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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 768951 times)

Offline moish

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1940 on: July 11, 2014, 11:22:20 AM »
if you wish, i can respond point by point, however, i think my main point was made and further discussion on this matter will just serve to further derail the main topic of this thread. if you want to continue on this specific issue, choose the venue and ill meet you there.

i cant resist on one point though and that is an attack on my reading comprehension. i said that "shows you werent 100% sure beforehand" and you concede that you called to  "to double-check." do people that are 100% certain of something double check? food for thought...

Offline jaywhy

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1941 on: July 11, 2014, 12:17:22 PM »
How much time should I spend in Thailand?
 Is 7-8 days enough?

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1942 on: July 11, 2014, 12:33:54 PM »
if you wish, i can respond point by point, however, i think my main point was made and further discussion on this matter will just serve to further derail the main topic of this thread. if you want to continue on this specific issue, choose the venue and ill meet you there.

Yeah, we really should meet sometime once and for all. It's been quite a while. :D

i cant resist on one point though and that is an attack on my reading comprehension. i said that "shows you werent 100% sure beforehand" and you concede that you called to  "to double-check." do people that are 100% certain of something double check? food for thought...

Wasn't meant as an attack, was meant tongue-in-cheek. I apologize if it came across too negatively.

In any case... I was 100% certain at the time that he told me it's muttar. But when you opposed me so forcefully, I began to doubt my memory, and/or think perhaps I heard him wrong the first time. So I called him, and he reassured me that I was indeed right the first time. So... "double-check" means just that. ;)

Offline Ergel

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1943 on: July 11, 2014, 02:34:33 PM »
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1944 on: July 11, 2014, 02:43:15 PM »
How much time should I spend in Thailand?
 Is 7-8 days enough?
For Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, sure.
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 jaywhy

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1945 on: July 11, 2014, 02:44:46 PM »
For Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, sure.
How many days in each place?

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1946 on: July 11, 2014, 02:46:00 PM »
How many days in each place?
Try to be in Chiang Mai Thursday-Monday and Ko Samui is just for relaxing as long as you want at the Conrad :)
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 PlatinumGuy

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1947 on: July 11, 2014, 02:46:34 PM »
i cant think of one
One think not to hold of it, but not to know of it is pure aam aartzus
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Offline jaywhy

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1948 on: July 11, 2014, 03:11:21 PM »
Try to be in Chiang Mai Thursday-Monday and Ko Samui is just for relaxing as long as you want at the Conrad :)
Perfect. The flight I'm holding arrives in BKK Thursday afternoon. Should I spend any time in BKK or head right to CNX?

Is Conrad the must-stay place?

Offline LAXtraveler

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1949 on: July 11, 2014, 03:32:51 PM »
Perfect. The flight I'm holding arrives in BKK Thursday afternoon. Should I spend any time in BKK or head right to CNX?

Is Conrad the must-stay place?

I didn't love BKK, but really enjoyed CNX. I had 8 days and spent 3 in USM, 3 (inc. Shabbos) in CNX and an afternoon/morning in BKK. I would have been fine without BKK.

Didn't stay at the Conrad, so cannot comment on it. But it definitely looks amazing based on all the reviews its had over the years.

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1950 on: July 11, 2014, 03:37:33 PM »
Perfect. The flight I'm holding arrives in BKK Thursday afternoon. Should I spend any time in BKK or head right to CNX?

Is Conrad the must-stay place?
Go right to CNX and stay until Monday evening.
Conrad is the must stay in USM.
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 #1951 on: July 11, 2014, 03:40:29 PM »
Is Conrad the must-stay place?

CKS was the nicest hotel I've ever stayed at, so you're in for a real treat, IMO.

Well, the above is is true now. It may be knocked off its pedestal by the Conrad Rangali  ;)

We spent four days at CKS, and was definitely not too long for us.
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 jaywhy

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1952 on: July 11, 2014, 03:44:54 PM »
Sounds like that's settled.
Thanks guys.

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1953 on: July 11, 2014, 03:51:39 PM »
It may be knocked off its pedestal by the Conrad Rangali  ;)
Uch. I hate you.
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 jaywhy

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1954 on: July 11, 2014, 03:55:43 PM »
Where the place to stay in CNX?

Offline AJK

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1955 on: July 11, 2014, 04:02:34 PM »


alol.

Where the place to stay in CNX?

LM is great, especially if you get an executive corner suite.

Though the shangrila is basically right next door to Chabad.
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 Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1956 on: July 11, 2014, 04:03:46 PM »
LM is great, especially if you get an executive corner suite.
Very good with Plat upgrades there and it's a real SPG bargain.
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 #1957 on: July 11, 2014, 04:05:58 PM »
Yup. I believe I paid 1600 SPG + $30/night. Nisht normal.
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 moish

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1958 on: July 12, 2014, 04:28:58 PM »
One think not to hold of it, but not to know of it is pure aam aartzus
can always count on you to stir the pot...

Offline monkey123

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1959 on: July 12, 2014, 07:09:22 PM »
What's the best way to book the Congrad in koh samui?