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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 732714 times)

Offline Z56

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3740 on: March 06, 2017, 06:19:32 AM »
Hi! I'm looking for some advice for a summer trip to Thailand & HOng kong. I've read most of the TR!

I know it's early to plan a trip, is there any advantages to book early (award availability)

I'm traveling out of TLV, flying with wife and 2 year baby

I would appreciate tips or recommendations.

I currently have
UR 600k
UA 250k
SPG 76k
MR 260

Looking to use points where possible and make sense
的 have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

Offline shwarmabob

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3741 on: March 06, 2017, 11:21:22 AM »
Hi! I'm looking for some advice for a summer trip to Thailand & HOng kong. I've read most of the TR!

I know it's early to plan a trip, is there any advantages to book early (award availability)

I'm traveling out of TLV, flying with wife and 2 year baby

I would appreciate tips or recommendations.

I currently have
UR 600k
UA 250k
SPG 76k
MR 260

Looking to use points where possible and make sense

Hong Kong weather is not the best in the summer

Offline Emkay

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3742 on: March 06, 2017, 11:22:24 AM »
Hong Kong weather is not the best in the summer
And that's an understatement.

Offline mochjas

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3743 on: March 06, 2017, 11:50:06 AM »
Hi! I'm looking for some advice for a summer trip to Thailand & HOng kong. I've read most of the TR!

I know it's early to plan a trip, is there any advantages to book early (award availability)

I'm traveling out of TLV, flying with wife and 2 year baby

I would appreciate tips or recommendations.

I currently have
UR 600k
UA 250k
SPG 76k
MR 260

Looking to use points where possible and make sense
get some Hilton nights and points for Conrad koh samui. One of the best points hotels in the world.

Offline Z56

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3744 on: March 06, 2017, 12:14:06 PM »
get some Hilton nights and points for Conrad koh samui. One of the best points hotels in the world.

Hilton nights via sign up for CC what points get to to "Conrad koh samui" ?
的 have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

Offline Z56

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3745 on: March 06, 2017, 12:14:54 PM »
Hong Kong weather is not the best in the summer

So what area in China or that area that has better weather  ?
的 have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

Offline mochjas

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3746 on: March 06, 2017, 12:35:08 PM »
Hilton nights via sign up for CC what points get to to "Conrad koh samui" ?
hilton points

Offline Z56

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3747 on: March 06, 2017, 12:39:44 PM »
Hong Kong weather is not the best in the summer

So what area in China or that area that has better weather  ?
的 have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

Offline rileywiles23

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3748 on: March 06, 2017, 02:13:52 PM »
Any other good options for koh samui hotels. Conrad is sold out for my dates
Life is as good as you make it...

Offline mochjas

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3749 on: March 06, 2017, 02:33:34 PM »
Any other good options for koh samui hotels. Conrad is sold out for my dates
i think there is a W

Offline SRM

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3750 on: March 06, 2017, 04:42:05 PM »
Any other good options for koh samui hotels. Conrad is sold out for my dates

For my dates as well. Anyone been to the Intercontinental or X2 hotel?

Offline rileywiles23

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3751 on: March 06, 2017, 07:47:42 PM »
i think there is a W
60k a night. Base rooms are sold out. I'll pass
Life is as good as you make it...

Offline shmebeble

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3752 on: March 06, 2017, 11:02:13 PM »
Honestly, I would probably skip Koh Samui if not for the Conrad- I left the hotel only once in 5 days

Offline lubaby

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3753 on: March 07, 2017, 04:52:21 AM »
Honestly, I would probably skip Koh Samui if not for the Conrad- I left the hotel only once in 5 days
Sounds like a proper vacation  :)

Offline benjie1305

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3754 on: March 07, 2017, 09:45:46 AM »
Honestly, I would probably skip Koh Samui if not for the Conrad- I left the hotel only once in 5 days

Lol bc there isnt much else to do on the South Side of the island other then being at the Conrad. Could rent a TusTus and zip around town.
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline SRM

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3755 on: March 07, 2017, 06:17:03 PM »
a few last minute questions:

Can you still get free sim cards in the airport?
Where is the best place to change currency? Should I try to change some money before I arrive or that's unnecessary?
It seems it's better not to order any taxi's to pick me up from the airport in advance but just to hop in one at the airport, is that correct?
Has anyone gone white water rafting (in Chiang Mai or elsewhere) and is that a worthwhile activity?
Same question for bamboo rafting?
Same questions for the night safari in Chiang Mai?

Thanks for everyone's patience and advice...In return I plan on writing a detailed trip report that can hopefully help others.

Offline lubaby

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3756 on: March 08, 2017, 02:02:22 AM »
Where is the best place to change currency? Should I try to change some money before I arrive or that's unnecessary?
It seems it's better not to order any taxi's to pick me up from the airport in advance but just to hop in one at the airport, is that correct?
Just leaving Thailand so hopefully I can answer some questions.

For currency, don't transfer before, rates are usually worse then transferring at local desk in city.
Bring big bills to exchange ($50-$100) as they get better rates then small bills ($20 and under). Best rate I saw in Chiang Mai was $1:34.80 for big bills.

Don't order taxi in advance. Download app called Grab before you go, it's like Uber but localized (IINM there's Uber in Bangkok, just not in the other cities you're visiting). You can pay in cash or by card through the app.
Compare prices in app to what local airport taxi desk (or drivers) are offering.

Just used Grab in HKT between airport and Renaissance Marriott, prices were 600-650 THB for an SUV. No driver or taxi desk would go lower then 800.

Offline Emkay

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3757 on: March 08, 2017, 02:25:18 AM »
Why do people still use money changers? Just use an ATM and get the best rate.

Offline lubaby

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3758 on: March 08, 2017, 03:34:24 AM »
Why do people still use money changers? Just use an ATM and get the best rate.
Exactly. Thank you Charles Schwab.

But if you don't have..

Offline Z56

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3759 on: March 08, 2017, 03:36:42 AM »
Exactly. Thank you Charles Schwab.

But if you don't have..

Get a  Capital one 360 debit
的 have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work