Reply To: 1st time in Bangkok

[JDB]

SamG wrote:

@BJ – indeed, our main reason for using Tour with Tong on that trip is we were on a tight schedule and wanted a van . But actually we did really enjoy having a tour guide for The Grand Palace etc. But places like Chatuchak or Asiatique are easily reached on the train / boat and I’ve spent many a weekend in Bangkok without one

@LB – download the Grab app – good for calling cabs, food etc

For us, having a guide complete transforms a trip. For the first time visiting any big city, a guide can show and tell you so much as well as giving a good orientation tour for future reference. Also, if you are visiting big temple complexes, palaces, archaeological sites etc. having someone who can tell you the history and what it all means really brings the place alive rather than just staring at something exotic, plus they often bypass queues, avoid the crowds and take you to parts you would never otherwise see. If you have a good guide you also get to find out much more about the people, their culture and real life in the country which for us is much of the point of travelling. Yes, it may not be cheap but it’s a total bargain if it upgrades your trip which it will.

Oh, and yes, five days in Bangkok is just the start!