Cruising in & out of Laem Chabang

New tours of Bangkok 2010

2010-07-08T10:36:00.004+07:00

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

2010-05-02T10:25:00.002+07:00

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

2009-12-20T12:36:00.002+07:00

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

2009-10-27T17:06:00.004+07:00

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

2009-10-27T16:38:00.004+07:00

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

2009-10-21T12:07:00.003+07:00

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

2009-10-12T12:49:00.004+07:00

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.

The Deck on the river

2009-08-17T18:26:00.006+07:00

When visiting a new city, we always ask where to go and eat???

Bangkok is magic for foodies as it has thousands of restaurants, as well as all the very inviting food vendors on every street.
Seriously though, for the first time visitor, I can highly recommend The Deck on the river which is part of a small guesthouse (Arun Residence). You must book in advance and ask for the first floor terrace as you will have the view pictured above of Wat Arun and the whole river life passing by.

Food is good with a choice of Thai and western dishes.

We can also recommend excellent Italian & French restaurants, or a great place to have a drink with a spectacular view of the city.

Klong Suan, a 100 year old market

2009-08-05T17:11:00.001+07:00

The roots of this riverside community date to the reign of King Rama V when boats were the main mode of transportation and Klong Suan was a stopover for travellers heading to Bangkok.

The canal-side community boasted a market where you could purchase everything from farm commodities to items of daily use and even opium.

Today the importance of river transportation may have diminished, confined mainly to serve the purpose of tourism, but the 100-year-old market is drawing an increasing number of people with its old-world charm.

Klong Suan will dazzle you with its old shophouses and stalls selling a variety of tasty traditional food like tom yam noodles, sweet Thai sausage and pot-stewed duck to desserts made from coconut, quaint old utensils and ancient tin toys.
A symbol fitting of the market is a 71-year-old coffee shop, Pae Lee, laid out with a few single round tables and stools. The shop takes its name from its owner, a genial elderly person with a ready smile for his patrons. Sipping a freshly brewed cup of coffee amidst this antique decor and ambience made me feel as if I'd been transported back in time.
The most touching aspect of this community, however, is not the ambience nor the well-maintained buildings or their architecture, but it is the residents' traditional way of life that remains largely untouched by the march of time.

Every day local residents walk to the market to sell, buy or trade in items of daily use. Tourists or no tourists, it operates at a pace of its own.

The calm and simple lifestyle of residents never fail to impress city slickers and to old-timers visiting the community, Klong Suan brings flashing back memories from their childhood.

If you wish to escape the intensity and chaos of city life, go to Klong Suan and you will discover that peace and tranquility can be found closer to home than you ever thought.

On your way to/from Bangkok, it is only 20 minutes from the motorway, so a visit to this 100 year old market can easily be arranged.

Originally published in the Bangkok Post

Pre & Post Cruise in Thailand

2009-08-02T08:23:00.004+07:00

The Grand Palace complex from space.

Over the years I have spoken with many Cruise Passengers and on many occasions we have discussed why they join the Cruise Ship directly on arriving at the International Airport or indeed why they head home directly after the Cruise without having experienced the sights and sounds of the exotic Kingdom of Thailand - The Land of Smiles. Why travel all this way and not see one of the most intriguing and beautiful countries in South East Asia.

99% of the times the answer is: TOO PRICEY - yes indeed the Cruise Line and their Travel Partners only advertise and arrange for Cruise Passengers to stay at the most expensive 5 Star Hotels - where everything is really well beyond many Cruise Passengers budgets and even the Shore Excursions can be very extravagant

THIS NOT NEED TO BE SO; In fact Thailand is very affordable and many great bargains can be had. We have throughout the land many great inexpensive 4 Star properties and the ever more popular Serviced Apartments. We at Image have some great relationships with some of these fantastic properties and if you have never stayed at a serviced Apartment you will be more than pleased with your experience and the BOTTOM LINE.

The greatest difficulty when booking from far away places and not knowing the City or environs, is to know which location is the most desirable.

We at Image have a great knowledge of Bangkok and all other areas of Thailand and we know just what type of accommodation you are looking for and of course one of the main ingredients is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.
We know you want a great Hotel/Guest House/Serviced Apartments at very affordable prices, very good security and in an area where you can enjoy walking and seeing the sights and feel the vibrancy of the Far East. Please rest assured that Bangkok in general is a very safe city for walking around and exploring, taking Taxis or the well run Sky Train. As in every city in the world always be aware of your surroundings and stay away from certain areas.

We would strongly advise anyone to have a "stay-over" in Thailand even if only for a short period as there is so much to see and do. What about a day trip to the infamous River Kwai or to the ancient Capital of Ayutthaya in the comfort of our air conditioned limousines. But of course there are so many different itineraries that we could offer while you are here.

We can offer you a most attractive package and guarantee that you will have an ever lasting and a most memorable Pre/Post Cruise Experience. Leave the work to us and come and enjoy.

Many thanks to my good friend Cliff for this article.

Why Image Limo makes sense

2009-07-30T15:38:00.000+07:00

Dear Passengers,

For those of you who are veteran cruisers and for those who have taken this great vacation "at sea" for the very first time, will all agree that both embarking and disembarking is really the most stressful experience you will ever experience in those ports that you are visiting for the first time.
There are so many "things" to think about such as language barriers, currencies, customs and local do's and don't's, where to go, who will assist you etc and is is really never ending, until you set foot aboard your Cruise Ship being your home away from home.

Here at "Image" we can make your journey so hassle free sand in fact most enjoyable and please leave all the worries to us. No large groups, endless waiting for stragglers, loading of luggage just to name a few.

Let us just take a few moments and run through some of the scenarios that you could and will most likely encounter.

Joining your Ship from Bangkok International Airport:

We at "Image" will be just outside the Customs exit with a Name Plate to greet you and whisk you away to your destination.

A local Hotel in Bangkok or Pattaya ( very close to the ship Terminal) if you are having a pre- cruise vacation. We can arrange all your sightseeing tours and this can be arranged well before your arrival or even after you have arrived.
The day that you join your Cruise Ship will will let you know what time we shall pick you up and have you at the Terminal at a time when we know there are no long and uncomfortable lines in the hot Sun or heavy rain and have you on board in a very short time period.
Our service can be tailored as a "one time stop" from arrival at the Airport to embarking on your Cruise Ship.

Disembarking from your Cruise Ship in Laem Chabang:

We know from experience that several days prior to arriving at your final destination, many Passengers encounter very stressful situations because of the unknown and also in many cases ship's Staff are not fully experienced with the Port of final disembarkation and in many cases give INCORRECT answers.

If you have booked with Image, you may rest assured that you do not need to worry about anything and enjoy your Cruising Experience to the fullest. The Cruise Line will issue you with colored stickers which will denote in which group you will be disembarking. We would like to take this opportunity to express to you that you should NOT under any CIRCUMSTANCES worry about which color stickers you are issued if you have booked with" Image" take whichever color they give you and attached to your luggage.

All you need to do is let us know a few days prior your arrival or even well before you leave home at which time you would like to be picked up. We have noted that with most cruise ships passengers tend to start disembarking as early as 0730 up and until about 0930.
All you have to do is walk of the ship into the terminal and head to the area of the color luggage tags that you have attached to your luggage - Porters will be available to carry your luggage and our Image Driver will be waiting for you at the Customs Exit.
If you wish you can also bring all your luggage ashore when you disembark - again very easy and no stress whatsoever.

Again we can arrange a direct transfer to the International Airport or if you are doing a Post Cruise we are only to willing to book hotels and arrange sightseeing tours.

Dear Passengers, we know from the many years of experience that using our services you will receive 100% satisfaction at a fraction of the costs that will be levied by the Cruise Lines and their Travel Partners.

Please feel free and contact us and we will be happy to discuss your travel itinerary here in the Land of Smiles.

Email me directly to get personalized service at rob@imagelimo.com

Many thanks to my good friend Cliff for the help on this article

Baan SalaDaeng - a hidden gem!

2009-07-23T14:15:00.001+07:00

The Moroccan Suite at Baan SalaDaeng

I always think the most important thing to consider when in Bangkok is location. To be close to a Skytrain or MRT station and where you might go in the evenings.
Baan SalaDaeng Residence is a small hotel with only 9 rooms. Very quiet and excellent location for exploring Bangkok with a 5 mins walk to the Skytrain station, and all the night life of Patpong and its market. Restaurants are plentiful in this street with Zanotti's being one of the most famous Italians in Bangkok.
All the rooms are very individual and been designed by different designers - very tasty with all the mod cons.
The first time I went there, I was warmly welcomed and shown up to my room, the Neo Siam Suite which is very white and spacious with a small balcony. When I have shopping or work to do in the area, I always opt for this little quiet gem.
Room rates are 1200-2500 Baht (USD 35-74) so extremely reasonable.

Azamara Quest

2009-07-14T18:39:00.000+07:00

The Azamara Quest will be visiting Thailand during Jan-Mar 2010, docking at Kloeng Toey port which is up the Chao Phraya river South of Bangkok. It is nearer than Laem Chabang Port which is for much larger ships.
There will about just under 24 hours each visit for excursions, which gives potential to exploring Bangkok, the River Kwai and more.

Ampawa - the real floating market

2009-07-13T16:54:00.000+07:00

Ampawa Community & Floating Market is not on the International map and that's what makes it special because, unlike the famous one at Damnoen Saduak, it is genuine. To be fair Damnoen Saduak was great one time, but is now over-commercailised and overun with hoardes of tourist buses, and to me spoilt forever.

Furthermore, you don't need to get up at 5 AM to get to it, as its starts in the afternoon until the evening (around 9PM), and means you can end your day with a Thai meal overlooking the canal.

No rows of souvenir stalls, in fact it has been kept a secret amongst Thais for a long time. It is not even featured in he Lonely Planet guide!

A great afternoon or evening trip to a real Thai Gem, where you can feel and experience the traditional Thai way of buying and selling goods.

Distance from Bangkok is only 80 kms, so plan a half day/evening trip. The colours before sunset are superb, so would suggest leaving Bangkok around 4 PM. Do it in with a maximum of 4 persons, so you can meander the little passageways and canals relatively unoticed.

Tiger Temple day trip

2009-07-13T09:39:00.000+07:00

The Tiger Temple near Kanchanaburi has been attracting many tourists who are in awe of seeing young and large tigers - an easy & unforgettable day trip.

Mary & Stewart from Sussex, England went on one trip from their Bangkok Hotel earlier this year and sent us some comments:

What a day we had, thank you for suggesting this trip. Driver was helpful and his excellent English made our 2 hour trip to Kanchanaburi very pleasant. Our first stop was the Erawan Waterfalls with its seven layers, it was hot and only dipped our feet in the pools. Quite a few people had come prepared for a very cool swim. Then off to the Tiger Temple or Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno which has become home to a number of tigers since the first abandoned tiger cub was taken in by the abbot of the Wat in 1999.

To see these amazing monks feed, caress, roll in the dust with the tigers ranks higher than any dolphin show, and when I was asked if I wanted to sit with a large male to have my photo taken, I was quite scared. I ended up with my back against this tiger's rib, stroked him and later helped feed him and others. What an experience!

The trip also included a visit one of the WWII cemeteries, the war museum and the famous bridge on the River Kwai.

Mary: "the whole day was just unforgettable, and of all the things we had seen at various points on our World Cruise, this was the best excursion we did - thank you for your arrangements and to our driver Tam who took great care of us. "

This trip is available any day for up to 3 persons in a sedan from Imagelimo. For more info you can visit the Tiger Temple’s own website.

Embarking - How to get there

2009-07-12T15:28:00.000+07:00

Many cruise passengers fly into Bangkok and spend a few days seeing the sights before joining their ship. For the individual passengers who are not on an organised tour, they will need to get to the port. One of the wonderful things about Thais is they can all help you to get there but few know where or how. Firstly, Laem Chabang Port is the largest container port in Thailand and it is a maze just to get in, never mind the security aspects of it.
I very often go to the Cruise Terminal to welcome and help direct our passengers to & from their vehicles. I am amazed how many people spend months planning for their cruise and visit to the Far East, but will end up in any old car arranged by someone on a Bangkok street the night before, or just hailing a taxi. Having lived and worked in Thailand for 10 years, all I can say is .... think again!
The distance from Bangkok is about 130 kms, so you need a good car and a safe driver (I will not go into road safety in Thailand, and would suggest you don't if you want to get in a car), and someone that knows where they are going.
A typical taxi driver in Bangkok when asked if he knows where so and so is, will most probably say YES. Once you get in the car, you already have to pay a fare, so you will then be asked where again, a map may not really help as Thais do not seem to read maps, so no guarrantee you will get to your destination.
Now - you are going crusing the high seas for a trip of a lifetime, a trip you spent months planning and looking forward to, my advice is organise your transport through my company Image Limousine (as reccomended by Cruisecritic.com) or someone else who is repuatble, but if you miss that ship, then what????

Laem Chabang Cruise Terminal

2009-07-12T14:58:00.000+07:00

Laem Chabang Port will again welcome many cruise ships this coming 2009/10 winter season, with the Diamond Princess leading the way with fortnightly visits. Legends of the Seas will also be making several visits.

Most ships dock at the Star Cruise Terminal which is about 140 kms from Bangkok city centre, and 3 kms from the beach resort of Pattaya.

We will endeavour to explore in our posts to cover many aspects of how to get there, what to do and where to stay, eat, visit in both Bangkok & Pattaya.

Thailand has many wonderful sights to explore, tasty and spicy food to appreciate and a great name for its hospitality to visitors.

Our company has for many years offered services to hundreds of cruise passengers whether for transport, sightseeing or just a recommendation of a hotel or restaurant.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you making the most of your visit to Thailand.