Hi macy

we went to Kanchanburi for the day with Pook who works with Tong. The tour included Hellfire Pass (and museum), tiger temple, bridge over the kwai. It was all really good but it's very very hot and humid. Take an umbrella as well as a hat; Pook had stacks of cold water and washers and the car was airconditioned. It's a 3 hour drive to Kanchanburi province so you have a pretty early start to the day.

The hike down to Hellfire Pass itself is okay but it's a long haul back if you're not young/ fit - I'm neither and (unbeknown to me at the time) dengue fever was kicking in. So I was really ragged at the end of the walk back up.

I know there is much robust debate re the tiger temple - it certainly isn't like Werribee Zoo - but I don't regret going. If you'd like to see photos, PM me your email and I'll send you some.

cheers

Hi Macy,

We have just returned from Thailand and had two days of tours with Tong.

Day One was with Tong herself. We did the floating markets, Tiger Temple, and Elephant Bathing and Bridge over the River Kwai.

It was a big day but well worth it. I can highly recommend the Elephant Bathing. The best fun we have ever had. It is very exciting but quite strenuous (we are middle aged) at the same time. If you have teenagers they would absolutely love it. It was a short ride on bareback down to the river and that is where the fun started. Duanpen (the elephant) squirted us and tossed us off a number of times and we ended up with a water fight with her. Guess who won? We also shampooed and scrubbed her. I will never complain about washing the dog again. We just laughed the whole time and Tong was in hysterics while taking pictures and movies of us. It is a very unique experience and we will never forget it.

Day 2 was with Jerry to The Fishing Village. A more peaceful day and just so relaxing. We toured the bay and mud flats viewing cockle, mussel and oyster farms and fed wild monkeys along the way. All beautiful scenery. We were given a scrumptous lunch in one of the bamboo houses built on stilts over the water. Jerry was just so friendly, spoilt us, and gave us lots of information along the way.

Two wonderful days. A highlight of our trip.

If you would like photos please pm me.

You will have a great time with Tong.

Cheers,

Lyn

Hi, We did a day with Tong last January. We did the Floating market-so much funwith tong and also the Fishing Village-simply wonderful. We are both 50 and my daughter and boyfriend in their mid tweties. We all agreed we had a fantastic day. tong also adde3d in other things like a visit to a small temple with amazing carving and we met a moonk. We were the only people there which made it really special. I am sure you will have a great time whatever you choose to do. We are saving hard to return!

We just came back and while there had tours set up through Tong. Jerry took us through the city one day including a long bost ride through the canals. It was great.

The second day we went to Tiger Temple, the Floating Market and Bridge over the River Kwai. Nui was our guide. She was great. It is a long trip and the car and driver worked very well. It was money well spent. We would have not been able to cover so much with out Jerry and Nui.

A must is Tiger Temple. I have read some of the other comments, and for our part the Tigers are well cared for and it seems that the Monks are providing a quality environment.

Have a great trip.

Jim