Hi y'all. I'll be heading to Thailand next month. This will be my first time going to Chiang Mai, and the first time I've been to Thailand without my Thai girlfriend.
One of the things I like to do in Thailand is rent a motorcycle and drive around. I generally don't like doing the organized tours, instead I like to get a map, and go at my own pace where I want to go. In the past this was easy since I had a nice English speaking Thai girl on the back of the bike who could read the signs, talk to the locals when we got lost, explain things to me, etc.
This time I'm all by myself. I was thinking of picking up a BG (I have no real experience with them) for my time in Chiang Mai to act the part of translator and to keep me company. I'm sure I can hire a private driver or some such, but figure if I'm going to be paying out money for someone, it might as well be someone who I can sleep with.
So I want your guys feedback on two things:
1. Is this a good idea?
2. Will I be able to find a BG to do this in Chaing Mai and what will it cost me?
I'll be spending a few days in Bangkok first, but I don't think I'll be able to find a BG there as I'll be hanging out with some nice upper-middle class Thai women who will have a fit if I so much as mention any of the bar areas. I've already asked them, but it wouldn't be "appropriate" for them or one of their friends to fly to Chiang Mai with a farang.
Besides, I figure if the girl lives in Chiang Mai, if I do deside to do an organized tour one day (for something that I wouldn't be able to do on my own), I can leave her behind without causing any trouble.
Anyway, I appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your thoughts on this.