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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 732821 times)

Offline saw50st8

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3960 on: October 02, 2017, 03:06:47 PM »
Has anyone been to Ayutthaya?

Offline PieRSquare

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3961 on: October 02, 2017, 06:23:29 PM »
So I booked someone into the Conrad KS that checked in today and he said that there is actually a Jewish wedding there tonight and when he went to check in they thought he was the Rabbi!  ;D

Anyway, long story short, he ended up speaking with the General Manager, who remembered him from when he helped him with his kosher food during his stay in the Maldives, they discussed kashrut issues, how people were worried about their meals getting opened there, etc. and he said they had a whole training for all the staff two weeks ago to try to teach them about Kashrut.  I thought this was cool on a lot of levels (one being I'm glad they are actually getting revenue kosher bookings and weddings and not just us...lol) and since he's not a big poster on the forums and is currently enjoying his private pool and time with his DW, I thought I'd post it for you guys.  Maybe anyone going in the next few months can let us know if they are better about not opening kosher meals but hopefully doing actual kosher events and having the training will help!
We just stayed and I'm not sure that the Conrad is actually opening the meals, rather I don't think the restaurant is wrapping and sealing the containers.

The hotel staff brought our breakfast all cold in tied grocery bags, but the roll was just in the bag and each container wasn't wrapped in plastic nor did it have the siman tape. It didn't seem that the hotel staff opened the bags.

When we ordered carry out in person, the kitchen at the restaurant staff seemed unaware that wrapping in plastic and taping was a thing and I had to ask repeatedly and apply the tape myself.

Offline Denverite

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3962 on: October 03, 2017, 12:03:19 AM »
We just stayed and I'm not sure that the Conrad is actually opening the meals, rather I don't think the restaurant is wrapping and sealing the containers.

The hotel staff brought our breakfast all cold in tied grocery bags, but the roll was just in the bag and each container wasn't wrapped in plastic nor did it have the siman tape. It didn't seem that the hotel staff opened the bags.

When we ordered carry out in person, the kitchen at the restaurant staff seemed unaware that wrapping in plastic and taping was a thing and I had to ask repeatedly and apply the tape myself.

 Very interesting and good to know.  Thanks for posting.

Offline saw50st8

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3963 on: October 19, 2017, 01:08:03 PM »
Can someone PM me Yisroel's whatsapp number? Does he arrange tours with a tour guide and driver or just entrance fees? I have a few things I want to see with a real tour guide.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a tour company in Bangkok?

Offline saw50st8

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3964 on: October 20, 2017, 07:04:35 AM »
Thanks to everyone who sent me the number!

Offline shwarmabob

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3965 on: October 20, 2017, 10:56:42 AM »
Has anyone been to Ayutthaya?
yes, a number of years ago on a day trip from Bangkok. Interesting, mostly Stupas and statues, it was the ancient capital of Thailand. There is a floating market somewhere there but I haven't seen it.

Offline EJB

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3966 on: October 29, 2017, 11:25:55 PM »
Which BKK shuls can have someone walk a stroller for you to hotel/apartment?

Offline shwarmabob

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3967 on: October 29, 2017, 11:42:56 PM »
Which BKK shuls can have someone walk a stroller for you to hotel/apartment?
I'd go to Rabbi Kantor

Offline EJB

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3968 on: October 30, 2017, 12:14:23 AM »
I'd go to Rabbi Kantor

Was planning on going to his shul and will ask him - But can he arrange a pickup from 9 minutes away? Need a 3BR so my choices aren't as wide.

Offline shwarmabob

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3969 on: October 30, 2017, 10:14:04 AM »
Was planning on going to his shul and will ask him - But can he arrange a pickup from 9 minutes away? Need a 3BR so my choices aren't as wide.
Hotel or airbnb? You may be able to find airbnb even closer.

Offline EJB

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3970 on: October 30, 2017, 01:50:15 PM »
Hotel or airbnb? You may be able to find airbnb even closer.

1. Not so comfortable with using Airbnb in thailand
2. Landing at 2 AM, and want to be sure we'll be able to get into room right away
3. Staying for 3 nights but will be paying for 4th with Citi to guarantee early AM check in. Can't do that w Airbnb.

Offline htg123

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3971 on: November 12, 2017, 07:13:22 AM »
Going to Phuket next month and will be there for a shabbos. Was trying to search for the chabad house using Google maps, but seems to show 2 different addresses. Anyone know which one is correct? I understand that one is/was under construction but have no idea.

Offline Z56

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3972 on: November 12, 2017, 09:23:23 AM »
Going to Phuket next month and will be there for a shabbos. Was trying to search for the chabad house using Google maps, but seems to show 2 different addresses. Anyone know which one is correct? I understand that one is/was under construction but have no idea.

Email rabbi@jewishthailand.com
“I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

Offline tavster

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3973 on: November 28, 2017, 10:26:39 AM »
Anyone has recommendations for nice resorts with good Kids Club in Phuket? Thanks!

Offline Denverite

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3974 on: November 28, 2017, 03:48:35 PM »
Anyone has recommendations for nice resorts with good Kids Club in Phuket? Thanks!

Never stayed there but this a Marriott timeshare (Cat 8 Hotel) where the base room is a 2brm with full kitchen. You get access to all the amenities next door at the JW and I’m sure between the two properties they have great kids programming.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hktpb-marriotts-phuket-beach-club/

Offline Wizmanison

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3975 on: December 03, 2017, 07:07:42 AM »
OK, sent it to him.

Any chance that code still works?

Offline Emkay

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3976 on: December 03, 2017, 07:13:24 AM »
Any chance that code still works?
No idea. Will check.

Offline Wizmanison

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3977 on: December 03, 2017, 12:30:58 PM »
No idea. Will check.

Thank you so much!
 Any update?

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3978 on: December 03, 2017, 07:48:52 PM »
OK just finished reading all 266 pages of this thread along with several trip reports and still can't decide between Phuket or Koh Samui (and maybe even Krabi) for my beach destination in Thailand! Seems that most people on this thread recommend Koh Samui but I would also like to visit the phi phi islands for a day trip.

Will be in Thailand from Monday 1/1/18- Sunday 1/7/18.

CKS is only available for 95k points a night 1/1-1/3. I booked it for 1/1-1/3 just incase it gets full as the other dates are not available.

 Will be in Bali beforehand so I will either be flying in Sunday night (12/31) or early Monday.

Option 1)  on 1/1 or 12/31 arrive in HKT and go straight to the phi phi island day tours (is there anything else to do in HKT?). So as not to waste points staying at CKS just for the night I would stay in HKT and then fly to CKS the next morning. Be at the resort all day Tuesday and do late checkout Wednesday fly out that night to BKK for a night. Then Chiang Mai for shabbat (already booked at the LE CNX)

Option 2) Arrive USM on 1/1 leave late on 1/3 to Phuket or Krabi for the night and on 1/4 do the phi phi island tour stay the night and go to CNX for shabbat. This would cut out Bangkok which from reading through the thread seems perfectly fine and in fact advised but I feel as though its a waste to go to Thailand and not spend at least half a day or some time in Bangkok city.

Any other advice?

Offline Wizmanison

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #3979 on: December 04, 2017, 07:00:05 PM »
OK just finished reading all 266 pages of this thread along with several trip reports and still can't decide between Phuket or Koh Samui (and maybe even Krabi) for my beach destination in Thailand! Seems that most people on this thread recommend Koh Samui but I would also like to visit the phi phi islands for a day trip.

Will be in Thailand from Monday 1/1/18- Sunday 1/7/18.

CKS is only available for 95k points a night 1/1-1/3. I booked it for 1/1-1/3 just incase it gets full as the other dates are not available.

 Will be in Bali beforehand so I will either be flying in Sunday night (12/31) or early Monday.

Option 1)  on 1/1 or 12/31 arrive in HKT and go straight to the phi phi island day tours (is there anything else to do in HKT?). So as not to waste points staying at CKS just for the night I would stay in HKT and then fly to CKS the next morning. Be at the resort all day Tuesday and do late checkout Wednesday fly out that night to BKK for a night. Then Chiang Mai for shabbat (already booked at the LE CNX)

Option 2) Arrive USM on 1/1 leave late on 1/3 to Phuket or Krabi for the night and on 1/4 do the phi phi island tour stay the night and go to CNX for shabbat. This would cut out Bangkok which from reading through the thread seems perfectly fine and in fact advised but I feel as though its a waste to go to Thailand and not spend at least half a day or some time in Bangkok city.

Any other advice?

BUMP

Also any thoughts as to whether Krabi is preferred over Phuket as Krabi also has Phi Phi Island tours?