i have recently contacted tong about an excursion. 8 to 10 days since i e-mailed. not going till jan.-08, but is first trip to thailand and wife is very excited and wants to make sure everything is perfect.is this normal for tong to take this long, and should i worry?
thanks, mogens

She will get back to you. Try E-mailing her again.

She's out driving people around. It'll take time for her to answer. Happy Travels!

Tong is really, really busy! In June, some of her days were running 22 hours long, and her travel time is increased due to the demonstrations and congestion.

As Gpanda says -- try e-mailing her again.

Sandra/mcbeanie

she was quite sick when i spoke with her last thursday....maybe she is laying low for a few days...

she also told me of more computer problems...you have plenty of time

Exactly, you have plenty of time. I'm sure she's focused on customers who are there now or who will be there during the summer as most guides/drivers would do. You're planning very far in advance. Happy Travels!

I've read several posts over the past several months about Tong being ill.

I think she really tries to do to much. She's gets so many recco's from this board alone it would be difficult to keep up with the demand.

We scheduled time with her back in March (for January 09) and at that time she was already booked for all but one day that we had inquired about.

She has always been fairly prompt in her return emails....keep trying.

You know there is another option- Ratt! Everyone on this board seems to forget about Ratt.

Hi Bill

I remember Ratt very well. She's the one who stood me up without warning on my maiden voyage to SEA. Luckily, she sent Tong instead, on HER maiden voyage as a private tour guide.

Instant karma.

I will always remember Ratt fondly as a result.

tong thinks she replied to you...send another msg....

she works very long hours, often 7 days per week plus she has a family....she does not want to disappoint but gets run down easily...

she is the best

That's where it all started

That's where it all started

I would say she didn't stand you up if she sent Tong is what I meant

Ratt trained Tong- consider sending some business Ratt's way.

HT...now..now...Happy Travels!

It is impossible that Ratt fully trained Tong. Ratt, as I understand it, is a driver and Tong is a guide. Ratt is not allowed to accompany anyone into the temples. When we used Tong earlier this year at the Tiger Temple Tong accompanied us into the complex and gave us lots of advantages around the temple because of her being so respected by the monks.The real value in using Tong is in the history and fun that she adds inside the places you choose to go. If you only need a driver with good English skills I am sure Ratt would be fine but if you need a guide try for Tong or someone who works for her.