Bangkok guide

Old Apr 11th, 2011, 08:03 AM
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Bangkok guide

We are going to be in Bangkok for only a couple days and wondered about hiring a driver - both for some sightseeing and travel to and from the airport. Has anyone tried this? We know we could work something out via the hotel, but wonder about avoiding those higher charges.
Thanks!!
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Old Apr 11th, 2011, 10:43 AM
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many of us use tong: travelwithtong.com

she is fantastic as a guide as are her people and she also has airport transportation as well...
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Old Apr 11th, 2011, 10:44 AM
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i am sorry, it should be [email protected]
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Old Apr 11th, 2011, 11:31 AM
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There is a real division of opinion on using driver/guides in Bangkok. I'm in the "no guide" group.

Whether or not you use a guide, I wouldn't hire a driver/guide to take me to and from the airport. I use AAC limo, reserve in advance and have them waiting for me when I arrive.
www.aaclimousine.com

The best way to get around within Bangkok is via public transport, the skytrain and water taxis on the river. Having a driver means you'll spend a fair amount of time caught in traffic. WHile I do use taxis for out-of-the-way places, that is a small part of the transport I use in Bangkok. It makes more sense to hire a driver if you are going places outside of bangkok. But with a mere two days I'd spend all of my time in Bangkok - there is so much to see and do!
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Old Apr 11th, 2011, 11:55 AM
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Kathie,
What does ACC limosine chrage for airport pickup and trip to downtown? The page on their website with rates is not functioning. Thanks.
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Old Apr 11th, 2011, 01:35 PM
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I (one person) paid 990 TB, plus 70 TB toll, from the airport to the Four Seasons, last winter. I would use them again.
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Old Apr 11th, 2011, 01:43 PM
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I would not bother with a guide if you plan to stay within the city, unless you have a specialized interest beyond that of most tourists, in a particular subject. (For example, architecture.) If that is the case, I would try to find a specialized guide. (I have no idea how to go about this, though; if anyone does know, please let us know!)



It is very easy to get around on public transport with the occasional taxi.

As I mentioned above, I used ACC, and would use them again.
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Old Apr 11th, 2011, 03:21 PM
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Eks is right, the fare is about 1000 baht each way plus tolls. Tolls are always extra, even in taxis. The driver will always ask if you want him to use the toll road/expressway. The correct answer is YES.

We always email AAC a week or so in advance and get the airport transfers booked. When you pay the driver, you pay roundtrip and get a 10% discount. Once I forgot to email AAC, and remembered on our flight from Seattle to Narita. I emailed them from the lounge in Narita, they replied within 20 minutes, and a car was waiting for us when we got to BKK. I don't recommend you do it that way - lol- but it's good to know they can do it!
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Old Apr 12th, 2011, 07:03 PM
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my main reason for suggesting a driver/guide is always for first timers or people in bkk only for a few days---seeing as much as you can in an easy way... no mistakes, no wrong turns... to me it just makes sense...
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Old Apr 13th, 2011, 11:41 AM
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I too, would skip a driver/guide unless traveling outside of BKK. The public transportation is cheap and easy to traverse the city with. AS for airport transportation, I use a cab. They are on the first floor of the airport and are metered. A cab into the Sukhimvit area is 275-300 Baht each way. There are many there and the wait is minimal. If you don't know your way around, make sure you have the hotel address written down. Someone at the taxi stand will translate it for the driver. Enjoy!! BKK is a great town..
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Old Apr 14th, 2011, 07:55 AM
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Thanks so much for the info...it certainly is easier to travel when we have such great people to advise us!!!
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Old Apr 20th, 2011, 08:40 PM
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We stayed a week in Bangkok-had a timeshare by the OLD airport. It was wonderful to have Tong pick up 2 days& take us to where we wanted. I would highly reccomend her-Chris
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Old Apr 24th, 2011, 01:05 AM
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Have used aac for transfers a few times and will continue to do so (beware their fleet isn't brand new - which bothers some people but not me) and also used Tong and would recommend also. Some sites are easily done on your own (which I have done) but we have gotten into a habit of when we go to a new city we use a guide on the first day to get ascope of the lace, things to do etc.
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