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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 748713 times)

Offline shmebeble

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2760 on: November 18, 2015, 12:23:09 PM »
Trying to book tickets within Thailand. Does anyone have experience with JAL on Bangkok airways?
Does the ticket have to be in ah name?
Also does the 5k promo still work?

Offline D93

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2761 on: November 18, 2015, 12:32:12 PM »
Trying to book tickets within Thailand. Does anyone have experience with JAL on Bangkok airways?
Does the ticket have to be in ah name?
Also does the 5k promo still work?

JAL books PG in X class which is almost non existent.
Your best bet is booking through Flying Blue which books PG in K class and costs 10k.

Offline shmebeble

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2762 on: November 18, 2015, 12:34:24 PM »
JAL books PG in X class which is almost non existent.
Your best bet is booking through Flying Blue which books PG in K class and costs 10k.
They actually have availability for one of my flights!
They said can only book for family... are they strict on this?

Offline D93

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2763 on: November 18, 2015, 12:40:21 PM »
They actually have availability for one of my flights!

What fare class?

Offline shmebeble

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2764 on: November 18, 2015, 12:41:18 PM »
What fare class?
IDK? the rep said there is availability for 5k points

Offline D93

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2765 on: November 18, 2015, 01:13:18 PM »
IDK? the rep said there is availability for 5k points

I just called, JAL indeed books PG in X class (and availability is rare). So your best option is option is 5k JAL, but you can also use CX, AB, and EY.

Offline rileywiles23

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Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2766 on: November 18, 2015, 04:50:54 PM »
If I will only have a week to play with, leave M"S and come back M"S, ( although I might have to be back before then, and leave thurs. ) Which particular cities of Thailand should I concentrate on ?
Also considering I probably won't make it back there too soon.
Life is as good as you make it...

Offline foseph

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2767 on: November 18, 2015, 04:54:20 PM »
If I will only have a week to play with, leave M"S and come back M"S, ( although I might have to be back before then, and leave thurs. ) Which particular cities of Thailand should I concentrate on ?
Also considering I probably won't make it back there too soon.
chiang mai for 3-5 days and phuket/koh samui (depending on time of yr) for the rest. for that short, just skip bangkok

Offline D93

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2768 on: November 18, 2015, 04:55:10 PM »
If I will only have a week to play with, leave M"S and come back M"S, ( although I might have to be back before then, and leave thurs. ) Which particular cities of Thailand should I concentrate on ?
Also considering I probably won't make it back there too soon.

CNX and USM

Offline rileywiles23

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2769 on: November 18, 2015, 04:58:20 PM »

chiang mai for 3-5 days and phuket/koh samui (depending on time of yr) for the rest. for that short, just skip bangkok
CNX and USM
Appreciate the quick responses.
Would probably be going April, May time.
Life is as good as you make it...

Offline foseph

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2770 on: November 18, 2015, 05:03:22 PM »
Appreciate the quick responses.
Would probably be going April, May time.
np, be aware apparently the weather in april (dont know about may) is brutally HOT

Offline rileywiles23

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2771 on: November 18, 2015, 05:21:30 PM »
Between the two what's the best option for Shabbos ? Or should I rather go to HKG for Shabbos ?
Life is as good as you make it...

Offline foseph

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2772 on: November 18, 2015, 05:23:34 PM »
Between the two what's the best option for Shabbos ? Or should I rather go to HKG for Shabbos ?
cant say for HKG, but koh samui was very nice on shab, as the chabad hase a newer facility. problem is where to stay nearby or can just camp out in ur hotel for shabbas adn have food delivered.

if u go to koh samui dont stay at the centara grand beach, awful expereience

Offline AJK

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2773 on: November 18, 2015, 09:06:32 PM »


If I will only have a week to play with, leave M"S and come back M"S, ( although I might have to be back before then, and leave thurs. ) Which particular cities of Thailand should I concentrate on ?
Also considering I probably won't make it back there too soon.

All the way to Thailand for week? And considering more than one city? And may have to leave Thurs?

You'll spend as much time on the plane as you will on the ground, maybe more.
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 rileywiles23

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Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2774 on: November 19, 2015, 06:51:27 AM »

All the way to Thailand for week? And considering more than one city? And may have to leave Thurs?

You'll spend as much time on the plane as you will on the ground, maybe more.
Well, I don't have the ability to go away for 2-3 week vacations.
So if I want to travel to farther destinations, then I just have to make to do with the time I have.
Plus the excitement of flying in certain premium cabins that I've never been on, makes the flying time a bit easier to handle.
« Last Edit: November 19, 2015, 09:50:05 AM by rileywiles23 »
Life is as good as you make it...

Offline Emkay

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2775 on: November 19, 2015, 06:59:46 AM »
Between the two what's the best option for Shabbos ? Or should I rather go to HKG for Shabbos ?
CNX

Offline rileywiles23

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2776 on: November 19, 2015, 09:51:09 AM »

CNX
Thank you. Did some research on DDF, and seems many concur with your choice.
Life is as good as you make it...

Offline foseph

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2777 on: November 19, 2015, 09:53:21 AM »
Thank you. Did some research on DDF, and seems many concur with your choice.
hope u speak fluent hebrew

Offline rileywiles23

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Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2778 on: November 19, 2015, 11:38:28 AM »
hope u speak fluent hebrew
I wouldn't call it fluent, but it ain't that bad.
Why u asking, the Shluchim there are all Israelis ?
Life is as good as you make it...

Offline foseph

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #2779 on: November 19, 2015, 11:41:00 AM »
I wouldn't call it fluent, but it ain't that bad.
Why u asking, the Shluchim there are all Israelis ?
my pt is that none of the Israeli tourists will talk to u unless u speak Hebrew. Had a very awkward Friday night dinner surrounded by a bunch of people who had no interest in speaking to us

Koh Samui was a bit better plus nicer facility and ur at teh beach