We will be sadly only in Bangkok in July for a day (on a cruise ship to come in from Laem Chabang). We don't particularly want to be herded like sheep onto the cruise bus tour of the city but on doing some checking have found that if we were to get a private car for the two of us we would be up for close to $700 for the day. (I assume it is because the cruise terminal is about 2 hours out) Would someone please advise the "must sees" in Bangkok and any suggestions regarding day tours/guides??? Not particularly interested in doing an organised tour, would just like to pick out a few highlights and maybe a bit of shopping? Anyone done this sort of thing before???

You might be better posting on the Cruises Forum, or on Cruise Critic, or Trip Advisor Cruising Forum.

I don't usually recommend ship's tours but in your case, it might not be a bad idea. Bangkok traffic is horrific so you do want to be sure you make it back to the ship if you get a private guide. Plus it is so hot, it is good to be transported in A/C from point to point. So I'd suggest either go with the sip tour or find a reputable private guide. We have used Tours by Locals in various locals - you might see what they have to offer and try to put a small group tour on your roll call.

$700 is outrageous.

tong (tours with tong) certainly would be able to do something for you way cheaper---more like $150-200.

google her to get contact info. best to telephone her.. remember the time difference--about 12 hrs from EST.

grand palace is a must. wat arun.. wat pho.. jim Thompson house (great place for lunch also).

another is rat, a very pleasant lady

www.ratservice.com

tong: 66-081 835 0240

That is an extremely high price! We paid around $100. for a private full day tour with a driver with a/c car and an excellent English speaking guide. We were staying in Bangkok so you would pay more but not $700. We booked with Tours with Tong.

thank you all so much! did think the price was a little outrageous but there are just the 2 of us. As yet not too many have registered for our cruise on the roll call. The ship is $180 a person so quite pricey too - will check out a few of your suggestions.

2 of you should make no difference in pricing... having a private driver is the ultimate luxuary, at a bargain price in Thailand.

ship excursions are canned not taking your interests into account, take you to a couple poor shopping destinations which takes away from touring time.

when we cruise we never participate in overpriced, limited interest ship sponsored excursions..

I have booked Thailand tour from vaniholidays.com and it really worth.... its great experience with all tour managers and its services. I must say Food quality, hotels and overall tour including visa is well managed Definitely, I would like to get their services for my next trips.

We just left LC and at the pier you can get a private cab for $100.00 for the day. $700.00 is way out of bounds. We got a cab for Pattaya and the Sanctuary of Truth temple for $70.00 and we had the driver at our leisure.