New tours of Bangkok 2010

With the Sun Princess and Diamond Princess returning to Thailand soon, we have designed some tours which are far cheaper than the Princess cruise excursions, and you're not one of 50 on a tour bus.

1. Bangkok Highlight (tour no. BKK 12)
Transport from Laem Chabang Cruise Terminal to Bangkok (approx. 1.5 hrs)
Visit Grand Palace (Emerald Buddha) and Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
Lunch overlooking the river (not included)
Jim Tompson House & Museum and/or shopping before returning to ship
Price of US$ 237. 00 per car (up to 4 persons) or US$ 258.00 per minibus (up to 10 persons)

2. Bangkok Shopping Frenzy (tour no. BKK 6)
Transport from Laem Chabang Cruise Terminal to Bangkok (approx. 1.5 hrs)
You tell us what you're looking for and we'll take you to the best shops & markets in Bangkok which is well known for its crafts, gems, silk, etc. We take no commissions from shops unlike most tour operators, so just take you where goods are genuine.
Price of US$ 237. 00 per car (up to 4 persons) or US$ 258.00 per minibus (up to 10 persons)

We also have tours to Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, Elephant Village, etc.

These are just some ideas, and of course we can just do a tailor made tour for you. You can send us your requests at rob@imagelimo.com

Seabourn Pride coming to Thailand.

After a very busy winter season, a few ships are coming this summer to Bangkok this summer including the luxury Seabourn Pride. Thailand is still one of the best destinations in Asia with unparalleled attractions from cultural sights to adventure, dining, sports, great food and most of all great friendly people.

Shoping paradise

The great thing about any large city is you an find and buy just about anything. Bangkok is no different, but it has that special Asian and Thai style you can find nowhere else. Of course you have to know where to go:
Markets are plentiful and most areas of Bangkok have stalls selling all types of clothes and souvenirs. On the streets, you have to haggle for everything and have to make it fun as well. Chatuchak or weekend market is just exceptional and always worth the visit if you're in town on Sat/Suns.
Siam Square has hundreds of shops mostly for the young, and you can spot the local styles easily, it is sandwiched between the biggest malls in Bangkok, namely Siam Paragon (newest and great for good quality Thai gifts, plus all the big designer names), Siam Centre & Siam Discovery (which have a range of medium sized shops with bargains) and MBK which caters more for locals an is excellent for electronics, mobile phones and souvenirs.

Sales in shopping malls are not restricted to any particular times, so there are always bargains, but watch out it is deceiving when things are cheap, you can end up buying twice as much.

I should also mention that gems and jewellery are very good quality, but there are scams and fakes so beware. Actually, if you want any jewellery, we (Image Limousine) can reccomend or take you to shops which are regulated and have 100% genuine articles (ISO Certified) - don't take the risk.

There are of course dozens of other malls and markets all over the city. The wonderful thing about Bangkok, you will most often stumble upon something quite amazing in the oddest of places. Shopping in Bangkok is fun and cheap if you know where to go. Discover and have fun!

The truth about Princess Cruises shore excursions

Princess like most other cruise lines are excellent in many ways. One way they make money is on the shore excursions.

Princess' Option (for Diamond and Ocean Princess) - Highlight of Bangkok at $119 per person or $238 for two - You're in a 50-seater coach and will just about have time to do two temples, have a snack and return to ship

Image Limo's option - Tailor-made tour with what you want to do, see, eat, shop - we'll make sure you enjoy it and in a private car or a minibus (up to 10 hours).
Cost in a car for two would be $238 or $257 for a minibus that can seat up to 8 passengers, so if you're 8 persons, you get the tailor-made tour for only $32 per person (a saving of $86 per person on Princess' shore excursion). The only thing is I am not including lunch but will suggest a few places.

So here is your choice, either go on a quick tour with 50 other passengers per bus, usually up to 10 follow one another and pay more, or pay the same for a private car or less for a minibus and have a tour made up just for you.

Glitz Hotel Bangkok

After a cruise, you may want to enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big city and particularly if it is Bangkok.

Bangkok has particular areas for different things, there is no city centre as such. The river is by the river and you can just watch, but it is not so convenient to get everywhere. Sukhumvit area has hundreds of hotels, but it is really a business district with a few shopping centres. Siam is probably the most "central" and great for shopping but there are few hotels. Finally, Silom area is good for shopping and also for the nightlife including the famous Patpong night market. It can be a bit too much in your face, and a bit touristy but fun.

Glitz Bangkok is a new hotel which is walking distance to the Mango Tree, a famous Thai restaurant with classical dancing and music, and also to Patpong night market. The market is famous for all the fake goods, but it also has many genuine artifacts. The nightlife that surrounds the market can be a one visit to say been there, done that.

The Glitz is a cheaper option than the nearby Meridien or Pan Pacific, an Image Limousine can offer rates until February 2010 starting from 1990 Baht (USD 58.00) inclusive of breakfast.

Location is everything if you are in Bangkok for a few days and Glitz is a great new option with all mod cons. see www.glitzbangkok.com or book through me at rob@imagelimo.com to get best rates.

Diamond Princess arrives for new season

Today, the Diamond Princess docked at Laem Chabang for the new season and will be visiting several times until the end of April.

All Image Limos pick ups went well except for one, out of over 100 passengers we handled today disembarking and embarking.

The security procedure to get cars up to the terminal building is disorganised & chaotic, and it is unfortunately not in our hands to change it.
I again noticed a long queue at the "taxi & Limo" desk" - again very few cars available and prices for a car have gone up to USD 105 one way to Bangkok. Need I say more?

We wish all our customers who are staying in the Big Mango a great time!

Suan Pakkad Palace

Suan Pakkad Palace is an oasis in a busy city like Bangkok, and worth the visit.

Named after the cabbage patch (Suan Pakkad) which used to occupy this land, it was built as a weekend resort by HRH Prince Chombhotpong Paripatra of Nagor Svarga and his consort, Mom Ratchawong Pantip. They took up permanent residence there after World War II.

The compound contains seven traditional houses that display the diverse art collection assembled by these connoisseurs. Images of the Thai Royal Family, model boats, drums and religious artifacts are displayed in House 1.
The reception area of House 2 exhibits personal items such as ivory boxes and bowls inlaid with mother-of pearl. Lovers of Thai musical instruments will be impressed by the collection in House 3 which also has a palanquin, nielloware and ceramics.

Princess Chumbhot’s extensive mineral collection is on show in House 4, while House 5 has examples of Ban Chiang pottery. The Sukhothai era is depicted with ceramics, earthenware utensils and figurines in House 6.

The theatrical aspect of Thailand is on display at the Khon Museum is House 7. This exhibit includes Khon masks, costumes, accessories and a model of a troupe performing the Ramakien.
Other displays and exhibitions are in the Lacquer Pavilion and the Marasi Gallery which also has an information system on Ban Chiang art and culture.