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Review of "Природа и Нирвана - Белый храм, слоны, деревня Каренов и релакс в спа" Excursion

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Overall, the tour was well organized. The transfer was convenient, and everything was on time. The guide was detailed and engaging, and there were no issues with the organization. The White Temple is beautiful and unusual, but for me personally, it wasn't a "wow" experience. I wouldn't go again; it was more of a show-stopper. We might have just been unlucky with the monk. He didn't seem particularly engaged, quickly tying ribbons for others and smoking. By comparison, at the Big Buddha, the monk performed a full ritual, saying something and sprinkling water; the atmosphere there was more profound. I liked the observation deck; the views were beautiful. We were lucky; there weren't many people there. But this place is only for 10-15 minutes; there's nothing to do there for longer. The weakest part of the tour was the food. I hope the organizers will address this. There weren't enough shrimp; the first few people took 3-4 each, and the rest got nothing. The tom yum was too spicy, and many simply fished out the seafood. The chicken was served at the end and was very dry; almost no one ate it. Two elephants were simply ordered in vain. The sauces were too spicy. As a result, my family and I left without having eaten enough. There's no separate menu for children. We went with a four-year-old, and the program itself was fine, but almost all the families ordered additional fries and nuggets for the kids at their own expense, just to make sure they ate anything at all. This is worth considering. We liked the elephants; they were a positive part of the program. I would have liked a little more time for feeding, especially when there are six elephants and you want to give each one your attention. Karen people. The stop is short, and there's not much to do there. The group simply wasn't interested, so we left early. This place is more about looking at the girls and buying souvenirs to support them. But you have mixed feelings because this kind of support also keeps them in the system longer. The impression is rather sad. The spa is excellent, plenty of time. There are 5-6 different hot tubs, about 37-40 degrees Celsius; not everyone decides to go in, but I liked it. I recommend it. Mud and turmeric treatments can stain white clothing, so it's best to warn your guide about this in advance! This is a good point to keep in mind, as reception may not mention it! The spa is located far from the tourist areas, so a separate trip isn't ideal. If you're specifically looking for a place to visit, it's easier to take a tour, especially if you haven't seen the other stops yet. This was my first tour of this kind, so I have nothing to compare it to. The organization was good, but the food really spoiled the experience.

Reply from Tisland Travel
Andrey, thank you for such a detailed review! 😊
We're glad you mentioned the tour's well-organized organization, convenient transfers, and the guide's service.
Thank you for your comments about the food. We understand that Thai cuisine isn't everyone's cup of tea. It's a bit spicy for some. We'll consider ways to improve this.
It's great that the program left a positive impression overall.
We look forward to seeing you again!