Topic Wiki

Upcoming Trips                                                                        Trip Reports
Proisrael
Martyb
ayman
SLMYRCB
benjie1305
shwarmabob gang
CS91 & EJB
Shauly

EJB
SRM
1st week of February
2nd week of February
3rd week of February
1st & 2nd week of April
2nd & 3rd week of July
2nd & 3rd week of July
3rd & 4th week of August
4th week of August

3rd week of January
3rd & 4th week of March
Dan Part 1, Dan Part 2, ChikkyMonkey Part 1 , ChikkyMonkey Part 2, ChikkyMonkey Part 3,
Aussiebochur, ZCN, Brian, TAVI, world2see, zvmiester, Cbs, Yehoshua, AJK, rots5,
Knowitall, Suave, Marco Polo, morgs




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 743035 times)

Offline SavingsBigtime

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2013
  • Posts: 564
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem/NY
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1080 on: June 20, 2013, 02:10:15 PM »
So here goes my question , when the weather is nice which is a better place to visit phuket/ krabi or koh samui ??

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67761
  • Total likes: 17203
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1081 on: June 20, 2013, 02:16:57 PM »
I did not really look into Phuket.
You're not missing anything.
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 Marco Polo

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 13121
  • Total likes: 49
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 104
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1082 on: June 20, 2013, 02:32:33 PM »
You're not missing anything.
That's a bit of a relief. Otherwise Thailand would be the next Hawaii in terms of having to visit all it's islands to really enjoy it.
As i only have a week or so for this vacation, i think i will get a good feel of Thailand by visiting Chaing Mai, Koh Samui and possibly Bangkok.
Quaerite et Invenietis.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67761
  • Total likes: 17203
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1083 on: June 20, 2013, 02:34:17 PM »
That's a bit of a relief. Otherwise Thailand would be the next Hawaii in terms of having to visit all it's islands to really enjoy it.
As i only have a week or so for this vacation, i think i will get a good feel of Thailand by visiting Chaing Mai, Koh Samui and possibly Bangkok.
No need to do BKK if you are doing CNX.
If you have extra time then check out Ko Phi Phi islands, etc.
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 Cbs

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2010
  • Posts: 4466
  • Total likes: 19
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: HHonors Gold, Delta Diamond Medallion, AA Platinum Pro
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1084 on: June 20, 2013, 02:35:31 PM »
No need to do BKK if you are doing CNX.
If you have extra time then check out Ko Phi Phi islands, etc.
+1 .
Cnx is a nicer version of BKK and less busy - and phi phi islands are really nice

Offline Marco Polo

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 13121
  • Total likes: 49
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 104
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1085 on: June 20, 2013, 02:36:47 PM »
No need to do BKK if you are doing CNX.
If you have extra time then check out Ko Phi Phi islands, etc.
I was only thinking BKK if i was flying back through. From a quick ITA search, it seems i can fly into CNX with a stop in HKG, on the way back though, CNX seems to stop at BKK. If i would be farther north in Koh Samui and i would need to fly back up anyways to get a flight, figured i can spend a few hours in BKK.  Am i off with this logic?
Quaerite et Invenietis.

Offline AJK

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 20K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 25425
  • Total likes: 723
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 15
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: United Concierge Key; Delta Global Services; American Chairman; US Airways 1K; Hilton Sapphire; Hyatt Tritium; Marriott Californium; Starwood Kryptonium; Hertz Plutonium; National Adamantium, Avis Executive Proactanium
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1086 on: June 20, 2013, 02:45:17 PM »
I spent Shabbas in BKK (loved the American chabad there, but not the city) on my way ex-Thailand.

Only way to get TG F ground services :)
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline moish

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 10010
  • Total likes: 297
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1087 on: June 20, 2013, 03:19:56 PM »
is there an advantage of Koh Samui over phuket? it sounds exactly the same to me, in short a resort town with private villa's
during summer, koh samui has less chance of rain

Offline jeckll

  • Dansdeals Bronze Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 41
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1088 on: June 21, 2013, 09:22:01 PM »
What's a good routing for US to Thailand? Looking to spend about 2 weeks in SE asia, hopefully Thailand and maybe somewhere else (Vietnam?). Thinking Star Alliance as it will allow me to add a couple destinations on 1 ticket, EG

ORD-NRT
NRT-BKK
SGN-ORD

Can spend a couple days in Tokyo, then move around a bit in Thailand and elsewhere for a week+. Any recommendations? I know this is Thailand thread but certainly others have hopped a little on their trips?

Offline SavingsBigtime

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2013
  • Posts: 564
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem/NY
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1089 on: June 24, 2013, 02:13:33 PM »
Need some help with my planning .
Nyc- pek depart sun 11:50 am arrive Monday 2pm
Pek - hkt Wednesday 7 pm arrive Thursday 12:30 am
Friday 1 pm - cnx arrive 3 pm
Cnx - hkg Monday 7 pm
Thursday 11am hkg - nyc

Or


Nyc - pek sun 11:50 am arrive Monday 2 pm
Pek - bkk Wednesday 5 pm arrive bkk 9:30 pm - bkk - cnx Thursday 10:30 arrive 12 pm
Saturday night 9:45 pm cnx - hkt
Monday night hkt - hkg arrive 10:30
Thursday morning hkg - nyc


Offline AJK

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 20K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 25425
  • Total likes: 723
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 15
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: United Concierge Key; Delta Global Services; American Chairman; US Airways 1K; Hilton Sapphire; Hyatt Tritium; Marriott Californium; Starwood Kryptonium; Hertz Plutonium; National Adamantium, Avis Executive Proactanium
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1090 on: June 24, 2013, 02:46:06 PM »
Both look like a disaster to me.

Way too many stops, not enough time in each.
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline SavingsBigtime

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2013
  • Posts: 564
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem/NY
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1091 on: June 24, 2013, 06:11:41 PM »
Going to hkt just to see phi phi island is it worth it?

Offline Fan of Dan

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 3029
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1092 on: June 24, 2013, 11:40:33 PM »
Have 1.5 days in BKK in July. For my full day should I hire a guide/driver or go around myself? Planning on doing a canal tour, perhaps the palace. Anything not to be missed?

Offline Cbs

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2010
  • Posts: 4466
  • Total likes: 19
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: HHonors Gold, Delta Diamond Medallion, AA Platinum Pro
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1093 on: June 24, 2013, 11:44:44 PM »
Going to hkt just to see phi phi island is it worth it?
thats what i did.
i wouldnt go to HKT to see HKT so i guess theres your answer

Have 1.5 days in BKK in July. For my full day should I hire a guide/driver or go around myself? Planning on doing a canal tour, perhaps the palace. Anything not to be missed?
if you have time its about hour half away from BKK to see the Floating Market which is a nice experience. I wouldnt really hire a driver in BKK since theres cabs on every corner and if u use the meter ull end up paying less then ur driver (probably)
dont miss the chabad there :)

Offline Fan of Dan

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 3029
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1094 on: June 25, 2013, 12:21:45 AM »
if you have time its about hour half away from BKK to see the Floating Market which is a nice experience. I wouldnt really hire a driver in BKK since theres cabs on every corner and if u use the meter ull end up paying less then ur driver (probably)
dont miss the chabad there :)
Floating market looks really cool. Are you talking about the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market? TA has mixed reviews about it, some ppl loving it and others saying that it's an expensive tourist trap.

Chabad is high on my list worry not!

Offline Cbs

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2010
  • Posts: 4466
  • Total likes: 19
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: HHonors Gold, Delta Diamond Medallion, AA Platinum Pro
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1095 on: June 25, 2013, 03:21:36 AM »
Are you talking about the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market? TA has mixed reviews about it, some ppl loving it and others saying that it's an expensive tourist trap.
yes thats the market.
I didnt think it was expensive. maybe for thailand it is. theres other trips you can do as well inclusive, like continue on to Kanchanaburi which is another hour away and go see tigers, and nice water falls, and elephants, bamboo rafting etc....but that i wouldnt do if your going to chiang mai cuz its better there.

Offline rots5

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 7996
  • Total likes: 27
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 17
    • View Profile
    • Custom Cakes for Every Occassion
  • Location: Monsey
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1096 on: June 25, 2013, 08:24:47 AM »
Whats normal price from cnx airport to le meridian by taxi?
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline moish

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 10010
  • Total likes: 297
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1097 on: June 25, 2013, 09:10:27 AM »
there only one taxi company at the airport. take it and take down the drivers number to take you around during your stay. its not easy to flag down taxis on the street

Offline Marco Polo

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 13121
  • Total likes: 49
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 104
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1098 on: June 25, 2013, 09:12:27 AM »
Are the hotels able to order you a taxi, or is it better not to rely on them?

What is the best option for a phone during my stay?
Quaerite et Invenietis.

Offline AJK

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 20K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 25425
  • Total likes: 723
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 15
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: United Concierge Key; Delta Global Services; American Chairman; US Airways 1K; Hilton Sapphire; Hyatt Tritium; Marriott Californium; Starwood Kryptonium; Hertz Plutonium; National Adamantium, Avis Executive Proactanium
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1099 on: June 25, 2013, 09:25:43 AM »

Whats normal price from cnx airport to le meridian by taxi?

Less than $5.

there only one taxi company at the airport.

-1
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper