My husband and I had the pleasure of spending 6 fabulous days with Charlie in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in November of 2023.
Over the years we have hired numerous guides in many countries but we can honestly say none have exceeded Charlie in terms of knowledge, flexibility or resourcefulness.
Our initial encounter with Charlie was at the Chiang Mai airport, where he greeted us with a huge smile and a welcome sign. Immediately, he effortlessly helped us with our luggage, checked the exchange rate, assisted us in getting some Biht and aided us in buying SIM cards.
Once we arrived at our gorgeous (but remote,) accommodations he made sure we were comfortable before establishing a time for the next morning’s pick up.
Each day he punctually greeted us in his immaculate SUV, wearing a smile and ready to introduce us to his country’s treasures.
Over the course of the 6 days we spent together, we explored all of Northern Thailand’s major sites some of which included: the Giant Buddha, Blue Temple, stunning White, Temple, Chiang Rai’s clock tower, Tham Luang Khunnam National Memorial and both cities sprawling night markets to mention just a few. However, as he got to know us better, Charlie shared sights he thought would be of particular interest to us such as the terraced tea farms, gorgeous botanical gardens of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai’s famous monkey cave and Wat Tham Pla. We also visited the remote rural villages of the “long neck” Red Karen tribe, the Wat Phra Kaew, Wattana Art Gallery in Chiang Mai (which he went out of his way to find!) and later he even filmed me climbing the Buatong waterfall.
Despite my penchant for lagging behind to capture one last photo I/we never felt rushed. In fact Charlie would often suggest just the perfect spot for him to photograph us.
At his suggestion we had (at least two unforgettable experiences) … a morning at the Kantu Elephant Sanctuary and an evening at a Thai traditional dinner show.
Charlie, thank you so much for your knowledge, your gracious heart and your willingness to go above and beyond for us. You helped us to fall in love with Thailand, its treasures and most of all its people.
We hope to reconnect when we return. All the best in the future.
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