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Lisa & Fabric
, France
Ben was the perfect solution for our visit to Chiang Mai this summer. We are a family with three boys aged 10, 8 and 3 and before leaving for Thailand exchanged several mails with Ben in order to determine where he would take us during our three days in Chiang Mai. When we suggested doing something Ben would often propose a better idea that was more suited to the ages of our children. Ben was always extremely punctual, wet towels were provided exactly when we needed them (for example after riding elephants) and after several activities there was also a bowl of fruit and a cold drink that Ben had ordered for us. Ben?s car is very comfortable and he is always ready to stop the car if necessary or change plans to suit. Ben is very honest and will always answer any questions about the area, its people and Thailand in general. To be honest I think that our visit to Chiang Mai couldn?t have been better. We got to experience tigers, elephants, zip lining, quad driving and temples which we would never have done without a driver. A big thank you Ben for making our trip so special and to those reading this, do not hesitate to hire him!
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Nathan & Gavin
, New Zealand
We spent 3 days this month being driven around in air-conditioned luxury by the lovely Ben. He's a safe and attentive driver and a wonderful host. This is the third year we've used him for day trips out of Chiangmai. He is probably not the cheapest option, but we've found it well worth paying a bit extra to get the benefits of his local knowledge, reliability and comfortable 4x4 vehicle. Can highly recommend.
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Chris and Ani Holloway
, Los Angeles California USA
"We had the best time of our trip to Thailand in Chiang Mai and Ben was a big part of that! We were fortunate enough to have him as our driver for two days in a row. From the moment I first contacted Ben to the final drop off, Ben was polite, kind, prompt, and courteous. I never had to wait more than a day to receive an email response back. He wrote and spoke good English and was able to coordinate a variety of activities with us, per our requests. There are cheaper options out there for mass tour groups but for a private tour in a nice and comfortable car, you are truly getting what you paid for. Besides, his price is so reasonable you can't possibly argue. Once we were there, each day, Ben arrived on time with his beautiful luxury Toyota SUV that was well maintained and very clean. He was prepared to take us to the places we had previously discussed and provided a comfortable ride. We visited Phu Phing Palace (highly recommend!), Doi Suthep, and a longneck village on day 1. We stopped along the way for snacks and lunch and any photo ops. The longneck village we visited felt a bit touristy but nevertheless you saw a sample of village life. I believe for a more authentic hilltribe experience, once must travel further from Chiang Mai (closer to Chiang Rai). On Day 2, we visited Doi Inthanon National Park. What an amazing experience! We visited all 3 waterfalls, the pagodas, and walked through the rainforest. There were a few paths that we did not know of and Ben directed us where to go. Each time, there he was near the exit waiting to take us back. He provided us umbrellas, water, and cold towels. He gave excellent little tips on photo ops and suggestions you don't readily find in a pamphlet. He'll gladly take pictures for you, and as a bonus, he's also a professional photographer! During our time with Ben, he willingly and openly answered any questions we had about life in Chiang Mai. We were not so interested in the typical "tourist" topics, as we got that info from the respective places we visited, so we cannot speak to his knowledge about such things. But if you're looking for a more personal experience and creating a relationship that will far surpass the info you can get from the internet, then Ben is the guy you want! His kindness and humbleness has truly left a mark in our hearts! If we are able to visit Chiang Mai again in the future, we certainly know who to contact!
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Jason Bradley
, Australia
Would just like to say a big thank you to Ben, an amazing driver & tour who picked me up and drove me all around Chiang Mai for 2 days ensure VIP service at every location, cold water, ice cold towels. I couldn't have seen such amazing stuff without his help. If you are ever going to Thailand drop Ben an email. for the equivalent of about $60/day you have a private spotless air conditioned SUV and a guy who speaks awesome english and knows all the best places.
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Tim, Shahida & Jazzlyn
, Netherlands
Hi Ben,
Thank you so much for two great trips! We have seen beautiful sites and original spots. We have enjoyed everything and so has Jazzlyn. We really hope that we will be able to see eachother in the nearby future again. Strange feeling thay yesterday was our last trip together and that we had to say goodbye! Tomorrow we will be leaving for Bangkok and then Hua Hin. Let's stay in touch! We wish you all the best, happiness, love and good business.
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John Schollenberger
, saint louis USA
Thanks very much for the many good suggestions on places to visit outside of Chiang Mai and for your good driving and your flexibility and attention to the kinds of sights that I was interested in. You had many good suggestions, and your friendliness and knowledge of the local areas and people made the trips that much more enjoyable.
Thanks again.
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Ningster & Phillip
, Singapore
We are a family from Singapore and travelled with two young children ( below 9) and two seniors (80s). The car was clean, spacious and comfortable. Ben was always safe, careful, patient and attentive to all our needs. Speaking excellent English, he knows his tourist spots well and would advice us what is suitable for timing - never rushing us and has good recommendations (clean) places to eat.
Every morning, very punctually, Ben would be waiting for us and greeting us with a big smile. He would make us check the fuel tank and mileage and confirm the pricing and estimated fuel charges to us.
We had booked him for 2 days and had good luck to extend another day with him! We are planning for a longer trip outside of Chiang Mai now that we know we have a reliable driver
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Bernard Lim
, Singapore
, 10 years ago
I have posted after every trip, so this is long over due. My fifth trip to Chiang Mai was in Feb this year, for the annual Flower Festival. It was a shorter visit, yet I managed to have the pleasure of Ben's services and friendship once again. I dare say my wonderful memories and experiences in Chiang Mai and the northern lands were all due in large part to Ben's knowledge and companionship. I have hundreds of photos as testimony to this. I seriously cannot imagine a visit to this city without Ben in the overall picture and scheme. Though not a licensed tour guide with extensive knowledge of history and details, Ben is great as a personal local driver cum guide, suited to the more discerning and specific needs of singles, couples or small families or groups; those who want to make the most of a short trip or who wish to avoid the tourist crowds. During my last trip, on the evening of my birthday, Ben brought me to a beautiful restaurant on the mountainside, overlooking a lake and the city below, and we had a simple quiet dinner. Live entertainment was provided by a string ensemble and singers. My memories of Chiang Mai will last a life time. Numerous souvenirs and handicrafts from Chiang MaiI are all around my house and form part of my daily life. I wonder when I will be able to return, and I look forward to seeing dear Ben again. Meanwhile, we keep in touch through email and Facebook. Thank you, Khun Ben, for everything!
- Bernard Lim, Singapore.
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Nathan & Anthony
, melbourne Australia
, 10 years ago
I just wanted to write to you and tell you that me and Anthony really enjoyed our time with you and Kum on our trip to Doi Inthanon. It was the best tour we did in Thailand and we hope to be back in Chiang Mai someday. We will recommend you to anyone planning a trip to Thailand. Thanks for answering all our questions and being a polite and professional person.
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Mary Lou & Steve
, Milpitas, California
, 10 years ago
Steve and I are very thankful we found you and that you were available. You took us to so many places in just 2 days. We could have not done it without your expertise. You are such a good driver too!!! Imagine driving that winding road to Doi Suthep on a rainy day!!! Thanks again Ben."
:-)
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Mr. Grant
, Portland, OR USA
, 10 years ago
Ben did an awesome job! We only had one day to mess around in Chiang Mai and he took is to some of his favorite spots that we really enjoyed. He will be quick to point out he's not a "tour guide" and just a driver so you may want to do a little research in your travel book to have a rough idea of what you want. His SUV is super nice and clean with AC, very essentially in Chiang Mai! He's got a great story and is an absolutely wonderful guy!
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Tim, Shahida & Jazzlyn
, The Netherlands
, 10 years ago
Hi traveller,
We had two fantastic days with Ben on two separate tours. The car is save and a cool haven in the heat of Chiang Mai. Ben is just great! So kind and he really knowes his way around Chiang Mai. He made this trip to Chiang Mai one to never forget and made us see things that a touroperator never could. Thank you so much again Ben, and you for sure, that the next time we will visie Chiang Mai, we contact you first!! With great love we say "Thank you Ben, we will be missing you, and till next time!"
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Gilles et Claudine
, France
, 11 years ago
Sรฉjour du 01/04/13, 4 jours de chauffeur guide, avec monsieur benjira kotmongkol qui nous a fait dรฉcouvrir Chiang Mai et sa rรฉgion.
Sa conduite est douce, trรจs prudente, dans un 4*4 trรจs confortable.
Il s'adapte avec gentillesse ร� toutes nos demandes et ร� notre rythme de visite, en nous mรฉnageant des arrets autant que nรฉcessaire.
En un mot, il nous a "cocoonรฉ" pendant notre sรฉjour, en veillant ร� ce que nous ne manquions de rien, tant en eau, qu'en serviettes raffraichissantes...
Il a organisรฉ toutes les visites, incontournables ou trรจs originales et rares avec un rรฉel professionalisme.
Nous tenons ร� lui tรฉmoigner toute notre reconnaissance.
Ses tarifs sont trรจs รฉtudiรฉs avec un rapport qualitรฉ prix parfait.
Pour ceux qui souhaitent le contacter, ci aprรจs, ses adresses mail et de website:
http://www.benstaxiserviceandtours.com/
benjirak@yahoo.com
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Marlis & Enrique
, Switzerland
, 11 years ago
Wir haben Bens Taxiservice fรผr 5 Tage im Internet gebucht. Unsere Reise in den Norden von Thailand war ein tolles Erlebnis.
Bens Auto und Fahrstiel ist sehr sicher und angenehm. Wir haben viel gesehen und eine wirklich gute Zeit gehabt.
Bens angenehme und zuvorkommende Art machte die Reise richtig "relaxed". Wir wรผrden Bens Taxiservice jedenfalls wieder
buchen.....vielen Dank Ben. :-)
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Greg & Graeme
, Newcastle, NSW Australia
, 11 years ago
:-) ;-)
We hightly recommend Ben's Taxi Service! On this visit to Chaing Mai ( our last one being in 2006) Ben provided an efficient and friendly service. Importantly his car is in excellent condition and his driving is VERY safe. While Ben is not an official tour guide he provided much information about his country and was very happy to "chat" about life in general. Please consider using Ben if you are going to visit Chiang Mai. You won't be disappointed!!