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Inter-Thailand Flights   Bangkok Airways (PG)

PG flights are bookable on points through JAL, CX, EY and AB.

JAL
Required Mileage: Transferable from SPG. JAL uses a distance based award chart and allows up to a maximum of 7 stopovers (8 segments). To figure out how many points you will need, add up the total amount of miles that will be flown (can do this on GCMap.com) and then find the appropriate row in the award chart (http://www.ar.jal.com/ar/en/jalmile/use/partner_air/p_jmb/jmb_mile_ar.html). If you are traveling before 3/31/2017 there is a promotion for trips up to 4,000 miles (see http://www.jal.co.jp/121campaign/pg_discount/index_en.html for reduced mileage rates). The promotion makes JAL the best award redemption option for PG flights. 

Booking the Flight: The only way to find out if there is availability on the flight that you want is to call JAL. Recommended that you do so before transferring points. JAL doesn't allow you to hold a reservation so you have to hope that the flight doesn't get booked up while you're waiting for the point transfer to go through. Once the points post to your JAL account, call JAL back to book.
+1 800-525-3663 (5:00 - 18:00 PT) press 1 - 4 - JAL membership number - # - pin - # - 0 (for human or 1 for computer search)

Traveling with Infant: Tell JAL that you are flying with a lap child. They will put the infant on the reservation, but they will also tell you that you need to call PG directly to get the infant's ticket issued and pay for any taxes etc. JAL will only charge you for the adults on the reservation. Unless you speak Thai, calling PG won't work (when you press 9 for English when calling any of the Asian offices, the message will tell you to go to their website, and the office in Germany can't issue tickets). To add the infant, send an email to reservation@bangkokair.com with your confirmation number and tell them you want to have the lap infant's ticket issued. They will email you back with the price (data point: it was ~$96USD for CNX-USM-HKG for me) and ask you to reply with your cc info split into two separate emails for security (one email with first 8 digits, exp. and name on card, second email with last 8 digits, cvv, and billing address). I believe they only take Visa or MC. You'll then get an email back with confirmation.

Baggage Allowance: Economy passengers are allowed 20kg, infants (and dolls) are allowed 10kg. Excess weight on domestic flights will incur a charge of 80thb ($2.25ish) per kilo. International overage fee chart can be found here. Join the PG FlyingBonus program to receive an additional 10kg.

Contacting PG: In general, if you have any questions, the only way to speak with them in English besides email is PG Live Chat. You can find the link if you log in to your Flyer Bonus account. Chat reps are very helpful.

IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE TO PAY (JAL AND PG) WITH A CC BELONGING TO SOMEONE THAT IS TRAVELING ON THE ITINERARY. PG WILL SOMETIMES ASK YOU TO SHOW THE CC USED TO PAY FOR THE TRIP WHEN YOU CHECK IN, AND RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DENY BOARDING IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT.

CX
Required Mileage:

EY
Required Mileage:

AB
Required Mileage:



Bangkok   BKK/DMK

Hotels                                              Activities                                          Chabad                                                                Additional Info
Viengtai Hotel (Ohr Menachem)
Davis Hotel (Beth Elisheva)
Shangr-La (Even Chen)
Sheraton Resort (Hua Hin)
Riva Surya
Kao Sahn Rd
Night Markets (near stadium)
Shopping Malls
Grand Palace
Kanchanaburi (2 hrs away)
Floating Markets
Beth Elisheva (Financial & Shopping district)
Even Chen
Ohr Menachem (Kao Sahn Rd)
ALWAYS use meter in taxis and
   try to say destination in Thai - if you
   need help with numbers as Cbs ;)
(Free) sim in airport at kiosks -(true move(h- sim), dtac
   (happy(micro) sim for iPhone)
Songkran (water fight week)- April 13th!
Kosherthailand.com
BKK Luggage Lockers - 100 baht/day/bag (~$3)
Public Transport
Domestic flights:
   Air Asia, Tiger Air, Thai, Bangkok Air
Tailor:
   Rajawongse




Phuket/Patong/Koh Phi Phi/Krabi   HKT/KBV

Hotels                                                            Activities                                                                            Additional Info
Westin
JW Marriott
Sala Resort
Sheraton Krabi
The Pavilions
Holiday Inn Koh Phi Phi
Ritz Carlton Reserve
places w/ private pools
Beaches
Monkey Show
Cable Skiing
Longtail Boats
Island Tour
Koh Phi Phi:
Diving
Fire Show (wed is biggest)
Maya Bay (full day trip)
Nice Lookouts
Kayaking (to Monkey Beach)
Thai Boxing
Beware of summer weather; monsoon season
Best weather: Jan - May
Island Tour (can be done as a day trip or overnight):
   Andaman River, Maya Bay, Similian Islands, Krabi Islands,
   Koh Lanta (Emerald Cave)




Koh Samui   USM

Hotels                                                            Activities                                                                          Additional Info
The Conrad
Sunday Resort
Sheraton
Le Meridian
The W
Le Murrya (Near Chabad)
Fx Hotel (Near Chabad)
Beaches
Diving (Koa Phangan, Koh Tao)
Ang Thong Marine Park Islands
Water Sports (at chaweng and boh phut),
Safari Island (elephants, tigers, zip line)
Scooter (around island)
Kayaking $30
Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan Island trip w/ snorkeling
The Conrad will gladly make arrangements with
   the Chabad restaurant for Kosher food. Email them at usmks.fb@conradhotels.com




Chiang Mai   CNX

Hotels                                                            Activities                                                                            Additional Info
Le Meridien (10 min. Walk to Chabad)
Shangri La (2 min. Walk to Chabad)
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi
Sukantara Cascade Resort
Maese Elephant Show
Maetaeng Elephant Park
Patara Elephant Farm
Thai Elephant Home
Thoms Pai Elephant Camp
Bamboo Rafting
Tiger Kingdom
Monkey Shows
Snake Shows
Crocodile Shows
Zip Lining
Trekking
White Water Rafting
Longneck Tribe
Gun Shooting
Night Safari
Temples/Palaces
Chiang Mai River Boat (To Cooking School)
Extreme Sports!
Repelling
Caving,
ATVing
Bungee
Segways
Rent motorbikes (5$ day)
3D museum right down the road from Chabad
   (if you have an hour or two to kill)
Sunday Market (ratchadamonoen  Rd, old city)
Night Market (Changklan Rd, near Chabad & Le Meridien)
Sat Night Market (Wua Lai)
Tiger Kingdom is best in morning
Use ישראל 669  as travel agent for trips
   (next door to Chabad)
Recommended Zip Line: Flight of Gibbon or Flying Squirrel,
   can be reserved through Yackov (המרכז המטייל)
   for best price.
When reserving tours, ask for a discount due to
   using your own transportation
Tailors:
   CM Tailors
His and Hers- 3 minute walk from LM on the way to chabbad.




Chiang Rai   CEI/4hr drive from CNX

Hotels                                                            Activities                                                                            Additional Info
Le Meridien
Four Seasons Tent Camp Golden Triangle
Black House
Queens Residence
Night market
Day trip to Burma/Myanmar
Waterfalls
White Temple
Ruaamit elephant camp
Pai village (3 hr drive)
Hot Springs
Scooters
Golden Triangle

« Last edited by CR on July 26, 2020, 11:38:14 AM »

Author Topic: Thailand Master Thread  (Read 762029 times)

Offline CS91

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3500 on: August 03, 2016, 10:56:06 PM »
Why wouldn't you just rent a car? It's pretty cheap I believe.
The quote that I got for a rental car was about $150. If I could hire a driver for $50 RT for the airport, it'll probably be cheaper to just take taxis for anything else that I want to do, and less of a headache. Even if it's the same price, I'd rather just have someone drive me.

Offline EJB

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3501 on: August 03, 2016, 11:06:58 PM »
The quote that I got for a rental car was about $150. If I could hire a driver for $50 RT for the airport, it'll probably be cheaper to just take taxis for anything else that I want to do, and less of a headache. Even if it's the same price, I'd rather just have someone drive me.

What are you using to repel mosquitos (other than spray)? Im thinking of getting an ultrasound repellent as well for the room

Offline CS91

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3502 on: August 03, 2016, 11:47:19 PM »
What are you using to repel mosquitos (other than spray)? Im thinking of getting an ultrasound repellent as well for the room
Haven't thought about it yet, but don't even know what that is. Are you asking for CNX or USM?

Offline EJB

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3503 on: August 04, 2016, 06:36:53 AM »
Haven't thought about it yet, but don't even know what that is. Are you asking for CNX or USM?
Usm, bc the room will be more open to the elements

Offline benjie1305

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3504 on: August 04, 2016, 07:38:16 AM »
Didn't have any problem with mosquitos. Actually got no bites at all while in USM. Only bites came while walking through the jungle for a few hours.
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline benjie1305

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3505 on: August 04, 2016, 07:38:43 AM »
Who did you arrange it through?

You can PM me for info.
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline SLMYRCB

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3506 on: August 04, 2016, 07:57:48 AM »
Didn't have any problem with mosquitos. Actually got no bites at all while in USM. Only bites came while walking through the jungle for a few hours.
+1 I went in April. No mosquitoes

Offline mochjas

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3507 on: August 04, 2016, 08:29:00 AM »
+1 I went in April. No mosquitoes
yes I agree with this as well. Just I would try not to eat at all in the room as if you leave any crumbs. The bugs will come running.

And in CNX there are tons of mosquitos at least by the activities. I left covered in bites.

Offline Aaaron

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3508 on: August 04, 2016, 10:09:20 AM »
What's the ideal hotel in BKK for a shortish 20 hour layover?

Offline benjie1305

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3509 on: August 04, 2016, 10:09:59 AM »
What's the ideal hotel in BKK for a shortish 20 hour layover?

Can get an airport hotel for like 20-40 dollars.
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline Aaaron

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3510 on: August 04, 2016, 10:21:49 AM »
Can get an airport hotel for like 20-40 dollars.

To rephrase. A nice hotel that will also allow an activity or two.

Offline benjie1305

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3511 on: August 04, 2016, 10:22:57 AM »
To rephrase. A nice hotel that will also allow an activity or two.

What does that mean?
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline Emkay

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3512 on: August 04, 2016, 10:29:57 AM »
What's the ideal hotel in BKK for a shortish 20 hour layover?
Do you have an early morning flight?

Offline shwarmabob

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3513 on: August 04, 2016, 10:33:01 AM »
To rephrase. A nice hotel that will also allow an activity or two.
You can get to the Sukhumvit area easily with the airport rail. Depending on your flight times that may give you enough time to see parts of the city. There are plenty of places to stay in Sukhumvit if you don't want the airport hotel option.

Offline Feivish

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3514 on: August 04, 2016, 10:34:58 AM »
To rephrase. A nice hotel that will also allow an activity or two.
Stay in the city. SPG has many good option. I stayed at the La Merdian for 7k per IIRC. Centerly located. I took Uber at a fixed airport rate.

Offline benjie1305

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3515 on: August 04, 2016, 10:38:21 AM »
Stay in the city. SPG has many good option. I stayed at the La Merdian for 7k per IIRC. Centerly located. I took Uber at a fixed airport rate.

So many hotels in the airport area can be had for way less then 7k SPG value that have decent reviews.
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline Feivish

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3516 on: August 04, 2016, 10:40:55 AM »
So many hotels in the airport area can be had for way less then 7k SPG value that have decent reviews.
IMO there is nothing like being in the center of it all. He can find some cheaper paid rates in the city center as well.

Offline CS91

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3517 on: August 04, 2016, 11:29:28 AM »
Anyone here have any recommendations for a scuba diving company in USM?

Offline Aaaron

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3518 on: August 04, 2016, 12:29:59 PM »
Do you have an early morning flight?
IMO there is nothing like being in the center of it all. He can find some cheaper paid rates in the city center as well.
Stay in the city. SPG has many good option. I stayed at the La Merdian for 7k per IIRC. Centerly located. I took Uber at a fixed airport rate.
You can get to the Sukhumvit area easily with the airport rail. Depending on your flight times that may give you enough time to see parts of the city. There are plenty of places to stay in Sukhumvit if you don't want the airport hotel option.

Thanks guys.  Getting to BKK around 9pm and out around 4pm.

Offline yitzyul

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3519 on: August 04, 2016, 08:40:23 PM »
To rephrase. A nice hotel that will also allow an activity or two.

I stayed in La meridian (the golf course one) and they upgraded me to a crazy large room. Service was better then any hotel I have stayed in (including some expensive ones in Thailand) and they had a very nice pool. We just hung out by the pool (empty) and ordered some fruits and drinks which were very good.