I AM TRYING TO FIND A PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE TO SHOW US THE MAJOR SIGHTS IN BANGKOK AND SAME DAY OUTSIDE. WE HAVE FIVE FULL DAYS IN MARCH.
ALSO TRYING TO DECIDE BETWEEN PLAZA ATHEENE AND WESTIN GRANDE SUKHUMVIT.tHANKS ANY HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

We used a guide in Bangkok whose name we got through this site and we HIGHLY recommend her. Her name is Tan and you can reach her by e-mail at: [email protected]. She works for Diethelm Travel, but also does custom freelance work, which is what we did. Lower cost & you can then see and do exactly what you want to do on your own schedule. It was out first time in Bangkok, and we wanted a guide rather than just a driver to give us more of an understanding of what we were seeing, as well as some explanation of culture and history. Tan fit the bill perfectly. Her English was excellent, she was always punctual & reliable and she was lots of fun to be around. She is very accommodating and will customize the trip exactly as you want. We visited Grand Palace & Wat Po, which we wouldn't have enjoyed as much without her explanations of the history, the murals, and the Buddhist traditions. A longtail boat on the Klongs & the Royal barge museum, which you should not miss. Tan also arranged a car & driver for a day trip tp the River Kwai area. We thought the River Kawi was much less scenic than we expected & you might look into Ayuthaya or the floating market instead. If you use Tan, please tell her hello from Carole & Rob from Connecticut.

like many here, we have used ratt...she is not a guide as such but can give you lots of general information...she takes you not only to sites, but restaurants and shopping venues...she will totally customize for you...she charges 225B per hour plus 1B per kilometer extra for travel outside of bkk...she drives a toyota corolla with excellent a/c....her address is: [email protected]

We used Tan on our trip in February and also give her the highest recommendation. Our experience in Bangkok was greatly enhanced with her knowledge and insight as we toured different sights. We emailed back and forth prior to our trip and she developed an itinerary to meet our desires. Tan is very professional and a joy to tour with. Brenda and Seth also in CT.

Plaza Athenee in Bkk not that exciting. Think Westin Skmvt will be better. For guide you can also contact the college student we used - Kie - [email protected]. Went to Ayyuthya with her and found her very good. For a car and driver www.julietaxi.com is also very good.

My son and I used Tan last May and she was over the top fabulous. She loves her country, is well educated and able to speak fluidly about the history, social conditions, etc. We went through all of the major sites of Bangkok and the Saturday market (WOW); a side trip to the River Kwai and through Ayuthaya with her. She is also knowledgable about the Northern and Southern areas.
Her email: [email protected]
We stayed at the Marriott Bangkok Resort and The Oriental. I can't imagine not staying at The Oriental as cheap as it is on Expedia, what an experience!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. Rachel

rhammer-- what was your expedia rate for the Oriental? I usually book through AM EX platinum fine hotel program but I'm always looking for better rates. I agree that staying at the Oriental is an experience that is cheap even at the rack rate , which no one need pay.