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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 732344 times)

Offline Wizmanison

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4060 on: June 03, 2018, 01:14:46 PM »
Does anyone else get major anxiety from planning trips!?

I'm wondering if anyone has stayed on Phi Phi Don itself rather than day trips and how they dealt with food if it was towards the end of their trip.

We are coming from Chiang Mai so I'm wondering if I can get meals from them frozen/freeze them?

I know there is a Chabad in PHuket, hoping to go from Airport to Ferry straight.

Other alternative is to spend Shabbat in Phuket (which probably wouldnt be near chabad anyway) and travel to Phi Phi early Sunday morning.

Anyone with experience?

I felt the day trip was good enough. But I know others who enjoyed staying there for a day or two.  Really comes down to what you prefer

Offline ual902

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4061 on: June 03, 2018, 01:31:20 PM »
Does anyone else get major anxiety from planning trips!?

I'm wondering if anyone has stayed on Phi Phi Don itself rather than day trips and how they dealt with food if it was towards the end of their trip.

We are coming from Chiang Mai so I'm wondering if I can get meals from them frozen/freeze them?

I know there is a Chabad in PHuket, hoping to go from Airport to Ferry straight.

Other alternative is to spend Shabbat in Phuket (which probably wouldnt be near chabad anyway) and travel to Phi Phi early Sunday morning.

Anyone with experience?

I stayed in Phi phi for the night it was enjoyable.

Offline moisheyb

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4062 on: June 19, 2018, 02:26:00 AM »
Anyone know if shabbos meals in Chiang Mai by chabad need reservations?

Best way to contact them, they haven't responded to emails?

Offline Wizmanison

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4063 on: June 19, 2018, 02:27:09 AM »
Anyone know if shabbos meals in Chiang Mai by chabad need reservations?

Best way to contact them, they haven't responded to emails?

IME they don’t. But you can always stop by earlier that day and let them know. Nothing on their website?

Offline moisheyb

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4064 on: June 19, 2018, 02:28:08 AM »
IME they don’t. But you can always stop by earlier that day and let them know. Nothing on their website?
Just their email address, nothing specific to shabbos

Offline yitrap

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4065 on: June 19, 2018, 02:28:47 AM »
Anyone know if shabbos meals in Chiang Mai by chabad need reservations?

Best way to contact them, they haven't responded to emails?
They didn't IME

Offline moisheyb

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4066 on: June 19, 2018, 02:30:11 AM »

Offline G11600

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4067 on: June 19, 2018, 05:45:03 AM »
They didn't IME
In the summer they do, at least for some weeks. I was there last year, they had 3 seatings for Friday night (7pm, 9pm, 11pm IIRC). We didn't see the signup sheet on Thursday at Chabad, so didn't sign up - and had to fight for a place at 7pm seating (we have 5 year old daughter). This was despite them telling us on Wednesday that there is no need to sign up...

Offline moisheyb

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4068 on: June 19, 2018, 06:12:37 AM »
In the summer they do, at least for some weeks. I was there last year, they had 3 seatings for Friday night (7pm, 9pm, 11pm IIRC). We didn't see the signup sheet on Thursday at Chabad, so didn't sign up - and had to fight for a place at 7pm seating (we have 5 year old daughter). This was despite them telling us on Wednesday that there is no need to sign up...

Any way to do it further in advance?

Offline Wizmanison

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Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4069 on: June 19, 2018, 06:14:07 AM »
Any way to do it further in advance?
When you visit the hotel or Chabad ask to borrow their phone and call the Chabad in CNX?

Offline moisheyb

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4070 on: June 19, 2018, 06:29:54 AM »
When you visit the hotel or Chabad ask to borrow their phone and call the Chabad in CNX?
Do you have the phone number?

Offline Z56

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4071 on: June 19, 2018, 09:29:54 AM »
Do you have the phone number?

whatsapp the rabbi and let him know beforehand

+66-819894438
“I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

Offline G11600

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4072 on: June 19, 2018, 04:06:44 PM »
For Shabbat observers going to Chiang Mai I can recommend the Yaang Come village hotel. It is 4*, but with beautiful traditinal design. 5 mintues from chabad. Only manual keys, which you are encouraged to leave at reception when you leave. Only 2 floors, not sensors etc anywhere. I got a good deal on hotels.com Thailand site, it was around $70 per room per night including breakfast (lots of fresh fruit) minus topcashback rebate and hotels.com reward value, so net around $60 including tax - which I thought was pretty good value.

http://www.yaangcome.com/

Offline yyman1

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4073 on: July 05, 2018, 09:30:30 PM »
Hi DDF - Looking for advice where to spend shabbos in Bangkok should I book close to Beth Elisheva or Even Chen. I'm looking for a 5* hotel.

Online Mordyk

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4074 on: July 07, 2018, 10:28:22 PM »
For how long do people go to Thailand? Is 5 days enough? Or save when you have 10 available?
#TYH

Offline Wizmanison

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4075 on: July 08, 2018, 12:51:54 AM »
For how long do people go to Thailand? Is 5 days enough? Or save when you have 10 available?
I did it in 7 days and was happy with the time although I definitely would have been able to see more with an additional 2-3 days. It really all depends on where you want to go in Thailand. If your only interested in seeing Koh Samui and Chiang Mai then 5 days could be enough. But, if you want to see Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Bangkok... then obviously you’d need more time.
 In 7 days I was able to fit Koh Samui, Bangkok, Phi Phi islands, and Chiang Mai. Although, some might argue that I did not truly experienced each city as I rushed through some of them.

Offline shimino1

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4076 on: July 08, 2018, 07:49:43 AM »
Hi DDF - Looking for advice where to spend shabbos in Bangkok should I book close to Beth Elisheva or Even Chen. I'm looking for a 5* hotel.
Please note Even Chen's new location at the Novotel Hotel.

Offline moisheyb

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4077 on: July 10, 2018, 02:31:10 AM »
If I can do 1 boat ride from phuket what should I do?
I'm going back and forth between phi phi islands and James bond island? I am aware that Maya bay is closed now

Offline moisheyb

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4078 on: July 11, 2018, 05:18:55 AM »
You can do Phi Phi and James Bond on the same boat ride. I did it and booked it with the Israeli guy a few doors to left of chabad.
What time of the year was it?
I haven't been able to find someone that does it in the low season.
Do you have the isreali guys contact info?

Offline saw50st8

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4079 on: July 11, 2018, 07:55:13 AM »
What time of the year was it?
I haven't been able to find someone that does it in the low season.
Do you have the isreali guys contact info?

I went in November. A very common tour was Maya Bay, Phi Phi and James bond. I'll message you his whatsapp number.