed their time with you and it's great to see that you enjoyed the whole experience.
I note and absolutely agree with your comments on plastic bottled water and this is something we've been looking at for a long time. We committed in our Responsible Travel policy to being 'single use plastic water bottle' free by the end of this year (2019) and everything is underway to achieve this goal and to start 2020 with plastic bottles being a thing of the past. I'm sorry that you caught us at the end of our use of plastic water bottles and do agree that the use of such plastic needs to be eliminated.
Thank you again for your lovely feedback and for having travelled with us and I hope you've all warmed up a bit after the abnormally cold weather over here (it's slowly warming up again now but of course that's no use to you!)
Best wishes
Bruce and Team
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