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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 747698 times)

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1620 on: December 22, 2013, 12:48:10 AM »
Breakfast for 7 people, came out to around 30-40. It came in handy on the flights, and was a very nice gesture by them.
We were there for one night before a morning flight to DPS.
Cool
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 yys

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1621 on: December 22, 2013, 07:30:33 AM »
Aside from phukhet, phi phi island  and chiang mai are there any other cities worth going to in thailand?
this is for a second trip there (so already did tigers, elephants, bamboo rafting, monkeys, snakes, markets etc,

how about chiang rai? krabi etc.

Offline Drago

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1622 on: December 22, 2013, 07:53:41 AM »
Aside from phukhet, phi phi island  and chiang mai are there any other cities worth going to in thailand?
this is for a second trip there (so already did tigers, elephants, bamboo rafting, monkeys, snakes, markets etc,

how about chiang rai? krabi etc.
I really enjoyed the Chiang Rai area (Golden Triangle is close by), and just came back from Krabi.
Very nice Sheraton, great islands, chilled out, and jungle activities to do there as well.

Offline yys

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1623 on: December 31, 2013, 04:52:21 AM »
everyone talks about the pool vilas at KL
how can you actually get upgraded if you are only gold and are currently booked into a deluxe room?

Offline Drago

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1624 on: December 31, 2013, 05:15:14 AM »
everyone talks about the pool vilas at KL
how can you actually get upgraded if you are only gold and are currently booked into a deluxe room?
Email them for a price quote. It'll be at least a few hundred $$.
I'll tell you the truth, when I was there, I didn't see too much need for them, unless your wife really wants to be able to sit in a pool with a regular swimming outfit on.
The main pool is so large, so there are lots of empty spots in it to go swimming, the beach is very nice, and you'll probably be doing day activities as well.
So unless you really have to, or if your cash is burning a whole in your wallet, I don't see the need for it.

I used my SNA's on a suite, and it was perfect for the 5 of us, especially w/ the shabbos meals.

Offline chuchem

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1625 on: December 31, 2013, 05:31:34 PM »
My rate was about 400 US Dollars a night for the best pool villa they have. I think its worth it, especially when traveling with kids

It was like a dream, huge area only for ourselfs

Booked for this summer already

http://assets.lemeridienkhaolak.com/XLGallery/OceanfrontResidentialPoolVilla2.jpg

http://assets.lemeridienkhaolak.com/XLGallery/OceanfrontResidentialPoolVilla4.jpg


Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1626 on: December 31, 2013, 06:48:11 PM »
unless your wife really wants to be able to sit in a pool with a regular swimming outfit on.
That's obviously the draw.  Being in your own walled compound is really cool.  That's why I didn't take the upgrade to the ocean villa that chuchem loves so.

Frankly though there are houses you can rent in the US for the same price that are nicer.
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 chuchem

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1627 on: December 31, 2013, 08:02:00 PM »
That house is the third last house on the beach, so almost nobody passes. And you cant rent sucha house on the beach in the usa. I mean beachfront, that your privat pool ends were the beach starts and also its part of a stunning resort with all the amenities like spa, kids club, daily cleaning...

Offline yys

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1628 on: December 31, 2013, 08:46:12 PM »
does anyone know if the private pools or the resort pools are heated?


Offline Brian

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1629 on: December 31, 2013, 10:15:10 PM »
does anyone know if the private pools or the resort pools are heated?
I think it's hot in Thailand year round. My tour guide told me that they have 3 seasons, hot  hotter, & hottest.

Offline moish

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1630 on: January 01, 2014, 07:13:02 AM »
I think it's hot in Thailand year round. My tour guide told me that they have 3 seasons, hot  hotter, & hottest.
i was there in the summer and the water was cold

Offline rots5

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1631 on: January 01, 2014, 07:18:40 AM »
i was there in the summer and the water was cold
i was in the summer last yr, it was not cold but it wasnt that hot. it was very nice comfortable weather except one or 2 days. And no, the pools are not heated. My pivate pool in The Pavilions was not heated and very chilly. 
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Offline moish

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1632 on: January 01, 2014, 08:21:07 AM »
i was in the summer last yr, it was not cold but it wasnt that hot. it was very nice comfortable weather except one or 2 days. And no, the pools are not heated. My pivate pool in The Pavilions was not heated and very chilly. 
so youre agreeing with me

Offline rots5

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1633 on: January 01, 2014, 03:43:25 PM »
so youre agreeing with me
yups! is that ok with u?
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Offline moish

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1634 on: January 01, 2014, 03:47:38 PM »
yups! is that ok with u?
thats fine, but from the formulation of your sentence it seemed you were trying to disagree. no worries...

Offline rots5

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1635 on: January 01, 2014, 03:52:08 PM »
thats fine, but from the formulation of your sentence it seemed you were trying to disagree. no worries...
nope. sorry. i was just adding in a little. you are the king of thailand, you started me off. :)
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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1636 on: January 01, 2014, 11:32:39 PM »

nope. sorry. i was just adding in a little. you are the KING of THAILAND, you started me off. :)
as a faithful thailandy to highest honered king Bhumibol Adulyadej, you have disgraced my king

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1637 on: January 02, 2014, 07:29:01 AM »
if going from chiang mai to phi phi island is it better to fly in to phukhet or krabi?

i.e. which one is closer to koh phi phi?

what about ferry services?

is there anything special to do in krabi over koh phi phi?

Offline rots5

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1638 on: January 02, 2014, 12:11:23 PM »
if going from chiang mai to phi phi island is it better to fly in to phukhet or krabi?

i.e. which one is closer to koh phi phi?

what about ferry services?

is there anything special to do in krabi over koh phi phi?
i was in HKT and the boat ride is around an hr. to phi phi
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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1639 on: January 02, 2014, 12:16:35 PM »
I think hkt is slightly closer. But fewer ferry rides available. Especially during low season
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