Where Sidewalks End Reviews 131

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.6

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their helpfulness, kindness, and extensive knowledge, making every interaction pleasant and informative. The service is frequently highlighted as exceptional, with many people appreciating the personalized and smooth execution of their experiences. Reviewers are particularly impressed with the unique and authentic cultural insights provided, often describing their experiences as unforgettable and deeply meaningful. However, some customers also noted occasional issues with tour descriptions not fully matching the actual experience, such as shorter durations for certain activities or less in-depth information than expected. A few people felt that some tours resembled more generic offerings rather than curated experiences, and in one instance, a customer mentioned a lack of interaction with the spiritual leader and disruptive behavior from other participants.

What people talk about most

Staff

Consumers consistently report positive experiences with staff. Many reviewers praise the staff for being... See more

Service

Customers had positive experiences with service. Many reviewers highly recommend the company, praising the... See more

User experience

Customers consistently note positive experiences with user experience. Many reviewers describe the experience... See more

Location

Reviewers mention positive feedback about location. Many customers appreciate the opportunity to visit unique... See more

Holidays

People report positive experiences with holidays, often describing them as life-changing and intimate. Many... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My husband and I got Sak Yant tattoos with Ajarn Yod through Where Sidewalks End in March 2026. Our entire Sak Yant experience was smooth and amazing! Our English-speaking guide Nuch was kind, sweet,... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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, th... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our Sak Yant experience with our guide Wao and Ajarn Tu Nametta was beyond incredible! Wao was the perfect guide and translator, making sure we were accommodated in every way possible and feeling like... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Oaxaca is so popular it can be really easy to slide into a tourist bubble and never really see anything truly authentic. My tours with Where Sidewalk Ends changed all of that. With locals I was abl... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Tour Operator
  2. Cultural Tours Provider

Written by the company

An off-the-beaten-path Tour Company with a focus on responsible, positive-impact tourism. We find the best experiences worldwide that you don't find in your everyday Guidebooks!


Contact info

4.6

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

131 reviews

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Replied to 100% of negative reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It was an incredible experience

It was an incredible experience. They picked us up from the hotel and took us to the location. We made offerings to Ajarn Oh, and he treated us wonderfully. He tattooed us in the traditional way, taking care of every hygienic detail and with incredible precision. My wife and I were delighted and will definitely return. If you have the chance, do it.

27 July 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Valentin. It is wonderful to hear that you and your wife felt welcomed by Ajarn Oh, and that the full process of making offerings, receiving such careful attention to hygiene, and the precision of the tattoo left such a strong impression. We are grateful to Khun Nuch for guiding you through each step, and glad the day felt both smooth and memorable. We would be honored to welcome you both again whenever your path brings you back to Phuket, or beyond.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful Experience

Our guide was early for pick up and very knowledgeable of the process. He answered all of our questions and translated with Ajarn as needed. Our Ajarn and his assistant were wonderfully kind and gentle.

5 July 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your kind words, Linda.

We're truly honoured to have been part of this special moment with you and your daughter. It means a lot to hear that you felt your guide and the Ajarn created a respectful space for the experience. We always strive to ensure each guest feels supported and informed, and we’re so glad that came through for you both.

Please pass along our warmest wishes to your daughter as she carries this sacred ink into her next chapter. May it offer her strength, guidance, and all the protection she needs on the path ahead. We’re grateful you chose to walk this journey with us — thank you again for entrusting us with such a meaningful day. 🙏

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

It was not as intense as expected from…

It was not as intense as expected from a spiritual point of view. Not a lot of interaction with the ajarn. I had the feeling it was more business than spiritual exchange. The price is too high for the experience I had, in my opinion.

8 July 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you for your feedback, Giovanni.

We’re sorry the experience didn’t feel as meaningful to you as expected. As we shared in earlier communications, we aim to support each guest’s personal journey by offering detailed preparation — including our extensive Instagram discussions we shared, and detailed emails about how to reflect on intentions, engage with the Ajarn, and use your guide to ask the ajarn questions - especially if the ajarn doesn't ask you questions. That said, we understand that connection is subjective and may not resonate equally for everyone.

We also want to clarify that we never market Sak Yant as a “spiritual service” — we believe spirituality arises from within, not something that can be sold or pre-packaged. We can only open the door, but it's up to our guests and their mindset to find that spiritual connection.

As for pricing, it reflects the full scope of the experience: including a private, licensed guide trained in Sak Yant traditions, and the Ajarn’s independently set rate for their tattoos. Like any tattoo artist, pricing varies by style, reputation, and experience, and we honour those rates out of respect. While there are Ajarns with lower prices, this can sometimes compromise on quality or hygiene — areas we won’t cut corners on for our guests’ safety and satisfaction.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts — we truly appreciate your perspective and hope your sak yant brings you the luck and enchantment you had hoped for. 🙏

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A once in a life time experience

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

2 July 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your kind review, Fiona.

We’re so glad to hear that your time with Ajarn Ya and your guide Tobb was a memorable one. Tobb has been part of our team since 2018, and we’ve been honoured to work alongside him for so many years. His deep knowledge and calm presence continue to make a difference for guests, and we’re glad you felt supported throughout the experience.

It was truly an honour to share this ancestral practice with you, and to help guide you through the process of receiving your Sak Yant. We hope it brings you the strength, protection, and enchantment you wished for as it continues to support your path ahead. Thank you again for allowing us to be part of your journey.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

excellent service from start to end

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

16 June 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Glenn. We’re really glad we could help make your Borneo Iban Homestay experience come together smoothly, even on such short notice. We always aim to be as transparent and flexible as possible, and we appreciate your easy communication in helping us make it all work.

It’s not every day that we get to support a journey into such a remote and culturally rich part of the world, and we’re honoured you chose to explore it with us. We hope the experience gave you deeper insights into Iban traditions and life along the river, and left you with lasting memories. Terima kasih again, and safe travels - until we see you again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The WSE experience is Best In Class!

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! 😉

31 May 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Rory.

It was truly an honour to share not just one but three meaningful experiences with you and your son during your time in Chiang Mai. From receiving your Sak Yant, to discovering the richness of everyday life through our local experience, and stepping into the rhythm of a monk’s life for a day, we’re thrilled each experience left a lasting impression.

We’re also grateful for your kind words about our guides. They care deeply about offering genuine and informed connections with their culture and are always happy to hear that their efforts made an impact. We hope your travels continue to be full of discovery and inspiration. Kop Khun Krub again and safe travels until we see you again... Somewhere in the world! 😉





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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was one of the most amazing…

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.

13 June 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your review, Tara. It means a lot to hear that this was one of the most amazing experiences of your lives. We are grateful for your kind words about your guide and about Ajarn Rung, whose presence leaves a lasting impression on so many. Your recommendation means the world, and we would be honored to welcome you again in the future.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

An amazing experience with an amazing guide

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.

6 June 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for sharing this, Christopher. It means a lot that you felt so connected during your time with Guitar, and we are honored to have shared that moment with you. We are grateful you chose us for this experience, and we hope to welcome you back whenever your path brings you our way again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I first traveled with Where Side Walks…

I first traveled with Where Side 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 side Walks End. I’ve now explored with them in two countries, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

30 May 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us, Jonathan. It means a great deal that after joining us in Borneo you chose to travel with us again in the Philippines. We are honored to have shared both the healing session and the love potion experience with you, and grateful that you found them immersive and fun. Guests like you remind us why these connections matter so much. We would be delighted to welcome you again whenever the road leads our way.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your kind words, Derek. We are grateful you chose us for your Sak Yant experience in Phuket and honored to have shared this moment with you. Khun Nuch and Ajarn Yod will be so pleased to know they were part of your journey. We hope to welcome you back again whenever the time feels right, either to Thailand or beyond! Thank you again!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A Sacred Journey with Where Sidewalks End

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.

30 April 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your beautiful words, Dimitri. We are honored that you chose us to guide you through your first Sak Yant, and grateful you felt supported from the first questions through to the blessing itself. It is touching to know that Ajarn Ya’s intuition and Khun Gob’s guidance helped make the experience seamless and respectful for you. Thank you for trusting us with such a meaningful step, and we would be delighted to welcome you again whenever your path leads back to Thailand.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you for a beautiful experience

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

12 May 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your kind words, Chanda. We are honored that your Sak Yant with Ajarn Sam was everything you had hoped for, and grateful to Khun Wao for being there to guide you through the day. It means a lot that you chose us for such a meaningful experience, and we would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another experience in Thailand, or beyond.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful cultural experience

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.

2 May 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your kind words, Samir. We are honored that you joined us in Oaxaca and glad to hear your day at the palenque was both fun and informative. It is wonderful to know the family’s warmth and generosity, along with Tavo’s guidance, made the experience so memorable. We are grateful you chose us and would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another experience in Oaxaca, or beyond.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great experience!

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

9 April 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your kind words, Zack and Tonya. We are honored you chose us for your Sak Yant experience and glad to hear that your time with Ajarn Rung and Khun Noi was so positive. It means a lot that you trusted us with such a meaningful step, and we would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another experience in Thailand, or beyond.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional Chiang Mai Sak Yant…

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!

16 April 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your beautiful words, Chantelle. We are deeply honored that your Sak Yant in Chiang Mai with Ajarn Sam had such a heartfelt impact. It means a great deal to know that Khun Noi’s support, along with Ajarn Sam’s presence, helped make the day so meaningful for you both. We are grateful you trusted us with such an important step in your journey and would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another experience in Thailand, or beyond.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Friendly, Professional, Enjoyable

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.

3 April 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Amalia. We are honored that you felt supported from the very first contact through to your Sak Yant with Ajarn Ya. It means a lot that the experience felt both well-organized and respectful, and that Khun Gob’s guidance helped you feel connected throughout the day. We are grateful you chose us for such a meaningful experience, and we would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another journey in Thailand, or beyond.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Incredible experience with “pechuga mezcal”

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!!

1 April 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your kind words, Magaly. We are honored you joined us for the pechuga mezcal experience and glad that taking part in the full process, from start to finish, felt so meaningful. It is wonderful to know the women mezcaleras made such an impression and that you left with both memories and your own bottle to carry home. We are grateful you chose us and would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another experience in Oaxaca, or beyond.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It was a great experience

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

7 March 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your kind words, Oscar. We are honored that you continue to return to us for your Sak Yant experiences in Chiang Mai. It means a great deal to know that Khun Noi’s warmth and knowledge help make each visit meaningful, and we are grateful for the trust you have placed in us and in Ajarn Rung. We would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another experience in Thailand, or beyond.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Where Sidewalks End does a great job at…

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.

18 March 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your kind words, Andrew. We are honored you joined us for so many experiences during your time in Oaxaca, and grateful for the chance to share the stories of women-led and indigenous-owned food businesses with you. It means a lot that you valued the guidance of our local team and the unique flavors and places they brought to life. We would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another taste of Oaxaca, or beyond.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Fun, informative, local experience

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.

27 February 2025
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Reply from Where Sidewalks End

Thank you so much for your detailed review, Ann. We are honored you joined us for this weaving experience and grateful for your kind words about Laura and Nelson. It is wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed learning about the cotton, the ancient tools, and sharing a meal together in the community.

We also appreciate your patience with the tighter seating that day. We had made a special exception to include a videographer for filming, which added to the space in the vehicle. Thank you for your understanding, and we are glad it did not take away from the day.

We are grateful you chose us to share this meaningful experience and would be delighted to welcome you again anytime in Oaxaca, or beyond.

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