Hi! <BR>I'll be leaving for a 5 day tour of Bangkok this April, and don't know if it is advisable for a first-timer to Bangkok to go ther by myself and explore the city, knowing that there is a language barrier, or should i opt for the more expensive group tour? Would appreciate all the advice i an get.

I would not recommend a group tour at all in Thailand, especially if you're only staying in Bangkok. Almost all group tours in Thailand take you to places where only tour groups go; you will never see the real Thailand. Not only that, it's cheaper and very easy to do it yourself. The opening of Skytrain has made it very easy to get around the city quickly. Just try to get a hotel near one of the stations. Hotels are also much less expensive if you book them locally. <BR> <BR>Many speak English in Bangkok and in all tourist areas, so language is not a significant problem. It's nice to know the numbers and a few phrases, but even that is not necessary. I know, I live here in Bangkok, and I don't know a lot of Thai. <BR> <BR>Read some travel books and plan a general itinerary for yourself, and if you like, you can write me for feedback about your plans.

If you are traveling around bangkok, it would not be difficult about language stuffs. There will be many locals to help you out, and one thing i can let you know is we can speak english, but we are too shy to speak it with foreigners. <BR> <BR>You don't really need a group tour, it will not be dangerous walking alone in this city of angels. <BR> <BR>Welcome to asia.

Dont even think about a group tour. They isolated you from the wonderfully friendly Thai people. Learn a few words of Thai before you go, and your mispronounciation will cause smiles and laughter and help. <BR>If you stay at the cheaper Backpacking hotels you will meet up with others like yourself. <BR>I would get some ideas of which area you would like to stay, then when you get to Bangkok airport, go to the Hotel desk. Their rates are usually a third off those quoted by the hotels directly. <BR>Chatuchak market and Patpong are great for bargains.

Jonathan - <BR> <BR>Skip the tour! <BR> <BR>Even if you don't use the skytrain the taxis are plentiful and cheap and the traffic isn't that bad except for specific times of day. <BR> <BR>For great hotel prices, check... <BR> <BR>hotelthailand.com <BR>asiatravel.com <BR>planetholiday.com <BR> <BR>We've used all three and been happy. Just make sure you always have your confirmation printout when you check in and check out so you can prove the rate. <BR> <BR>Let me know if you have any questions. <BR> <BR>Lynn <BR> <BR