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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 743555 times)

Offline SRM

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3700 on: February 16, 2017, 10:05:48 PM »
I'm going to be in Thailand for 2 shabbosim in the end. The first one will be in Chiang Mai and the second I can do either Koh Samui or Bangkok....which do you suggest?

Also in Chiang Mai do you recommend the Shangri-la or theven Le Meridien? (Not using points and prices are comparable).

Offline benjie1305

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3701 on: February 16, 2017, 10:11:00 PM »
I'm going to be in Thailand for 2 shabbosim in the end. The first one will be in Chiang Mai and the second I can do either Koh Samui or Bangkok....which do you suggest?

Also in Chiang Mai do you recommend the Shangri-la or theven Le Meridien? (Not using points and prices are comparable).

LM > Shangri La having seen both IMO.

Chiang Mai is a certain style and Koh Samui a very different style. I would do a shabbes in each if you don't mind there not being a minyan etc in Koh Samui.
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline elya

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3702 on: February 16, 2017, 10:38:56 PM »
I'm going to be in Thailand for 2 shabbosim in the end. The first one will be in Chiang Mai and the second I can do either Koh Samui or Bangkok....which do you suggest?

Also in Chiang Mai do you recommend the Shangri-la or theven Le Meridien? (Not using points and prices are comparable).
Shangri La is literally next door to Chabad, while LM is roughly 10-15 min walk.

Offline SRM

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3703 on: February 16, 2017, 10:48:40 PM »
Shangri La is literally next door to Chabad, while LM is roughly 10-15 min walk.

Aside from proximity, which is nicer? Or is there a specific reason why you would say proximity is more important?

Offline SRM

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3704 on: February 16, 2017, 10:56:41 PM »
LM > Shangri La having seen both IMO.

Chiang Mai is a certain style and Koh Samui a very different style. I would do a shabbes in each if you don't mind there not being a minyan etc in Koh Samui.

The question was shabbos in Koh Samui vs Bangkok...Chiang Mai is a definite. Minyan is not an issue.

Is the Le meridien substantially nicer? So much so that it's worth an extra 20 min walk?

Offline elya

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3705 on: February 16, 2017, 11:03:14 PM »
Aside from proximity, which is nicer? Or is there a specific reason why you would say proximity is more important?
I only stayed at the LM and I got upgraded to the Diplomatic Suite, if you can get that suite I cant imagine the Shangri La would compare.

Offline benjie1305

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3706 on: February 17, 2017, 07:40:08 AM »
The question was shabbos in Koh Samui vs Bangkok...Chiang Mai is a definite. Minyan is not an issue.

Is the Le meridien substantially nicer? So much so that it's worth an extra 20 min walk?

Chiang Mai in terms of Shabbes is very similar to BKK but different then USM. And its not an extra 20 min walk. Its maybe an extra 12 min walk.
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline SRM

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3707 on: February 17, 2017, 08:14:17 AM »
Chiang Mai in terms of Shabbes is very similar to BKK but different then USM. And its not an extra 20 min walk. Its maybe an extra 12 min walk.

What is different about shabbos in USM?

Also I was able to get an executive suite at shangri-la for a good price...will it be decent or is it really much better to stay at Le meridien?

Offline benjie1305

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3708 on: February 17, 2017, 08:16:57 AM »
What is different about shabbos in USM?

Also I was able to get an executive suite at shangri-la for a good price...will it be decent or is it really much better to stay at Le meridien?

Cant comment on the executive suite there. Just the overall feel of the hotel felt significantly better at the LM.

Shabbes in CNX has close by Chabad and due to the location is much more of a city feel with markets, places to walk around to etc. USM is a resort type place. You will mostly be relaxing at your hotel by the pool or wonder around the resort and to the beach etc. Thus a very different vibe.
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline foseph

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3709 on: February 17, 2017, 08:17:21 AM »
i stayed at the shangri la, its great being right next to chabad, esp. if ur there for more than shabbas and eat there 5 ttimes.

also, shangri la has a large area in the back with grass and pool

Offline SRM

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3710 on: February 17, 2017, 08:26:14 AM »
Cant comment on the executive suite there. Just the overall feel of the hotel felt significantly better at the LM.

Shabbes in CNX has close by Chabad and due to the location is much more of a city feel with markets, places to walk around to etc. USM is a resort type place. You will mostly be relaxing at your hotel by the pool or wonder around the resort and to the beach etc. Thus a very different vibe.

Thanks!

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3711 on: February 17, 2017, 08:27:35 AM »
i stayed at the shangri la, its great being right next to chabad, esp. if ur there for more than shabbas and eat there 5 ttimes.

also, shangri la has a large area in the back with grass and pool

It was clean and fairly nice? I know le meridien is supposedly nicer but the convenience of being right next to chabad is enticing.

Offline foseph

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3712 on: February 17, 2017, 08:28:24 AM »
It was clean and fairly nice? I know le meridien is supposedly nicer but the convenience of being right next to chabad is enticing.
gorgeous, clean, service was great

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3713 on: February 17, 2017, 08:29:47 AM »
gorgeous, clean, service was great
Great! Thanks

Offline foseph

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3714 on: February 17, 2017, 08:33:32 AM »
Great! Thanks
when i was booking, most people here said if ur not using miles to stay at LM, no reason to stay there vs. SL

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3715 on: February 17, 2017, 08:33:42 AM »
Now for Bangkok, which hotel do you recommend. I'd like to be near chabad as I think we'll end up there for shabbos.

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3716 on: February 17, 2017, 08:34:17 AM »
when i was booking, most people here said if ur not using miles to stay at LM, no reason to stay there vs. SL
OK thanks...I was wondering if that was why most ppl stay there.

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3717 on: February 17, 2017, 08:37:04 AM »
Now for Bangkok, which hotel do you recommend. I'd like to be near chabad as I think we'll end up there for shabbos.
i stayed at a small place "riva surya", cheap, well reviewed, upgraded to a slightly larger room overlooking pool. 5-10min walk to chabad if u find the shortcut through the bazaar. only stayed 1 night, not shabbas but nice place

Offline shwarmabob

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3718 on: February 17, 2017, 11:37:49 AM »
Now for Bangkok, which hotel do you recommend. I'd like to be near chabad as I think we'll end up there for shabbos.
There are 3 shuls in Bangkok.. you have to be more specific

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3719 on: February 19, 2017, 03:30:09 PM »
There are 3 shuls in Bangkok.. you have to be more specific

How do I know which location is best for shabbos? Do all three serve shabbos meals?