Fifteen years ago when our travel planner suddenly quit we were incredibly lucky to find Ambrose and Red Lantern Journeys through a frantic Google search. He immediately stepped in and created extremely well-designed, custom, flawless, unique Asia experiences. We just completed our fifth trip with their help - three to India, one to Singapore, and one to Japan. What sets Red Lantern apart from others is Ambrose's vast knowledge of Asia, and how he beautifully listens and then weaves together a unique experience. His local teams of representatives, guides, and drivers are the best in all the ways you'd define that word. read more

I just returned from my honeymoon this week in Thailand and could not have been more pleased with the trip planned by Ambrose and Red Lantern Journeys. RLJ went above and beyond in terms of taking care of all the COVID paperwork and updating our itinerary in a changing environment. Throughout the planning process to when we touched back down in the US, RLJ was professional, communicated clearly and effectively and really lowered our stress level. We felt like our desires for the trip were heard and reflected in our accommodations and agenda. Our guides on the ground were fantastic and the experiences that RLJ planned for us really made the trip memorable. If your looking for an uncrowded and laid back take on Thailand, now is the time to go! I know we will be working with Red Lantern in our future travel to Asia. read more

Just over a year ago, in October 2009, I decided that my next big trip would be to Southeast Asia. I'd been poking around the Internet for the better part of a year deciding what I wanted to see and the approximate order in which I wanted to see it, and all that remained was deciding how to book my travels. Although I'd never worked with a travel agency before in planning a custom trip, I felt that this would be a good place to do it as I had absolutely no idea how to find guides, airport transfers, cooking schools, etc. in, say, Luang Prabang or central Vietnam. Additionally, I wanted to ask some friends along on the trip - I like traveling in small groups - so I needed a travel agency that would not only put together a custom itinerary for Southeast Asia, but one that could show me how much it would cost not only for my partner and myself, but how much more it could cost for 4, 6, or more passengers. I don't know why I originally contacted Red Lantern Journeys - it's been a year and I can't remember - but I think it was because their Web site looked trustworthy and it was clear from Puget Sound newspapers that they were actively working with local groups to book travel (Washington State trade delegations, I think?). At any rate, I sent them E-mail in November 2009 laying out my proposed itinerary and asking if they could not only price it out, but also do so for different numbers of passengers and different quality levels of hotels. They could. I began working with Ciara, a Red Lantern Journeys agent, and she was unfailingly professional, friendly, helpful, and quick to respond to my E-mail. By the end of the first week, we had a firm itinerary read to present to my friends with fixed costs, which is exactly what I was looking for. By the end of January 2010, we had a final number for our group and had all put down deposit money on the trip. We took that trip to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand in September 2010, and thanks to Red Lantern Journeys, absolutely everything was perfect. We had good guides that spoke excellent English, private transportation with cold water at all times, luxurious hotels, excellent tours, and all kinds of extras like an amazing cooking school in Hue and a fine cruise of Ha Long Bay. After giving RLJ the basics, they set it all up: all of the connecting flights, the hotel reservations, you name it. And best of all? It was good value for money. Having traveled a lot on my own, it didn't cost that much more to have them arrange it all for us, and I'm glad they did. If you're thinking of traveling to Asia, do yourself a favor and talk to Red Lantern Journeys. They're dependable, professional, honest, and above worth the money. I wouldn't hesitate to book through them again should I ever return to Asia. read more

We just returned from a two week trip to China and Thailand. Our trip was motivated by a U-tube video of people playing with baby elephants at an elephant rescue. After discovering the rescue was in Chiang Mai, Thailand we hunted on the internet for a tour agency that specialized in Southeast Asia but we not very impressed with any of them. Finally, we called the agent we had used for our Africa trip, Ultimate African Safaris in Seattle, Washington and asked if they knew of anyone that specialized in China and Thailand. They in turn recommended Red Lantern Journeys. During our first call, we explained to Ambrose at Red Lantern Journeys that we were planning a trip to China and Thailand, the main purpose of which was to play with the baby elephants in Thailand. We explained that we have traveled extensively, did not want to travel with a group, planned a week in China and a week in Thailand, wanted a full day with the baby elephants and wanted to be as flexible as possible with any tours. Things on "our must see and do list" were: The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, The Terracotta Warriors (if possible) and take a Thai cooking class. As for other venues, we were open to suggestions. The next day, Ambrose called and said he had found an excellent airfare on Air China out of LA and, in order to capture the great fare, would we be okay with booking the airfare ourselves while he planned the rest of the trip. An hour later we had round trip tickets for LA to Beijing and Beijing to Chiang Mai at a little over $1,000 total for each of us. Unbelievable! Several days later he called to go over the initial itinerary and, after a few adjustments, we received the itinerary in the mail the next week. Ambrose and Irene also helped us get our Chinese visas, booked us on the bullet train to Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors and on a flight back to Beijing so we could connect with our flight to Chiang Mai. To say our trip was fantastic would be a complete understatement. This truly was one of the best trips we have ever taken. (Africa excluded since nothing can beat Africa.) In each city we had a private car and driver, a guide/interpreter (all of whom were unbelievably helpful, knowledgeable and flexible). Our hotels were different in each city and ranged from a quaint Hu Tong style hotel in Beijing to a wonderful resort in Chiang Mai that we didn't want to leave. The service and food in each was excellent (the hotel in Xian being an exception) and the venues they booked us on were outstanding. Things we saw were the Great Wall at Mutianyu, The 2008 Olympic Site, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, The Terracotta Warriors, The Wall around Xian, took a rickshaw ride through the Hu Tongs in Beijing and visited a terracotta statue factory, a silk factory and two tea houses. In Chiang Mai we visited the Chiang Mai Zoo, spent a full day with the baby elephants and learned how to cook some excellent Thai food! I should note that we changed our itinerary several times, based on what we felt like seeing or how tired we were (you'll do a lot of walking, everywhere) and each time, our guides could not have been more accommodating. Our sincere thanks to Ambrose and Irene at Red Lantern Journeys, the guides and drivers they provided in each city and the staff at the hotels in Beijing and Chiang Mai for putting our wishes first, being so flexible and making our trip so wonderful. If your planning a trip to Southeast Asia, you will not find a better agency to plan your trip then Red Lantern Journeys. read more

We had a fantastic trip to India and Bhutan in September 2012 booked by Red Lantern.The company was responsive and knowledgeable - and also worked within our budget and requirements of hotel category, etc. to book us exactly the trip we wanted. Once on ground, everything went very smoothly as well - all of our guides and drivers were professional and on time. And our tour guide in Bhutan was perhaps the best we've ever had. I have traveled to nearly 50 countries and generally book my own travel. However, because of the requirements required for Bhutan travel (booking through a tour company is a mandate for most everyone except for, I believe, Indian nationals) and the general infrastructure in India, I decided to go with travel professionals to book this trip. And I'm very glad I did - it just made things so much easier. Would use Red Lantern again for future travels to this area of the world. read more

Red Lantern rocks! We had nothing but good experiences on our recent trip to Vietnam (with a short bit in Thailand). I originally contacted RLJ because they were recommended by a friend. I have always prided myself on planning and booking my own trips, and just wanted to use the agency for general advice. I talked with Irene, who was leaving for a lengthy trip to SE Asia the next day, but nevertheless spent quite a bit of time giving me immensely helpful information. Then I tried to book everything on my own. In short, by the time Irene returned from her trip, I was ready for her to take over. This was quite late in the game, about a month from departure, but she succeeded in putting together an itinerary that met all our requests--working within our budget, taking us to some out-of-the-way places, and keeping us thoroughly stimulated by new experiences every step of the way. Our local guides were excellent and added so much to our understanding of the country that I cannot imagine traveling without them in future. In planning the trip, perhaps most helpful was Irene's ability to listen and to quickly respond to all of my questions. She never made me feel that I was an imposition on her time or her patience. I can't wait for our next trip with Red Lantern read more

Highlights of Bangkok and Angkor Wat - 7 Days/6 Nights Red Lantern Journeys did a tremendous job in designing and planning our trip of 11 days in Southeast Asia. Thanks for planning this great trip for us, Irene Wong!! The entire trip was wonderful! We were very impressed with how well-organized and efficiently planned our agendas were for each day in Thailand and Cambodia. We were set up with extraordinary activities and guides in the cities of Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh. All three hotels were so beautiful and elegant; and the staffs at each were awesome. Our needs and safety were of the highest priority. As English speakers in a non-English part of the world, we felt grateful to be placed in such trustworthy hands. Our guides were AWESOME! Ms. Angela, Mr. Ohm, and Mr. Koumpeak were the greatest, and I can't imagine being taught and guided by any better qualified people! It is obvious that these individuals love their homes and love being ambassadors for their cultures. The humidity in these countries is considerable, and each guide consistently made sure we had water and a fresh towelette to refresh. American and European currency go a long way in these countries, and we were humbled. Our drivers were great, too! Each of them were so kind, friendly, and considerate; and made sure the six of us were doing okay throughout the days. I can't think of anything negative to say except that the trip went too fast and we wanted to stay longer! We would go back tomorrow if we could, and DEFINITELY have Red Lantern Journeys plan our trip again!!! read more

I just returned from a Nepal trip "planned" by Ambrose at Red Lantern Journeys. He did an awful job at organizing the trip. When we arrived, we realized that he had replicated tours to the same sites on multiple days just so that it would look like we had a full itinerary. He also didn't at all prepare us for the rugged accommodations that he put us in. I'm pretty sure that I greatly overpaid for this trip, and I'm obviously greatly disappointed with Ambrose's work. I would have been much better off planning this trip myself. read more

I was just using this site to find Red Lantern's phone number and saw the negative review. I had to offer my experience as a counter. I have taken two long (21+day) tours with Ambrose's help, one to Nepal and Thailand, the other to China. Both were very well done and went (mostly) smoothly. If you travel in Southeast Asia, or even China, you have to expect blips. Things change and get lost in translation. However, Ambrose and Red Lantern do a great job and iron out problems very quickly when they happen. I wouldn't hesitate to book with them again. read more

Red Lantern (Ambrose Bittner) did an excellent job of planning our trek in Nepal and all other associated activities. A friend and I did a 10 day trek to Annapurna Base Camp, we had a porter and guide for the two of us (Arjun and Him), and they were excellent. Not only did they do their jobs well, they were fun to be with -and always available to help. The rest of the trip was spent in Kathmandu and Pokhara, where we had first rate hotels and great meals. Almost everything was paid for, and we enjoyed every facet of the trip. The trek was, of course, the high point. They gave us a great deal of advice to make sure we were properly equipped - and we had no problems at all. I would definitely go to Red Lantern again for another adventure - and recommend them highly. read more

When our daughter announced that she would be spending several months in Thailand to do volunteer work, we agreed to visit her during stay. The question was how to arrange a trip to Southeast Asia that allowed us the flexibility of arriving and departing when we needed to, working in flexible time with our daughter and meeting our overall time and cost considerations. The answer was Red Lantern Journeys out of Seattle, Washington. Red Lantern Journeys is able to arrange customized tours for as few as 2 people. In our case, my wife and I invited another couple to join us - good friends of many years - so we were a "group" of 4. We arranged our own long-haul air travel to Southeast Asia, however, we left all of the touring arrangements, accommodations and local flights to Red Lantern Journeys. And, we were not disappointed. Our custom tour of 4 locations over 10 days in Thailand and Cambodia - Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh - was spectacular. In each location we had a different tour guide and driver who met us at the airport with a van, transported us to our hotel and sightseeing activities and provided us with plenty of local "flavor". All of our tour guides were polite, knowledgeable, fluent in English and quite accommodating to our needs. For example, in Chiang Mai, where our daughter was staying, our tour operator included our daughter in our schedule for one of the days. On that day we attended a half-day Thai cooking school where we bought our provisions at a local market, attended demonstration classes, and then individually cooked 4 entrees over our own woks in a beautiful outdoor setting. It was a culinary delight and a top-rate experience! Our tour guides were also flexible. The night before our last touring day in Chiang Mai, we realized we had scheduled 8 hours of driving in northern Thailand for a rather limited itinerary. We talked to our guide at 4 PM and she was able to entirely re-arrange the following day into what turned out to be a true delight. First, we went to the handicraft stores on San Kampang Road. What a great experience! We chose 3 markets - Celidon, silk and cotton. And we were not disappointed! We not only enjoyed the demonstrations of the crafts, but we had a wonderful buying experience. Then we went to the Doi Inthanon National Park. We had a great lunch in the park and a wonderful ride to the top of Thailand's highest peak where we took a nature walk. On the way down we stopped at the chedi in honor of the King and Queen with its immaculate gardens, then a Karen village where we saw how these indigenous people live and bought some wonderful handmade clothing, and finally saw the lovely Wachirathan waterfall. This ended up being one of our best entire days! All of our accommodations were first-made and helped to make the trip so outstanding. However, our favorite hotel was the U Chaing Mai Hotel, a breath of fresh air in this metropolitan area of over 1 million residents. The open air lobby, black tiled infinity pool, individual balconies for each room and lush plantings made it a relaxing "home base" after each day of touring in northern Thailand. All of our hotels provided breakfast, which was included with our room. The buffet at the Borei Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap was the nicest and most extensive, but all of the breakfasts were satisfying. Lunch depended on the day; some days it was included and other days we were on our own. Dinner was always on our own, but our tour guides gave us great recommendations in every city. The most special was our dinner at Cuisine Wat Damnak in Siem Reap, a French restaurant owned and run by a French couple (he's the chef) who uses local ingredients to make wonderful French meals. As I mentioned our guides and drivers met us at each airport when we arrived and delivered us to each airport when we departed. They helped us with our luggage and even found the right line for us to stand in when we got to the airport. All of our internal flights were well planned on good local airlines. The only criticism that we had was that several of our vans were inadequately air conditioned. Since we were traveling in the hottest month of the year (on several days it reached 100o F) and spent so much time in the vans, we felt it was important to be comfortable. In one city, we asked the tour operator to exchange the van for another one with better air conditioning. They willingly did so. Overall, this was a memorable trip for which we thank Red Lantern Journeys for their help and expertise. If we travel to Asia again, we would certainly use them for our touring needs. read more

Summer 2013 I took my third tour to Asia, the third one planned by Red Lantern Journeys. As with the two previous trips, one again RLJ excelled in creating an once-in-a-lifetime holiday - this time to Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar. Their understanding of my interests, my desire to explore the countries, my need to interact with the people was most evident in the itinerary they once again created for me. From trekking to visiting religious sites to a cooking lesson in a local home to travelling the countries by plane, train and car, I was able to get a greater understanding of the culture of the people and able to grasp, in greater depth, the contribution each of these countries have made to the world. Ambrose and Irene's attention to detail from my arrival in Asia until I left some 6 1/2 weeks later was evident in everything I encountered - visa preparation, greetings at airports, hotel accommodations, excursions planned - with guides whose spoke excellent English and shared a joint enthusiasm to see their respective countries and drivers whose primary focus was to transport me safely from one activity to another. RLJ were very open in presenting a variety of activities of which I accepted all and demonstrated an understanding of where my interests when they presented their suggestions for me. I was most taken with Ambrose and Irene's willingness to interview me via a phone call as they put forth ideas for activities very dear to my personal interests and their plans for how to incorporate them into my itinerary. I was also most taken with their prompt responses to my queries and how succinct they were in their responses. Finally I was touched by the sincerity displayed and genuine interest they had as we worked through this process. I would encourage people to contact RLJ is looking towards planning a tour in Asia - you will be taken by their warmth, charm and willingness and commitment to working with you on your initial contact as I first felt it in 2008 and continue to experience to this day! read more

My wife and I took our son, daughter in law and three young grandchildren to Laos and Cambodia. We wanted a tr that was good for kids. They picked the perfect activities and hotels. They could not have done a better job. read more

On our recent trip with Red Lantern (Our 3rd with RD) we visited Vietnam and Cambodia.Our time frame of 15 days has been extremely well organized by Red Lantern.From the internal flights,to the guides waiting at every airport,the complex logistics of the transportation as well as the very good hotel accommodation was excellent.The knowledge of the guides gave a very good insight into the culture as well as the history of each location we have visited.It would have been impossible for us to organize on our own all the excursions,with it's transportation and accommodation.From the visa arrangement,to the entrance to the various sights(Only through the experience of the local guides were we able to see the sights before the hundreds of other tourists arrived) As I mentioned we have previously traveled with Red Lantern and on compering notes with others (Who traveled to the same sights) we have seen and experienced far more,than other travelers,becouse of the experience and organization of Red Lantern.We certainly would not hesitate to choose Red Lantern again on a future excursion to Asia. Great work from Irene as well as Ambrose (And others) read more

detailed and personalized planning surpassed our expectations. trip went off precisely as planned. guide was beyond surperb.