Tom Pearson review 19 Feb 2010
An awesome time. Insightful, and picturesque. Stimulating and relaxing. Not as high a level of biking as I expected (was fairly pedestrian) so would recommend over-estimating your ability when booking a similar holiday. But overall enjoyable and recommendable.
Ami Christensen review 29 Jan 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Riding on the back roads and seeing life outside of Bangkok was amazing! The riding was relaxing and we could stay longer at places that we were especially interested in. We wouldn't have had this freedom in a large tour group. We also loved eating at local restaurants and markets.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you're not in great shape, opt for the easier fourth day route. Since you're burning calories riding, try lots of local foods when you stop.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The markets, restaurants, and even many temples were not what we would typically see on a large group tour. We were happy to give small, local people our business.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Thailand was one of the best vacation spots I have ever visited, but this tour was by far the best part. Our driver and guide could not have been more helpful, but also let us have time to wander alone.
Emma ONeill review 6 Aug 2007
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing such a massive range of scenery, plus having a knowledgeable guide with us, to explain some of the history and culture of the places we visited. Awesome trip! Highly recommended.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy it! Book this trip if you're keen on seeing a wide range of places in a short time.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We bought all of our meals from local outlets and markets, which contributes to the economies of those places.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
AMAZING!
Helen Richards review 5 Aug 2007
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The tour guide was fantastic - I really liked the way he showed us round the markets, gave us the opportunity to try foods, had a great local cultural and historical knowledge and was generally really helpful and really interesting to talk to.
Seeing as there's not a 'what was bad about this holiday' section on this feedback form I'm going to say here I was extremely disappointed to be taken to an elephant park - the elephants looked miserable and I feel quite strongly that people should not be encouraged to visit these parks and ride the elephants.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just be aware of how hot it can get - the bike ride is a relatively easy 30-35kms a day but at points the heat was punishing. The tour guides provide plenty of water and lovely fresh fruit but make sure you take lots of sunscreen!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It was hard to tell how much it benefited the local people - obviously the guide was local and we visited local restaurants and markets during the day. I am not sure if the hotels/resorts we stayed at were also owned locally.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Was a different way to see the countryside and the things we learned along the way made a real difference to the rest of our time in Thailand as well. I would highly recommend this tour.
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for the review and recommendation. We try hard to make sure that everyone enjoys their experience on our tours. Thailand has so much to offer, and this tour is a fabulous way to get off the beaten track and get a different perspective. We are glad you agree.
Regarding the hotels we use: When we selected the hotels for this tour, we attempted to select hotels that were owned locally, and/or have direct beneficial impact to local area and community.
Please be aware that touring the elephant park is not something that we actively promote. And, in fact, it’s not on the tour’s itinerary. However, the tour does go past this park and some guides have indicated that some guests have requested to visit it, and so they have obliged.
We look forward to cycling with you again in the near future!
