It's annoying, isn't it? The sound of your brain fighting with itself. To hire a tour guide or not? That is the question, and you're not sure of the answer. Give your brain a break and let us help out.
A guide isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, or since you're going to Bangkok, a cup of chai yen. Known locally as the City of Angels (just like Los Angeles), Bangkok is Thailand’s culturally rich capital, attracting over 25 million tourists annually. There's so much to take in, from lavish palaces to mind-blowing street food. So should you get a tour guide in Bangkok? It depends. Let's weigh the good and the bad on a scale to see what suits your travel style the best.
Why is it best to hire a local guide?
1. Staying Safe - Bangkok is a tourist-friendly city, and crime rates have decreased in recent years, but even in the land of smiles, your safety is a top priority. Guides act as a layer of protection against scammers, vendors selling faulty items, and dangerous streets/neighborhoods. They'll advise you on where to go and where to avoid, saving you trouble and stress. Guides are also aware of the city's changing political climate and can advise on the protocol that will help you avoid direct conflict.
2. It’s All About Time - If time is money, you'll save a lot by letting a guide do the heavy lifting. You won't have to waste time;
3. Cutting Through The Red Tape - You'll encounter this in most developing cities. Foreigners are seen as opportunities to make money, so if you're without a guide, you'll often end up overpaying for a service most locals enjoy at lower rates. Guides keep vendors honest, saving you both time and money.
4. Exclusivity & Convenience - There's something nice about knowing you can adjust your schedule to fit you and your travel circle. So no extra people if you don't want that. A GWG guide is there to create an authentic experience while catering to your personal interests. You've even got a photographer in case the need to strike a pose hits you!
5. Expertise - Insider knowledge is valuable in a complex city like Bangkok. The language, hidden gems, little-known customs, and social norms take time to learn. A guide is like having a personal compass to the city's heart.
6. Special Needs Sorted - Have a specific diet that you follow? Need assistance as a special needs traveler? Let your guide know, and they will incorporate that into your daily activities.
What are the risks of hiring a tour guide?
1. It’ll Cost More Than A Penny - If you're traveling on a budget, the convenience of a guide might cause a dent in your budget. How much is a tour guide in Bangkok? Prices can vary depending on the tour length and the number of people and activities involved. A GWG guided tour can cost 50-200 USD per person/day. Group rates can differ.
2. The Flexibility Factor - Though our tours are fully customizable, some travelers might find the idea of a planned itinerary restricting. Taking a detour will be difficult and expensive if you've already booked a full day of sightseeing.
3. You Might Miss Out on Local Obscurities- Bangkok is famous for its local oddities, some of which aren’t included in popular tours. Things like the Airplane graveyard or the Forensic Museum aren’t exactly what most visitors jump to see, but if you’re into stuff like that, you’ll find traditional tours somewhat limiting.
4. It’s Harder To Make Friends- if you're looking to connect with locals on a personal level, it will be harder to do that with a guide, who acts as a buffer between you and everyday Thai people. Since they organize transport, food, and travel logistics, you might have limited interaction with others who aren't part of your traveling circle.
So what do you think? Is it worth getting a tour guide in Bangkok? Yes, if you ask us. But if you still can't decide, these quick charts can help.
When should tourists hire a private guide in Bangkok? If…
Still not sure if a guide is for you? Don't freak out. You can see if the shoe fits by booking one of our shorter Bangkok tours. They're a low commitment, and you'll walk away knowing whether you're ready for another guided experience. Some popular packages include;
You can see it, can't you? It's a warm, breezy 23°C (75°F) day. You've had an iced chai yen with breakfast in your hotel room. You head to the lobby. No frantic Google searches for nearby sites. No head scratching and "what now" looming over your head. You know where you're going. Because your guide is waiting outside. It's time to explore Bangkok.
Make that dream come true. Talk to our Bangkok private tour guides and create a fully customizable tour that transforms your Bangkok bucket list into a real-life adventure.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand