Thailand in Review
Ratings
Review
One word to describe my four weeks backpacking Thailand with Xtreme Gap would be "crazy". During that month, I went from living beside elephants in rural Thailand, to fine dining at the top of the Baiyoke Tower, to snorkeling off the coast of Koh Tao, to dancing at the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan. Xtreme Gap had everyday planned with tons of different activities yet enough free time to explore and have fun at night. I made some great friends from all over the world through this program and we definitely share some unforgettable memories.
The only thing that was a bit lacking about Xtreme Gap was the service as they weren't super communicative and I really didn't know what to expect of the trip besides what was on the website (though there is tons of info there). Both our tour guides were great at leading us around and giving advice but sometimes it felt like we had to tell them what to do. There also were quite a few times we had to pay for activities which we felt was a bit strange. But all in all we got from place to place safely and on time and the trip was overall amazing. Just "trust the process" as everything works out great and you'll have an unbelievable time! I would definitely recommend!
-the welcoming at the airport went fine but when the tour guide came he didn't introduce himself or really talk much until we were almost at the hotel which was a bit odd. There were never any get to know you games or mingling time until dinner which we kind of just introduced ourselves on our own. Eventually we got to know each other, I just think in the future it would be more welcoming for people to mingle on the first day and to be greeted by the tour guide immediately.
-There were some times when the tour guide said we had to pay for activities and "add-on's" and it did seem a bit sketchy at times as we'd see free signs or know the price of "taxis" is cheaper but we went along with it. It might be nicer for people if add on activities are known ahead of times with other options or just included as everyone usually went.
-Lastly, when we got to Koh Tao the people who picked us up just dropped us at the resort without talking and we had hangout in the lobby for over an hour waiting for a tour guide or someone. Finally one of us went to the hotel staff to alert the Xtreme Gap lady and she came shortly after. She was super sweet, but she didn't really give a formal introduction and just asked for deposits then left. It'd be nice in the future if it were a bit more welcoming as well and if there were more included activities on the island to keep us busy. The "Eco day" only lasted 15 minutes (no learning experience) and the full moon party was cancelled because of the king so some people left and others just hung out.
It was really an amazing trip otherwise and I would definitely go again, these are just a few things that I think would make it better! Thanks!
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