Stories tagged with travel
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Northern Thailand Resort Awarded for Responsible Travel
It seems like we’re constantly being reminded of the ways we are ruining the environment, but it’s less often that we hear about the positive actions that are being taken – particularly when it comes to travel. Travel Indochina is making a point of demonstrating how we can enjoy our holiday experience and make a difference when it comes to protecting the environment.
Travel Indochina features offices in each of the countries where it offers small group travel packages. This leading specialist in Asian travel is positioned so that is able to hand-pick vendors who operate in an environmentally-responsible manner. Not only does Travel Indochina require responsible behaviour from the suppliers it works with, but it also works closely local vendors to develop their capabilities and set higher standards for the tourism industry.
One of Travel Indochina’s most popular resort hotels, the Anantara Golden Triangle located in Chiang Rai, Thailand, was recognized this past week by Forbes Traveler as one of the “World’s Most Responsible Hotels.”
Set amid stunning surroundings, and overlooking the hills of Laos and Myanmar and Laos, this picturesque property was recognised for protecting the environment, promoting conservation and also its humanitarian efforts. A highlight of a guest’s stay at the Anantara is a visit to an elephant camp, set in an adjacent, lush bamboo forest, where visitors learn about the training and handling of these gentle giants.
Chris Orme, general manager of Travel Indochina, explains why the Anantara features in their itineraries. “The Anantara Golden Triangle ticks all the right boxes for us in terms of responsible travel. The way in which they have made a sanctuary, not only for the elephants but for the elephant mahouts and their families, demonstrates their accordance with our principles.”
Posted by: Andrew on 24 Jun 2008, 21:36 -
FCO issues Thai travel advisory
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued a travel warning for Thailand, in anticipation of the political demonstrations that are expected to take place in Bangkok in the coming weeks that it says are potential flashpoints for violence.
Last month there were several incidents in the Kingdom of protests turning nasty, despite the fact that the government has become relatively stable following the bloodless coup two years ago. The FCO says that the situation is still unstable despite the fact that democratic elections were held at the end of last year.
With the planned large-scale protests, the FCo is warning travellers that violence could escalate in the wake of the demonstrations, and caution should be exercises both if in the country and in making the choice to visit. Warnings come after two bomb attacks in Bangkok killed two people and injured 15 others at the CS Pattani Hotel in March.
Posted by: DaveB on 03 Jun 2008, 19:44 -
Rich Thai travellers speak out
In a recent survey undertaken by American Express, High-end travellers from Thailand declared they wanted a bit more minimalism when it comes to premium service. Words like flexibility and privacy came up, with the vast majority of those surveyed stating they preferred getaways that focused on privacy and exclusivity rather than being involved with a large group.
Many business professionals and luxury travellers were surveyed to reach the results, and one man who wished to remain anonymous said, "Privacy is very important to me, so I stay at less known, smaller hotels now - I feel more at home at these places. I'm worn out by large hotels and the crowds; it's all just too much. Boutique hotels are like going to your friend's house – comfortable."
It was also found that package holidays are out. Travellers want to be flexible and be able to go where the wind blows them a bit when on holiday instead of having a day’s itinerary to face in the morning. One man said, "A perfect travel experience is something I design myself. If I travel, I want to be the one who sets the schedule. I don't want to do things that are pre-arranged. You have to do many things in life you may not want to do. So when you relax, you want it to be your way, not in a box that someone else has created for you."
Posted by: DaveB on 23 May 2008, 20:24 -
Cops get tough on chatting drivers
A new law affecting Chiang Mai motorists passed last month and implemented a few days ago bans the use of mobile phones while driving a car or a motorcycle. This has been put in place to counteract the number of road accidents caused by the driver of a vehicle losing concentration by talking on a mobile, phone. In an attempt to ease the change, any handsfree technology will be acceptable for now.
Drivers caught in violation of the new law face fines between 400 and 1000 baht, and police have been on the streets of Chaing Mai informing local drivers and tourists alike about the new rules. A parade left from the Airport Plaza shopping centre and continued along Hang Dong Road where explanatory leaflets were distributed to the public. The parade and the new law has been endorsed by Zoom Technology Ltd, who will provide a free headset or a Bluetooth device to people who can pass a Q&A relating to the new rules.
Posted by: Andrew on 22 May 2008, 16:13 -
Killer crossings on Thai railways
It’s just as well the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has just the one main line running up and down the length of the country as the amount of accidents at its level crossings of late is staggering.
The main reason being that many crossings have been built illegally by local people who are too lazy to cross at designated crossings. According to the railway traffic manager, Siripong Pruetiphan, the SRT ‘can do nothing to stop this kind of encroachment.’
Accident figures released by the SRT for 2006 numbered 185 involving trains and vehicles at railway crossings, with 53 deaths and 190 injuries. In 2007, the number of accidents almost doubled to 327.
Trains hitting animals and vehicles running into level crossings cause even further delays.
These startling figures - not unlike those of rural India - not only cause needless loss of life but add to the misery of passengers through hefty delays and cost the SRT in fuel.
According to Mr Siripong there are 2,443 crossings nationwide, of which just 1,908 were built with SRT permission. The other 535 were built illegally by local administrators mostly in remote areas.
The upshot of all these extra crossings is delays and extra costs for the SRT. Train drivers need to slow down when they approach a crossing and the effort to regain speed uses more fuel.
Tourists traveling by train, especially in rural areas, should allow plenty of extra time at the destination end to allow for any delays.
More on Rail travel in Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 29 Apr 2008, 09:56 -
Buses ready for Songkran
Bus services all over Thailand have been increased to ensure that people can get home in time to celebrate Songkran; the Thai New Year.
The news was announced by Transport Co. Ltd which was aware of the concern of holidaymakers and those wishing to return home that standard scheduled services would be full.
The transport company’s chief, Wuttichart Kalayanimitr, announced that bus services had been increased by as much as 40 per cent on Wednesday, when a significant number of people had already begun to travel home and many tourists were also on the road.
There will be double the normal amount of bus services across the country on April 11 and 12 amounting to about 6,500 services each day.
Songkran is the main holiday of the Thai year and officially runs from April 12 to 16, although many people take to the streets to sling water way beyond these dates.
Chiang Mai is one such place where water throwing has been taken to the extreme. Expect to be drenched anywhere in the city from April 13 to 15 – the actual Songkran dates where most of the festivities are celebrated.
Security in prominent cities and tourist spots will be heightened during the New Year.
More on Bus travel in Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 09 Apr 2008, 20:36 -
Songkran set for 12-16 April
This year's Songkran water festival will commence on Saturday April 12th and continue until Tuesday 15th, as gazetted by the Government. Since it falls over a weekend, a further holiday has been added on the 16th, although banks will open on this day.
Songkran is the busiest of Thailand's festivals and is a time when many Thais travel home to visit their families, making travel in the Kingdom crowded. Tourists are advised to make their plans in advance or avoid travelling during this period, especially on highways when accident rates increase.
Traditionally the splashing associated with Songkran starts several days in advance of the official dates (which according to the lunar calendar should commence on Sunday the 13th this year), therefore the whole country descends into an anarchic-like water fight for almost a week. Traffic jams ensue in the cities, and those travelling by motorbike find themselves drenched by roadside revellers.
Visitors who wish to avoid the water fights are advised to stay within the grounds of their hotel, take day trips away from the busy areas or travel by taxi. But the vast majority enter into the spirit of fun and join locals in the world's biggest water fight. The centre of urban areas, or locations near water are most populoar and lively and each city has a focal point for fun. In Chiang Mai - considered the best place to experience Songkran - the action is all around the moat, in Bangkok it can be found on the Khao San Road, while Pattaya's walking street is the 'wet' venue. In Phuket, Patong beachfront is perhaps the most popular, while other busy beach areas will also be active.
The first official day, Sunday, is likely to be the best day to participate, as the festival wears on people become tired and the turnout and atmosphere of the third day, Tuesday, is likely to be less lively. These are usually pre-occupied with the procession, while many Thai perform their traditional duties on these days. However, there is always a busy itinerary of events throughout the festival, taking place at local civic centres and temples, including sand castle building, parades, beauty pageants and more. Read your local press for more details.
Posted by: Andrew on 02 Apr 2008, 09:15 -
Lofty tourism income target for 2008
Under the newly elected government, the Tourism and Sports Ministry has set an ambitious target of Bt800 billion for tourism revenue, up from Bt490 billion in 2007.
Minister Weerasak Kowsurat made the proposal at the first meeting between travel agencies and the private sector recently. The original target was 547 billion, a reasonable 10% increase but the minister, in line with the ambitious economic growth projections of the Samak led government, has upped it to a whopping 90% increase.
Weerasak said he would search for more "quality" tourists as they could spend more money while staying. He did not elaborate how this was achievable however, given that tourism as a luxury item would be the first item to be cut from people’s spending during an economic slowdown.
TAT governor Phornsiri Manoharn, plans to organise 28 foreign roadshows and join 150 trade shows this year to promote Thailand as a destination, especially in emerging new markets like Eastern Europe.
From June 6-8, the TAT is scheduled to join the International India Fair to promote wedding and honeymoon trips to Thailand. The TAT also hopes to attract up-to 520,000 Indians this year.
But big question marks remain. Despite a return to democratic rule political instability still exists and this might affect confidence in the country during 2008. Then there is the gradually strengthening baht which is making Thailand a less value-for-money destination. This is coupled with a looming recession in the US, likely to affect inbound numbers from North America.
Other issues, such as poor law enforcement and news of murders involving policemen, continuing incompetence in managing the new Suvarnabhumi airport and environmental hazards such as burning in the Northern provinces during dry season, continue to hamper efforts to promote tourism here.
The council also called on the ministry to set a target for inbound tourism revenue to reach Bt1 trillion in the next four years.
Posted by: Andrew on 06 Mar 2008, 12:02 -
Coldest Vietnam in four decades
Parts of Vietnam have reached their coldest temperatures since the 1960s with ice and snow on the Hoang Lien Son Mountain as well as Sa Pa town in the northern Lao Cai province.
Temperatures have plummeted to around minus three degrees Celsius, according to local media.
News agencies reported that Hoang Lien Son Mountain had seen the most severe frost in 40 years and that this was currently the longest cold snap on record for Vietnam.
Thousands of cattle have been killed by the cold in the northern provinces during the record month-long cold spell, particularly in the northern provinces near southern China.
Highland areas have naturally been worse hit, with 2,000 animals frozen in Ha Giang, around 1,500 in Son La and 1,000 in Lang Son, according to Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cao Duc Phat.
In addition, director of the ministry’s cultivation department, Nguyen Tri Ngoc, reported that 53,000 hectare of rice and 5,000 hectare of grain land had also been devastated by the cold in 16 provinces, including in Hai Duong, Phu Tho, Thai Binh, Hung Yen, Ha Nam and Haiphong City.
Mr Ngoc also blamed the farmers for not heeding ministry warnings of the cold.
The current record cold spell started on January 14 with previous long cold spells lasting for 28 days in 1989 and 26 days in 1968.
Tourists traveling to the region should heed weather warnings and be prepared for unusual cold.
Posted by: Andrew on 16 Feb 2008, 20:48 -
Pattaya crash victim back home
A UK tourist who badly injured himself after crashing his motorbike in Pattaya several months ago has finally made it back home.
Thirty-eight year old Richard Price, from Dover, ended up in a coma after bashing his head during the crash last November and unfortunately had no travel insurance.
He was unable to fly back to the UK as his mother could not afford the hefty fee for him to be flown with a paramedic.
The accident left him in a coma for weeks and he also suffered other complications, including partial brain damage. His hospital bills have spiraled to in excess of £30,000 – nearly two million baht.
Luckily for Mr Price, though, BBC South East Today viewers had been donating money towards his flight back to the UK and he eventually arrived back at Heathrow last week.
Mrs Price said on his arrival that she was very grateful to the people who had helped to fund the cost of Richard’s journey home.
‘Everyone's been absolutely fantastic. Without them I couldn't have done it, and I owe them so much,’ she said.
Posted by: Andrew on 05 Feb 2008, 21:06 -
Rain closes Jakarta airport
Sukarno Hatta Airport in Jakarta was closed on Friday by Indonesian authorities due to a heavy downpour which limited visibility.
The Jakarta based online news portal, Detik.com, reported that the limited visibility compromised safety.
Detik quoted an official at the Sukarno Hatta Airport named Luki as saying ‘We have delayed more than 120 flights coming in and out of the airport. If rain continues, there will be more flights delayed.’
Parts of Jakarta were inundated by filthy brown water which reached levels of nearly a metre, causing traffic in Jakarta to become seriously congested.
Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, was even forced to switch cars while traveling towards the state palace across the capital.
Indonesia has been hit by heavy rains since Thursday and they are expected to continue until well into Friday night, according to weather forecasters. China is also currently seeing excessive rain.
Those traveling between Thailand and Indonesia are advised to check ahead on the situation or choose another airport before booking tickets.
Getting to Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 01 Feb 2008, 19:29 -
State Railway to slash fares
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has decided to slash the price of short-range fares amid a world of rising oil prices.
The move will take place in February and according to the head of the State Railway of Thailand’s public relations department, Pairat Rotecharoen-ngarm, the notion is to help out commuters who already have to cope with increasing expenditure all round due to higher oil prices.
‘Starting on February 1, express trains traveling less than 300kms will have their fares slashed’ says Pairat Rotecharoen-ngarm.
Tariffs will come down to 20 baht for the first 50kms; 30 baht for a distance of less than 150kms; and just 50 baht for a distance of less then 300kms.
The price reductions will also be of benefit to budget travelers in Thailand on short journeys, including the likes of Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and Bangkok to Hua Hin.
The ticketing system has also been adjusted and improved upon by the SRT, which will see more efficiency in postponement and ticket reimbursement systems.
For more details on the move, contact SRT’s 24-hour hotline on 1690.
Train times to and from Bangkok
Posted by: Andrew on 23 Jan 2008, 17:10 -
Improved rights for air passengers
Airlines operating in Thailand are to face tough new legal requirements making them more accountable to passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled.
Under rules set by the Transport Ministry effective this month, passengers on scheduled domestic routes will be entitled to ticket refunds and/or compensation in the case of delays and cancellations.
The new regulations are similar to what international airlines have been providing passengers for years and are particularly aimed at Thailand’s low-cost carriers.
For example; passengers can claim a refund and/or compensation of 1,200 baht per leg if the flight is cancelled or delayed more than three hours, or 600 baht if the aircraft departs within three hours of the scheduled departure time.
If a passenger is denied boarding, depending on the circumstances, they will also be entitled to a full refund and possible compensation of 1,200 baht.
Airlines must also provide food and drinks for delayed passengers and allow them the use of a telephone, fax, or email service twice. The airline must also provide free accommodation and airport transfers for flights delayed for a day or more.
Cases associated with passenger health, airline security, air safety and travel document-related problems may see the airline deny refunds and/or compensation.
Furthermore, if the airline has warned passengers of the delay/cancellation at least three days prior to the departure, or the delay is down to severe weather, political upheaval or airport security, for instance, then the airline in question cannot be held accountable.
Flying in Thailand and Thai airports
Posted by: Andrew on 10 Jan 2008, 16:15 -
Qantas close shave over Bangkok
A Qantas jumbo is currently stranded in Bangkok after losing all electrical power during a flight from London. The captain was forced to use the battery back-up system Australian authorities have confirmed.
Flight QF2 was luckily on its final approach to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport when the failure took place. The plane landed safely and all 344 passengers and crew were reported to be safe and well.
An Australian newspaper quoted an experienced 747 pilot as saying, ‘If this had happened over the ocean in the middle of the night, it would probably have crashed.’
The reason being that the batteries only provide back-up power for up to an hour, meaning the plane would have to be on the ground within 1,000kms.
The incident has been reported to Boeing and chief Qantas pilot Chris Manning says ‘Obviously Qantas, Boeing and ourselves are keen to get to the bottom of it’.
The Qantas 747-400 has four generators, one attached to each engine, as well as two generators on the auxiliary power unit.
The aircraft is being repaired and assessed at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Qantas is one of the world’s safest airlines and has never had a crash. Its most serious incident also involved Thailand and a 747-400, when the aircraft aquaplaned and skidded off the runway at Don Muang Airport in 1999.
No-one was injured in that incident either and Qantas maintained its flawless record by having the plane totally repaired at considerable expense.
Thailand Travel Tips
Posted by: Andrew on 09 Jan 2008, 17:06 -
Chiang Mai still for cheap charlies
Chiang Mai has a reputation as a cheap backpacker destination, but the opening of several luxury hotels recently has hoped to change that. However, recent statistic reveal that there is still a relatively low expenditure per head. In fact average spending per day is 1000 baht less than the national tourism average.
On average, visitors to Chiang Mai spend just 2,700 baht per day, compared to 3,700 as an average among other popular tourist destinations. Figures for this year were slightly up on the previous year but it indicates the city has quite gone upmarket as many locals had hoped for.
Chiang Mai is known as one of the best value destinations for tourists in Thailand, with prices in general up to 50 per cent cheaper for services than Bangkok or Phuket. It’s one of the main selling points of the city.
Last year five million people visited this historic Northern city, of which two million were foreigners. This partly explains the low average, since the city is a very popular winter destination among Thais especially from Bangkok. They come to enjoy the novelty of cool weather but do not have big holiday budgets like those earning abroad.
The breakdown of daily expenditure was revealed thus; 676 baht for accommodation, 461 baht for food, 500 baht for transportation, 672 baht for souvenir shopping and 400 baht for entertainment. In Phuket a traveller would struggle to find accommodation for just 600 baht, but Chiang Mai has plenty of cheap guesthouses catering to backpackers who stay longer and spend less.
"Entrepreneurs, including hoteliers and service providers, should offer different products with higher quality to tap into a niche market and more income" suggested Songvit Itthipttanakul, president of the Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association.
He forecast a 5 to 10 per cent increase in visitors numbers for 2008, increasing total revenue to 49 million baht. Local tour operators and agents have complained of an unusually quiet season so far, whereas the city was overwhelmed this time last year by crowds visiting the Royal Flora Expo.
Posted by: Andrew on 26 Dec 2007, 21:16 -
New Phuket guidebook launched
Adding to the many available guidebooks on the bookstore shelves is a highly recommended home-grown book; Exploring Phuket and Phi Phi.
Published by Thai company Within Books and written by long-standing local resident Oliver Hargreaves, the guide is a refreshing new take on this popular tourist destinations and delves into cultural, historic and local details like no other.
This manageable, full glossy book is packed with pictures, maps and offbeat information about the development of the island and stories behind the people living here, offering a social conscience on issues that are untouched in regular guidebooks.
Exploring Phuket, which sells in all local bookshops for 850 baht ($24,99), offers all the usual tourist information, such as sightseeing suggestions, where to eat and stay and how to get there. It also has numerous maps and some 3D renditions of temple complexes and famous streets.
Author Oliver Hargreaves has extensively researched the background of Phuket, including archives in Thai script only, to give the traveller a far more comprehensive view of the island than standard mass tourism editions such as Lonely Planet and Rough Guides.
The book is part of a series that includes the popular and much recommended Chiang Mai City, Valley and Mountains. It offers a refreshing format for travellers who are interested in more than just beaches and sights, and gives visitors a more thorough understanding and experience of Phuket.
Other online guides to Phuket.
Posted by: Andrew on 21 Dec 2007, 11:33 -
National Park fees lowered
After nearly a year of complaints from all parties the National Parks Board has finally agreed to lower the entrance fees to parks back to 200 baht. This follows an ill-considered decision earlier this year to double the fee for foreigners to 400 baht ($12).
An investigation into the pricing resulted from tour operators complaining that the steep fees were making it difficult for them to cost their tours profitably, and the final decision may have been affected by falling numbers visiting some of Thailand’s best treasures. It has now been agreed that 200 baht, which itself was a controversial 10-fold increase when introduced in 2003, is a more realistic fee. Thai nationals and local residents continue to pay 20 baht.
In a new move, the Parks Board have also agreed to set variable pricing according to the popularity of each park, with some entrance fees reduced to 100 baht. Children pay half price. While some parks are worth 200 baht, smaller places aren’t attractive enough to justify this fee, and certainly not 400 baht. It lead to some receiving no foreign visitors at all, as tour operators altered their itineraries to ignore these poor value sites.
Fees for two parks however have remained at 400 baht, these are the Similan and Surin Islands off the Andaman coast. Both are marine reserves that are receiving too many visitors to sustain their delicate eco-systems. The entrance fee for Thais to certain crowded parks has also been raised to 40 baht.
Department chief Chalermsak Wanichsombat said the fee adjustment was aimed at promoting tourism.
Complete guide to Thailand and it’s parks.
Posted by: Andrew on 07 Dec 2007, 15:18 -
More Phi Phi hotels approved
Phi Phi Don is set to get more hotel rooms, after plans were finally approved for some hotels to rebuild following the tsunami of 2004. Despite three years lapsing since the disaster, authorities have dragged their feet in approving new building plans, preferring a more structured and cautious approach.
The December 26th tsunami, which completely wiped out the island’s infrastructure, caused more grief for local business people than expected, as recovery on the island has been slow. At present only a handful of hotels and guesthouses have rebuilt and opened for business. It has left the island in a far more pleasant an natural state but businesses that previously existed on the popular island have been disenfranchised.
Finally, hotels and guesthouses that existed before December 2004 have been given licences to rebuild, adding to the island’s chronic shortage of hotel rooms. This follows a directive from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, but restrictions remain unclear. Buildings may now be as high as nine meters, up from six, but it remains unclear whether they should be at least 20 or 30 meters from the water. Furthermore, their ground floor must be at least 80cm above sea level.
At least four large hotels have been waiting for the go ahead, said Charnarong Techaratkij, owner of the Phi Phi Princess Hotel. He estimates that at least 1000 new jobs will be created once these are complete. However, the final approval doesn’t seem to address the unplanned over-development that chronically afflicted the island, and it is feared that this famous Andaman destination will, in years to come, once again become spoilt.
More on Phi Phi island
Posted by: Andrew on 14 Nov 2007, 16:55 -
Thai Rail Workers Strike
A rail strike left thousands of passengers stranded just south of Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok. Trade Unions called for workers across the country to go on strike in an effort to dissuade the government from signing a trade pact that would allow Japanese firms to enter the Thai rail market.
As a result of the strike, 2,000 passengers in nine trains were forced to get on buses, according to reports from local officials.
Nine south-bound trains were affected. Director of southern train services, Tanongsak Pongprasert said: "The strike forced State Rail of Thailand to cancel our daily southern schedule of 18 trains to and from Bangkok, which will affect two to three thousand passengers a day."
He added that a further 12 trains had been canceled. On average these trains carry approximately 1,000 passengers per day including many tourists who are heading from the capital to beach destinations. Many travelers to Thailand take trains down the coast, then get on a boat to get to popular island resorts on Koh Samui or Ko Phagn Nan.
Northern service director Surin Piaprasert said that trains to the north had also been affected by the strike. Trains are the best way to get to Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai although several budget airlines such as Air Asia and Nok Air also offer cheap flights.
An official working at the Commerce Ministry said the strike is a simple misunderstanding. The Japanese-Thai Economic Partnership Agreement which will come into force on Thursday this week will not have the effects the union anticipates.
"There's no direct link between JTEPA and privatization of state enterprises. Someone may try to turn this into a political issue," said the official.
Posted by: Jen on 01 Nov 2007, 10:55 -
Direct Flights between Phuket and Fukuoka
According to an article in Thais News, Phuket Governor Nirund Kalayanamit has announced that following the travel road show in Japan Bangkok Airways has agreed to launch direct flights between Fukuoka and Phuket around May next year.
Posted by: Toony on 11 Jul 2007, 16:31