Thailand Trip Testimonials
led by Kasma Loha-unchit
Thank You For a Magical Trip: Now that I have been home from our trip to Thailand for a few weeks, I have been able to take some time to reflect on a beautiful experience. Thank you!
Everyday I think about what our experiences were and how my life was touched, from the amazing options of food, the historic Wats and heritage sites, to adventures such as riding bamboo rafts down a river then getting on elephants for a ride through the countryside and then hiking to the top of a mountain for a view of our surroundings. (And that was just in one day.)
Just before we landed in Eugene, both _____ and I looked at each other and said that we will never be able to explain in detail what we had just experienced. What I loved about this trip is that you had clearly described it and it was exactly what you had listed in your web FAQs - except I didn't think I would eat that much food! I still cannot go to a Thai restaurant yet. We have gotten together to cook Thai, but now I need my food Thai style (especially spicy). By the way, I didn't gain any weight either.
I also want to thank you for sharing your love for such a wonderful country and its people. You truly care for the people and want to make sure that they are treated with respect. Thank you for the discussions about Buddha, the visits to the Hmong hill villages and history lessons about our various locations. Because of you, I feel more connected with Thailand than I had ever hoped I would been able to experience.
Thank you for letting me be a part of such a special experience. I wish you well as you continue with your other tours and that you safely return home to Oakland.
– Kirk from Eugene, OR (2007 Trip A)
I'm continuing to revel in, sleep in and dream of our magnificent adventure. Being in a Buddhist country, meeting so many wonderful, gentle people and seeing so many new and exotic things has left its mark in my psyche is ways that I don't understand. You had a wonderful way of bringing us into the culture and people instead of being cut off as spectators. Thank you for that great opportunity.
– Fred Onufryk
We can't tell you enough how enjoyable you, personally, have made this trip for us. Your interest, consideration and compassion for our needs and desires has made this 2-1/2 weeks the most enjoyable trip abroad we have ever had.
You really have something unique and we now appreciate it much better.
We love you all and we will remember you and Thailand forever. Thank you for all you have done for the two of us.
– Barbara & Bill Warren
Thank you for the wonderful trip!! It was an epic adventure for me and I really appreciated your enthusiasm and conscientious efforts to put it all together!
– Janet Noble
This account appeared in International Travel News, July, 1999.
My husband and I, retired travel-loving seniors, went to Thailand with Kasma Loha-unchit of Thailand Travel Adventures in No ''98.
We discovered her little ad in International Travel News and called her. She said her trip was not plush and that some of the accommodations were rustic but that we- would see and get to know more than just the usual tourist sights of the country.
The 28-day trip was priced at $3, 200 per person and included airfare train travel hotels and all meals – everything except drinks, laundry and, personal items. The trip was all she said it 'would-be and more.
Kasma managed our diverse group with good-humored ease. She was very knowledgeable, efficient and, unflappable and answered all our questions with clarity and insight. It was a wonderful trip.
All the hotels were acceptable; some were deluxe resorts, and even the little cabins on Poda Island were fine, lacking only hot water.
We've never enjoyed food more. We ate at little noodle shops, outdoor markets and plush resort dining rooms.
We visited many temples and many tribal villages. We ended the trip with several days of swimming and snorkeling on small islands in the Andaman Sea.
Kasma is a terrific leader, but more than that she is an outstanding person. She and her wonderful country made the trip memorable and just what we'd been hoping for.
I had sanuk maag [Thai words for "a lot of fun"] on the holiday to Thailand. I was enthralled by the culture. Thank you for sharing, being patient and providing such good food. This trip was a rewarding experience as a student of The Thai culture, but it was also a time and intimacy to begin to know you. I suspected or understood from the cooking classes that Kasma was a composed, a harmonious, peaceful, beautiful, kind, wise and happy person, but this trip allowed me to realize how much you love your culture, people, country and how much you enjoy sharing them and just enjoy Life.
– John McHugh
One group wrote this song at the end of the trip. It is sung to the tune of Hello Dolly.
Good bye, Kasma
Yes, so long, Kasma
We know this perfect
Trip will have to end.
We've eaten well, Kasma
You can tell, Kasma,
By our toasts and praises
Nightly going 'round the bend.
The people here, Kasma
Are so dear, Kasma
With their smiles and gentle
kindness shining through . . .
So . . . now we'll say so long . . .
To our drivers Ong and Thong
Jack and Buddhists and temples too
Boat trips, elephants and funny loos
And . . .
Hope that we will come this way again!