In a few weeks I'm bringing my Mom, Brother, his wife, and their two kids out to Korat to meet the girlfriend's family and I was hoping someone he would be able to refer me to a reliable driver with a minibus to hire for 5 days or so. That would make 7 people, plus a few people from my girlfriend's family who will want to tag along with us as as we visit Phimai and Pak Thong Chai. Does anybody have a personal connection they'd like to refer?

I'm also looking for a reccomendation for a decent hotel in Korat. Nothing too fancy (about 1500B/night) and something that works with a few kids ~10 years old. Something outside of Korat would work as well, as the lady's family lives in Non Thai and we're planning on taking daytrips around the area anyway.

Thanks in advance for any tips offered. I love thaivisa forums!

In a few weeks I'm bringing my Mom, Brother, his wife, and their two kids out to Korat to meet the girlfriend's family and I was hoping someone he would be able to refer me to a reliable driver with a minibus to hire for 5 days or so. That would make 7 people, plus a few people from my girlfriend's family who will want to tag along with us as as we visit Phimai and Pak Thong Chai. Does anybody have a personal connection they'd like to refer?

I'm also looking for a reccomendation for a decent hotel in Korat. Nothing too fancy (about 1500B/night) and something that works with a few kids ~10 years old. Something outside of Korat would work as well, as the lady's family lives in Non Thai and we're planning on taking daytrips around the area anyway.

Thanks in advance for any tips offered. I love thaivisa forums!

Can't help with the transport, but I would recommend Korat resort, some 20kms south of korat on the Chok Chai road. Good for kids - an enormous swimming pool. rates 900bt a night or 1200 for a really massive room. Just 5kms from Korat Zoo, and near to Paktongchai too

I was hoping someone he would be able to refer me to a reliable driver with a minibus to hire for 5 days or so. That would make 7 people, plus a few people from my girlfriend's family who will want to tag along with us as as we visit Phimai and Pak Thong Chai. Does anybody have a personal connection they'd like to refer?

Hi Lkind.

Have you thought of driving yourself.

I've recently returned after a 15 day tour of north eastern Thailand.

I found the main Thai highways are of world class standard and I felt quite safe.

Once you get out into the country, driving is quite manageable. Just avoid Bangkok!

You'll find having a car on hand will be invaluable allowing you to move around, go shopping, visit relatives, explore, or go out to dinner.

Having a driver would be expensive and impractical and impact on your privacy.

91 octane fuel sells for 38 Baht per litre.

When hiring a car, I look for quality "full comprehensive" insurance, good rates, and a quality late model vehicle.

I hired a Honda Jazz from Expat Car Rentals and had a great time exploring Thailand.

Their Kia Prego 10 Seat mini bus might suit your needs.

http://www.expatcarrent.com/rates.html

We stayed at a hotel, the Korat Princess, part of the Princess Chain. Sorry I don't have any contact details. Very nice hotel w/pool. Within your price range.

You will find some hotels, not all, listed here:

http://www.northeast-hotel.com/en/directory1.php

I haven't stayed here, however it looks like a nice place: http://www.v-onehotelkorat.com

If you decide to go with car & driver, this company only contracts with safe, responsible drivers with newer vehicles:

Mr. T, 038-720-318 or 081-258-7716. Mr. T, has a good driver, Samon, who has a very nice mini-van w/reclinable seats.

They will provide airport pickup.

Might also look here: http://www.tourismthailand.org/

Thanks for the excellent suggestions. Last time I was in Thailand I rented a car and drove myself around, but I don't think I'd feel quite as comfortable with my brother's kids in the car. I'm from the US and making the switch to driving on the left side of the road is a little tough!

I'll look into contacting Mr T to hire a driver.

Thanks again!

Does Mr. T. have a webpage regarding the minivan that is listed. I still hae some time for planning since my family will be coming to Thailand in early June. We would like to be picked up at the international airport with delivery to Nong Khai. Thanks for your help