An update of what’s new and value for money in the world of travel - both for the resident and visitor in Thailand.
Brought to you by Pattaya Mail and DTC Travel, BKK.
Orient Thai Airlines has regular flights from
U-Tapao to Phuket and friendly staff as these kids found out on their way to
a fun time in the South.
The Rainy Season
cometh, but there is still plenty to see and do in and around the region.
“Get Lost” is the name of the current Dusit Resort and
Polo Club off-season package. Valid until Sept. 30, couples can afford to
get lost for 2 nights at the Cha Am property. Why? Dinner for two, plus 2
nights accommodation with daily buffet breakfast, welcome cocktail and fruit
basket, use of fitness centre plus 10% discount on Lakeview and Palm Hills
golf courses. Plus 3 p.m. late check out. Price Sunday to Thursday check in
Baht 3999 per couple. Other days Baht 5499.
Sounds like a deal, eh?
***
Koh Samui
The Island Resort in Koh Samui once again figures in low
season visitors options. It is a particularly special place and owner Jerry
offers low season bungalow rates stating at Baht 500 for a standard double,
through Baht 750/1000 for deluxe double (fan or a/c respectively), with
luxury beach front aircon bungalows at Baht 1300 double.
The atmosphere is extremely relaxed at The Island and the
garden setting allows for a tranquil setting. A real getaway place with your
needs catered for by the helpful and efficient long term staff.
***
Udon Thani Hotel
promotion.
Choice Hotels International are promoting their Udon
Thani Airport property, the Sleep Inn, with unbelievable rates of Baht 750
per room, single or double incl. breakfast and taxes until 31 Dec. 1997.
Whatever your reason for travelling to Udon, you can’t afford not to stay
for at least one night. Honeymooners! get a special deal - upgraded room,
flowers and breakfast in bed. Presumably not a roll in bed, with honey.
***
Whitewater
rafting/Chiang Mai
For the soft adventurers, a new whitewater day trip from
Chiang Mai has been introduced over the past two months. Also includes
elephant riding as well as rubber raft white water adventuring. Including
lunch and all gear, rate is Baht 1,250 per person, pick up from all Chiang
Mai accommodations.
Six tribes in one day may sound a little gimmicky, but
Gem Tours in Chiang Mai also uses the adjective “unspoiled” in its
portfolio, and indeed the villages visited are well off the beaten trekking
track. It’s a long day but includes some cave visits as well as the mainstay
idea of visiting these totally unique cultures. Baht 1000 per head - numbers
limited (as they should be).
***
Bangkok - Embassy
Suites, Sukhumvit
Soi 20
From July until September, Embassy Suites is promoting a
‘try me once’ campaign aimed at inviting business executives to enjoy a one
night complimentary stay at the property. Call them. Even current
promotional rates are a deal for the all suites hotel. At Baht 2300 per
night/room, guests not only receive American buffet breakfast but also daily
complimentary cocktails from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m..
***
Bangkok Airport Bus
Support the Airport bus - seems to be the generally
increasing opinion from those few passengers that have discovered this well
kept secret. Shamefully under promoted, the service is exceptionally good
value and efficient. A bargain @ Baht 70 is the “one size fits all” fee and
buses leave from Terminal 1 every 5 minutes calling at Terminal 2 and
Domestic Terminal before breezing off along the Don Muang Tollway.
Okay, all things come to an end, as does the tollway at
Din Daeng, but by the time the bus reaches there, it’s already value for
money. Buses leave in the following order A1, to Silom Road, A2 to Sanam
Luang and A3 Sukhumvit/Prakanong. So, at most you will only wait 15 minutes
for your bus. At peak times it can take longer to barter for a reasonable
taxi fare. There is ample space put aside for luggage and seating is
comfortable. If you are travelling alone or with a friend it is most
definitely a money saver and worth at least one try. Give it a go. Support
the Airport Bus next time you arrive at/or travel to Don Muang and allay the
anticipated cancellation of what is really a step forward in public
transport service for the capital.
***
Sukothai/Chiang Mai
services
Bangkok Airways has special promotional fares from
Bangkok to Sukothai and Chiang Mai at Baht 1,710 one way or Baht 2,340
round-trip to EITHER destination. The service goes via Sukhothai and a
stopover is allowed.
***
Pattaya
This resort seems to have one season for the whole year
now - maybe with the exception of Christmas. Songkran visitors found
exceptional value at the Diana Inn, where a condo 2 bedroom suite could be
found for just over Baht 1000 per night. Regular room rates at the Diana Inn
on Pattaya 2nd Road are around Baht 550 - 600 and breakfast is included. A
good base for the golfing fraternity as well. With Pattaya Sports Club
having a base here, would-be golfers should join the club even if only on a
weekend visit. An annual membership costs as little as a couple of rounds at
local courses and gives app. 50% off fees anyway - a good deal. Enquire at
the Diana Inn when in Pattaya.
If Jomtien is your choice, the French-run, Le Prive
offers good value for its detached bungalows. Good news for dog owners is
that the proprietors are dog lovers and those particular pets are more than
welcome. Rooms cost app. Baht 900-1000 per night. Of course, if you are not
fond of dogs...
***
Hua Hin
Hey, if you are already here, then you know the ropes.
But, if you have friends coming to Hua Hin, always remember that pre-booked
contract rates through travel agents are always a way to save on walk-in
rates - even in the low season. Where else could you find the Sofitel for
USD 110-130 per night including that wonderful buffet breakfast? Answer -
most definitely through your travel agent - not at the Sofitel reception -
and don’t ask! Treat your siblings to a Sofitel weekend when it is kind to
the pocket in the low season.
***
Suwan Macha
The wooden sailing boat based out of Phuket, offers low
season exotic cruises around the Phangna Bay area. Low season hire for the
whole yacht is USD 3,800 for 5 days including crew and meals. Not bad,
considering that there are 5 double berth cabins available. Check your local
travel outlet for details on the Suwan Macha sailing ship departure dates.
Theses travel snippets are compiled and provided by
DTC Travel, 27/1-2 Sukhum-vit Soi 18 Bangkok 10110. Tel (02) 259 4535/36,
Fax 260 0448/9. Email [email protected]. Internet URL
http://inet.co.th/cybermall/dtctravel.
James Bond Island, also known
as Koh Tapoo, off the Phanga coast in the Andamen Sea.
