Hottest Deals This Month!
Starwood Hotels & Resorts is offering a Free Nights promotion for guests who book two or three nights stay at any of its 25 properties in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia from now until Nov. 30 for stays until March 31, 2013. Participating brands include Sheraton, Le Méridien, Westin,W Hotels, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Four Points by Sheraton, and Aloft with hotels and resorts located in many popular destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Khao Lak, Cha-am, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai; Siem Riep in Cambodia; and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Nha Trang in Vietnam. The campaign will also include two Starwood properties in Phuket — The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa and The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa — both of which been voted SPG Members’ Favorite Resorts for 2012. Alternatively, guests also have an option to enjoy 20% saving when they book two consecutive nights at participating properties, while guests booking five nights and more will be eligible for 25% savings off the hotels website flexible rates. Terms and conditions apply.For reservations, go to www.starwood-ap.com/freenights
Book a residential meeting of 15 room nights or more at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square and receive one complimentary night at any f the 12 Novotel hotels and resorts throughout Thailand. Ideal for business, Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square offers convenient access to airports, business districts and nearby incentive attractions such as golf courses. Located in downtown Bangkok, the hotel is footsteps from the BTS Skytrain and is surrounded by a multitude of shopping malls and entertainment venues. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid until March 31, 2013. Complimentary room vouchers are valid for six months from date of issue. A maximum of three room vouchers can be issued per event and subject to room availability.
For more details call 02-209-8888 or visit www.novotelbkk.com
Aloft Bangkok-Sukhumvit 11 has launched the “A-List Offer” with its best special rate offer ever, it said. Under the campaign, the hotel offers savvy travelers a chance to experience the first Aloft hotel in Bangkok and Southeast Asia with attractive rates per room per night. Valid for stays until Dec. 31, the special rates offer an opportunity for travelers to experience this stylish hotel at a great price – starting at Bt2,300++ per night (room only) and Bt2,800++ per night with breakfast for two persons. The special rate is inclusive of unlimited hotel-wide and in-room wireless Internet service, free shuttle tuk tuk from the Nana BTS Skytrain station and Sukhumvit MRT Subway station, and free entry to Bangkok’s trendiest clubs: Bed Supperclub, Q Bar, and Bash.
For more information or reservations, call 02-207-7000.
Enjoy your winter in the City of Angels, and choose from three stunning Bangkok hotels: JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, and Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok. Until Jan. 14, 2013, stay two nights on a weekend at the best available rate, and enjoy the best of Thailand with 1,000 Marriott Rewards bonus points per stay and a $20 complimentary food and beverage credit. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information and reservations, contact bookmarriott@marriotthotels.com
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Novotel Fenix Silom is offering a “City Break” promotion with rates starting at Bt1,710. This great offer includes all room types and breakfast, and is the perfect location for both business and pleasure. This offer is valid until Dec. 31.
For reservations and more information call 02-206-9100 or visit www.novotelbangkoksilom.com
The Sukhothai Bangkok has launched an exclusive “Romance Package” honeymoon hideaway in the heart of Thailand’s capital, valid from now until Dec. 28. This unique package gives couples a variety of indulgent value-added extras during their stay, from stimulating cuisine to sensual spa treatments. The package is priced at Bt12,000++ (Deluxe Studio) and Bt15,000++ (Executive Suite) per room, per night. A minimum length of stay of four consecutive nights is required.
For more details and reservations, e-mail reservations@sukhothai.com or visit www.sukhothai.com
Enjoy free nights at any Novotel in Thailand with Novotel Ploenchit’s “Residential Meeting package.” The package brings one superb new benefit; a rewarded complimentary night voucher, which can be used at any Novotel location in Thailand when booking a residential meeting room for every 15 room nights or more. And, when it’s time to use it for a free stay, then the extensive options include popular business venues and leisure destinations from Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit, Novotel Chumphon Beach Resort & Golf, Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort & Spa, Novotel Phuket Resort, Novotel Phuket Vintage Park Resort, Novotel Rayong Rim Pae Resort, Novotel Bangkok Bangna, Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, Novotel Bangkok IMPACT, Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Novotel Bangkok Platinum to Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. Promo runs until March 31, 2013.
For reservations call 02-305-6000 or visit www.Novotel.com or www.Accorhotels.com
A new special seasonal room package for those planning to spend a trip to Bangkok: From now until Dec. 31, Windsor Suites Hotel Bangkok offers its well-appointed Executive Suites for only Bt3,999 net/room/night (single) and Bt4,499 net/rooom/night (twin-double) for those staying for at least two consecutive nights. A host of special privileges are included.
For more information and reservations, call 02 262-1234
You’re stressed, exhausted and need a break. The advise is to go somewhere where there is little to do. It’s not as if there’s nothing to do because Koh Samui is an island where you can either enjoy it all or do nothing at all. Yes, your break is done absolutely your way. And Mercure Samui Fenix’s “Sun and Sea Package” may just be the perfect package for your rest and relaxation. Package includes: two-way airport transfers, one lunch or dinner per booking and daily buffet breakfast. Offer ends Nov. 30.
For reservations, contact hotline: H7439-RE@accor.com
Akyra Chura Samui has announced a five-night “akyra Anniversary” package to celebrate the chic Chaweng resort’s first birthday last month. akyra Chura Samui is offering five nights of sophisticated beachfront fun, with a romantic candlelight private beach dinner for two including a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, a 60-minute pampering spa for couples, daily gourmet breakfast, and transfers. The package is available until Dec. 21.
For more information, contact 02-514-8112 or visit www.aleenta.com
Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa presents the “Thai Culinary Essence Package,” comprising a three-night stay in a deluxe room or suite with return airport transfers, daily breakfast, a 15-minute head-and-shoulder massage, and a Thai cooking class. The package combines one of the resort’s most popular signature activities with convenient and rewarding benefits to offer an interactive and indulgent taste of island life. This offer is valid from now until Dec. 20. Prices start from Bt16,560+++.
For more information and reservations, contact 075-205-888
18th Fl. Richmond Office Building
#75/65 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Tel. 02-204-2449; Fax. 02-204-2984
www.lookeasttravels.com
Thailand’s worldwide reputation is as varied as its geography. The “Land of Smiles” is equally known for its nightlife, beaches, mountains, wildlife, and more. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there’s something unique to do in Thailand that either you’ll only find here, or will not be the same anywhere else. These experiences range from truly novel ways to spend to your vacation to some truly unordinary options. Here are some:
Become a Monk for a Month
Those looking for something a bit deeper in their travels should look no further. Rather than coming to Thailand and quickly visiting a wat (temple) why not get a deeper, behind the scenes look at things? There are a few groups now offering monk packages of various lengths. You’ll live in the temple, practice guided meditation, and learn about the Eight Precepts all while soaking in authentic culture.
Volunteer
There is no shortage of organizations working to help the people of Thailand. Groups exist to help Thais from all walks of life — from orphans to those at risk of trafficking, from prostitutes to indigenous groups, and more. There are even organizations that work to motivate Thai people to help their neighbors. While certainly you can help people anywhere in the world, Thailand has some truly innovative and groundbreaking programs such as the pioneering Rahab Ministries that helps women stuck in the entertainment lifestyle in Bangkok.
Care for and Ride an Elephant
If you really want a full elephant experience while also giving something back, visit the Thai Elephant Home just outside of Chiang Mai. Here you get the opportunity to not only ride them, but also truly learn about elephants and how they live. You’ll spend time cleaning the elephants and their homes, cut grass to feed the elephants, and hopefully make friends with one of the giants. The best part is that you are assigned an elephant for the day, rather than dealing with different ones through the day, increasing the likelihood of a bonding experience. The Thai Elephant Home is located at 50 Charoen Rd, Chiang Mai. Tel: 089 434-2047; e-mail: wanacharts@yahoo.com
Explore Deeper Bangkok via Long-tail Boat
Bangkok was once known as the “Venice of the East.” These days many of the klongs (canals) have been paved over to accommodate growing modernization and development. There is still, however, a handful of river networks snaking their way through the city. Check out Klong Saen Saep, accessible at the end of most major roads along Suhkumvit. To get to the riverboats you need to leave the comfort of the BTS line (skytrain) and head to the end of Thonglor, Ekkamai, Asoke, etc. From the BTS station, grab a motorcycle taxi driver and tell the driver to get to the docks. Take the boat to the end of the line near Khao Sarn and enjoy a backdoor view of Bangkok not seen by those sticking with modern modes of transport.
Catch a Live Muay Thai Match in the Upper Decks
Catch a “Muay Thai” match at either the Lumpini or Rajadamnern Muay Thai stadiums, but don’t spring the extra baht for ringside. Instead head to the upper levels with the locals and watch the fight through a chain link fence. Here’s where the real action takes place: gambling, shouting, and the passion of true fight fans. It might not be the most comfortable experience, but you’re guaranteed to walk out with a story.
Get a Bamboo Tattoo
Most people take home a plate, poster, post card, or some other knick-knack from their journeys. A traditional style bamboo tattoo is for those wanting something a bit more personal and permanent. Instead of the dull motorized drone of a modern tattoo, bamboo tattoos are done with a long bamboo “spear” with a metal tip at the end. Your skin will be pierced manually and ink applied. Check out Wat Bang Phra in Nakhon Chaisri. Nakhon Chaisri is to the west of Bangkok, just outside of Nakhon Pathom. Here you can find many locals and a few adventurous foreigners receiving a sacred tattoo unique and personal to each person receiving.
Chomp Down on Something with Chompers
Thailand has long been famous for its food, but none is more infamous and notorious than its insect cuisine. Long favored by rural Thais, insect eating has become a tourist rite of passage in Thailand. With just a little bit of searching around Nana or Soi Cowboy late at night in Bangkok you’ll easily find a vendor (just look for the foreigners snapping pictures in the street). The vendors will typically serve up silk worms (maybe not the Thai Silk souvenir you thought you’d take away), grasshoppers, bamboo worms, water beetles, and crickets. Most of the insects have been battered and fried and could pass for anything if it’s dark enough (or the diner is drunk enough).
