Testimonials
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We were met at our hotel at 6.30am by Tong. All 8 of us, including 4 teenagers , embarked on our VIP van, and boy was this a van of luxury, very impressive. After a brief run down of our itinery for the day, Tong gave us a summary of Thai culture and information was given for all the places that we were to visit. Tong was full of life and this made our trip more enjoyable, she was so knowledgeable and let us make our own judgement on the things we experienced and was interested in our opinions. Even her jokes were funny!
First we headed for the floating markets, passing the salt plains, on the way we stopped at Benelong Pottery, more for a toilet stop, but we were able to see the painters of this delicate artwork at work, there was no feeling that we had to buy anything like going with a tour company, it was genuinely for a look. We passed the market, on the railway line, where the sellers have to pack up their goods every time the train passes. Then off to see a beautiful temple with wood carvings inside. This was in a small village not a tourist area which was more authentic.
We arrived at the floating markets early, to miss the mayhem of the tourists. Tong went in one boat and bought some delicious foods for us all to try. The colour of all the different foods was a sight to see. Tong changed boats after a while, which enabled us all to experience her knowledge of the markets. We had this delicious spicy soup which we all agreed was the best we had ever had. She is a kind lady and even bought food for the dogs further up the river, where she took us to see how the people really lived, not usually where the tourist groups would go. The dogs knew she was coming and enjoyed their treats. When we came back through the main thorough fair we couldn’t believe the amount of tourists coming through it was bedlam. Thank god we got their early.
Due to a festival, the Bridge on the River Kwai was quite busy, we walked on to it, had a photo taken, Tong is always thinking to take your camera to get family shots for you, which was nice. Then after having to scramble to get out the way for the train that was coming, an experience in itself (not much thought goes into safety, every man for himself), we left heading towards the Tiger Temple.
On the way, another toilet stop at a wood carving place, where they carve beautiful furniture. A quick look then back on the road. The Tiger Temple is quite amazing, Tong explained the rules about being around the tigers, also the history of the place and the Monks. After signing a paper to say they will take no responsibility if you get attacked basically, we entered.
One tiger was being walked down to the canyon. We had to walk next to it with our hand always on the tigers back, if he walked slow, you walk slow, if he stops you stop, etc. The Monk is on the other side. This was quite frightening but also something not to be missed. I hadn’t realised until after I had done it that their was no chain on the tiger, he was free. You then go to the bottom of the canyon where it very touristy. Lots of staff, Tong took us to the beginning of the line, there was a lot of people. A staff member guides you around by your hand to touch the different tigers, these ones are chained up. You could have a photo of a tigers with its head in your lap, but we all chose not to. I don’t know if this one is drugged or not but it put up with a lot of laps, and looked very sleepy. We discussed this later with Tong when she asked us what we thought, she then told us this is the Tiger you walked down with. So Im still undecided. Then Tong took us to see Bam Bam, a sun Bear. This was my daughters highlight. We fed her from outside the cage then to our amazement Tong had talked us all in to her cage. We fed her mangoes, and gave her bottles of milk. My daughter even kissed her. Are we all mad? Tong just makes it all feel safe, and you trust her.
After a wonderful experience like this we were all feeling pretty hungry. We stopped at an outdoor restaurant and had a beautiful lunch, some cold Singas to wash it all down and the kids an icecream cone. (Tong as well.)
Back to our VIP van, to the next stop, Elephant trekking. Tong took us to a camp that don’t use hooks on their elephants, so it was much kinder. She asked us if we wanted to bathe with them or ride, we chose ride but know the kids wish that had bathed, oh well always next time. It was more difficult than I had expected, also really uncomfortable. We went down to the river and waded through the water this was great. Then we went back on land and went around the park, this part was a little boring as it was enclosed and it could of been a bit shorter. Anyway good experience. The kids made a banana leaf hat with their rider so they had fun.
On the road again and by dusk we reach the Orphanage Moo Ban Dek, where I had asked Tong to take us. We had brought gifts and clothes for the kids from Australia. They were delightful and it was a beautiful setting, near the river. My son said this was the highlight of his trip, and he is 17. Our kids and the orphanage kids played table tennis, went on the swings, played with the bouncy balls. It was a heart wrenching experience and one that will stay in my heart forever. Also we sponsored a child while we were there. I have always wanted to do this and knowing and seeing where it is going it so fulfilling. Tong has two sponsored children there and seeing her with them was wonderful.
Our 3 hour trip back to Bangkok was spend dozing in our seats that layed back, at 10.30pm, after an unforgettable day, we arrive at our hotel. Time to say goodbye to a wonderful lady, who cant do enough for you and has a special gift with both people and animals. It was a pleasure to meet her and become her friend.
Ann Cavanagh
Adelaide, South Australia
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I first heard of Tong through Tripadvisor, there are hundreds of glowing reports about Tong on here and I'm so glad I decided to book her for our trip. We are a family of 5 with the children being 5,10,12. My sister and her husband and our male friend were with us as well. We all had an adventure of a life time. The children were so looked after by Tong, fussing around them to make sure they were having a good time as well, cold drinks and plenty of nice clean toilet breaks.
We had the pleasure of spending 2 days with Tong and some of the high lights for us were visiting the Floating Markets where Tong knows all the tasty food vendors, my youngest son ate his way around the markets, Tong took us around the back passages to where there are houses and the children and us were amazed this is how and where people live. I can still hear Tong squealing in delight as the "Snake man" draped a huge Python around my neck....
We all loved feeding the monkey's along the side of the road, the monkey's antics are something not to be missed, just follow Tong's advice as she is very familiar with these monkey's.
Tiger Temple, while a bit unsure about this place Tong spoke to us for about an hour before we had gotten there and explained the why's, how's and whats of the Tiger Temple. So we went in full of advice and knowledge thanks to Tong, I doubt we would of had this insight into the Tiger Temple if we'd been one of the other tourists that mass poured off the tourist buses. Tong knows the place very well and while the rest of the tourists went into the canyon we stayed and sat with the baby tiger cubs and watched the Monks interact with them. Then we saw Tongs "Baby" Bam Bam. This bear is beautiful and just adores Tong. The children loved giving Bam Bam her bottle of milk and feeding her mangoes.
I had expressed in my emails to Tong while deciding on our itineries that we'd like to visit an ophanage. Tong told us about one near Kanchanaburi, where we'd be, and it was decided we'd visit this one. The name is Moo Baan Dek and written on one of their pamplets are these words " Moo Baan Dek is an alternative education community for children who have been orphaned or come from very poor families, some of which were also abusive. The founders of the school believe each child can thrive and blossom when given enough love, attention, freedom, and be assured their basic needs will be seen to." Moo Baan Dek is on the banks of the River Kwai, this is their swimming pool and every afternoon go down for a swim. We had bought the schools children lunch for the day organised through Tong and my children got to serve the lunches for them. This is one of the best days we'd ever had. When it was time to go my eldest son took off his prized soccer shirt and handed it to a boy of his age, we all came away changed for the better.
Other places we visited included the Bridge over the River Kwai, the kids nearly gave Tong a heart attack when she realised they were standing on the bridge and the train was coming. They just followed other tourists and stood back in the little barriers as the train went pass, now they love telling the story of how they'd stood on the bridge with a train passing inches from them. They even had Japanese tourists asking to have their photo's taken with them on the bridge....
Kanchanaburi war cemetry, beautifully looked after and a must visit. Plenty of Temples and little resturants which were all beautiful. Part of the railway above the River Kwai which you could walk along, very long drop below but very beautiful as well.
This is without doubt one of the best things we'd ever done in our lives, we'd seen and experienced things that alot of other tourists wouldn't of. People are amazed with what we'd seen and done, especially with children in tow but Tong made it all possible and she has a special place in our hearts.
Rene, Jason and family
Australia
renejason@bigpond.com
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My husband & I were very fortunate to be able to book Tong for a very long, all-day tour out of Bangkok in August 2006. Early in the morning we were greeted in our Hotel lobby by a beaming Tong, fresh and ready to tackle the day. Our first stop was to be the Damansuek Floating Market and even though we have visited there before, many year's ago, the experience last time was nothing to compare with this visit all due to Tong's bubbly personality and knowledge. We got to taste delicious things from the sellers that we just would never have tried if we were on our own. We absolutely loved the Floating Markets.
We also paid a very quick visit to a beautiful Porcelain factory and saw the girls painting the products, then we visited a beautiful temple which was ornately carved completely on the insides, even the ceiling.
At lunch time we reached the Bridge on the River Kwai, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch overlooking the River and got to walk along the bridge taking more great photos. Luckily Tong thinks of everything - she had cool towels and drinks to keep us comfortable and even has umbrellas in her car, to keep the beating sun off of you.
Our final destination in the afternoon was the Tiger Temple...we had been waiting to see this for so long and it was an amazing feeling, kind of surreal, to be walking alongside these huge Cats, as we accompanied them down to the canyon where we had so many amazing photos taken with them - it's a feeling you can never forget.
By this time it was late afternoon and we were really feeling the extreme heat, so, time for the long drive back. I can really say I am amazed at Tong's level of enthusiasm at all times- it never wavers- she pays special attention to detail, is attentive and kind and funny and talkative and tries beyond the call of duty, to give her guests the best time possible on her tours, and she succeeds, 100%.
Good luck and success to Tong- she really deserves it.
Marilyn and Joe Elisha
Melbourne, Australia
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