Unpacked by AFAR · Thursday, September 10, 2026
Dan from Smiling Albino, a Bangkok resident of 26 years, highly recommends hiring a private guide for iconic sites like the Grand Palace to avoid crowds and gain access to private areas. He asserts that no one regrets the extra cost for a guide, emphasizing the enhanced, more intimate experience it provides.
“But he also knows how to approach things like the Grand Palace, which he recommends doing with a private guide. And he says that most people want to see it, but they also want to see it without the crowds and that he's never met anyone who actually regretted spending more money on a private guide and he recommends that people hire local guides.”
“Some of whom are going to have access to private gardens or courtyards that are not accessible to the public. So it's still these iconic places, but he’s saying it’s possible to see them in a way that’s much more intimate.”