Sopanha Yous

I got in touch with Mr Sopanha over tourhq.com and he was courteous, flexible and quick in his reply, so we fixed a tour date about a month in advance. On the d-day, however, it was his team member [Ms Tongwatay] and not him who appeared at our hotel to take us for a tour! This surprised me and my friends, as we had made the effort to choose a guide on the basis of reviews! Still, we didn't create a fuss because the driver-guide team who met us were of such sweet disposition (Cambodians are extremely smilingly friendly!) that it would be just rude and against the spirit of a laidback vacation. I point this out so Mr Sopanha can be more clear to customers next time, if he is not available. Likewise, readers who are picky can double check with Mr Sopanha whether it will be him or his team who will take them around Angkor. As it turned out, Ms Watay is an informative, young, friendly guide who turned out to be an ideal companion for us group of girls. She was clearly enjoying her work - and we could see her still savoring these monuments she was showing us, which she must have seen countless times. She spoke of history as easily of her own personal experiences - giving us a more rounded view of Cambodia than just the Angkor period. She also took us to a very nice local restaurant (which has mostly Cambodians, not expats eating in ), and gave us good reccos on what to order (love Khmer cuisine!). And she is fantastic with the camera so we have ended up with great pictures of our trip! And that's why I am still happy to give a high rating for the experience!

Roberto Musio

Thanks to the great reviews here, my friends and I booked Roberto for our day at Pompeii. I was a treat to be led through Pompeii's ancient streets by him - he has a vast resource of info at his fingertips! Added to that was a sincerity with which he showed us all the relics left behind - adding context to information, weaving historical data.... we were left with a lot of awe for Pompeii and its people. We did only a half-day tour, but I would happily go back to Pompeii for a longer visit next time.

Roberto has an archeological background, easy-going manner, great communication - thx very much for one of my best days in Italy if you are reading this!