Thailand Travel Tips

MasterCard and SilkAir have teamed up to launch two special promotions for Business Class passengers traveling to eight destinations in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Tickets are available from now until 13 September 2010 and require a minimum of two passengers traveling together.

The first promotion is a 20% discount on Business Class fares with a travel period from 1 November to 31 December 2010. The second is an early bird promotion that entitles passengers to 1-for-1 Business Class tickets for travel from 1 January to 28 February 2011. Both promotions apply to passengers heading to Lombok, Medan, Solo, Kuching, Langkawi, Penang, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

The Picnic In Paradise promotion is a family vacation package available at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa until 31 October 2010. For USD333++ per night, the package includes two connecting Deluxe Sala Garden View Rooms, buffet breakfast and a picnic basket with gourmet items from the JW Deli that can enjoyed at Mai Khao Beach.

Children eat for free when dining with parents at the resort’s restaurants. Families can also participate in a Thai cooking class that is complimentary for children with at least two paying adults. This promotion also includes a 30% discount on treatments at the Mandara Spa and complimentary activities such as Thai boxing, beach volleyball, kite-flying, face-painting and Thai language class.

The Dusit Sprinter is a new shuttle service that connects passengers to Pattaya from Bangkok. The daily service, which commenced on 1 August 2010, departs from Dusit Thani Bangkok at 2pm and from dusitD2 baraquda pattaya at 10.15am.

One-way tickets are priced at THB600 (USD18) per adult and THB300 (USD9) per child below 12, and can be purchased at the concierge desks of either hotel. Included with the shuttle service is full insurance coverage, mineral water and lifestyle magazines.

For travelers heading to Chiang Mai, check out the U Stay U Save promotion at the U Chiang Mai Hotel. Available from now until 31 October 2010, the promotion offers better value for longer-staying guests. Rates are subject to service charge and government taxes. Included with this promotional rate are breakfast for two persons, wireless Internet access, flexible check-in and check-out times and free usage of bicycles.

From now till the end of October 2010, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket has a family vacation package on offer. From USD139++ per night in a Lagoon Room, the package includes daily buffet breakfast, return airport transfers, complimentary meals for children and a complimentary extra bed per room.

Other benefits include access to the Laguna Phuket Kids Club, late check-out until 2pm and the chance to meet with the resort’s baby elephants. While children participate in organized activities at the Kids Club, parents can enjoy a complimentary round of golf at the Laguna Phuket Golf Club or recreational sports like kayaking, lagoon sailing or tennis at no additional charge. This family package also includes a THB1,000 Laguna Tours voucher, complimentary speedboat excursion for children and free pizza and movie on Friday nights at VIK Club.

Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok has announced the availability of the Premium Deluxe Package. It applies to three room types: the Deluxe Room for THB5,500 (USD171), the Deluxe Suite for THB6,500 (USD202) and the Premium Deluxe Suite for THB8,000 (USD248). Rates are per room per night and are valid until 31 October 2010.

Book a villa at the Sea House Beach Resort in Krabi from now until 15 October 2010 to enjoy a 3 days 2 nights package. This package is priced at THB5,400 (USD168) and is inclusive of tax and service charge.

The package includes return airport transfers, daily breakfast, two free cocktails per night, a 25% discount at the beach-side Barracuda Restaurant and a late check-out time until 2pm. In addition, the resort provides a number of services such as the loan of bicycles and canoes, a half day tour of Krabi town on Mondays, a shuttle service to Ao Nang on Wednesdays and a shuttle service to Emerald Pool and the hot spring waterfall on Fridays at no extra charge.

The Veranda Lodge Hua Hin has a 3 days 2 nights weekday package available for booking from now until 31 October 2010. Guests can choose from five types of accommodation, with rates starting from THB4,500 (USD140).The package includes daily breakfast for two persons, wireless Internet coverage and access to a DVD selection. This package applies to weekday bookings from Sundays to Thursdays. Rates include tax and service charge.

The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is offering a complimentary third night for guests with bookings of two consecutive nights. This special offer is valid from now until 30 September 2010. Rates start from THB7,800 (USD242) per night for the Superior Room. The Stay Longer – Third Night Free package includes daily breakfast buffet, and a martini and tapas once per stay at Aqua, the hotel’s outdoor lounge.

The Getaway Package is a three-nights promotion going at THB6,345 (USD196) for a Deluxe Room at the Vogue Resort & Spa. This package is valid until 31 October 2010 and includes a host of benefits such as transfers to and from Krabi Airport, daily breakfast, a Thai set dinner, 20% discounts at the Chao Nang Spa and at two of the hotel’s restaurants.