Where Sidewalks End Reviews 65

I’m so glad I did this experience. My guide Tobb was amazing. He was great company. He was very informative and he imparted a lot of knowledge about cultural traditions.

Ajarn Ya was amazing and with Tobbs help guided me through selecting the correct tattoo. The blessings and process was humbling

Date of experience: July 02, 2025

excellent service from start to end. I booked the trip only about 1.5 weeks in advance, and the WSE team were really prompt in their replies, even during the weekend. i also wasn't in kuching, and they were really flexible and transparent with me about the negotiating a pickup in Sibu where I was at instead of Kuching

Date of experience: June 16, 2025

We engaged WSE on three occasions in Chiang Mai [Sak Yant, Local Tour, and Monk], and had three unique and amazingly fulfilling experiences!
Each of our guides were wonderful people; engaging, thoughtful and expert in their ability to translate and communicate cultural knowledge and understanding.
Incredible times were had, and enduring memories made!
Thanks WSE team! I'm sure we'll cross paths again soon...

...somewhere in the world! 😉

Date of experience: May 31, 2025

This was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. Our guide was outstanding and Arjun Rung was indeed a special human being. I cannot recommend this enough.

Date of experience: June 13, 2025

Our guide Guitar was so generous with her time, knowledge and spirit. The way she seemlessly interacted with us and the people around us made us feel like we were part of everything that was going on.

Date of experience: June 06, 2025

I first traveled with Where Night Walks End in Borneo, and it was such a unique experience that I had to join them again—this time in the Philippines. And once again, they absolutely delivered.

We took part in two experiences: a traditional healing session and the making of a local love potion. Both were fascinating, immersive, and honestly… a lot of fun. The guides were incredibly helpful, respectful of the traditions, and made sure everything was well-explained without ever feeling staged or touristy.

What I love most about this agency is that they take you far beyond the typical tour. It’s intimate, offbeat, and deeply cultural—just the kind of travel I look for.

If you’re curious, adventurous, or just want to experience something truly different, I’d highly recommend Where Night Walks End. I’ve now explored with them in two countries, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Date of experience: May 30, 2025

Date of experience: June 01, 2025

Choosing Where Sidewalks End for my first Sak Yant was proved to be the right decision. Receiving a Sak Yant, a deeply sacred Thai tattoo, is not a spur-of-the-moment experience. It begins with a spark of curiosity, followed by thoughtful reflection and in-depth research.

I’m especially thankful to Ian for patiently guiding me through the learning process. In the end, it was Ajarn Ya who intuitively chose the most appropriate Sak Yant for me, based on the personal story I shared with him, a powerful reminder that these tattoos are not chosen, they are bestowed.

From the moment of booking to the pick-up, the ceremony itself, and the journey home, everything was seamless and respectful.

Thank you, WSE, for creating such a safe, meaningful, and unforgettable experience.

Date of experience: April 30, 2025

Thank you for a beautiful experience, it was everything I had hoped for!

Date of experience: May 12, 2025

Great guide (Tavo) and really fun and informative day at the Palenque. The family that hosted us was so generous and warm, and the mezcal was amazing. We also had excellent communication from WSE all the way up to the tour day. Highly recommended for a great cultural experience in Oaxaca.

Date of experience: May 02, 2025

Our guide was very good. He spoke great English. Our Ajarn was legit, and the tattoos were fantastic. Thank you Ajarn Rung and Noi!

Date of experience: April 09, 2025

To say that this Chiang Mai Sak Yant experience with Ajan Sam was amazing is a total understatement!!! First Noi...what a great guy! Took great photos and videos for us during our experience. Ajan Sam...well, what can I say...this experience with you was SO heart felt. We thoroughly enjoyed this life changing experience with you! Having this experience with you completely changed our lives! Thank you!
Ian...you are such a great communicator and made this experience for us so professional and informational. Leading us every step of the way with very important information to make this experience exceptional! Thank you for leading us to this unbelievable experience from the bottom of our hearts!

Date of experience: April 16, 2025

From my first contact with WSE, everyone was both friendly and professional. In fact, when I purchased a tour but a discount code didn't work, they contacted me to refund the amount the discount code would have given me. Everything was exactly as promised: timely, well organized. And the experience itself was a fantastic and unique deep dive into one aspect of Thai culture. It is clear that WSE wants to work with the communities that are part of their tours, not exploit them. This can be seen in all the interactions. I highly recommend them.

Date of experience: April 03, 2025

An excellent tour where you actually take part in making pechuga mezcal.
It’s something new, since it’s very common to only get an explanation and a tasting of mezcals. On this tour, you truly experience being involved in the entire process. A big plus is that the mezcal masters working at this palenque are women, which feels amazing!
And at the end, you get to take home your own bottle of mezcal.
Highly recommended!!

Date of experience: April 01, 2025

It was a great experience. Khun Noi (Guide and translator) was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Date of experience: March 07, 2025

Where Sidewalks End does a great job at hiring local informative and friendly guides. They showcase women-led and indigenous-owned businesses and seek out really unique experiences in Oaxaca.

Date of experience: March 18, 2025

WSE was easy to communicate with, were helpful answering questions, provided an English speaking guide, Laura, who had family ties to the community. Everything went great and Nelson, the backstrap weaver was very friendly and informative. It was very interesting to see the Native Oaxacan cotton plants, the ancient Stele, learn how to spin the cotton with ancient tools. Most of the weaving is done with modern cotton, and even silk. Nelson weaves tiny intricate designs with silk. We then enjoyed a meal at a local eatery where blue corn tortillas were cooked on a wood fired oven with a comal. It was warm in the sun, and along a busy road. The one downside was the car provided was a bit tight for 6 people. (4 of us, the videographer and the driver). Two of us were squeezed in the back seat. We ran into a blockade and had to spend extra driving time weaving through dirt roads to get around it- but all part of the experience! and no fault of WSE. Laura did an amazing job.

Date of experience: February 27, 2025

I recently had the privilege of receiving a Sak Yant tattoo from the revered Arjan Suthin in Chiang Mai, an experience that left me deeply moved and spiritually enriched. The ceremony was a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Thailand, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful connection with this ancient tradition.

From the moment I entered the sacred space, I felt a sense of tranquility and reverence. Arjan Suthin's expertise and dedication to his craft were evident in every detail of the ritual. The precision and care with which he performed the tattooing process were not only impressive but also reassuring, making the experience feel both safe and sacred.

The emotional and spiritual impact of receiving a Sak Yant cannot be overstated. It is more than just a tattoo; it is a symbol of protection, blessings, and spiritual growth. The ceremony itself was conducted with such respect and mindfulness that it felt like a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

If you are considering this experience, I wholeheartedly endorse it. Not only will you receive a beautiful and meaningful tattoo, but you will also be immersed in a profound cultural and spiritual practice that will leave you feeling transformed and inspired.

Our guide, Khun Noi, has been fantastic, he has accompanied us at all times, he has been of total support. Friendly and kind.

Date of experience: March 11, 2025

We had a fabulous experience going to Josephina’s home. The dyeing and weaving demonstrations were fun. We really enjoyed our own little weaving project. Lunch was simple and delicious. Josephina and her daughters were gracious. Our guide was excellent and helped us through language differences. We highly recommend this tour.

Date of experience: February 22, 2025

My experience with Ajarn Rung was authentic and made a beautiful memory and experience. The guide was engaging and enthusiastic and friendly!

Date of experience: February 13, 2025