I am considering a 15 or so day tour to Thailand with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). I have never before taken a tour group or package. I've traveled extensively through Europe and North America but never to Asia. I'm usually quite independent but cautiously willing to consider a group for my first time visit to Asia. I will probably not get to Asia at this time if I try to plan it independently.

Anyone had experience with this travel agency before? Any thoughts appreciated.

I haven't traveled with OAT as I'm not a group tour person. That said, OAT provides a great itinerary for the price offered. Many people I know have done their Thailand trip and been thrilled with the results. Other friends have used them for Machu Picchu and very pleased.

They have small groups, max 16 people, efficient and knowledgeable guides. Age range between 40 (few) to 70 - most are in the mid-50s to mid-60s. Hotels are not 5*, but 4* and all have pools which are great at Thailand and hot and humid year-round.

If you decide to go with them, do take advantage of the pre or post trip to Cambodia (Angkor Wat) which is not to be missed.

If you have traveled elsewhere independently, you'll find Thailand and even the side trip to Cambodia very easy to arrange on your own. Thailand is a very traveler-friendly destination. Almost everyone you come in contact with will speak at least some English. There are lovely hotels and resorts that you can book on the internet.

i second what kathie has said...thailand is very easy on your own...i have not looked at the OAT deal, but i am sure you can do it for much less on your own, except maybe for airfare, and have better hotels and more freedom....read this forum for a short while and get yourself a good guidebook or two and its that easy....

Last year, my wife and I went to Thailand. Our travel was arranged by Innovaisan.com. We had a guide and driver at all locations and were not in a group. It was only us. This allowed us to deviate and take our time. Having been to Europe a number of times, the cost was remarkably cheap. All local arrangements were made through East-West Siam (also on the Web. You could easily arrange your travel diectly with them. If you do this, you should look at a guide book to give you an idea of the things that will interest you the most. This was an easy way to get an introduction to Asia. We're going back on our own this year. Good Luck.

We too used InnovAsian.com for our trip to Thailand last year and it was perfect. You can check their website:
www.innovasian.com
Ask for Gregg - he's very good.
We flew into BKK and overighted at airport, next morning 11am leaving for REP (1hr flight)to see temples at Angkor Wat (spent 2-nts) staying at 5* Sofitel Royal Ankor, returned to BKK spending 4-nts BKK at The Peninsula; flew north to Chiang Mai(1-nt) staying north of there at a trekking camp (The Lisu Lodge); then by road to Chiang Sean (on Triangle Border) at TheBaan Boran (last I heard it was undergoing a complete renovation, but great property, spent 2-nts here. Even managef to cross into Burma for a few hours; then flew down to Phuket for 3-nts; flying back to BKK airport hotelfor early departure next day.
The total price including trans-Pacific air, intra and inter-country air, transfers, guide/driver throught was about $3200/person and that was for 5* hotels (excl. Lisu Lodge).

If price is an issue, I'm sure Gregg can recommends good hotels, but less expensive. Contact him.

I don't believe the OAT trip does any of the beach areas of Thailand.

I just came back from a wonderful trip to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands with OAT and I am considering going with them again to Thailand in Dec 04 on their 16 day trip. I am happy with OAT and have travelled with Grand Circle Travel in the European River Cruises. Good Luck if you are still interested in a response to your questions

My wife and I went with OAT to Thailand with optional extensions to both Cambodia and to Vietnam. Excellent experience. Possibly the best guide in Thailand we have ever had anywhere. Just a marvelous, marvelous experience. And OAT keeps every promise they make!

I can honestly say that my wife and I did a China tour with China Spree and it was the BEST tour we have ever taken. I had no idea you could get so much value for your money. I wish I had the skills to get across to anyone planning a trip to China that if you don’t consider China Spree you are doing yourself a disservice.
Bob, from Florida

Ps No I don't work for China Spree