January 17, 2008

Dear Duangkamol:

It is difficult to express in words just how grateful Kamy and I are
for the trip of a lifetime that you planned for us. Even though we
were excited to travel to Asia for the first time, we still could not
have imagined how memorable and special our visit to Thailand would
be.

I realize that working with me was challenging. Unlike some of your
other customers, I usually plan all my own travel, myself, because I
like to go to places that aren't typically featured in arranged tours.
I selected WildThailand because of its custom trip option and its
focus on remote destinations. When I wrote you, I was impressed by
your prompt response and your willingness to incorporate all our
concerns and special interests into the sample itinerary you sent me.
But even more impressive was your constant, attentive correspondence
with me over a period of at least 3 months, as I asked you countless
questions and made additional requests. You never grew impatient with
me or stopped writing me, which is why I felt confident that our trip
would be great, even though I had not previously heard of
WildThailand.

The trip was better than great. It was not until I reached Thailand
that I realized just how much effort you had to put in to coordinating
so many guides, drivers, hotels, tours, meals, and more. You are
perhaps the ONLY agent who could have exceeded my expectations. As we waited--half way around and world from home and a bit nervous--to see if our first transfer and guide would arrive, we were so relieved to
find him (Ngu) with our name on a sign, waiting faithfully at the
airport exit. Every arrangement from that point forward was just as
timely and reliable, to our great relief.

Bangkok was an amazing introduction to Thailand, especially
considering how much we saw in our one full day there. I remember
telling our guide Ngu that if my whole trip ended the next day, I
would still think visiting Thailand had been worthwhile. Ngu provided
us with a remarkably thorough explanation of the historical and
religious backgrounds of Wat Arun, the Royal Palace, and the Royal
Barges. Although our day was full of activity, we never felt
overwhelmed or rushed. In fact, we still had energy to attend a Thai
dance show that evening, which Ngu kindly arranged for us and escorted
us to, on his own time.

Northern Thailand, which we toured for one week of our sixteen-day
visit, was our favorite part of the trip, thanks to our guide Mu and
her friend Nini. Our road trip among the villages and cities around
Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son was an experience Kamy and I will always cherish. Two better teachers we could not have possibly asked for. Mu educated us in many matters of Thai language and culture, including basic grammar, customs and manners, food, music, nightlife, politics, religion, farming, flora and fauna, and village life. Nini, in
addition, patiently taught me Thai vocabulary and songs, always
smiling and laughing with me. Perhaps the best education we received
was "learning by doing," as Mu would say. Mu's deep-rooted connection
to the hill tribes of the north and the Mae Chaem villagers allowed us
to connect with families and experience first-hand some of their ways
of life. Their obvious respect for Mu and her support of their
villages made us feel welcome wherever we went.

Mu and Nini were as generous with their time as they were with their
information. They spent New Year's Eve with us in Chiang Mai, where we sent a giant lantern into the sky and celebrated on the riverbank.
Sanuk Mahk! On our last day in the north, they kindly agreed when I
asked them if they would stay in Mae Hong Son with us. I realized I
didn't want us to spend that day on our own, as we had planned. At the
airport we cried when our dear guides and now friends left.

Our final destination, Southern Thailand, was where we witnessed the
beauty of the jungles and islands. The jungle accommodations you
arranged at the Tree Top River Hut resort and the bamboo raft house
were set in absolutely breathtaking locations. It was so inspiring to
walk out of the room and see exotic birds and emerald green waters,
and to hear the roars of cicadas and the howls of Gibbons. The owners
of both resorts fed us Thai meals fit for a king and were friendly and
helpful. Mr. Daeng ensured that all our activities—elephant riding,
jungle hiking, kayaking, and boating to the raft house—went just as
planned.

When we arrived in Phuket, the lessons of our previous destinations
came in handy. We easily navigated our way around Karon Beach and were appreciated by the Andaman Sea View staff for using the little Thai we knew. Our day tours to Ko Phi Phi and Ko Similan were quite full, as
expected during high season, but that didn't stop us from relaxing on
white sand beaches and snorkeling past beautiful coral reefs and fish.

Duangkamol, how can we begin to thank you and WildThailand? Our
experiences never would have been possible without your
professionalism and expertise. Although we have traveled to many
faraway lands including Peru, Tahiti, Mexico, Europe, and even
Antarctica, this trip to Thailand has been outstanding. I hope you
will share this review with all the people who helped make it happen.

With sincerest gratitude,
Kim Akhavan
USA