Since Day 1, Smiling Albino has always specialized in truly ‘small group’ travel. Our maximum group-size is eight persons and we have an average group-size of six. Our trips can even start with a minimum of two persons.

We also run private, custom trips with larger numbers when requested – say a large family that wants to travel together, but then we ramp-up our host-guest ratio. To us these numbers and operating style is what ‘small group’ travel means.

A recent online search of ‘small group travel’ turned-up some startling results and the Smiling Albino Team had a close look at the group size of other travel groups who promote trips with a ‘small group-size’. It was surprising to say the least at what we found.

Many companies define a ‘small group’ at around 12-15 persons. Not bad, a bit too many people for our tastes, but not bad. Others tipped the scales in the high-teens and one company boasting ‘intimate-size groups’ has a maximum group size of 34! 34! Come on, 34 persons would be an intimate wedding, an intimate funeral, a mid-size party, but 34 people traveling together is a full bus – hardly intimate.

Here’re some of our findings on other travel retailer’s group sizes:

Intrepid features a maximum 12 travelers on their ‘Original’ style trips.

GAP has a trip in Thailand that has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Peregrine has a maximum group size of 15 with their trips.

ElderTreks hosts groups to a maximum of 16 persons.

Trek Travel tips the scales with their ‘intimate’ group of 34 persons.

Butterfield & Robinson usually has 16 people on their trips (results via email enquiry).

Abercrombie and Fitch comes in really high with a maximum 24 (results via email enquiry).

When we started Smiling Albino back in 2000, ‘intimate’ travel meant single-digit-sized groups. We didn’t research the competition very much and assumed most other companies capped their groups at about 12 persons. This recent search was not only surprising, but solidified our original vision of ‘small group’ travel and what it means to us. We’re proud to host truly ‘intimate-sized’ groups and be the leaders in ‘small group’ travel.

We look forward to hosting you on a trip with no more than eight travelers – guaranteed!

by Daniel Fraser

Question: Are attractions which are designed for tourist consumption necessary evil? Often they can be, and when it comes to tourist attractions in Asia they usually are. Think monkey dancing shows and elephants playing harmonica. However, it certainly isn’t fair to lump all tourist attractions and cultural performances as cliché and lacking in higher value merely because it was designed as a money-making entity targeting tourists.

Last week a group from our office went to see Bangkok’s newest puppet theatre, Aksara. Admittedly I was skeptical going in. The new Aksara theatre is in a glitzy new pavilion which is part of the King Power duty free group (generally, but not always, high-priced knick-knacks aimed at tourists). For years the Joe Louis puppet troupe (currently at Suan Luum Night Bazaar) has been getting good reviews – and for good reason. The story of Joe Louis (aka Sakorn Yangkhieosot) is a great tale of a family’s quest to revive the ancient and dying art of Thai puppetry. The fact that Thai puppetry exists to this day is a testament to Joe Louis and his children. So, how could a flashy new theatre do justice to this revered ancient art form? The Aksara experience however turned out to be a pleasant surprise and well worth the trip.

For starters, the theatre is a beautiful multi-million dollar construction. State of the art sound and acoustics, with comfortable seating and the walls and lobby adorned with art work, wall-mount wood carvings, murals, etc. Despite the theatre’s temperature hovering at roughly 15 degrees, which often translates to luxury in some parts of Asia, the performance is outstanding.

Well choreographed performances featuring between two and fifty puppeteers covering a range of Thai themes from episodes from the Ramakien, forlorn love stories from rural villages, a comical and brilliantly presented cock-fighting series, as well as a hilarious Isaan village dance to round things out in a world-class presentation. Much more impressive than I expected and in just under 90-minutes you are taken through a theatrical and enjoyable adventure through Thailand.

Some of the higher meaning behind the scenes of the Ramakien, such as the significance of the characters Hanuman and Thosakan may be lost on those not familiar with the story. Likewise, there was a short performance of a Japanese umbrella dance, which was visually impressive, but its purpose at this theatre was lost on all of the audience except for, well, the Japanese.

The puppeteers themselves are to be commended. Thousands of hours have clearly gone into creating life-like, animated gestures and choreography on the part of the puppets. The troupe also does a good job of bringing puppets out into the audience to ham it up with viewers. While cute, I couldn’t decide if this added to the experience or detracted from the artistic integrity of the performance. Finally, the puppets make a final appearance for photo-opp’s with guests in the lobby after the show. This seemed more appropriate in my opinion.

Conclusion: All of the elements work together for a very worthwhile experience and fun montage of several themes relevant to Thailand. If you have a free evening and want a light and entertaining dose of culture, this is a good experience for Thais and westerners alike.

Suggestion: eat first. There is a giant, well-stocked, and over-priced Thai-International buffet next to the theatre. Plus shopping options, of course.

The “Aksara Small Puppeteer Troupe” performs special shows at the Aksara Theater on 3rd floor of the King Power Complex, Soi Rangnam, from Tuesday – Friday at 19.00 hrs., and on Saturdays – Sundays at 14.00 and 19.00 hrs. Programs change throughout the year. Tickets start at 300B.