Bali has private drivers that regulars there recommend because those drivers work illegally (they are not licensed, insured or have any vehicle service / safety certification process). Getting a private driver may be a bad idea in Bangkok and not just for safety reasons! You well may find your private driver has also agreed to take other people to the same place stopping at the all the commissionable places en route. I would avoid also the tour counters, as this is what you tend to get. A good licensed taxi driver in Bangkok is the way IMHO. You will probably meet one at the airport when you arrive, no problem.

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There are two categories of travellers, those that experience a country and those that take their home with them wherever they go.

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