nancydarst

We have 1.5 days to spend in Bangkok and would like advise on the perfect first time in the city (with or without a private guide) with the must-see's and the best ways to get from each attraction and how long we should schedule for each one.

rhkkmk

of course you know that is not enough time so i will not dwell on that...

imo, must sees are the following, without knowing your interests or where else you will travel:

grand palace 2-3 hours
wat arun 1 hour
jim thompson house 1-1.5 hours
wat pho 1 hour

klong long boat tour--relaxing 2-3 hours

shopping at mbk or the nite market

transportation....i would hire one of the guides listed here: cherry ([email protected]), rat, tong or others

they will move you around the city quickly and efficiently and head you in the right direction....

you could do it on your own with lots of wasted time and frustration....unless you have been to bkk before i would not waste my time

Kathie

I mostly agree with Bob on the top things to see. Plan to be at the Grand Palace/Temple of the Emerald Buddha at 8:30 when it opens. You can hire a guide at the palace if you wish. I recommend reading up on what you'll be seeing ahead of time, then you'll be able to decide better if/when you do want a guide. I'd go from there to Wat Po, right next door. The two are a fascinating contrast. If you aren't "watted out" head across the river (there is a boat from the pier near the Grand Palace). If you are doing this on your own, you would then take the little boat back to teh grand Palace pier and go from there to Taksim/Central where the Skytrain is. You can take the Skytrain close to the Jim Thompson house and either walk or grab a taxi. Where to shop depends on what you are looking for, but you will likely want a little time to look at some of Bangkok's unusual goods. The klong tour is a good, relaxing way to spend some afternoon time.

If you opt to hire a driver/guide, you'll just need to provide them with a list and they will figure out how to get there.

Choose a good restuarant for lunch where you can relax in the cool of air conditioning and get your strength up for the next sights.

If you can fit them in, I'd also suggest an early morning stop at Wat Ben to see the merit-making (take a taxi) and a stop at the Erawan Shrine (easily accessible from the Skytrain).

rhkkmk

the JT house is a great place for lunch if you are there at the right time....forgot to mention....

offwego

For that short a period of time, I would definitely get a guide. Will save you alot of time and trouble.

Email Tong
[email protected]

Have had great tours with her twice.

StanKase

Also try Ratt if Tong is not available. You might see a little less for she is not a licensed guide so in 2 places she hands you off to one of the best guides i.e. Grand Palace. We had Jackie at the Grand Palace and she was a real expert.You will pay a little less with Ratt but your decision should be based upon availability.Also, neither like 1/2 days so you should offer to pay for 2 days. It will only cost you $150 plus ~$30 tip with Ratt for 2 days and the first day she will stick with you for 12+ hours if you wish so she comes out even. Tong probably will do the same but I just don't know having used Ratt 3 times.

BradinBangkok

Don't forget to have dinner at one of the great restaurants in town (there are many) then have a drink at Sky Bar at the top of State Tower.

StanKase

About dinner you can get 20+ good suggestions. Of the 11 dinners on 2 trips in past 4 years I recommend the China House in the Oriental Hotel and order Peking Duck for 2 persons and share 1 appetizer. Without liquor it is $60 with service-tip(high by Bangkok standards, but worth it and the dining room is elegant) but it was the best Pecking Duck I have ever had.

offwego

China House closed until October. Not sure when the OP is going.