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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 743674 times)

Offline moisheyb

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4080 on: July 11, 2018, 07:55:42 AM »
I went in November. A very common tour was Maya Bay, Phi Phi and James bond. I'll message you his whatsapp number.
thanks

Offline Le-Oh

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4081 on: July 11, 2018, 12:14:47 PM »
For how long do people go to Thailand? Is 5 days enough? Or save when you have 10 available?
I did Phuket and Chaing Mai in 4 days.

Offline Mordyk

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4082 on: July 11, 2018, 01:38:09 PM »
I did Phuket and Chaing Mai in 4 days.
you have a trip report?
#TYH

Offline Le-Oh

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4083 on: July 12, 2018, 12:17:23 PM »
you have a trip report?
Unfortunately not  :(
I figured that there are already so many TR on Thailand.

Offline Z56

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4084 on: July 12, 2018, 12:31:20 PM »
Unfortunately not  :(
I figured that there are already so many TR on Thailand.

Never  enough TR 
“I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

Offline Le-Oh

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4085 on: July 12, 2018, 01:06:59 PM »
Never  enough TR
Ok ok will try to write one.

Offline ludmila

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4086 on: July 12, 2018, 11:21:06 PM »
Never  enough TR
Agreed, the more the merrier.  :)
I was the Best,still the Best, and will always be the Best.
Pele Good,Maradona Better, George Best.

Offline Mordyk

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4087 on: July 13, 2018, 01:07:15 AM »
Unfortunately not  :(
I figured that there are already so many TR on Thailand.
Never  enough TR
Especially if you did a trip that should take 7 days and did it in four
#TYH

Offline TripleJ

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4088 on: July 13, 2018, 02:37:01 AM »
Thank you all for the amazing advice on this thread - been super helpful for planning our honeymoon.

My wife really wants to do a Thai cooking class while were there. Has anyone been successful with organizing a fully kosher cooking class? How can I pull it off? I know this came up before but can't find anything more on it. TIA.

ps - we have a great trip planned so hopefully I'll have time to put together a TR after :)

Offline Z56

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4089 on: July 13, 2018, 12:13:27 PM »
Thank you all for the amazing advice on this thread - been super helpful for planning our honeymoon.

My wife really wants to do a Thai cooking class while were there. Has anyone been successful with organizing a fully kosher cooking class? How can I pull it off? I know this came up before but can't find anything more on it. TIA.

ps - we have a great trip planned so hopefully I'll have time to put together a TR after :)

Welcome to DDF

feel free to ask any questions
“I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

Offline Mh1

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4090 on: July 16, 2018, 08:17:32 PM »
Hi,

i second that this thread has been super helpful!!

anyone have any opinion about zika in Thailand? would you not go because of zika risk there?
 

Offline tk985

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4091 on: July 22, 2018, 11:03:39 PM »
Hi,

I'm planning a trip in November over thanksgiving weekend.  As of right now the Le Meridien Chiang Ma shows no availability for Thursday & Friday, only if you are booking from Wednesday and on.  Anyone familiar with that?  Is there someway to get around it?  I don't mind paying more points for an upgraded room if there is no standard room available.

Also, we cannot stay in the Le Meridien, is there any other nice hotel in the area that is available on points?  We are looking to stay Friday - Tuesday.

On a separate note, looking for a hotel in Phuket that is mind blowing.  Anyone have any experience with Naka Phuket?  Will I be saving points after August 1?  It looks like right now its 20k per night.

Thank you

Offline Theg

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4092 on: July 22, 2018, 11:35:05 PM »
Hi,

I'm planning a trip in November over thanksgiving weekend.  As of right now the Le Meridien Chiang Ma shows no availability for Thursday & Friday, only if you are booking from Wednesday and on.  Anyone familiar with that?  Is there someway to get around it?  I don't mind paying more points for an upgraded room if there is no standard room available.

Also, we cannot stay in the Le Meridien, is there any other nice hotel in the area that is available on points?  We are looking to stay Friday - Tuesday.

On a separate note, looking for a hotel in Phuket that is mind blowing.  Anyone have any experience with Naka Phuket?  Will I be saving points after August 1?  It looks like right now its 20k per night.

Thank you
The Shangri la will you best  choice after the lm.
As for Phuket phulay bay is a good choice

Offline tk985

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4093 on: July 22, 2018, 11:50:51 PM »

The Shangri la will you best  choice after the lm.
As for Phuket phulay bay is a good choice
[/quote]

Just checked it out, it looks jaw dropping.  Problem is it's 2 hours from the airport and they are not accepting point redemptions at this hotel, comes out to about $1,000 a night.  For that price I'd rather stay at Amanpuri Phuket.  Was hoping to get such a kind of hotel using points.  I have SPG, Hyatt, Hilton, UR, MR so anything I can use that on.

Thanks for your help.

Offline Theg

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4094 on: July 23, 2018, 01:25:35 AM »
Why don’t you go to Koh Samui and stay at the Conrad.

Offline Hershelsdeals

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4095 on: July 26, 2018, 02:54:11 AM »
Which of the 3 chabads are most recommended. Best food, and near best are to spend shabbos?

Offline PieRSquare

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4096 on: July 26, 2018, 06:15:00 AM »
Thank you all for the amazing advice on this thread - been super helpful for planning our honeymoon.

My wife really wants to do a Thai cooking class while were there. Has anyone been successful with organizing a fully kosher cooking class? How can I pull it off? I know this came up before but can't find anything more on it. TIA.

ps - we have a great trip planned so hopefully I'll have time to put together a TR after :)
Mai Kadee does a vegetarian class near the backpacker Chabad in Bangkok and I think has another location in Chiang Mai or Phuket.  It's not certified kosher, but is a good option if you really want a class and can't work out something with your hotel/a Chabad that would let you eat.

One of the kashrut organizations put out recommendations for culinary students who learn but don't taste/eat and IIRC this place definitely meets those recommendations.

Offline Baglach

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4097 on: July 26, 2018, 10:14:57 AM »

Can anyone recommend a driver in phuket area? Would need for next Sunday (for full day)
thanks in advance

Offline Z56

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4098 on: July 26, 2018, 10:18:15 AM »
Which of the 3 chabads are most recommended. Best food, and near best are to spend shabbos?

Food is basically the same all over
Koh Samui does have a dairy restaurant

Enjoyable shabbos
Koh Samui
Chaing Mai
“I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

Offline Hershelsdeals

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #4099 on: July 26, 2018, 10:23:14 AM »
I was asking about bkk