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 732389 times)

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 #1140 on: June 30, 2013, 03:58:43 AM »
I paid Meuchedet a few shekel for coverage.
Either way, you should ALWAYS buy travelers health insurance.
Always.
where do i begin?! Can you set me in the righty direction?
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline Drago

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 8388
  • Total likes: 74
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 18
    • View Profile
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1141 on: June 30, 2013, 04:02:11 AM »
where do i begin?! Can you set me in the righty direction?
Call them.

Alternatively, you can use an insurance agent.
I can PM you some names if you need.

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 #1142 on: June 30, 2013, 06:43:30 AM »
Call them.

Alternatively, you can use an insurance agent.
I can PM you some names if you need.
please!  Thabks.
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: 10006
  • Total likes: 297
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1143 on: June 30, 2013, 06:51:19 AM »
definitely go through an agent such as shmuel weinstein (thats who i use), it makes filing a claim much easier

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 #1144 on: June 30, 2013, 07:31:54 AM »
definitely go through an agent such as shmuel weinstein (thats who i use), it makes filing a claim much easier
u have a nummber?
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline AJK

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 20K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 25419
  • Total likes: 721
  • 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 #1145 on: June 30, 2013, 07:40:50 AM »
How much are you guys paying for travel insurance?
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: 10006
  • Total likes: 297
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1146 on: June 30, 2013, 07:46:34 AM »
u have a nummber?

shmuelw@012.net.il or by phone at 050-445-5770, tell him i sent you

Offline andrew

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 552
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1147 on: June 30, 2013, 07:50:56 AM »
just walk into the meuchedet office in arzei and arrange insurance there, i think there is a gold and silver package.

Offline moish

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 10006
  • Total likes: 297
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1148 on: June 30, 2013, 07:53:06 AM »
just walk into the meuchedet office in arzei and arrange insurance there, i think there is a gold and silver package.
i wouldnt recommend that. while it might be slightly cheaper, its a real pita to file a claim.

using an agent saves you a lot of hassle for a few shekel extra

Offline moish

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 10006
  • Total likes: 297
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1149 on: June 30, 2013, 07:55:28 AM »
i would also recommend that you make sure youre up to date with your vaccinations. its always better to be cautious.

you should go to the travel clinic on yaffo with your vaccination history

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 #1150 on: June 30, 2013, 07:57:19 AM »
i would also recommend that you make sure youre up to date with your vaccinations. its always better to be cautious.

you should go to the travel clinic on yaffo with your vaccination history
in order to go to BMG u have to be up to date (i was there 2 yrs ago) along with getting married i needed to be up to date. but i def will look into this
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline Drago

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 8388
  • Total likes: 74
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 18
    • View Profile
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1151 on: June 30, 2013, 07:59:54 AM »
How much are you guys paying for travel insurance?
You have the great looking AMEX travelers insurance.
Ever use it?

Offline Drago

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 8388
  • Total likes: 74
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 18
    • View Profile
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1152 on: June 30, 2013, 08:01:07 AM »
i would also recommend that you make sure youre up to date with your vaccinations. its always better to be cautious.

you should go to the travel clinic on yaffo with your vaccination history
For some of the very northern parts of Thailand, a Malaria vaccination is recommended.
I had a scare upon my return from Chiang Rai last year.

Offline moish

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 10006
  • Total likes: 297
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1153 on: June 30, 2013, 08:01:21 AM »
in order to go to BMG u have to be up to date (i was there 2 yrs ago) along with getting married i needed to be up to date. but i def will look into this
you do? when i was there i was never asked anything about that

Offline moish

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 10006
  • Total likes: 297
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1154 on: June 30, 2013, 08:02:26 AM »
For some of the very northern parts of Thailand, a Malaria vaccination is recommended.
I had a scare upon my return from Chiang Rai last year.
i dont believe there is a vaccine for malaria. when i went to india, i had to take pills.

either way, if he stays in the cities, malaria isnt an issue

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 #1155 on: June 30, 2013, 08:13:42 AM »
i dont believe there is a vaccine for malaria. when i went to india, i had to take pills.

either way, if he stays in the cities, malaria isnt an issue
what is very northern thialnd?
and yes moish they are nuts now a days with the vacinnes. i wasnt allowed into the dorms until i got them all. and ud be surprised bec there are prob more germs just in the dorms than there are in a garbage can
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline Drago

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 8388
  • Total likes: 74
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 18
    • View Profile
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1156 on: June 30, 2013, 08:21:53 AM »
i dont believe there is a vaccine for malaria. when i went to india, i had to take pills.

either way, if he stays in the cities, malaria isnt an issue
N/t that's too great, but there is s/t out there.
And correct, cities are supposed to be okay. It's more of an issue in the Golden Triangle area.

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 #1157 on: June 30, 2013, 08:27:49 AM »
moish! i emailed ur guy and his girl already called back! they have a new thing, at the airport in BG go to gate D and they give u a cc so if u need any dr's u call the number in the back and they direct u to a certain dr and then u swipe ur cc that they gave u :-)  she was all excited that even MOISH didnt have this yet ;)

crazy cheap btw. 2$ a day .50 cents for air ambulance, .50 cents for dangerous sports. covers upto 1 mill, 1750 of luggage and so on! thanks again!
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: 10006
  • Total likes: 297
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Thailand Master Thread
« Reply #1158 on: June 30, 2013, 08:32:05 AM »
happy to help

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 #1159 on: June 30, 2013, 11:04:27 PM »
Trying to work out my itinerary for BKK a bit. Landing at 3pm from Bali in July and flying out the following night at 1240 am. First day I arrive, I plan on checking into the Le Meridien, maybe seeing Chinatown, Chabad house and then will rest up. Anything else to do?

Following day I have the whole day. Planning on seeing the Palace and taking a boat down the Khlongs. This should only take about 4 - 5 hours. Need to add something to fill in my time. Should I go to either the tiger temple or perhaps the floating market in the morning and then go see the palace and canals, or better to stick around BKK the whole time. Any other ideas? Thanks!