What made you want to go to Thailand?

We wanted to take a family trip with our two young children, ages two and a half and four. We needed a country that was relatively safe. Our neighbors had gone to Thailand two years before us. They told us it was the perfect place to visit with kids because Thai people really love children.

Travelers, guide Lek, and his wife in a restaurant in Thailand This was the first time we planned our trip with an independent guide. Usually, we go through local agencies or book package tours. For example, for our honeymoon, we traveled through Peru and Bolivia via a local agency based in Lima. The advantage of traveling with an independent guide is the freedom to set your own schedule and itinerary.

“The advantage of traveling with an independent guide is the freedom to set your own schedule and itinerary.”

How did you plan your trip to Thailand with Lek? Our neighbors had traveled with Mr. Lek. They recommended him to us. After talking with him, he put together an itinerary for the week we were going to spend together. Mr. Lek’s response time was sometimes a bit slow. But don’t worry—if you plan ahead, everything will be fine. Guides in Thailand often have to travel with their clients, and there isn’t cell service everywhere. We were gone for two weeks. We spent the first week in the north with Mr. Lek, and the second on an island further south, on our own.

Guide Lek and his wife in a tuk-tuk in Thailand I handled booking our hotels and flights. I only used Mr. Lek’s services for excursions and transportation. During our week with Mr. Lek, we stayed at a hotel I had chosen. Additionally, we spent one night at another hotel chosen and booked by Mr. Lek in the Golden Triangle (where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet). Furthermore, I didn’t send any money before the trip; everything was to be paid for on-site.

Once you arrived, how did your trip to Thailand begin? Our itinerary started in Chiang Mai. Mr. Lek and his wife took us to Doi Suthep Temple. They explained the basics of the Buddhist religion (its philosophy, culture, and customs). It was very interesting. Then we visited the crocodile farm, the monkey school, the snake farm, and finally, the butterfly garden. Beautiful butterflies would land on us. The children loved this experience.

The travelers in front of Buddhist statues with the guide Lek’s wife On the second day, we went to the village of Bo Sang. There, we visited the silver workshop and the paper umbrella workshop. Mr. Lek also took us to the hot springs. There, we didn’t see any tourists, only locals. It was very pleasant. The springs emerge from the ground at a temperature too high to bathe in completely. But a spring-fed pool has been built on the site to allow visitors to fully enjoy its benefits. It was a nice, relaxing time with the family.

A Thai cooking class given to travelers by the guide Lek’s wife

What did you do next??

The next day, Mr. Lek took us to an elephant sanctuary. When planning the trip, I had made it clear that we didn’t want to go to an elephant reserve where the animals are mistreated and forced to carry tourists on their backs all day long. He understood me and took us to a small center he knows well and that is much less frequented by tourists. There, the elephants roam freely but are fed at the center. We had the pleasure of caring for them, feeding them, and taking them to the river to wash them. It was a magical moment, one of the highlights of our stay in Thailand with Mr. Lek.

“It was a magical moment, one of the highlights of our stay in Thailand with Mr. Lek.”

Once the elephants were fed and clean, we met up with Mrs. Lek, who gave us a Thai cooking class. It was a truly special time spent with her, and we all enjoyed the wonderful meal we prepared together. Everything was delicious! After lunch, we went bamboo rafting. It’s basically a river trip in a bamboo raft.

Travelers with elephants at a conservation center What did you do in the Golden Triangle? To finish our trip, we headed up to the Golden Triangle in the Chiang Rai region for two days. On our way there, we stopped at the White Temple. Once we arrived at our destination that evening, we had dinner as a family by the Mekong River and stayed at the small hotel near the river that Mr. Lek had booked. The very next morning, we went to the Golden Triangle, from where we could see the Laotian and Burmese lands. We took a boat with Mr. and Mrs. Lek to cross the river and visit a market in Laos. Then, we went to Burma. A tuk-tuk driver whom Mr. Lek knew took us to visit Burmese temples.

Travelers in a temple On the way back, we stopped in a village where several Thai tribes still live according to their traditions (Karens, Long Necks, etc.). Personally, I find that as it is presented today, this village feels more like folklore for tourists than a truly authentic village. But it’s still interesting to see how these tribes used to live and what their customs were, particularly regarding clothing (accessories used, etc.).

A guide showing a map of Thailand to a traveler The schedule for this week in northern Thailand was very packed but also very rich in discoveries and encounters. The children were quite tired by the end of the week but they rested well the following week.

During this trip, how did Lek treat you? Every morning, Mr. Lek and his wife would pick us up at the hotel, and in the evening they would drop us off there. Mr. Lek was the one driving. His wife sat with him in the front of the car. Mrs. Lek took very good care of the children. She bought bottles of water and fresh fruit for them. Mr. Lek made us laugh when he said with his accent, “My wife babysitter,” so we’d let her take care of the kids while we took photos or did other things. Our son and Mrs. Lek got along very well. She grew fond of him and took great care of him, especially when he got tired of the long car rides!

“We really enjoyed their company! No pressure about timing—he stopped whenever we wanted. He did everything for us; they wanted to make us happy. ”

She was very patient and made sure the trip went by faster for the kids. We really enjoyed their company! No pressure about timing. Mr. Lek stopped whenever we wanted. He did everything for us; they both wanted to make us happy. Plus, Mr. Lek took lots of photos of the four of us. At the end of the trip, he gave us a USB drive full of memories from our journey. We really appreciated that gesture. Mr. Lek was also very attentive to safety, especially while driving; he drove smoothly and very carefully.

Guide Lek’s wife holding a child on a boat

What advice would you give?

In Thailand, with young children, I’d say you need to be prepared for the country’s humid heat. We arrived in late May, and it took our children 24 hours to acclimate. Also, as with any trip, the earlier you plan, the more you can tailor your stay to your preferences. Finally, in Thailand in particular, it’s helpful to quickly learn a few simple words or phrases. This applies to polite expressions, of course, but also to certain everyday situations. At a restaurant, for example, it’s helpful to be able to specify that you want a dish that’s “not too spicy.” That was one of the first phrases Mr. Lek taught us, and believe me, it came in very handy!

Otherwise, Thailand is a beautiful country. The locals are very welcoming. For those looking for an experienced, professional, and attentive guide, Mr. Lek is perfect! He knows his region well and is acquainted with many people. He is able to quickly resolve any situation. In short, Mr. Lek understands the people traveling with him and strives to meet all their needs.

“For those looking for an experienced, professional, and attentive guide, Mr. Lek is perfect!”