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-   -   Private Guide in Chiang Mai (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/private-guide-in-chiang-mai-1003608/)

adrienne Jan 22nd, 2014 07:58 AM

Private Guide in Chiang Mai
 
My niece is going to Thailand for a week in March with two friends (Bankok, Chiang Mai, Krabi). I've told her that I will pay for a guide/driver for a day and after reading several posts have noticed that folks say that a private guide is not necessary in Bankok. I thought I would offer a guide in Chiang Mai but haven't seen any recommendations for one. Perhaps a private guide is not required here either.

I know nothing about Thailand so I'm unable to make an educated suggestion to my niece as to the necessity for a guide or driver. One thing she did say was that they would like to attend a cooking school and I did see several recommendations for Chiang Mai Thai school which I forwarded to her.

Any suggestions for a private guide in Chiang Mai?

Thanks so much!

crellston Jan 22nd, 2014 08:05 AM

A private guide is not needed in Chiang Mai. It is a lot more compact than Bangkok and many of the places of interest are within the old town which is easily navigated with the aid of a decent guidebook.

We took a four day course at the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School http://www.thaicookeryschool.com and had a fantastic time. We also stayed there and part of the deal was that their driver would take people into the city and show them around free of charge. He was a really nice guy who spoke good English. If you really would like a guide, contact the school and they may be able to suggest someone if not staying there.

Kathie Jan 22nd, 2014 08:11 AM

As crellston says, no need for a guide in Chiang Mai.

adrienne Jan 22nd, 2014 08:20 AM

Thanks! Looks like it will be the cooking class in Chiang Mai. That option to stay and study looks very interesting but I think they only want a half day cooking class and have already booked accommodations.

adrienne Apr 23rd, 2014 03:43 AM

An update. My niece and her friends took their trip and had a wonderful time. My nephew (who was teaching English in Thailand, hence the trip for my niece) joined them.

I saw the photos on Easter and they were a treat for me as I suspect I won't get to Thailand.

They could have used a driver in Bangkok to get around, especially as they did not have a lot of time on this trip. I did suggest it but they didn't do this.

They booked a cooking class in Chiang Mai and said it was the best thing they did on the trip. It wasn't the school above. I sent them that link but they chose another cooking class and all that matters is that they loved it and had a good time. They all looked like they were enjoying the cooking class.

I can't remember many of the details of the trip but I do remember they had a scrumptious looking tea at the Mandarin Oriental.

The place they stayed at in Krabi looked great with the beautiful white beach and palm trees.

They made some minor travel mistakes on the trip and learned some lessons which will help them with future travels. Nothing that was a big deal. Now they're home with great memories.

Kathie Apr 23rd, 2014 05:13 AM

I'm glad to hear that they had a great time.

funkmonkey May 20th, 2014 07:05 AM

Adrienne,

Could you share where your niece stayed in Krabi?

Prachuap May 20th, 2014 07:08 AM

Sounds like Railay.

adrienne May 25th, 2014 06:00 PM

funkmonkey - sorry I just saw your post.

They stayed at Amari Vogue Krabi, Tub Kaek Beach, Krabi 81000
Phone: +66 (0) 7560 7777


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