Hi Andy,<BR><BR>We're thinking of a trip to Thailand in Nov, is it better to use a guide? Can you tell me more about that? Never used a service like that before, but it sounds kinda nice to have someone take you around in a car. Is it pricey?<BR><BR>Map

<BR>I went to a disco at the RCA area last night, but only found it closed. Postings on the notice board said that under the new social order, TOUTISTS SHOULD ONLY CONCENTRATED ON TEMPLES! Events might be changed due to this new social order.<BR><BR>Disappointed, I took a taxi to the Silom area. I met up with an old friend and went to a disco together. After sipping our cocktails for only about 10 minutes, suddenly it was very quiet. My friend walked off and I went to the end of the dancefloor. A guy in street clothing walked in and called out: &quot;Police!&quot;. I walked out but was blocked off by another plain cloth police.<BR><BR>By then the police had stormed into the whole club, sealing off all the exit and entrance. All was caught by surprise! Flood lights were flashed across everywhere and cameras were shooting on people. TV camera crew came in to shoot on the whole situation. <BR>

The guides we used were provided by East-West Siam. They were all licensed by TAT. In Bangkok, our guides name was &quot;Pong&quot;. He was very helpful in providing background information on Buddhism. Also, he was very attentive to what we liked and didn't like. Without asking, he smoothly modified slightly our sites, e.g., he knew that we liked markets and steered us to several. <BR><BR>Our guide in Chiang Rai was &quot;Oy&quot;. She was noy quite as experienced, but very enthusiatic and helpful. The transitions were not quite as smooth.<BR><BR>In Phuket, we were assisted by Marie. We stayed at the Chedi and did not need the services of a guide. We beached out except for a SeaCanoe tour.<BR><BR>In all locations, we were met at the airport, driven to our hotel and checked in with the assistance of a guide. On checkout, we were taken to the airport and assisted through the ticket lines. Very relaxing after many post 9/11 flights in the states. <BR><BR>I would recommend a guide for a first time trip where your time is critical. In Europe, I actually enjoy staggering through things on our own. The mistakes, getting lost, etc., seem to add to the experience. Thailand is very tourist friendly and we probably would have enjoyed muddling through. However, the expense of a guide seems worth it. One could mix and match. Guides somedays and exploring on others. <BR><BR>As noted in my original post, our trip was arranged by Gregg at Innovasian. He did a superb job of constructing an itinerary and making the internal arrangements in Thailand. we could have done this ourselves, but were wary as first time Asia visitors. Also, past experience has proven that while we get most of it right when we plan on our own, we usually forget something. It was very relaxing to have an old hand plan things.