Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good “private” driver in Bangkok.

We used to go to Bali a lot and had a couple of excellent drivers we used there, but this doesn’t seem to be a very popular practice in Bangkok. I know the Meter Taxis are good and inexpensive, but sometimes it’s just nice to have a car for a couple of hours so you can relax and not have to worry.

We hired a driver and van in Bangkok a couple of years ago when we were a group of five and he was very sweet … but despite being assured by email that we would have an English speaking driver, this was sadly not the case and he quite literally spoke no English whatsoever - actually I lie, he spoke two words: “validate parking”! Whenever we wanted to give him instructions of what we wanted to do, he would call his office and hand us the mobile phone and we would speak to someone there who would interpret for us! Quite amusing the first couple of times, but the novelty wore off when you were speaking to a Thai voicemail box at 11pm!

I’d be very grateful for any suggestions
Thanks so much
DB

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.

Bangkok is so easy to get around that you do not really need a driver or guide. But if you want a driver then I would suggest

Ratt and her team have been highly recommended on other forums and can be reached at rat_bkk@hotmail.com or www.ratservice.com
Julie’s Taxi - see her web Home Page

If you want both a driver and guide the following are good

Tan- licensed guide izthai@gmail.com or izthai.com
Nook- licensed guide; cnnchinlawan@hotmail.com
Nok- unlicensed guide but good nan_ke80@yahoo.co.uk
Cherry. She can be contacted at magical_routes@yahoo.com

You can also arrange with the hotel to get you a driver or guide but make sure that you are satisfied with their english

I have never found a taxi driver from the airport whose english was good enough that I would hire him for a day. Nor have I heard of anybody complaining about hiring a driver/guide and having them pick up other people. Not saying it could not happen.

Daniele,
Tong is also highly recommended on various forums and I have photos of her and her car plus numerous other drivers and guides on the link below.
Cathy
HIRING GUIDES & DRIVERS

That sounds exactly what we are looking for - by "private" driver I really meant "independent" companies, rather than hotel or concierge drivers ...

Thank you both for your suggestions.

My husband and I will be in Bangkok and are looking for a driver/guide. I see that these posts are a couple of years old...and I can't make Cathy's link for Tong work, so I'm hoping that someone has more up to date advice. We will only be there for one day (on a ship arriving at 2pm one day and leaving at 4pm the next), so a driver would be nice to avoid the cruiseship ripoff prices for their tours.

Also.......does anyone know the closing hours of the Palace and temples?

Thanks, Patti

Here is Tongs website: Bangkok Guide - Tour with Tong in Bangkok

__________________
"It’s all relative"

Mr. Roong-Sayam
RoongSAYAM@hotmail.com
we used him 2 yrs ago and he always stays in touch w/me because we are airline employees and apt to return any time or refer to friends.
I thought he was a great guy w/good services.
We had him take us from Hua Hin to BKK (at that time it was $60US inclusive)

Hi Patti,
I believe that the last entry into the Grand Palace is 3.30pm but it doesn't actaually close until 4.30-5. It opens at 8.30am.
It is really the "must see" if you are into astonishing achitecture. It is not of the same scale as Beijing' s Forbidden City, but more diverse and interesting IMHO.
A private guide would be a good idea in the limited time you have, though with a little research, Bangkok is reasonably easy to navigate on your own.
I have used Tong for trips out of Bangkok and find her excellent and most of her associates are also highly recommended. If you can get Tong herself, strap yourself in for a "full-on" experience, but make sure you bring your sense of humour and energy to burn.

__________________
I love Thailand this much

Tong is too popular, she might not even answer your emails or requests. I found Nook to be very friendly, down-to-earth, flexible , available & use new van with a seperate driver and reasonably charge.