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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 732453 times)

Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #20 on: July 15, 2010, 06:14:54 PM »
Phuket doesn't officially deliver, the rabbi is very nice perhaps he can find you a driver to deliver it but I wouldn't bank on it. I would say pick up food once a day for all meals.. Schnitzel sandwiches last no problems, israeli salads in containers.. they make great challah rolls..

Goes without saying that it's always a good idea to bring some backup, instant meals/soups, crackers with spreads etc... vacuum packed cold cuts will last you no problem.. the room has a fridge so you should be fine.

Offline world2see

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #21 on: July 16, 2010, 12:07:03 AM »
ok,guess i'll go there each day to pick up food,thanks!

Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #22 on: August 15, 2010, 04:19:46 AM »
Anyone back yet? trip reports?!

Offline world2see

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #23 on: August 23, 2010, 01:46:34 AM »
hope to write one up bein hazmanim,after yom kippur

Offline Eli

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #24 on: August 28, 2010, 02:11:47 PM »
Someone on the forums is currently in Phuket but I have a feeling he's not the type to write up a trip report.
-Eli

Offline SuperFlyer

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #25 on: August 28, 2010, 06:33:00 PM »
A trip report of Phuket doesn't have to be a chizuk for elul.

Offline damaxer91

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #26 on: August 29, 2010, 04:52:37 AM »
A trip report of Phuket doesn't have to be a chizuk for elul.

:)

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #27 on: November 01, 2010, 12:02:06 PM »
OK, so I'm planning on arriving in Thailand (barring an earlier flight opening up) on a Wednesday at 11:55pm.
I have free accommodation in BKK.  I'm thinking maybe I should stay in BKK for Wednesday and Thursday night and fly Friday morning to HKT.
Levi told me to avoid the new Westin in Phuket so I guess that leaves the Le Meridian Khao Lak which is available for 2,800 points+$45 per night.

And then I'll fly back to HKG via BKK Sunday afternoon.

Make sense? Or should I go to Khao Lak on Thursday? Anything worthwhile in BKK? Is it safe?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline world2see

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #28 on: November 01, 2010, 12:15:10 PM »
why not stay in phuket for longer? from what i've heard,bangkok is a better option over shabbos,not sure though

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #29 on: November 01, 2010, 12:21:17 PM »
why not stay in phuket for longer? from what i've heard,bangkok is a better option over shabbos,not sure though
Is there nothing worth doing in BKK?  I'm going to have to be in BKK for Wednesday night due to arriving so late. 
I have completely free accommodation a hotel in BKK.

The question is whether I should go to HKT on Thursday or Friday.  Basically are there worthwhile things to do in BKK or not?
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Offline world2see

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #30 on: November 01, 2010, 12:24:29 PM »
cant tell you exactly,because when i was there it was a bit unstable.sorry i skipped bangkok and went straight to phuket

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #31 on: November 01, 2010, 12:34:57 PM »
You can read about it here... ;)

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #32 on: November 08, 2010, 07:59:19 PM »
Officially not, though it has happened... This is one of my favorite hotels in the world... (for kids that is) I was there and there wasn't a person in any of the pools/waterslides.. it was like having the place to myself.... I got a villa for $70 a night.. but don't bother asking ;-) maybe one day I'll right a trip report.. not sure if I want to share all these places :)

As play they'll give you an upgrade to a suite, from which you can further upgrade to villa for $70 a night. upgrades are very likely summer time because it's low season.

The pool villas are still cheapest in the world probably.. at $250 a night sometimes less.

Wait till you have kids, then it's worth going. The pool has a little jacuzzi at the end, which is really cool. totally private (unless you get the beachfront..)

Thailand has the best bang for your buck especially in 5 star hotels/resorts...

Many, but none are kosher... you can go elephant riding, not a problem at all (done it with a 1 yr old) even bamboo rafting, though that's a little more tricky. Monkey shows are fun... NO LONGTAIL BOATS....
I'm booked with 2,300 points+$45 at the LMKL.
I emailed them about upgrades during Xmas.  They're saying that there's no comp upgrades to pool villas and that it's 12k to pool villa and 16k to oceanfront pool villa.
Any tips? Think it's worth it?
I wonder if I upgrade for 1 night if they'll let me stay there...

So is there anything to see in BKK for a day or 2?
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Offline momo

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #33 on: November 08, 2010, 08:05:39 PM »
Official policy may be no upgrades to pool villa but i know s\o who got upgraded but i guess like e\t YMMV
As for bangkok i was there not that much to see but just walking around going to the markets seeing all those interesting things they call food ie.. bugs dog rats etc... may be disgusting but it is def fascinating imho
« Last Edit: November 08, 2010, 08:10:17 PM by momo »

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #34 on: November 08, 2010, 08:10:24 PM »
Official policy may be no upgrades to pool villa but i know s\o who got upgraded but i guess like e\t YMMV
Was it during peak season?
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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #35 on: November 08, 2010, 08:11:32 PM »
Not sure when peak season is but it was during march

Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #36 on: November 14, 2010, 02:36:28 AM »
Peak season you can forget about upgrade to pool villa at LMKL, also doubtful you'll get a suite if it's around holiday time... it will be packed, lots of german guests.... the pool villa is outta this world... I would go again and pay for it.... it was very much worth it. I would tell you to pay for it and go all out!! you can't get a better bang for your buck... (I can look for some pics, somewhere...)

Considering you've been already to nice beach places (Hawaii etc..) why not consider getting the real thai experience and going up north to Chiang Mai... they have a great Le Meridien.. price is a joke and you'll be able to see and do crazy things.... if you are interested let me know I can make some suggestions... personally I would much rather this than just going to a crowded resort... 

Things to do in Chiang Mai: Great elephant treks through the jungle, bamboo rafting down the rivers, crazy white water rafting, tiger kingdom (unbelievable, go in cages with full sized tigers take pics, done it and it's very neat... http://www.tigerkingdom.com/Picture/pic-june-10.html), monkey shows, renting a motor bike for a few days for $10 a day....  flight of the gibbon (http://www.treetopasia.com/)

They have a chabad house, with great kosher food... close walking distance from hotel.... it's not the island experience but this is one of a kind... The most amazing sunday market, as well as a night market... lots of other things I can't think of right now...

Depending on where you decide to stay, I would tell you if it's worth stopping in BKK. I personally enjoyed it a lot... it's a busy city, but lots to do.. also might wanna consider gettting some tailoring done and having them send it back or something... it's totally safe!

Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #37 on: November 14, 2010, 02:41:12 AM »
Any tips? Think it's worth it?
I wonder if I upgrade for 1 night if they'll let me stay there...
So is there anything to see in BKK for a day or 2?

If you do decide to go to LMKL, I would say go for the villa, otherwise there's no special reason to go all the way out there.... staying one night they won't let you stay the rest... this is HIGH SEASON!! SUPER HIGH! when I got upgraded it was June (which is lowest season) and also after all the riots so hotel was only 15% full...

You might wanna check out Sheraton Krabi as well... And lastly if you are not planning on upgrading the villa, then maybe forget about Khao Lak and consider checking out the JW Marriott in Phuket... (no Khao Lak JW) the reg. rooms in JW are nicer than reg rooms in LM and it's also closer to the airport... they have a swim up bar and lotsa neat things...

Offline Deal Guy

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #38 on: November 14, 2010, 02:51:07 AM »
Peak season you can forget about upgrade to pool villa at LMKL, also doubtful you'll get a suite if it's around holiday time... it will be packed, lots of german guests.... the pool villa is outta this world... I would go again and pay for it.... it was very much worth it. I would tell you to pay for it and go all out!! you can't get a better bang for your buck... (I can look for some pics, somewhere...)

Considering you've been already to nice beach places (Hawaii etc..) why not consider getting the real thai experience and going up north to Chiang Mai... they have a great Le Meridien.. price is a joke and you'll be able to see and do crazy things.... if you are interested let me know I can make some suggestions... personally I would much rather this than just going to a crowded resort... 

Things to do in Chiang Mai: Great elephant treks through the jungle, bamboo rafting down the rivers, crazy white water rafting, tiger kingdom (unbelievable, go in cages with full sized tigers take pics, done it and it's very neat... http://www.tigerkingdom.com/Picture/pic-june-10.html), monkey shows, renting a motor bike for a few days for $10 a day....  flight of the gibbon (http://www.treetopasia.com/)

They have a chabad house, with great kosher food... close walking distance from hotel.... it's not the island experience but this is one of a kind... The most amazing sunday market, as well as a night market... lots of other things I can't think of right now...

Depending on where you decide to stay, I would tell you if it's worth stopping in BKK. I personally enjoyed it a lot... it's a busy city, but lots to do.. also might wanna consider gettting some tailoring done and having them send it back or something... it's totally safe!
Can you explain the Tiger place?!  I'm assuming they don't have all teeth and claws, but still they are big beasts, and they could be having a bad day..........

Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #39 on: November 14, 2010, 08:45:27 AM »
Can you explain the Tiger place?!  I'm assuming they don't have all teeth and claws, but still they are big beasts, and they could be having a bad day..........

Believe it or not, they do actually have all teeth and claws... the tigers are raised around people, they are (hopefully) trained to not bite or harm people... they are used to having people around them and they are fed proper meals as needed...

They have 4 different size tigers... you pay to go into their cage with a trainer or two depending on their size... the little cubs are a joke, very neat for kids... the big ones (weighing over 300lbs) are a different story...  at no time did I feel threatened or anything like that.

If anyone does plan on going I recommend going first thing in the morning before the crowds start coming... also the tigers shouldn't be hungry just yet...

here are a couple pics...
http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/9753/49944770.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4507/tk2v.jpg