We're going to Thailand with SmarTours (12-day "Amaizing Thailand" package)In October. SmarTours offers several optional tours in Bangkok and CM: The Klongs, Floating Market & Rose Garden, Grand Palace, Chao Phrya River, River Kwai, Doi Suthep Temple, Kantoke Dinner.
I'm not concerned with the price - just is it worth a time and could it be more time-efficient to do it on your own? What are "must" and what could be skipped?

Thanks,
Boris

I was on a Smartours. You should do the floating market on your own for a half day. It's touristy but fun. The Rose Garden is a waste of time. You can book a better Klong tour at the Taksin pier.They run every half hour. This is the last stop of the skytrain. As I recall only two stops frm the Holiday Inn skytrain station. The Grand Palace was ok as was the Dinner on the River. Doi Suthep definitely worthwhile. Kantoke dinner was terrible. Bad food and seats so far away we could hardly see the performers. E-mail me if you need more info.

I would skip all the tours except the Grand Palace. Assuming this will leave you with some free time, you can do the klong tour on your own as described above. You should also check out Wat Pho, Chinatown and the Jim Thompson House. Guides are not needed. A good guide book, like Fodors for that matter, will be all you need to appreciate these wonderful sights.

Please let us know how the trip was,including the hotels. I have friends that are taking that trip in February 2007. They'd appreciate your feedback.
Have a great time!!

i agree with gpanda....the floating market might be easier to do with the group but they will go to touristy shopping stops and rose garden too which are a waste of time....you could do it on your own with a private car from the hotel for maybe $60 in about 4 hours if you leave at 7AM...grand palace is ok to do on your own without any explanation...its so overwhelming, but interesting....just take it all in without tons of words too...

do the klong tour on your own from taskim....400B per hour is the going rate...don't pay more than 500...afternoon is best btw...

Is that 400 B`s (or 500) for each person on a klong tour?

I agree with gpanda. Grand Palace and especially Wat Pho are must sees but need not be done on a formal tour. Just getting on the local Chao Phrya ferry to these temples is fun in and of itself.

400/500B per hour is for the boat which can hold several people if you wish

I'm booked with SmarTours for their Vietnam & Angkor Wat Tour on 10/30. They told me they are not offering optional tours. Any input?