Bangkok--What to do see with Tong?
 

I'm headed to Bangkok for the first time in two weeks and need ideas of what to see. I only have full two days in Bangkok, so I want to make sure I see as much as I can. For one day, I've hired Tong. What should I have her take me to? The floating market/fishing village or should we stay in downtown Bangkok? Or should we do a half day at the floating market and then head back into downtown Bangkok?

I would use Tong to see the floating market and fishing village. The usual highlights of Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Jim Thompson House etc. can be easily done on your own.

while my inclination would always be to use drivers/guides for trips outside the city, i am not sure in this case....with a first trip to bkk and only 2 days i would be inclined to use her within the city visiting:

grand palace
wat pho
wat arun
jim thompson house
and finish up with a late afternoon klong tour...

with her expertise you could probably do all of these in one day..

alternatively if you wanted to go outside the city for a day, i would do the floating market very early, followed with a visit to the secret place for lunch and monkey feeding and then a return to bkk for a klong tour....

How early should we go to the Floating Market? 7am?

6:30 or 7 AM...might be fun to make merit before you leave the city also, or on the way...tong will know

I am stunned that the Panda and Bob would have differing opinions!

We let Tong talk us into using her guide in the city, did basically the itin Bob suggests and we were very glad we did. The guide (Jerry) insured everything went smoothly and efficiently, he was delightful to talk with, and his knowledge greatly enhanced our visits to all sites.

My thoughts were that the original poster could do the city stuff on her/his own and the Floating market and Fishing village were good things to do with Tong. Bob is useless and needs to be taken everywhere and spoon fed even the easiest of attractions.

Thank you all for the replies. I'm going to do the Floating Market/Fishing Village with Tong. And, then see all the other sites by myself.

Make sure you say hello from Andy and Beth. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.

Have fun jy,
WHERE EVER Tong decides to take you, it will be fun. We've had her wonderful company for our past 3 trips(Floating Market, Tiger Temple, Elephant Camp. Bridge on the River Kwai, Fishing Village, BKK tour) & now my kids are asking not when do we go to BKK but when do we see TONG next? I'm sure you'll have a ball !!!
Do send our love from her Tokyo family !