Kimbo is spot on about taking a boat to the Grand Palace. I would organise a long tail boat however. With a group of your size it wont be much more expensive, about 1500baht for 4 hours. You can then customise a tour, Klongs(canals) Wat Arun(a must) and the Grand Palace. Your boat driver will wait for you at all your stops and it is great fun for the kids(I travel with 2 as well).

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I love Thailand this much

Oh no!!!! Now... Im certain we wont have enough time in Bangkok, with all these wonderful suggestions of things to do ... what is a traveller to do??!!
Seriously ... thanx to you both for your suggestions ... all things not originally on our agenda, but ones which we will attempt to fit in.
Getting excited now ... only 48 more sleeps!
With packing (clothes, toiletries etc.) I will do what I did for Bali and Vietnam. All the toiletries I pack I will use and leave. and 3/4 of the clothes I pack I will wear and either throw out or leave for the room cleaners. That way (as you said) that leaves much more room for all the important new purchases. I know most people say dont pack any (or minimal) clothing and just buy what you want over there. But ... I dont really anticipate buying a lot of clothes for myself, maybe a few t-shirts etc. So ... this way, in between one holiday and the next, when something gets a bit old and tatty, I just put it aside and then pack it for the next holiday!!! I think thats a good form of recycling!!!

It's very difficult trying to work out an itinerary when you don't know where things are and distances in between.
We will have that problem soon when we try to figure out the Easter itinerary for wherever we're going (don't know yet but somewhere we haven't been).
You can get good fold-out type maps at the airport - look just outside the door at the public taxi stand.

Yes ... you are right - its all rather daunting and exciting at the same time. Im sure when Ive been to Bangkok a few times (and that will happen!) then Ill feel confident to do all the things you both suggested with ease. However ... being the first time we are there, and having 6 in our group, including 3 kids, Im thinking we will stick to the more touristy and easy things. But ... I do appreciate all your suggestions, cos I will keep them listed for my future trips!!! And Kimbo ... thanx for the tip about maps. I live by lists and maps etc. and I do like to know whats what and where things are.
Cheers.