I've got a quick long-weekend trip to BKK at the end of May and was interested in taking one or two short tours. I've seen various tours offered on websites, and was wondering if I should book now, or wait until I'm at my hotel. I was looking at the Wat tours, Grand Palace, floating market etc tours. I didn't want to do a 'whole day' or overnight trip and was wondering if anyone has had any experieces (good or bad) with regard to those offered.

Hi

I have been to Bangkok a couple of times and I have ended up giog to Grand Palace every time. I think that it is just wonderful to walk around to look at all the buildings and paintings and so on. And then you can read a lot more about it in a guide book or on the internet. The last time I was there by the way I got there early in the morning and it was really crowded. So maybe it is better to check it out in the afternoon.

I have posted a long travelogue from my previous trip to Thailand (in September 2002) together with some pictures on my homepage. Feel free to check it out on www.gardkarlsen.com

Regards
Gard

The Grand Palace and the Wats can be done in one day and very well worthwhile. Have been to Bangkok 4 times and have gone to the Palace each time and still not seen everything. The Floating Market is pure tourist and I thought a waste of time.

Because I love to shop and get a real bargain, The Floating Market was a high-point of my Thailand trip last year. Just getting there was an experience. Do not miss it. And remember to bargain with the vendors. Do it all with a smile and you will be the winner.

I'd suggest that you wait until you get to Bangkok before booking tours. Your hotel can help, and you'll likely get better prices. All the tours you mentioned are "standard" tours - everyone offers them.

no problem with waiting until you get to bkk to book as all of the major hotels have the info readily available assuming that you are staying at one of the tourist hotels....usually you can be picked up there or at a local hotel...also many tours leave from the river city shopping center, next to the sheraton orchid (on the river)...
i love the floating market but it takes the better part of the day or at least 5-6 hours....i don't understand the shopping spoken about above as the stuff is straw hats, etc---mostly very touristy stuff---not real shopping...i don't mean to be negetive but that stuff is available in central bkk at mbk or many other sites....
if there on a sunday you might try the weekend market (go via skytrain)..hot as hell but fun for an hour or two---get a nancy chandler map--it helps loads as it describes the different sections of merchandise...
thw wats are great and the grand palace is worth a few hours---also very hot....you can do that on your own...i prefer to just walk around--no guide, just walk around awe-struck...
pick your hotel carefully as it can make a big difference where you stay...i prefer on the river but sukumvit area is good too and completely different...
leave plenty of time to eat
bring an extra suitcase for shopping---everything is incredibly cheap....
dress is very casual--wear natural fibers only in light colors

Thanks so much for the replies, I will wait until I get there. I'll be spreading my hotel stays around (don't ask!).. so I'm at the Hyatt first, then the Sheraton Sukamvit & lastly the Sheraton Royal Orchard, so I'm sure their desks will be able to arrange something if I want it. I do generally prefer to just 'tour' around on my own, but thought the Wat/ Grand Palace tours might add a little to my knowledge. I think I'll pass on the floating market then, I don't usually buy much when I'm travelling as I take only one small shoulder bag type carry on for my whole trip (3 days). I will be there on a Sunday, and so will be sure to stop at that market.
Once again, thank you all so much!

Mauld:
Just a word of caution - I have just got back from BKK - took a tour of the Grand Palace and decided to visit Wat Pho (the Reclining Buddha) on my own the next day. I was pick-pocketed as I was intent on getting a great shot with my camera. Apparently the 5th that day (by 1:00 p.m.) I thought I was careful - the bag was zippered and fastened with two clasps but they are pretty good at what they do! So I think that the tour guides are not only very informative and reasonable but they also watch out for you too - especially if you are alone as I was. I guess singles are a pretty good target. According to the Thai's the Chinese come to the temples for precisely that reason! Other than that it was a fantastic trip and did not really dampen my vacation at all. Have a wonderful trip and watch your belongings in the temples.

in five trips to bkk i have never heard of pick-pockets anywhere....i am so disappointed....i'm sure they exist, but we always feel very confident, but we are careful and watch our stuff all the time and we are 2 people which might be the difference....good point about the guide..

I visited the Grand Palace in November. Went with a friend on our own. Once inside the gate we were approached by a woman who gave us a private tour, in English, for very little money. We liked this because we were able to move around at our own pace and not to the desires of a group tour guide. This might be a good alternative to an organized tour.

I forgot to mention that you can see my photos from Thailand and read my journal at www.travelswithdiane.com. Click on the elephant.

Has anyone heard of Bangkok's Smiling Tours? Their website looked intereting(I've never been to Bkk).

luvtotravel - You're a great photographer! I found your travel journal very interesting - especially since we'll be concentrating on Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Thanx for an excellent travelogue.

cjackson -- I looked at the stats on my website and saw a flurry of activity for Thailand. I knew it had to be from an old post on this board. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos and journal. I had a fabulous time in Thailand and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The only trip I'd go on is out to Ayuttha (sp). It's unbelieveable. Getting around Bangkok is easy, so I'd advise against a guide, unless it's a paper one.

The floating market is very touristy and best avoided.

Pickpocketing isn't a major concern. Just be careful. Don't take a bag unless you really have to.

Chatuchak Market is mind blowing, simply because of it's size. I found it a little too touristy, with more westerners than Thais. If you like clothes shopping visit Pratanum Market, which is very close to the Indra Regent.

and finally, it's not exactly a tour but I'd suggest going to the evening traditional dance and dinner show at the Indra Regent. Small venue, but a decent show.

Try the flower market at night it's truly amazing,you'll never see so many flowers in one spot.
Wait till you get here,there are hundreds of trips to do,and you'll get a better price

How does the dinner show at the Indra Regent compare to the dinner show at theOriental? Where is the Indra Regent?

To be honest I've only seen the show at the Indra Regent. It just sees convenient because mauld will be staying there. An alternative is the ladyboy show at the Asia Hotel.