Reviews
Our trip was made unforgettable thanks to Kit. She went above and beyond in ways we never expected. During free time she would suggest things to do. She was very knowledgeable about the history and culture and provided materials for us to keep. Even though several dinners weren't included in the tour, she chose to spend her personal time sitting with us, recommending fantastic local restaurants and helping us navigate the menus-which made ordering so much easier for everyone! She also took us to experience Songkran on the streets of Bangkok and we had a blast. On the bus, she always had local treats and snacks for us to try, which was such a thoughtful touch. What truly stood out was her genuine care; she checked in on every one of us at breakfast each morning to ensure we were doing well. When I had an issue with my knee, she didn't hesitate to take me to a pharmacy to help me find the right bandage. By the end of the trip, she felt like a member of the family. We couldn't have asked for a better experience!
Gina Q.What an excellent trip. We had the most wonderful and knowledgeable tour guides. I especially want to call out Citrey, our Malaysia tour guide. He was exceptional! He was attentive to our every need, nice, smart and displayed excellent work ethic. We absolutely had the best tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and always professional throughout our trip. He answered all our questions and was there when we needed any type of help. Our Singapore tour guide was also great and he too was exceptional. I loved the trip and is so grateful for the accommodations and safety. Shout out to our driver in Malaysia as he did an excellent job as well. Thank you thank you for the best vacation I've ever had. And thank you again for Citrey! Everything exceeded my expectations !
Karen A.Our family wants to give a special mention to our tour guide/manager Rex. He was outstanding and a very nice person. He was very knowledgeable and explained everything to the point. He even went out of the way to make us feel special and got us cakes to celebrate our birthdays. He also made sure all our dietary restrictions were met and made sure we had enough food. We enjoyed the trip and will definitely use Gate1 in future and recommend it to our friends and family. We also met some great people and made new friends!
Vidullata B.We just completed the stay and explorer in Bali... what an amazing trip! We LOVED our tour guides, Wina and Amara!! they were so welcoming and kind and made us feel safe the whole time we were there... I will highly recommend this to her two family and friends. Great job Gate 1!!
Neda E.KajaNe in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, along with the staff and accommodations, were excellent. I rarely rate anything 100%, but this experience came very close. Winna was amazing and genuinely cared about our well-being and happiness throughout the trip. Our driver did things with that bus I didn't know were possible. The value and itinerary will keep us coming back. You have a great recipe-don't change it.
Jeff M.We would like to extend our highest accolades to Hai, our knowledgeable, friendly, and humorous tour guide, whose passion and expertise resulted in a Vietnam tour experience that was genuinely phenomenal and magnificently exceeded all our expectations! Hai has left us eager to return to Vietnam again and explore further with him as our guide.
Marla D.It was amazing. I really would like to highlight the tour director, Dek. He was absolutely one of the best I have had and I have traveled quite a bit. I really wanted to pass along that information because he was really spectacular. I really liked this tour and would recommend it for others.
Heather L.We can see and feel that Dek puts his heart and soul into his job to represent his beloved Thailand to us. He made our trip exceptionally easy and joyful. Our whole group had good harmony and we all loved Dek. When the trip is over, I felt that I left a piece of my heart behind in Thailand. I found myself having trouble adjusting back to my life back in Pennsylvania. I miss Thailand, her people, her heritage, and our tour guide Dek.
Jane C.It was my first time visiting Thailand, and our tour guide Audi made my trip very memorable with his knowledge of all the places we visited. He was very organized and really cared for his tour group. I could tell his was a very proud Thai and his inside knowledge of the various temples was great. All the hotel accommodation and meals were excellent. Audi was very professional and always on time. Please tell Audi and that I am looking forward to his Phat kaphao (pad kra pao) recipe.
Benjamin G.Just a quick note to add to the survey about our 12-day Classic Vietnam tour (March 19-30). I can't find enough superlatives to describe our Tour Manager Kan. He was every-present, ever-upbeat, and ever-knowledgeable throughout the 12 days of the tour (and, I'm told, the additional 3 days in Cambodia). He managed to be, as I like to describe it, our Mother Hen without becoming our Overbearing Nanny - with gentle reminders and timely information at every stop to keep us on track and on time. He was a wealth of information when it came to history and culture of what was for me a new country, sharing details of his own experience to add to our understanding, and answering even the tough questions with patience and tact. And he was there for the unexpected wants and needs of the group - from helping to navigate a local shoe store to getting someone to the hospital with a health emergency. As I told Kan on the last day, this was my first trip with Gate One, and, due in no small part to him, I was sure it would not be my last (Gate One in general was pretty fabulous).
Lois C.Our tour guide Phi was an amazing tour guide. He went above and beyond to ensure a safe and wonderful experience He truly did an amazing job. I learned so much about the culture and language. He was always available to answer any questions or concerns at any time of the day and night He engaged everyone on the bus and on excursions Always checked up on us to make sure all was good. Excellent tour guide
Luz G.Our trip to Vietnam was our first time visiting, and it was everything we hoped it would be. Our tour guide, Robin, was very helpful and knowledgeable regarding the Vietnamese people and the history of the region. We truly enjoyed the experience.
James C.My trip was fantastic! Our Vietnam guide, Tran, was exceptional! He made our trip rich with culture, fun with excitement and warm like a family. Looking forward to another trip with Gate 1.
Nitza C.We had a wonderful time on our recent trip. We particularly enjoyed our Tour Leader, Oh. He was well-organized, helpful, and full of surprises. His knowledge and expertise regarding each location were impressive, and he truly knew how to read his audience. For example, when temperatures became too high to be outside, he thoughtfully adjusted our schedule so we could rest and continue the tour when the weather was more ideal.
Eleanor L.The tour leader for the trip, Buffalo, was EXCELLENT. He went above any beyond on multiple occasions to make the trip a very memorable one for everyone on the trip. Everything was coordinated and arranged very well, entire trip was smooth and enjoyable. Buffalo is an exceptionally good tour manager.
David O.It was wonderful. We had the best tour guide, Dora. She is witty, full of energy, enthusiasm and great knowledge of all the different places that she took us to visit.
Christine P.It was great. Tom, our guide, was the best guide I've ever had. And most of the group said the same. My parents have been on more than 20 trips with Gate 1 and they thought he was the best as well. Give that guy a huge raise!!
Gabriela M.We wanted to write a brief note to say what an EXCELLENT guide we had in Cambodia & Vietnam ("Rex"). His communication was excellent and even created a pamphlet for the tour which I found very helpful. He put in an obvious amount of extra effort to help us experience the cultures he was showing us and had an obvious pride in. Thank you, Rex for such a memorable trip! From Cambodia to Vietnam you exceeded our expectations! With my Dad being a veteran, it meant a lot for us to see Vietnam, and especially to see what it has become. We would love to come back and see more. Thank Rex for all the special side trips, sharing your personal experiences, and the personal time you shared with us.
Timothy H.Our tour director Pond was amazing. He did a very good job and went the extra mile to make sure we had a very good time. He was so nice, friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating - everything you want in a tour guide. Our bus drive Mr Tum and bus assistant Mr Korn were so nice and helpful - they really added to our overall experience. This was an amazing trip - we were in very good hands. I would travel with them again without a second thought.
John S.Wanted to let Gate 1 know what a great guide we had on our 17 day Thailand trip with Phuket. Her name is Goy. She is an asset to your company. She was very knowledgeable and had a great personality. She always made sure all our needs were met and went out of her way to assist us. Guides like her should be recognized for how she contributes to your company.
Hortensia R.Kudos to your team members! We have returned from our 12-Day Classic Malaysia & Singapore trip and would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to three outstanding Gate 1 associates: 1) Jeffrey- Tour Manager, an excellent TM with a keen sense of organization, efficiency, knowledge and grace made each day special. 2) Su-Ann- Kuala Lumpur Representative, a friendly and helpful staff member whose timely response and efficiency helped us gain the necessary receipts for an insurance claim. 3) Deva- bus driver, a very skilled driver who managed to keep the bus spotless, inside and out. Thank you! Thank you!
Diane A.Our trip was awesome! Ya was very, very courteous, professional and anticipated our every need. He is just great, imparting all the knowledge about the different areas that we visited and truly cared for us. The local tour guides were also fantastic, sharing their knowledge and love of their country with us. We enjoyed every minute of it.
Judith B.It was our first time to the Philippines, also a great and memorable trip! We really enjoyed the islands hoping, the resorts we were staying: they were fabulous! Not to mention our great tour leader EDI. Not only was he knowledgeable, EDI was always ready to offer help in a friendly manner to each member in the group. Thank you Gate 1 for organizing such a pleasurable trip.
Michael L.This was a five star trip! The itinerary was great, and our Tour Director/Guide - Goy added events such as the Blue Temple which were outstanding. Goy was exceptional - she handled all the group member questions with patience and professionalism. She was clear on directions and expectations, and really elevated our experience. Out of 5 stars she easily merits 6! The hotels were excellent - rooms were spacious and well appointed, meals were exceptional, and the staff were all personable and professional. I chose most of the optional activities which were universally excellent. This was my first Gate 1 trip and based on my experience I am definitely considering more.
Michael T.It was wonderful! The Tour Manager, Pimm was fantastic and the bus driver Sutep and his helper, Bank, we were exceptional. Everything went off without any complications or issues. Overall, and excellent trip! Looking forward to my next one to France in June.
Derik C.I just would like to say for the 17 day Bangkok, Cambodia and Vietnam, Thang was the best tour director that I have ever had on any trip (9 trips with Gate-1). He is to be commended for his organization, friendliness and knowledge. I hope to return to Vietnam with Thang.
Beverly M.Rex was an absolutely exceptional tour guide and truly made our trip unforgettable. From the moment he met us in Cambodia until the morning of our departure, Rex was always there-guiding, assisting, and making sure every detail of the tour ran perfectly. His organization, professionalism, and incredible attention to detail ensured that everything went smoothly from start to finish. Rex's knowledge of the region was impressive, and he shared information in a way that was both fascinating and entertaining. His commentary was filled with history, culture, humor, and personal stories that brought each destination to life. Whether we were on an excursion or riding on the bus between locations, he made every moment engaging and enjoyable. What truly set Rex apart was the personal connection he built with our group. He took the time to get to know each traveler and often provided thoughtful suggestions and recommendations based on our individual interests. During free time, he frequently organized optional activities and experiences so that everyone could make the most of each location. Rex went above and beyond in every way. His passion, warmth, and dedication to his guests made this trip incredibly special. If you are lucky enough to have Rex as your guide, you are in excellent hands-it will elevate your entire travel experience.
Monica C.Our trip was fabulous!! I loved the mix of experiences from cities to the elephant sanctuary to staying in a beautiful resort to visiting a water buffalo farm to the awesome Thai massage to visiting the temples. Every experience was top notch!! And our guide Yo was fantastic!! Brought the history to life and is obviously passionate about elephants and Thailand in general! Yo did the best job as guide I have ever experienced over many tours!
Cay L.This was the 8th tour that my husband and I took with Gate 1 Travel. Yo, our tour manager and guide for Thailand, was by far the best tour manager and guide that we ever had. She was excellent - very knowledgeable, very organized, very helpful, and very eager to share the Thai culture, food, language, history and traditions with every one of the 31 individuals in our group. She exposed us to crafts and arts unique to Thailand with fun hands-on activities including creating our own cotton fabric design and trying a variety of Thai foods in the local markets. She was very patient with all of us and her wonderful sense of humor made for a very pleasant vacation for everyone.
Cathleen Z.Great! Gate 1 travel guide 'Buffalo' was very attentive, helpful and knowledgeable. We enjoyed the 'Essential Vietnam' trip from Saigon to Hanoi.
Joselito U.Our Tour Guide Thong/Victor is a diamond asset for your company! What he did for our group was extremely different from any other! Every thing he did for our group was way above any guide..you gave us the best!
Odette S.I would like to take this opportunity to say heartfelt thank you to our tour guide Hai. He was the best tour guard I ever had. His knowledge of history way of conveying to the group and caring for everyone and organizational skills are amazing. Thank you so much Hai for all that you did to me and us as a whole group, you treat us like a family. And thank you Gate1 travel company for providing the best tour guide that you possibly have. THANK YOU
Jan K.My 17-day journey through Thailand with Gate 1 Travel was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first day, the itinerary struck the perfect balance between immersive cultural experiences, breathtaking natural beauty, and thoughtful moments of rest and indulgence. Every detail felt intentional - seamless logistics, excellent accommodations, unforgettable meals, and experiences that allowed us to truly feel the soul of Thailand rather than just see it. We explored vibrant cities alive with history and color, serene temples that invited reflection, lush landscapes that felt almost unreal, and coastal moments that reminded you how magical this country truly is. Whether navigating bustling markets, learning local customs, or soaking in once-in-a-lifetime scenery, the trip never felt rushed - only rich, layered, and deeply rewarding. What elevated this journey from wonderful to exceptional was our tour guide, Oum. Oum was phenomenal in every sense of the word. Her knowledge of Thai history, culture, and traditions was impressive, but it was her warmth, humor, and intuition that truly set her apart. She anticipated needs before they were voiced, handled every detail with grace, and made each traveler feel seen, supported, and cared for. Oum shared Thailand with us not just as a guide, but as a storyteller and cultural ambassador. Her passion was infectious, her explanations thoughtful and engaging, and her presence brought a sense of ease and joy to every day. She created an environment where learning felt natural, laughter came easily, and memories were made effortlessly. This trip exceeded every expectation. I walked away not only with stunning photos and unforgettable experiences, but with a deep appreciation for Thailand and immense gratitude for the care and excellence provided by Gate 1 Travel - and especially for Oum, who made this journey truly unforgettable.
Nikki B.Wonderful! Beautiful sights, delicious food, clean modern hotels, very friendly people. Our tour manager, Steve, was not only very knowledgeable about the history of Vietnam , that was super organized, very caring and attentive to all the needs of the group , and went over and above the usual duties of a tour manager to ensure everything was smooth and easy for everybody. I was most impressed when he even showed up on departure day at 6:30 AM to make sure my ride was on time and even to guide us to safely cross the street in the crazy Vietnam traffic.
Katharine T.This was my first time of using a tour group and I was very, very, impressed with everything that was done. Extremely organized and Pat, our tour director was amazing. I will definitely recommend your group to any of my friends that are interested in Thailand. Also for any trips that I might take in the future, I will definitely look to see if Gate 1 has a tour there. Thanks for an amazing experience.
David J.Another great Gate1 trip. Thailand is beautiful and we saw so much of the country. Tick was an excellent tour guide taking good care of us all and sharing local treats every day with us making our Thailand experience even better. This trip was even better than I had hoped and the hotels and resorts were wonderful. I'm looking forward to my next trip this May. Thank you for another wonderful experience.
Louise M.I had the greatest time. The places that we visited are beautiful. The services of our tour manager and the local tour guides are very impressive, knowledgeable people. My experience went beyond my expectations. Thank you.
Flocerfina B.The entire trip was amazing - enjoyable and learned a lot. The tour manager and local guide in Siem Reap were excellent. They were very knowledgeable on the history of the places we visited. They also shared lots of interesting local information that had personal sentiments, which made the places more relatable to the present. On Day 6 - Dinner with cooking demo and with history of the Thai home's residents was most enjoyable - deserving a special mention. The food was absolutely delicious, home-made with authentic local ingredients & methods. Their descriptions of their big house (of teak), garden and history were interesting and reflective of the Thai societal changes over the years. It was a very educational and worthwhile experience. Totally recommended!
Yolanda C.Just wanted to pass on that our TM, Mr Oh is OUTSTANDING. He put his heart and soul into the trip. Taught us so much . Gate 1 is really lucky to have such great TM like him. Couldn't ask for anything more. He is friendly, highly organized, clear, smart, and insightful. He was on top of everything and knew how to interact with the guests. I completed survey but wanted to pass on some extra kudos for this fabulous TM, probably the best we have ever had. TM like Oh make Gate 1 such a special travel company.
Paul S.We just returned from an amazing 17 day trip to Thailand. We absolutely love our traveling experiences with Gate 1. AJ, our Tour Manager was exceptional and an excellent communicator. We appreciate all the historical information and cultural insights on Thailand. He also used WhatsApp for messaging and sending the group pictures of our tour. AJ provided an extra booklet with the daily itinerary and added some additional fun stops along the way on our bus rides. We loved AJ's sense of humor and his ability to interact so positively with our group. Everything was so smooth and well organized. Thank you Gate 1 for another wonderful trip!
Karen N.I had an excellent time. The Steven the guide was wonderful,! He made sure we were prepared for every next adventure., helping us to get through airport security. Visa readiness , flight schedules changes etc. The meals were delicious, entertainment great , as were the accommodations ! The other guides through the individual towns were great too! The history is fascinating! Thank you for a great trip!
Helen D.My wife and I just completed your 13 Day Philippines Culture & Adventure tour. Great job Gate 1 - what an amazing trip! We not only experienced a beautiful nation, we also basked in the warmth and good cheer of the Filipino people. The sights, the structures, and the various islands & adventures Gate 1 guided us through were well worth the long trip from Indiana, but what we will remember most was the people - the wonderful travel mates we were fortunate to be paired with, the outstandingly welcoming Filipinos we encountered everywhere, the excellent local guides, and our Best-in-Class Tour Manager, Mellany. To say that Lany was superb would be an understatement. This was our 15th Gate 1 tour, and all our Tour Managers have been very good to excellent, not a clinker in the bunch - but Lany wins the Best-in-Class prize. Each member of our group was presented with a small gift bag as they arrived, along with a printed booklet, complete with pictures, of all the activities of every day of our tour. This booklet should become a best practice for all Tour Managers. But a booklet cannot convey the ongoing warmth and care that Lany delivered every day of our adventure. I believe that her attitude and her leadership, along with her infectious kindness and that of her fellow Filipinos, was a significant contributor to how well our travel group got along with each other. Gate 1 is very fortunate to have her leading some of its first tours in this wonderful country, and we were most fortunate to have Lany guiding us on our journey through the Philippine Islands - she even sings!
Max H.We had a great trip and enjoyed Thailand very much. The accommodations were above our expectations and we enjoyed all the included meals. We loved the included excursions and each day was different but all equally special. Otto was our Tour Manager and he contributed very much to the enjoyment of our trip. He was very kind and patient. He escorted us through three airports in a very organized manner. He kept us safe and gave us a wonderful introduction to Thailand. Otto gave us a list of activities for our free time and direction on how to access these activities. As a result our free time was greatly enhanced by these additional activities.
Sheila OI cannot say enough positive things about your company, our tour guide Tan and the excursions we experienced. The restaurants were perfect as were any side events Tan introduced us to.... This was our 1st Gate1 trip and we are already planning another event!!!! We wouldn't go with any other company. Thank you
Janet R.Our tour director, Jack, is an outstanding ambassador for Gate 1. G1 provided the opportunity but Jack provided the passion, genuine warmth and energy to make this trip so memorable. This is our third trip in a row with Gate 1, where each tour director has surpassed the excellence shown by the previous one, with a seemingly limitless skill in providing exemplary customer experiences. In 20 yrs of international travel, we have never experienced the warmth and heartfelt attention that Jack paid to his group. Jack made you feel a part of the country, not just touring it. What a gift to be able to do this. Jack provided ample guidance at each venue but allowed you the space to experience the sights and sounds on your own. Truly a gifted and talented professional and Gate 1 should take pride in knowing that Jack represents them so well!
Jeffrey S.Tony, our tour guide in Cambodia and Vietnam went above and beyond his duties to make this trip enjoyable, safe and a memorable one. If there is an award to be given to a tour guide, Tony should earn it for his dedication and commitment to his work! Thank you!
Lamia B.Our tour manager, Duc, was outstanding. He went above and beyond in leading our group. His sharing of Vietnam's history and culture was both objective and heartfelt. The thoughtfulness and kindness he showed to us was truly impressive - an exceptional representative
Daniel S.Our Gate 1 "16 GEMS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA" journey from January-February 2026 was made truly exceptional because of our remarkable tour manager. From the very first day to the final farewell, he demonstrated a rare combination of professionalism, warmth, and genuine care that elevated the entire experience for every traveler in our group. What stood out most was his extraordinary kindness and attentiveness. He never treated the tour as a crowd - he treated it as a collection of individuals. Whether someone needed assistance navigating a busy airport, extra time boarding, help with dietary needs, or simply reassurance in a new environment, he anticipated concerns before they were even spoken. Every guest felt seen, respected, and safe, which is no small accomplishment on a multi-country journey. His depth of knowledge across Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand was equally impressive. He shared history, cultural context, language nuances, and local traditions in a way that was engaging rather than overwhelming. Temples, markets, and historic sites came alive through his storytelling - explaining not just what we were seeing, but why it mattered. His familiarity with local customs helped us interact respectfully with the communities we visited, deepening our appreciation for each country. Another defining strength was his strong relationships and connections throughout the region. At every hotel and tour location, it was clear he was known and trusted. Check-ins were seamless, special requests were handled gracefully, and small touches - preferred rooms, thoughtful pacing, insider tips - made us feel like welcomed guests rather than passing tourists. These relationships added a level of ease and authenticity that cannot be replicated by logistics alone. Above all, he created a spirit of camaraderie and confidence within the group. Long travel days felt organized and calm, unexpected changes were handled smoothly, and laughter was never far away. His leadership blended efficiency with heart - a balance that transformed a well-planned itinerary into a truly memorable experience. In short, he wasn't just a tour manager; he was the steady, compassionate presence that tied together the "16 Gems" of Southeast Asia and made the journey unforgettable for all of us.
Arlene B.I loved it! This was my first Gate 1 tour, but it won't be my last. The itinerary had the perfect balance of planned activities and free time. And the planned activities were the perfect balance of don't-miss tourist sites and I-never-would-have-found-this-on-my-own sites and activities. The accommodations were exceptional and because so many sumptuous meals were included, I only paid for one additional meal during the two weeks. But the highlight of the tour was our Tour Manager Audi. He was extremely knowledgeable, funny, organized, and thoughtful, so the tour ran flawlessly. I was surprised when seasoned travelers told me that Audi is a good representation of tour managers for all Gate 1 tours. So, I am eagerly making plans for my next Gate 1 tour!
Marie M.Just wanted to say that our guide for Thailand, Dek, was outstanding. We've had many great Gate 1 guides - and still he stood out. He took a lot of extra effort to help us and other tour members shake their experiences in the ways they wanted. He was so helpful with information and ideas for free time and food. His knowledge and sense of humor are top notch. He made it a unique and memorable trip! Our driver and assistant were also outstanding and helpful. Lastly, the lunch we had at Gikden Truangke at the farm was incredible.
Paul R.


