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7-Day Getaway
Imagine a week where you're always on the move, trying new things, and taking in breathtaking views. This trip is a perfect blend of city life and outdoor adventures - you'll explore vibrant metropolises, tackle challenging hikes, and experience the rush of adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just looking for a mix of relaxation and excitement, this 7-day getaway has something for everyone.
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A Guide That Ruined Our Adventure to Kaeng Sok National Park
summarizeEditor's Summary
I recently booked a 2-day excursion to Kaeng Sok National Park, but our experience was a total letdown. The guide, Alexander, seemed more interested in his phone than showing us the park's beauty. We faced constant delays, overpriced extras, and a disturbing 'elephant sanctuary' that was more about animal abuse than conservation. If you're planning a trip to this park, be prepared for a frustrating and underwhelming experience with a potentially great view.
settingsSpecifications
KararKötü
Rehberlik2/10
YemeKonusu5/10
ParkTurları8/10
GecelikTurlar4/10
GecelikKonaklama6/10
ElefantSanatoryumu1/10
We booked a 2-day excursion to Kaeng Sok National Park and a nearby lake, with accommodations in floating bungalows. The experience was unique, but we were really looking forward to exploring the park and its surroundings.
Unfortunately, our main complaint was with our guide, Alexander. He spent way too much time talking about his personal life and watching videos on his phone instead of showing us the sights. We paid good money for this tour, and we wanted to see the park, not his phone screen.
The program was super boring and sometimes even disturbing - the 'elephant sanctuary' was actually just a sad excuse for animal abuse. We were really disappointed to see how the animals were being treated. Due to constant delays, we lost over an hour and a half of free time at the lake, and we were forced to pay an extra 200 baht for kayaks that were supposed to be included. That was a major letdown, especially since we were expecting a hassle-free experience.
The meals were communal, with everyone serving themselves from large dishes of rice, chicken, veggies, and fruit. While no one went hungry, it was definitely no gourmet experience. The only drinks available were water, with hot water and instant coffee/tea provided in the mornings. It was pretty basic, but we didn't expect much more from a tour like this.
The lake was amazing, and we could have used more time to explore on our own. We ended up rushing through the whole experience, and it felt really rushed. We wanted to take our time and enjoy the scenery, but our guide had other plans.
On the way back, things took a turn for the worse when our guide argued with the driver over where to stop for 'money'. I had to explain the situation to him in no uncertain terms, and he even started making threats - pretty funny, given his scrawny physique. It was a really uncomfortable situation, and we were all relieved when it was over.
We were initially excited about the Thai tour operators, but our guide was a total disaster. If you're looking for a relaxing lake experience without the hassle of temples and elephants, I'd recommend just booking a lake trip on your own. It's a much better way to go, and you'll have a much more enjoyable time.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What can I expect from the 2-day excursion to Kaeng Sok National Park?
Be prepared for a potentially frustrating experience with a great view. Our guide's lack of interest and unprofessional behavior made the trip disappointing, but the park's natural beauty is still worth seeing.
Are the floating bungalows comfortable and well-maintained?
Yes, the floating bungalows were a highlight of our stay. They were unique, comfy, and well-maintained, making them a great part of the experience.
Can I expect to see a lot of wildlife during the excursion?
Unfortunately, our guide's lack of interest in showing us the park's wildlife meant we didn't see as much as we had hoped. However, the park's natural beauty is still worth seeing.
Is the 'elephant sanctuary' a must-see attraction?
No, the 'elephant sanctuary' was a sad excuse for animal abuse and not a highlight of our trip. It was heartbreaking to see, and we wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Can I rent kayaks at the lake?
Yes, kayaks are available for rent at the lake, but be prepared to pay extra for them. It was worth it, though - we had a great time exploring the lake.
What kind of meals can I expect during the excursion?
The meals were communal and served from large dishes of rice, chicken, veggies, and fruit. While no one went hungry, it was a bit of a letdown - the food was okay, but not great.
Can I expect a hassle-free experience during the excursion?
Unfortunately, our experience was marred by constant delays, overpriced extras, and a disturbing 'elephant sanctuary'. Be prepared for a potentially frustrating experience.
What should I do if I'm planning a trip to Kaeng Sok National Park?
Be prepared for a potentially frustrating experience and don't expect too much from the guide. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to enjoy the park's natural beauty.
Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied with the excursion?
It's best to contact the tour operator directly to inquire about their refund policy - they might be able to help you out.
Are there any other activities to do in the area besides the 2-day excursion?
Yes, there are plenty of other activities to do in the area, such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the nearby town. We didn't have time for them, but they looked like a lot of fun.
Can I bring my own food and drinks during the excursion?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks during the excursion, but be sure to check with the tour operator first - they might have some rules about it.
What kind of clothing should I pack for the excursion?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring the park's natural beauty. We wore what we had, and it was fine, but it would have been better to pack something more suitable.
Can I expect to see any cultural or historical sites during the excursion?
Unfortunately, our guide didn't show us any cultural or historical sites during the excursion. Maybe you'll get lucky and see some, though.
check_circlePros
- •The floating bungalows were a unique and memorable part of our stay - they were comfy and well-maintained.
- •The nearby lake was a beautiful spot for a relaxing afternoon, and the scenery around the park was stunning, even if our guide didn't show us much of it.
- •The communal meals were a great way to bond with fellow travelers, even if the food was a bit of a letdown.
- •The kayaks were a fun way to explore the lake, even if we had to pay extra for them - it was worth it, though.
- •The park's natural beauty was still visible, even through our disappointing experience.
- •We had some great conversations with fellow travelers during the excursion, which made the experience a bit more enjoyable.
cancelCons
- •Our guide, Alexander, was completely unprofessional and seemed more interested in his phone than showing us the park.
- •The 'elephant sanctuary' was a sad excuse for animal abuse - it was heartbreaking to see.
- •The delays and constant waiting around were frustrating and time-consuming, and we felt like we wasted a lot of time.
- •We were forced to pay extra for kayaks that were supposed to be included in the package, which was a bit of a rip-off.
- •The experience was underwhelming and not worth the money we paid - we felt like we got ripped off.
- •The guide's behavior was rude and unhelpful, which made the experience even more disappointing.
