The cultural sites were interesting, but didn't give enough insight into the daily life and authenticity which we so much appreciate. However, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and fed us history until our brains couldn't take any more. It took her a day or two to learn to know us properly, as we were very different and had different wishes in regards to food and experiences compared to her other groups. But then she chose the perfect places for us. We loved Lalu and Sdok Kok Thom, Chanthaburi, Kraben Bay mangrove forest and, last but not least, our relaxing days on Ko Kood, where we've been spoiled from head to toe in our luxury hotel picked by the local agency. Brilliant service also on our way back. Drivers always on time, waiting at the ferry already. Travelling this way feels safe and yet informative. Having the benefit of a tour guide of your own, don't have to concentrate on traffic is certainly a perk which makes the journey so much more enjoyable.
Everything was being taken care of, we didn't have to fend for anything for ourselves. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, and she helped us survive in a part of Thailand where English is still a foreign language, hardly spoken/understood by the locals.
There might have been a planning issue in advance, because for one day we were supposed to visit a National Park, which we couldn't because of the dry season and fire hazard. I'm not sure, but maybe this could have been foreseen at planning stage already, providing alternatives in advance. Our tour guide did her best to provide alternatives, so we were fine after all. Just thinking if this could have been avoided at all.