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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 732313 times)

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #60 on: December 01, 2010, 05:06:19 PM »
Wow, you really know that part of the world down to the last detail...
Really enjoy reading.
One day ill get there...

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #61 on: December 01, 2010, 10:14:58 PM »
Wow, thanks Chikky!!!

So let's say I want to hit up the
-Tiger Kingdom
-Elephant show
-Elephant riding and bamboo rafting
-Monkey show

Is the boat ride also worth doing?
Any good markets to check out?

There are 2 Air Asia flight from CNX to HKT on Thursday.
1pm-3pm is 3,100 THB ($103)
8:45pm-11:50pm is 2,300 ($77)

If I take the 1pm will I still have enough time in Chiang Mai? 
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 Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #62 on: December 01, 2010, 10:55:33 PM »
I wonder if I'm doing this backwards by going to Chiang Mai first?

Should we go from BKK to Khao Lak on Tuesday afternoon and then to Chiang Mai on the 7:20pm Thursday flight and then back to BKK on Sunday at 3:30pm?

That way we can go to chabad of Chiang Mai for shabbos and check out the sunday market.
But will there be enough time on friday to see the sights of Chiang Mai? Shabbos starts at 5:35pm.

Of course if we do go to Khao Lak first then we'll have to go down to Phuket to get food and then back up to Khao Lak (where we'll have a private pool villa :D)

Thoughts?
« Last Edit: December 01, 2010, 10:58:34 PM by Dan »
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Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #63 on: December 03, 2010, 07:04:51 AM »
Sorry haven't gotten around to replying...

I would definitely opt for KL first and CM second... I would avoid phuket if at all possible and bring some food from US (instand pastas/soups, crackers, etc... or from HK) shame to waste time upon arrival.. Kosher pringles as well as peanut butter are available in Khao Lak...

Shabbos in CM is really worth it.. I do have to warn you that you'll feel like you didn't have enough time in either place...

If you go for the elaphant ride in the same place as the show (I'm not sure they have bamboo rafting) then you should be fine... worse come to worse you can come back on Sunday morning... Motzei shabbos go to the night market right across of the hotel....

Another option for Sunday is the river boat ride which is very relaxing...

IF you had more time I would tell you to leave the city a bit, rent a scooter or motor bike and go exploring (Costs $10 a day or so) lots of fun.... you can see tree house hotels, rivers etc... some very nice sites..

Unfortunately the absolute best market I've ever seen - The Sunday Market, is an evening market, so until 3-4 there probably won't be much going on... some people might be there already.. but evening its absolutely stunning.. they sell amazing crafts for dirt cheap...

Best way to get around town is by tuktuk, they are very cheap $2-4 if I'm not mistaken.

in any case def go to KL first and CM for shabbos... you'll really enjoy it.

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #64 on: December 24, 2010, 04:53:31 AM »
Chiang Mai rocks!  Have a great shabbos guys!
« Last Edit: December 24, 2010, 05:19:23 AM by Dan »
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Offline eliteflyer

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #65 on: December 24, 2010, 12:53:40 PM »
Chiang Mai rocks!  Have a great shabbos guys!
Something about that photo is off. That tiger looks drugged. :-(

Offline Deal Guy

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #66 on: December 24, 2010, 01:29:48 PM »
Chiang Mai rocks!  Have a great shabbos guys!
I knew you would make it to the Tigers!!! What about Mrs. Dan?

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #67 on: December 25, 2010, 07:07:56 AM »
Something about that photo is off. That tiger looks drugged. :-(
All of the tigers were oddly peaceful.
But here's a couple better shots of our tiger.
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Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #68 on: December 25, 2010, 07:08:11 AM »
I knew you would make it to the Tigers!!! What about Mrs. Dan?
Yup!
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Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #69 on: December 26, 2010, 06:53:16 AM »
Glad to see you made it!! Told you it was worth it!!  No pics standing up with the tigers? Hope you used their photographer, I forgot to mention it's definitely worth it... Also these don't seem to be the biggest ones, are they?

Tigers are not drugged, they chill, it's hot...

Waiting for another update from you.. hope it went well..

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #70 on: May 13, 2011, 06:22:16 AM »
Thinking of spending a day in BKK during my travels. I'm arriving 5am, departing 7pm.
As much as id like to spend longer, its not an option so this is what I've got to work with.

So, besides Grand Palace, the markets, tailors and temples is there anything else to do/see in Bangkok?
If there's nothing much to do I may just get some clothing tailored? Anyone have recommendations?

I don't need food. As much Id love to try Thai cuisine, I doubt the kosher food is all that different to anywhere else.
All suggestions are appreciated.
« Last Edit: May 13, 2011, 06:32:02 AM by aussiebochur »

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #71 on: May 13, 2011, 12:11:53 PM »
Go to Chaing Mai for $90 RT, hire a driver for half a day for $15 and go to the animal shows and activities :)
You'll miss the great markets there though and the excellent category 2 Le Meridian.
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Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #72 on: May 13, 2011, 12:27:58 PM »
Go to Chaing Mai for $90 RT, hire a driver for half a day for $15 and go to the animal shows and activities :)
You'll miss the great markets there though and the excellent category 2 Le Meridian.
I was actually thinking about seeing if I could add it on to me ticket. That would leave only 6 hours in Chaing Mai.
If I buy a separate ticket, I run the risk of not getting back to BKK in time and missing my continuing flight.
Although, I could then try out the LM ;)

Do you think its realistically possible? How much time do I need there to see the bare minimum to make it worth going?

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #73 on: May 13, 2011, 12:39:03 PM »
I was actually thinking about seeing if I could add it on to me ticket. That would leave only 6 hours in Chaing Mai.
If I buy a separate ticket, I run the risk of not getting back to BKK in time and missing my continuing flight.
Although, I could then try out the LM ;)

Do you think its realistically possible? How much time do I need there to see the bare minimum to make it worth going?
We had separate tickets in Thailand and it worked out fine.
I think with 6 hours you can definitely see all the animal stuff outside the city (elephants show/rides, tiger kingdom, monkey show, cobra show, etc, etc) but you won't have time to see any markets or stuff in the city-but those are in the evening only anyway.
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Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #74 on: May 13, 2011, 12:44:50 PM »
We had separate tickets in Thailand and it worked out fine.
I think with 6 hours you can definitely see all the animal stuff outside the city (elephants show/rides, tiger kingdom, monkey show, cobra show, etc, etc) but you won't have time to see any markets or stuff in the city-but those are in the evening only anyway.
AirAsia the way to go?

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #75 on: May 13, 2011, 12:49:21 PM »
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.

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #76 on: May 13, 2011, 01:05:46 PM »
Probably.
Looks like I could change my ticket to arrive in BKK the afternoon before.
But its going to cost $90 to change plus $70 to get to the city to catch the flight.
Would probably end up adding up to too much to justify 12 hours more.

Definitely going to do some and one day get back to do it all.

Offline Dan

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #77 on: May 13, 2011, 01:23:04 PM »
Looks like I could change my ticket to arrive in BKK the afternoon before.
But its going to cost $90 to change plus $70 to get to the city to catch the flight.
Would probably end up adding up to too much to justify 12 hours more.

Definitely going to do some and one day get back to do it all.
What day are you currently arriving in BKK?
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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #78 on: May 13, 2011, 08:58:41 PM »
What day are you currently arriving in BKK?
Monday morning.

Offline ChikkyMonkey

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Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #79 on: May 14, 2011, 05:51:28 PM »
I wouldn't risk it if you have only that one day.. depending on weather sometimes Air Asia could be delayed (also depends on season you are planning on traveling)

I would stick to BKK to be safe.. there are plenty of markets in BKK, decent tailors an chabad house is a nice stop as well..