Years ago, we used a tour booked through the concierge at the Pen. The tour was not as expected with several places skipped entirely due to "time" and we were rushed through everywhere else. Then, to top it off, it ended with a mandatory shopping stop that lasted an hour. I complained about the tour when we got back to the hotel, and the hotel kindly refunded our money in full on the spot even though it was an outside company tour. Not sure if they now use the same company or if your experience would be the same...

We have also used their car service for 1/2 day trips to the Floating Market and to Ayyuthaya. We did not have a guide, but the driver was personable and talked a lot about where we were going. I think we paid about $45 for the half day, though, not per hour. $45/hour is hugely expensive.

Last year we used Tong for 3 days, and she was great. No forced shopping, no set itinerary to follow but completely customized days, spend as long as you like where you like. Affordable, too.

I would recommend either Tong or one of her colleagues www.tourwithtong.com or a car from the hotel with no guide (depending on price).

Try one of these below

A. Tong and her team (Charlie, Jerry, Jai, etc…)- Licensed guides; pornpitcha@yahoo.com, tourwithtong@yahoo.com, website: tourwithtong.com

B. Nok- unlicensed guide/personal assistant; nan_ke80@yahoo.co.uk

C. Ratt and her team- Ratt is a driver, but does have members of her team who are licensed guides; rat_bkk@hotmail.com or www.ratservice.com

D. Tan- licensed guide; izthai@gmail.com or www.izthai.com

E. Nook- licensed guide; cnnchinlawan@hotmail.com

F. Celine and her team- licensed guides; siritom@hotmail.com

G. Julie’s Taxi- driver, but a licensed guide can added for an additional fee; www.julietaxi.com

H. Cherry - licensed guide, magical_routes@hotmail.com or www.magicalroutes.com

I. Chob- licensed guide, www.thaitourguide.com

J. Trufflers- licensed guides, www.trufflers.com

K. Jan- noobo@yahoo.com

L. Siddhi- Siddhided@gmail.com

M. Oat- http://www.thailandhorizons.com/tours

N. Wandee- cin1133@yahoo.com

O. Paew- paew_utthuno@yahoo.com

P. sales@asiansmile.co.th

Q. Asian Trails- www.asiantrails.net/

Irene klugcat@gmail.com

Joseph caroljoseph83@gmail.com

Hope this helps a little.

Ed

Ed's list is a great reference if your looking for a guide. $45 per hour is VERY VERY VERY VERY expensive. Check out the Tong site for private guide costs and ideas on where to go. If you are touring around/in Bangkok I would consider having a guide without a car-traffic can be deadly and the train is much faster.

Jim

I did the same thing as Fish did and while it wasn't an official Peninsula tour, they were graceful in my refund. I was dragged all over BKK and hated my tour. The concierge was more than apologetic.

That list looks pretty comprehensive. I'd work off that, too.

scott

Wow $45 an hour the guys certainly know how to charge. Try Wandee she is a licenced guide in the list I am sure she will also give you a fair quote. Just sketch out what you want to do.Without a car is ok round town, you just will get local taxi/Trainfares but then pay for guide only

Let her know dates you have in mind

Have a great time- fabulous place

David