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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 751151 times)

Offline damaxer91

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1320 on: July 22, 2013, 10:10:50 PM »
Yes, I have been to Bora Bora.

My wife thinks that Bora Bora is nicer, but I think the Conrad is nicer.

If you go to Ko Samui and don't stay at either the Four seasons, Conrad, The W, or Inter continental, you only get to see the dumpy part of Ko Samui. 

I stayed at the Four Seasons in Ko Samui. Nice hotel but the island was less than impressive

Never been to Bora Bora but can say that at least 3 islands that I've been to in Asia were nicer

Offline elibeli2

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1321 on: July 22, 2013, 10:20:05 PM »
I stayed at the Four Seasons in Ko Samui. Nice hotel but the island was less than impressive



Does the Four seasons take points?

Offline damaxer91

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1322 on: July 22, 2013, 10:21:32 PM »
Does the Four seasons take points?

decimal points

Though you can get it for less than $400.00 a night in low season

Offline daganster

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1323 on: July 22, 2013, 10:35:30 PM »
Which airline should I earn miles with when flying Bangkok airways?

Offline daganster

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1324 on: July 22, 2013, 10:45:27 PM »
How much time do I need for the connection? I'm arriving at 6:25 AM am I safe with an 8:15 departure or should I take the 9:00 am departure?
Can anyone help me with this one please, thanks.

Offline daganster

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1325 on: July 22, 2013, 11:05:41 PM »
Is it worth spending an additional $60 for a RT ticket from BKK - USM in J vs Y .

Offline AJK

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1326 on: July 22, 2013, 11:17:52 PM »
BTW.. I am at the Conrad now in Ko Samui it is by far the nicest hotel I have been too so far. It is a must stay.
It is even nicer than Bora Bora.

I also thought the Conrad was the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in.

If you do stay there, make sure to mention that you eat Kosher they will arrange a breakfast for you free of charge.

You're welcome. Tell Chef Konrad hello from us. No, that's not a pun.

We got 5 days of kosher breakfast in addition to free dinner. All for the low price of $7.
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline AJK

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1327 on: July 22, 2013, 11:19:29 PM »
Great idea. How much time do I need for the connection?
I'll check FB.

No reason to cut it so short that you'll worry. Make it at least 3 hours, IMO.
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline daganster

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1328 on: July 22, 2013, 11:20:58 PM »
I also thought the Conrad was the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in.

You're welcome. Tell Chef Konrad hello from us. No, that's not a pun.

We got 5 days of kosher breakfast in addition to free dinner. All for the low price of $7.
How did you pull off dinner? Where does the kosher food come from?

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1329 on: July 22, 2013, 11:21:03 PM »
It is even nicer than Bora Bora.
Sorry, but I don't believe that for a second.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline AJK

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1330 on: July 22, 2013, 11:22:02 PM »
Wow that' s awesome can't wait. Should I tell them in advance?
I have another issue, I'm coming in to koh Samui a day after my reservation begins. I tried cancelling the first day, but since I booked before the devaluation I was told that if I cancel 1 night the entire reservation will cancel. I was thinking to simply call the the and tell them that I missed my flight, and that I'll be coming a day late hopefully they'll reimburse me. Is that a good idea?

They have cancellation policies; a policy which in this instance probably forfeits the night if cancelled less than *at least* 24 hours in advance, so not sure how that would work.

Can anyone help me with this one please, thanks.

See above.
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline daganster

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1331 on: July 22, 2013, 11:22:32 PM »
No reason to cut it so short that you'll worry. Make it at least 3 hours, IMO.
OK, thanks. How about the domestic transfers i.e. BKK- CNX CNX-BKK?

Offline AJK

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1332 on: July 22, 2013, 11:23:32 PM »
How did you pull off dinner? Where does the kosher food come from?

Chabad. We became very close with the Chef and the Food and Beverage manager.

Sorry, but I don't believe that for a second.

Pretty sure he's talking about the hotels he's stayed in.
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline daganster

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1333 on: July 22, 2013, 11:25:04 PM »
They have cancellation policies; a policy which in this instance probably forfeits the night if cancelled less than *at least* 24 hours in advance, so not sure how that would work.
That's fine as long as they don't cancel my stay. I plan to come in early the next morning, so I don't mind having a room waiting for me and all I'm forfeiting is 50k HH.

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1334 on: July 22, 2013, 11:26:52 PM »
Chabad. We became very close with the Chef and the Food and Beverage manager.
Cool, and thanks for all the tips.

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1335 on: July 22, 2013, 11:26:56 PM »
Pretty sure he's talking about the hotels he's stayed in.
Well, which hotel did he stay at in BOB?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1336 on: July 22, 2013, 11:28:09 PM »
That's fine as long as they don't cancel my stay. I plan to come in early the next morning, so I don't mind having a room waiting for me and all I'm forfeiting is 50k HH.

I don't think it's like airlines where if you miss your first leg they cancel the rest of the itin.

But just to be safe, just say your plans changed and you won't be making the first night.

I thought you were worried about losing the 50k.
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1337 on: July 22, 2013, 11:32:12 PM »
I don't think it's like airlines where if you miss your first leg they cancel the rest of the itin.

But just to be safe, just say your plans changed and you won't be making the first night.

I thought you were worried about losing the 50k.
I won't be losing sleep over it, but if I can have it reimbursed as well why not.

Offline elibeli2

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1338 on: July 22, 2013, 11:33:46 PM »
Sorry, but I don't believe that for a second.

Dan, Bora Bora is mostly just the clear water.
In the Conrad the view is islands and light blue water.

I guess it's a matter of opinion as well.

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1339 on: July 22, 2013, 11:34:22 PM »
Well, which hotel did he stay at in BOB?

I stayed at the Le Merdian.