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
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Review summary
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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
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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
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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
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Company details
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
1910 Thomes Ave, 82001, Cheyenne , United States
- connect@wsetravel.com
- wheresidewalksend.com
4.6
Excellent
131 reviews
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically takes over 1 month to reply
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My guide was amazing
My guide was amazing! He made the entire experience memorable and informed me really well on what to expect as well as options I had available. Our meal after was also amazing! One of the best meals for my entire trip
4 December 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of getting a Sak Yant in Chiang Mai, Holden!
We’re thrilled to hear that Noi made your experience with Ajarn Rung so memorable and that his guidance helped you feel informed and comfortable throughout the process.
It’s also fantastic to know you enjoyed the meal afterward — what a great compliment that it was one of the best of your trip!
We’re truly honored to have been part of such a meaningful experience and hope to welcome you back again in the future. Safe travels and blessings always! 🙏🌏
This was a wonderful tour
This was a wonderful tour. Everyone in the group loved the experience. We all got to participate in making the cheese and loved talking to the family. This was a very cultural experience. Tour guide was very friendly and even took us to other places afterwards so we could get the most out of our trip. Highly recommended.
29 November 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your lovely review, Andrea! We’re delighted to hear that you and your group enjoyed the Oaxaca Cheese Making Experience with Doña Rosa and found it to be such a meaningful cultural activity. It’s wonderful that everyone had fun participating in the cheese-making process and connecting with the family. We’re also thrilled to hear that Octavio made your day even more special by helping you explore more of the area afterward. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you and your group back for another adventure in the future! 🌟🧀
Very authentic, made it meaningful
Really enjoyed the speaker who shared the meaning of Day of the Dead for her, meeting other women, and sharing our experiences.
4 November 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind words, Susan! We’re delighted to hear that you found the Women Only Day of the Dead event to be such an authentic and meaningful experience.
It’s wonderful that you enjoyed the speaker’s insights, connecting with other women, and sharing stories together. These moments of connection and cultural exchange are exactly what we aim to create.
Thank you for being part of this special event, and we hope to welcome you to another experience in the future! 🌼💀✨
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Jason! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing experience with both the Day of the Dead Pantheon event AND the Day of the Dead makeup and photoshoot.
If you’re ever back visiting us from down under, we’d love to welcome you again to explore even more of Mexico’s deep cultural beauty and diversity. Or perhaps we can share an adventure closer to home, in Thailand, the Philippines, Borneo, or beyond! 🌏✨ Happy travels, until next time!
Sak Yant
I booked in for my Sak Yant through WSE & they had very good customer service - they were flexible in allowing me to change my mind on my Ajarn Master which i really appreciated. Lots of information provided re: preparing for the day and experience, aftercare etc. Ajarn Dej was amazing. Could sense that he was very real and genuine and as soon as he started tattooing me i felt a sense of calm. Noi was wonderful and upbeat - thank you both. Was a wonderful experience and couldn't be happier with the result of my Sak Yant or the experience.
4 November 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your lovely review, Kayla! We’re thrilled to hear that your Chiang Mai Sak Yant experience with Ajarn Dej and your guide Noi was so meaningful. We’re glad the information provided helped you to feel prepared and confident throughout the process.
It’s wonderful to know that Ajarn Dej’s authenticity and calming presence resonated with you and that Noi’s upbeat energy made the day even more special.
We’re so happy you love the result of your Sak Yant and are honored to have been part of this unforgettable experience. Safe travels and blessings always, may your sak yant bring you the luck and enchantment you wished for! 🙏✨ Until next time!
Octavio was an excellent
Octavio was an excellent, knowledgable, interesting guide to the traditional foods of Oaxaca.
22 October 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind review, Rosita!
We’re delighted that you enjoyed the Oaxaca Ancestral Food Experience and that Octavio made it so memorable with his knowledge and engaging insights.
Knowing you appreciated exploring Oaxaca’s traditional foods with him is wonderful. We’d love to welcome you back for more culinary adventures in the future! 🌟🌮
Nice experience, good value
Joined this experience to learn more about Day of the Dead in Oaxaca. It was nice to connect with other visitors and locals. The group was large (about 40 people). Only one lead/guide was not enough.
Food and drinks were served. The dance exhibition needed a better venue than the sidewalk.
When we made it to the Pantheon General, I expected to visit the pantheon of the family member of the lady that gave the short talk. The translation by the guide did not really cover all the beautiful things she said and the history she talked about. The effect was lost in translation, which is a shame.
Overall a good experience that needs improvement.
Thanks!
1 November 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you for your feedback, Ana! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed connecting with other visitors and locals during the Day of the Dead experience and appreciated the food, drinks, and cultural insights shared.
It’s wonderful that you found value in the event and took part in this special tradition in Oaxaca.
We’ll take your suggestions to heart, as we do with all feedback, to continue improving our experiences on an ongoing basis.
We hope to welcome you back for more meaningful adventures in the future! 🌼✨
Two amazing tours in Oaxaca
We had two amazing tours in Oaxaca from Where Sidewalks End. The alebrije tour was a great way to get to know the craft of making alebrijes. We then got to paint our own. And we did a cheese making tour - delicious cheese and got to learn about the process. We had two great tour guides and two great experiences!
30 October 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed both the alebrije and cheese-making tours in Oaxaca. It's wonderful to know that our guides and hands-on experiences made your trip so memorable.
We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
I loved the whole experience!
1 November 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your fantastic review, Martin! We're thrilled to hear that you loved the whole experience, especially during such a sacred time of year in Oaxaca. It's great to know that both the Day of the Dead cooking class and the Day of the Dead pantheon event left a lasting impression on you and your time here in Mexico.
We hope to see you again for more unforgettable adventures!
Would highly advise against…
Would highly advise against wheresidewalksend based on my experience.
Very disappointing experience, lack of communication and way too expensive. When I reached out to them there was a deafness in their response that was highly disappointing.
Wouldn't recommend to anyone but rather finding someone local for tour (there are a lot of other options in the main square at or leading up to day of the dead - very easy to find) that will work out better for families or solo travelers.
1 November 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
Our team strives to provide clear communication and support, and we made every effort to share detailed information about the event. All emails, including the meeting location and event reminders, were sent to the email address you provided at the time of booking, and our email server confirms they were successfully delivered. You seem to be the only one from the event of 40 people who didn't receive them, and probably deleted it from your junk folder accidentally - mistakes happen. We understand how frustrating it must be to feel unheard, but when you reached out 30 minutes after the event had already started, we immediately responded and invited you to join us, as you were only a few block away from the event space, to which you refused, and started making threats to our staff via email.
We sincerely regret that you felt disappointed, but we hope you understand that given our commitment to the local staff running the event (yes, this was a locally designed and run tour), the locally owned venue, and preparations and purchases for your reservation which were already made, we were unable to accommodate your refund request for a no-show, even after multiple emails had been sent to you well in advance of the event. Our terms and conditions, which you acknowledged during booking, clearly state this policy.
We genuinely appreciate your feedback and will continue to improve our services and communication, though can't be held accountable for unread emails that are sent to you. Thank you for considering us, and we hope your time in Oaxaca was still memorable.
Deeply disappointing day of the dead experience
We joined them for a day of the dead experience where we were hoping it would be a somewhat intimate group of people celebrating the lives of their lost loved ones.
What we experienced was three hours in a restaurant being served incredibly mediocre food. We then placed photos of our lost loved ones on a pathetic preparation of an alter and walked to the pantheons.
This was a complete waste of our time and money and deeply disappointed us.
30 October 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re genuinely sorry to hear that the Day of the Dead event did not meet your expectations.
Our aim is to provide a meaningful and culturally immersive experience, highlighting the deep-rooted traditions of Día de Muertos. The three-hour portion at the restaurant is dedicated to sharing the history and significance of the celebration, offering guests the chance to connect with locals who share their personal stories and connections to the holiday. Traditional food is served as a complement to the experience, not the main focus, and we’re glad to see that other guests have enjoyed it, though we respect that it may not have met your expectations.
The altar creation and pantheon visit are meant to offer an understanding of how Mexicans honor and remember their lost loved ones. We strive to create a respectful and heartfelt experience, but it’s clear we may have missed the mark for you.
We value all feedback and would welcome any specific suggestions on how we could improve. While we are sad that the experience did not resonate with you as it has with other guests, your input helps us grow and ensure we offer the most meaningful and engaging events possible.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts.
Excellent service and great hosts
Excellent service and great hosts - website needs work!
22 October 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the service and our hosts. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how we could improve the website. If you have any specific suggestions or areas you think need work, we’d greatly appreciate your input to help us make it better. Thanks again for sharing!
Everything went so smoothly
Everything went so smoothly. The driver kept me updated on everything and made sure I was comfortable the whole time. The tattoo process and the discussion with the monk went very smoothly and I got all the information I needed. When I am back in Thailand I am definitely going back with this company for another tattoo.
21 October 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that your experience went smoothly and that our team made you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the entire process. It’s an honor to be part of your Sak Yant journey, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for your next tattoo when you return to Thailand. Wishing you safe travels and meaningful experiences until then!
Another Great Sak Yant Experience
I recently had my third Sak Yant session with Ajarn Rung through WSE, and it was another exceptional experience. I was pleased to have Khun Noi assist me, which made the process even more comfortable. My three friends, who I booked for their Sak Yant sessions during this visit, also had wonderful experiences. The team handled everything with professionalism, and I truly felt the deep significance of the Sak Yant ritual with Ajarn Rung. I will definitely be returning for future sessions. Highly recommended!
4 October 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for choosing us for your third Sak Yant session! We're honored to have been part of such a meaningful journey with Ajarn Rung, and we're thrilled to hear that Khun Noi’s assistance made the process even more comfortable for you. It’s also wonderful to know that your friends had memorable experiences as well. Your kind words about our team's professionalism and the significance of the ritual mean a lot to us. We look forward to welcoming you back for future sessions and are grateful for your high recommendation. Until next time!
A lifetime memory
So I was taken by taxi from the city of Oaxaca to the outskirts to a farm maybe 45 minutes away. I had fun practicing my Spanish with the driver who also spoke English if need be. The Mescalero was absolutely fantastic we went out we looked at different types of agave cactus. And then finally I feel like I have a pretty good idea of how Mezcal is made because they took me through the process step by step. Plus I got to plant a Mezcal Cactus as well really cool :-) I really felt a connection to the Mescalero to the guide to the farm to the process it was absolutely a lifetime memory cannot recommend it enough. Oh and don't forget to bring a few extra pesos because for sure you're going to want to take some home :-)
22 May 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed learning about the mezcal-making process and appreciated the connection with your guide and the Mezcalero, guide, and farm. Planting your own agave is certainly a memorable highlight. We also appreciate your reminder about bringing extra pesos for mezcal to take home. Your kind recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future!
Great Sak Yant Experience
It was a great experience from being picked up at my hotel to meeting Ajarn Ya. I would definitely do it again.
13 July 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful Sak Yant experience with Ajarn Ya. It means a lot that you would consider doing it again, and we’d be honored to welcome you back anytime. Thanks for choosing us!
This was a return trip for me and a…
This was a return trip for me and a first time for my wife. We had an amazing experience and a truly wonderful time with our guide and with Ajarn Yod and our guide Nana.
Everything was handled with ease and care and we enjoyed the experience and would happily do another visit!
17 April 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that your return visit was just as special and that your wife had an amazing first experience. It’s wonderful to know that Ajarn Yod, Nana, and the rest of our team made your time memorable and seamless. We’d be more than happy to welcome you both back for another visit in the future. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Recommend
Friendly and speedy customer service. Provides unique authentic experiences well worth the money. I’d consider using WSE for future trips.
24 June 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind words and glowing recommendation, Gavin! We’re absolutely thrilled that you had such an incredible time with both the Bangkok Ink Experience with Ajarn Krit and the Bangkok Local Experience. It’s wonderful to hear that our team helped create those unforgettable, authentic moments for you, and resonated on this level with you.
We’d be honoured to help you plan your next adventure—there’s a whole world of unique experiences waiting for you with Where Sidewalks End!
I loved this experience
I loved this experience! My guide (Guitar) was so sweet and answered every question I had and gave me extra insight and knowledge on top of it. The tattoo is about a week old and is almost healed up without issue.
13 June 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Frankie! We’re thrilled to hear you loved your Phuket Ink Experience with Ajarn Yod and Khun Guitar. It’s wonderful to know she made your journey even more special by sharing her expertise knowledge and answering all your questions. This is why we facilitate these experiences, to help connect you on a deeper level with local insider info :)
We’re also glad to hear your Sak Yant tattoo is healing beautifully—it’s such a meaningful keepsake from your time with us.
We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure whenever you’re ready - in Thailand, Mexico, the Philippines, Borneo or beyond!
Iban Longhouse Stay
The Iban Longhouse Stay was my second time booking with WSE (along with with the amazing Sak Yant experience in Chiang Mai) and I have nothing but good things to say about this company. These are authentic experiences designed for serious travellers looking to get off the beaten and commercial path. I did the 4 night stay, which included the unmissable camping/night hunt. If you have the time, absolutely make sure to join. If you don't, change your plans as it was one of the wildest and most incredible experiences of my travels so far. The families in the longhouse we're beyond welcoming, and very happy to have someone interested in learning about their way of life. And my guide, Chris, was as friendly and knowledgeable as he was badass. Would give beyond 5 stars if it was possible, and I promise you won't regret booking!
5 June 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Wow, thank you for such an incredible review, Max! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that your Iban Longhouse Stay was such a memorable and wild adventure. It’s amazing that you connected so deeply with the local families and got to experience the unique camping and night hunt—not everyone opts in for that, we're happy you got to experience it!
We’re also stoked that Chris made such an impression. He’s truly one of our best, combining deep knowledge (also being Iban himself helps with the extra mile) with that extra bit of adventure spirit!
Hearing how much you’ve enjoyed both this and your Sak Yant experience in Chiang Mai means the world to us. We can’t wait to help you plan your next off-the-beaten-path journey!
Until next time, happy exploring!
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