mary_e

Writing to thank all of the South Asia experts who helped to condense my travel intinerary. Y'all were right about not squeezing in too much. Our first stop, Bhutan, was outrageously beautiful and pristine. Buddhism deeply rooted in every aspect of Bhutanese world, it was so different from anything I'd every experienced before, and so much more amazing than I expected. The hike to the "Tiger's Lair" monastery was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and please if you can, do it. Our guide, Sonam, was extremely knowledgable and graceful. Can't wait to explore more of Bhutan; I left there feeling like I wanted so much more. In Siem Reap, the Pavillon Indochine was a fantastic hotel, atmospheric and very clean and $45/night and not in the middle of the noisy town. Dara (Pon heary's brother) in Siem Reap was a great guide, very knowledgable but not a yapper. He knows SO MUCH about architecture and history. Then on to Bangkok, where Tong was our guide. She was very good, I'd recommend her. Past postings were correct about the Floating Market, we went there against my better judgement. However, Tong takes you to parts of the canals that, truly, no one else takes you. It's an unusual Market tour. She also can couple the Market Tour with another private boat tour. After the tour, which includes siting some wild monkeys and eagles and egrets, you havea homemade lunch on a big pavilion built on stilts in a bay. We dined high about the middle of the ocean basically, and afterward some of our party swam or napped. It was just paradise. Just ask Tong to take you the "secret place" for lunch with Reed and the monkeys and she'll tell you more. I just couldn't describe how to get there, it's so off the beaten path and not in any guide book. Tell her that Mary and Jerry Stein and Sal and Stuart sent you!

Kathie

It sounds just wonderful! I do hpe you'll write us a full trip report.

Bhutan has long been on my list of must-see places. I'd love to hear more about that part of the trip. What agent did you use to book it?

Clifton

I'm glad you had a good time in Bangkok and Angkor, both great spots. But I especially hope too that you can share more about Bhutan. It's been at my number one must-see list for years. Someday...

Did you travel in a group or independantly? How you made your arrangements and about the logistics of being there, if you wouldn't mind sharing?

Gpanda

Marye-glad you had a wonderful time. Thanks for your reporting. Of course, we want to know every tiny detail. For a start, tell us your favorite and least favorite thing, please.

rhkkmk

i think tong is taking gpanda and myself and our wives to the seaside place in november....can you tell us more about it??

Mirasia

I thought I wrote down Tong's e-mail address but I can't seem to find it, can someone give it to me? We are also going to the floating market in Nov and the "secret place" sounds intriguing.

Zoe

I am also intrigued with Bhutan and would like to know more!

offwego

tongs email is [email protected]

Mirasia

Thanks!