http://www.flyertalk.com/forum Done that: elephant trekking in Chiang Mai, tuk-tuks and long-tail boats in Bangkok, beach time in Phuket. Not done that: Phi Phi, street food, Bangkok tailor. Sawasdee – it’s all inside. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:51:28 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.flyertalk.com/forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1019290-august-2010-holiday-bangkok.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:12:55 GMT Hey FTers, I only joined this site a while ago after having it recommended by a fellow exit-row sitter on a UA flight (hat tip to CMK10). I am also relatively new at being a frequent flyer and would love to get some advice on setting up a trip for... Hey FTers, I only joined this site a while ago after having it recommended by a fellow exit-row sitter on a UA flight (hat tip to CMK10). I am also relatively new at being a frequent flyer and would love to get some advice on setting up a trip for my wife and I to visit a friend in Bangkok on the cheap. I have some ideas but please, offer suggestions if you have them.

We are flying out of PDX. And just to be clear we are not neophytes when it comes to international travel (Europe and Africa) but this is a) our first trip to Asia, b) my first trip paying with rewards and not on the company expense account and finally c) our first extended vacation alone in nearly 25 years of marriage!

First - Air. I will be UA 1K next year. I will NOT have enough miles (240K) for two Business Class seats. Therefore I plan to call the 1K desk and have them help me find a good (and cheap) flight out and back and buy 1 of my Business Class seats with miles, purchase an upgradable Economy ticket with the other and use one of my SWUs to upgrade - thereby getting to Business class seats for about $1400 (According to current prices). Obviously I'd love to get into FIRST class, but I don't think I will have the dollars or miles to do it unless someone else has a suggestion.

Another issue on Air is that, since we have not visited Asia before, it might be fun to stay a few days wherever we connect. In the basic flight checking I've done it looks like most of my flight options are PDX-SFO-NRT-BKK. Would it typically cost me extra with the airline to stay in Japan for a few days? and would it be worth it? Are there other places I should fly through and stay instead? Our dates are flexible but I'd like to do 2-3 weeks total.

Second - Hotels. Most of the time we are in Bangkok we will be staying in our friend's apartment. However, I thought it might be fun to use up our Hilton points while there also. I'll have around 130k points when I get to the end of 2009. I've been considering staying at the Hilton resort on Phuket for however many days that buys me, but it doesn't sound like a stellar options. I've also considered staying at the Conrad Bangkok for however many days that buys me to live the high-life. However - again - I need advice. Is there some other Hilton option I should consider?

Thanks in advance for all the tips, tricks and ideas! ]]> Thailand 419er http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1019290-august-2010-holiday-bangkok.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1018416-honeymoon-thailand-suggestion-advice.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:29:42 GMT hi all, im planning our honeymoon in thailand and wanted some suggestion/advice on things to do/eat. Any suggestion would be appreciated and advice for traveling. We took advantage of the free Air Asia flights. Ideas: Elephant Ride in Chiang... hi all,

im planning our honeymoon in thailand and wanted some suggestion/advice on things to do/eat. Any suggestion would be appreciated and advice for traveling. We took advantage of the free Air Asia flights.

Ideas: Elephant Ride in Chiang Mai, Cooking school in thailand, hiking, buying a custom suit in bkk, visit 1 temple (i think they all will look the same)

we love to eat, so any really good places that cant be miss will be a priority for us.

background: i will be a platinum member of spg. Will use free AA miles (140k) for tickets there. would like to mostly use starwood (120k pts) for hotels there. This will be probably June 28th-July 13th, 2010.
- thinking of staying at Sheraton Grande Sukhuvmit, Plaza Athenee, Le Meridian Chiang Mai
- Dont know about phuket (westin will be open in March 2010)

Tentative plan:

Day 1: Flight to Toyko
Day 2: Arrive in Toyko, Stay overnight 1 night - wanted to take a break from the traveling and just enjoy a nice meal in toyko
Day 3: Arrive in Bangkok
Day 4: BKK
DaY 5: BKK - Chiang Mai (noon)
Day 6: Chiang Mai
Day 7: Chiang Mai
Day 8: Chiang Mai
Day 9: Chiang Mai to BKK (2pm)
Day 10: BKK to Phuket (6pm)
Day 11: Phuket
Day 12: Phuket
Day 13: Phuket - Hong Kong (7:30pm)
Day 14: Hong Kong - wanted to check out HK for a day.
Day 15: HK - USA

Any ideas on anything to do? Specific beaches/restaurants? Thanks in advance.

I have read some of the other threads about trips to thailand, but i thought this might be more specific for me. Really appreciate the help from people in this forum. ]]> Thailand peeyurr http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1018416-honeymoon-thailand-suggestion-advice.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1017240-traveling-nan.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:39:14 GMT Anyone spend time up there? Just wondering if any suggestions. :D Anyone spend time up there? Just wondering if any suggestions. :D ]]> Thailand dsquared37 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1017240-traveling-nan.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1017016-ot-ft-access-thailand.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:27:53 GMT Can anyone currently in Thailand access FT? Perhaps as a result of the DDoS/outage IB are blocking Thai IP addresses? I cannot ping www.flyertalk.com (and /forums). Can anyone currently in Thailand access FT? Perhaps as a result of the DDoS/outage IB are blocking Thai IP addresses? I cannot ping www.flyertalk.com (and /forums). ]]> Thailand lomatopo http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1017016-ot-ft-access-thailand.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1016742-how-many-days-bkk.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:19:06 GMT First time in Thailand or BKK and, sadly, I can only manage a few days (3-5).

How many days does one need to experience Bangkok without rushing around too much?

(I am not thinking of venturing out of the capital, but if there's a manageable 1-day trip one simply must include, please let me know.) ]]> Thailand aktchi http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1016742-how-many-days-bkk.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1015581-one-night-bangkok.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:39:12 GMT My wife and I will be spending one night in Bangkok in December, and we are trying to choose a restaurant for our only dinner there. We will be in Thailand for two weeks so we will have other opportunities to enjoy Thai cuisine, but this is our... My wife and I will be spending one night in Bangkok in December, and we are trying to choose a restaurant for our only dinner there. We will be in Thailand for two weeks so we will have other opportunities to enjoy Thai cuisine, but this is our only time to eat in Bangkok. We are looking for either a Japanese or Thai restaurant. Can anyone recommend a great restaurant for dinner? Thanks for the help! ]]> Thailand maddux200 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1015581-one-night-bangkok.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1015397-advice-my-transit-process-please.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:07:13 GMT Bangkok (ThaiAirAsia) Reach at 8.50pm...]]> Hello,
Please help me guys. This is very urgent.
I am a passport holder of India, currently residing in Taipei, Taiwan.
I am flying to Kolkata (India) via Bangkok. Here are my flight details:-

Taipei -> Bangkok (ThaiAirAsia) Reach at 8.50pm
Bangkok -> Kolkata (Air India flight operated by Thai Airways Intl, it is a code shared flight)
Departing Bangkok at 11.25 pm same night.

So I have about 2.5 hours time at Bangkok airport. I do not have any check-in luggage with me. Only one hand bag.

I have following queries:-

1. Do I need to go through passport control/immigration to check-in for my Air India flight after I arrive at Suvarnabhoomi? Or is there any facility/check-in
counter of Air India (or Thai Airways?) without going to pass through immigration check?

2. If I have to get through immigration do I need any Visa for just check-in to another flight after 2.5 hours. If I need Visa, can I get a Transit visa on arrival?
How much time it would take to get visa on arrival and check-in again at Air India check-in counter? Is 2.5 hours enough (I do not have any checked luggage)? How much is the transit visa fees?

3. I have heard about Cabinet's decision to waive transit visa http://www.airportsuvarnabhumi.com/s...gkok-thailand/

Am I eligible for this? Do I still need transit visa?

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Kindly reply ASAP as I am flying in a week.

Thanks! ]]> Thailand abstrusegoose http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1015397-advice-my-transit-process-please.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1014138-overnight-bkk-6-7-hours-what-do.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:53:30 GMT Many flights get to BKK late in the evening, and those of us traveling in-country in the AM are always faced with the dilemma of whether or not to go into the city or not. With only 7 hours between flights, and your timeframe starting at... Many flights get to BKK late in the evening, and those of us traveling in-country in the AM are always faced with the dilemma of whether or not to go into the city or not.

With only 7 hours between flights, and your timeframe starting at midnight, what are your suggestions? Of course, we will be land-side at midnight, as we need to collect our bags.

Thanks in advance! ]]> Thailand goodtoast http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1014138-overnight-bkk-6-7-hours-what-do.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1013850-first-trip-thailand-need-help.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:22:52 GMT I'm going to Thailand from Nov 24-Dec 2nd.

How would you recommend I cut up my trip? I will arrive Nov 25th at 1145pm. Two days in Bangkok enough? After that, should I go to Phuket, Koh Tao, or another beach? At the beach, I'd like to just relax, and swim. Possibly take a PADI SCUBA certificate course. Anywhere else I can see in that time?

I'm going on a student budget.

Any suggestions? Thanks! ]]> Thailand GITU http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1013850-first-trip-thailand-need-help.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012911-starwood-hotel-property-bangkok.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:38:59 GMT I have combed through postings here and on the Starwood Hotel thread but still can't decide on a hotel. 2 couples in 2 rooms ...1 is SPG Plat and 1 is Gold (me unfortunately). We can use points or c/p or cash. We also each have an SPG50. So, many options.

As a first timer in BKK we will be doing the touristy stuff. Our 5 days will be something like...
Day 1 Grand Palace
Day 2 Chinatown
Day 3 Canal tour
Day 4 Outside Bangkok
Day 5 JJ Market

I like ROS for the option of being on the river and having a view and now that the upgrades are complete (?) it may be the best option. I don't like the thought of throngs of tour groups though.

SGS sounds great but maybe more of a business hotel? Not sure about the location for tourist.

LeMeridian is another appealing choice but again, not sure about the location in Patpong. I am reading too much into some of the comments about it being seedy?

Would love to hear thoughts/ideas/opinions. ]]> Thailand lsk4jmi http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012911-starwood-hotel-property-bangkok.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012876-bkk-overnight-day-rooms-accessible.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:29:20 GMT I'm overnight in BKK on the 14th of November. Traveling down to Phuket early AM on the 15th. I've been reading about the day rooms at BKK and am wondering if I can retrieve my checked luggage from NRT and then return to the day rooms. Does anyone know?

Thanks!

goodtoast ]]> Thailand goodtoast http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012876-bkk-overnight-day-rooms-accessible.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012862-first-time-thailand-january-advice-sought.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:00:03 GMT So I am mostly a Europe-bound Mileage Runner but United's upgradeable fares to Asia are lower than they are to Europe, so I booked a 5-night trip to BKK over Martin Luther King Day Weekend, which happens to apparently also be the Lunar New Year (does that matter?)... Here are the details:

- I am a gay American male traveling solo
- Prefer staying at Starwood properties
- I arrive Wednesday on United's 11:45 PM flight
- I depart Monday at 6:35 AM
- I want some beach resort time if possible
- Would like to spend maybe a day exploring BKK

Here is what I am thinking.....

Wednesday night, stay in BKK. Thursday go down to Sheraton Pattaya mid-day. Saturday afternoon return to BKK. Spend Sunday being a tourist in BKK. Fly home Monday.

I am open to ideas, etc. For example, going straight to Pattaya from the Airport, spending 2 nights then going to BKK on Friday to get more City time... Or going to Hua Hin... But I have no good idea on how to get around...

So share your thoughts and expertise and ask me questions if I can help you help me better. Thanks! ]]> Thailand boifromtroy http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012862-first-time-thailand-january-advice-sought.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012830-late-night-connection-novotel-baggage-immigration-questions.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:33:09 GMT I am arriving at BKK at 0115Hrs from ICN and leaving the next morning on a domestic flight to HKT. It seems the Novotel is the best option for some rest. It is not clear to me exactly how to get to the hotel. Is it walking distance? I seem to... I am arriving at BKK at 0115Hrs from ICN and leaving the next morning on a domestic flight to HKT. It seems the Novotel is the best option for some rest. It is not clear to me exactly how to get to the hotel. Is it walking distance? I seem to have read somewhere there is a tunnel to the hotel?

Also, I assume that since I am clearing immigration and customs in BKK I will need to claim my bags so I guess I may have to take them to the hotel. Or perhaps is there a way to re-check them on to HKT at that late hour of the evening? My arriving flight and continuing flight are both on TG. ]]> Thailand peter11 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012830-late-night-connection-novotel-baggage-immigration-questions.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012756-samui-august-beach.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:05:54 GMT I know the topic of August weather in Thailand has been covered quite a bit but, here's another question:

We are looking to Samui in August for a beach vacation. We really do want good weather, with little chance of rain. (We would also like some things to see and do besides just the beach.) Is this a good choice or, from what I see, February may actually be a better choice for Samui? Or other choice is Bali, where we have been before and really love. Thanks in advance. ]]> Thailand flyr16 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012756-samui-august-beach.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012754-transiting-through-suvarnabhumi-tg-ay.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:49:56 GMT Hi, I will be transiting through Suvarnabhumi in a few weeks and arrive with TG from KUL and go on with AY to HEL. Will I be able to check in my luggage completely in KUL or will I have to re-check in in Suvarnabhumi? And, if I need to check in... Hi,

I will be transiting through Suvarnabhumi in a few weeks and arrive with TG from KUL and go on with AY to HEL. Will I be able to check in my luggage completely in KUL or will I have to re-check in in Suvarnabhumi?
And, if I need to check in again, will I have to get out completely or is there some transit area where I can pick up my luggage and check it in for the rest of the journey? I have about 2 hours between the arrival of one plane and the othe rone leaving. Any advices - besides better not going to the duty free? :) -?

Cheers,

pierrot ]]> Thailand pierrot http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thailand/1012754-transiting-through-suvarnabhumi-tg-ay.html