Thailand - Car service

Thinking about hiring a car for a day in Bangkok to see all the sights instead of trying to explore via the rail/taxis. Thoughts?

It is 1000THB/hour so not bad at all (of course expensive for Thailand but compared to the US).

1000 baht an hour will make your driver smile for days !

Not sure how long your "day" is but most Taxi drivers would be happy to clear 2000 baht for the day , they pay about 700 baht to rent the taxi plus fuel.

RB

This would be booked through the hotel for a BMW 7 series or Mercedes S class and we figure the driver would be employed by the hotel and avoid any additional charges at the end of the trip like fuel surcharges.

But one thing that I was thinking is if doing a tour in one of those cars would draw unwanted and unnecessary attention. The hotel did offer a Camry but the rate would be the same because they said they had to go out and rent one.

Don't worry about attention. This is not Cali, Colombia. Downtown BKK you will see many luxury cars about.

1000 an hour is a bit steep and my main concern would be the feasibility of driving in BKK in general.

I live downtown at Asoke and whenever we touch the car, we regret it. Walking is faster. I can only drive at ungodly hours and if lucky on weekends.

Depending on what you want to see a combination of BTS/MRT/Ferry and taxi might be a better idea. Especially easy if you have a guide of some sort who can translate for you and, well, guide you :D

Don't worry about attention. This is not Cali, Colombia. Downtown BKK you will see many luxury cars about.

1000 an hour is a bit steep and my main concern would be the feasibility of driving in BKK in general.


Agree completely. OP better off using that money to hire a good English speaking tour guide, some sunscreen and walking shoes to see the sights.

Agree completely. OP better off using that money to hire a good English speaking tour guide, some sunscreen and walking shoes to see the sights.

What time of year are you planning on going ?

How many places are on your list to see ? How many people ?

If the cost is not a problem and you are not happy walking around in high temps /humidity then having a car / taxi may not be bad,

Yes there is traffic but most of the places in the central city are less than 10 KM from your hotel , so even with traffic you will get to them.

Many of the places you want to see are NOT next to the BTS (elevated train) or the MRT (Subway) so you will have to walk or take a taxi anyway if you do the BTS-MRT.

I take the bus most of the time as it gets me closer to the places I need to go than the BTS-MRT

Ohh and start early , its cooler
be out between 9am-4pm and you will get the more done even with traffic.

RB

I have used these many times and found them to be great. You can ask them about a day package if the tours are not of interest.

http://www.orientalescape.com/thailand/tourpackage/bangkok.html

It would probably be next month and only 1.5 days to explore. Don't 'need' to see everything so we'd probably be more comfortable having a car vs trying to find the next BTS entrance or flagging down a taxi. And being able to escape the crowds to a car, even if sitting in traffic is still preferable to navigating the streets (I guess this has alot to do with being pickpocketed in Europe a few years ago).