Special low fares for Jet Airways' Mumbai-Bangkok flights

Mumbai: Jet Airways has announced a special economy class one–way fare of INR 4388 to mark the launch of its Mumbai - Bangkok service 9W 68, a second frequency to the Thai capital, effective August 16.
Jet Airways' guests may avail of this fare, specifically introduced for them, applicable only on outbound travel on 9W 68, from Mumbai to Bangkok, with an option to choose any other flight on the return Bangkok – Mumbai sector.
This fare is valid for sale with immediate effect until August 5, whilst outbound travel must commence on or before October 15.
Jet Airways has also re-introduced a special Premiere fare of INR 25000 (one way) valid for sale and travel with immediate effect until September 30, on this second frequency.
With the introduction of this flight, Jet Airways' leisure and business travellers now have a choice of flights to Bangkok either late at night or in the afternoon and return in the evening or the following morning.
Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 83 aircraft, which includes 10 Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, 12 Airbus A330-200 aircraft, 47 next generation Boeing 737-700/800/900 aircraft and 14 modern ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft. With an average fleet age of 4.57 years, the airline has one of the youngest aircraft fleet in the world.
Flights to 64 destinations span the length and breadth of India and beyond, including New York (both JFK and Newark), Toronto, Brussels, London (Heathrow), Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Jeddah.

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Bangkok : Where is, history and other tourist information to visit this place.

Bangkok, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, is the dynamic capital of Thailand. It is also the largest city in the country with about 7,000,000 inhabitants. This wealthy city, which is the 22nd most populated city in the world, receives about 15 million visitors annually.
Bangkok is characterised by a tropical climate which remains humid for a major part of the year. The city experiences alternate periods of dry and wet seasons. Dry seasons are warm with high humidity levels while it gets pleasant in the nights.
Historically, the city of Bangkok was a small trading centre which has now developed into an important economic and financial hub in Southeast Asia. Interestingly, the full name of the city is listed as the world’s longest name of a place in the Guinness Book of Records.


Ayutthaya
The historic city of Ayutthaya is an ancient, yet modern, city on an island in the Central Plains of Thailand. It is the capital city of the Ayutthaya province and is around 90 km from Bangkok. It lies at the junction of the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pa Sak Rivers.
With a population of more than 75,000 people, the city experiences temperatures ranging from approximately 20°C–37°C; November–February is considered as the best time to visit.
Ayutthaya was destroyed in 1767 by the Burmese army, but its ruins still remain at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, with the modern town being set among the ruins. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
The cheapest and most scenic way to get to Ayutthaya is by train. However, minibuses and regular coaches from Bangkok are also available.


Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the second largest and one of the most significant cities in Thailand. Located on the Ping River, it is also the capital of the Chiang Mai Province. Home to a population of about 170,000 inhabitants, Chiang Mai is regarded as one of the premiere destinations in Asia owing to its mix of modern and traditional charm.
The climate in Chiang Mai is equatorial in nature with hot, humid summers and pleasant, cool winters. During July to October, monsoon rains bring forth the lush greenery. Winters are the best time to visit as this is when the climate is mild with bright sunshine and blooming flowers.
Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 and was a significant centre for pottery, carving and other arts. The city has still retained its glory in the various art and crafts shops. Today, it is a rapidly developing city in Thailand.


Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town in the northern Malay Peninsula of Thailand. The town is 200 km south of the capital city Bangkok and lies on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand.
Hua Hin is easily accessible from the capital city via the Hua Hin airport which presently caters to domestic flights. The train station is conveniently located in the centre of town.
Characterised by a hot and tropical climate, Hua Hin has the lowest rainfall in Thailand. The warm season is usually from November–April, with ocean breezes alleviating temperatures.
The population of Hua Hin is around 85,000. The King of Thailand has a summer palace in Hua Hin, which he uses regularly, and as a result, there is quite a lot of security in this region. It is also a good weekend getaway for locals and a lovely retirement option for foreigners.

Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the third largest island in the Kingdom of Thailand. It is located in the Surat Thani province and lies more than 500 km south of Bangkok. The tropical island, roughly circular in shape, is situated in the Gulf of Thailand.
Koh Samui has an airport with daily flights to Bangkok, but many tourists prefer using the night train, buses and ferries to avail of cheaper options to reach the island.
The island has a temperate climate with warm sunny temperatures that usually stay above 25°C. February to May is considered the hottest time of the year, and October to December generally isn’t advisable for a visit owing to the heavy monsoon.
Koh Samui has a population of nearly 50,000 people. It is surrounded by at least 60 sister islands which constitute the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is the capital of the province of Mae Hong Son, Thailand. This small and sleepy town lies on the banks of the River Pai and is located close to the Myanmar border. It is also said to be Thailand’s second northernmost provincial capital.
The town is served by the Mae Hong Son Airport, although it is possible to reach the town by road from the nearby tourist city of Chiang Mai.
Climate in Mae Hong Son is much cooler than the rest of Thailand. The town is covered with mist most of the year and earns a nickname of ‘the City of Three Mists’ because of the dewy mist in winter, the rain mist in the monsoons and the forest fire mist in summer. The best and most scenic time to visit is between November and April.
The population of Mae Hong Son is more than 6,000 people, which includes various hill tribe communities living in the region.

Rayong
Rayong is a scenic city in Thailand and the capital of the Rayong Province. Located close to the Gulf of Thailand, Rayong is a major agricultural and industrial centre of the country. Home to a population of about 54,000, the city is also a favoured tourist destination.
The city is defined by a tropical climate which is humid in nature. Frequent rains are experienced in this region. Although the temperatures are high, cool breezes temper the heat to a great extent. November to February is the best period to visit for the pleasant climate.
Historically, Rayong has been witness to various battles and takeovers. However, it continued to develop its economy relying heavily on fishing and agriculture. Today, it is a major industrial centre with rubber, manufacturing and the port industry being the main components.

Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani, also called Ubon, is the capital city of Ubon Ratchathani Province in Thailand. The city is located south-east of the Isaan region and lies on the banks of the Mun River. Ubon is one of the country’s largest provincial capitals and is more than 600 km north-east of Bangkok.
The Ubon Ratchathani-Muang Ubon Airport in the north of the city is a dual international airport and a Royal Thai Air Force Base. There are daily rail connections with Bangkok.
Ubon lies around 100 m above sea level and has average temperatures of around 25°C. However, during summers temperatures can rise up to 30°C or more.
The population of Ubon is estimated to be more than 100,000 people. With its natural wonders, heritage attractions and silk producing centres, Ubon Ratchathani is a popular Thai tourist destination.

Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Islands, known as the ‘Jewels of the Andaman Sea’, are a tiny group of islands located between the large island of Phuket and the western coast of mainland South Thailand.
The islands, home to around 2,000 people, are divided into two parts: Phi Phi Don (the larger group and the principal of the two) and the smaller Phi Phi Leh; together they comprise the Phi Phi National Marine Park and form an extension of the mainland Krabi province.
Destination Air Shuttle, the country’s sole seaplane shuttle, flies to Phi Phi from the Phuket International Airport. You can also take a pleasant boat ride from Krabi’s Chao Fah Bridge Pier.
The summer season in Phi Phi is between November and April, while the laden monsoon rains fall from May to October. Average temperatures are between 17°C–37°C.

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Hilary is back with bang after Asia tour: NYT

NEW YORK - After being supposedly sidelined at home due to a broken elbow, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s increased visibility during her recent visit to India and Thailand has brought her back into the political limelight, says a New York Times editorial.


At every stop on her week-long trip, Clinton delivered the same message: “The United States is back,” but according to the editorial what she was hinting at that she was back.

Her unexpected statements about Iran, North Korea and Myanmar not only made headlines, but also solidified her position as America’s chief diplomat and most reliable celebrity, trailing President Obama only in terms of star power.

Her recent comments on world’s most sensitive issues even prompted her aides to issue clarifications. She had warned about nuclear links between North Korea and Myanmar. And she offered a rare glimpse into what the United States might do if Iran did not respond to Washington’s diplomatic overture.

In Bangkok, Clinton batted away suggestions that she had been marginalized. She said, it was a canard propagated by the media, which jumped on the fact that her recovery from an elbow injury had forced her to cancel two foreign trips, including one with Obama to Russia.

“I’m not with the president on the trip and all of a sudden everybody goes, ‘Oh, where is she? She’s gone, disappeared,’ ” Clinton said in a tone of mock horror on a TV show.

Hilary’s interviews in India reveal how she resisted Obama’s initial job offer and gave him names of people she thought would be suitable candidates. Obama told her he needed her and his persistence wore her down.

“He gave me an enormous amount of authority as Secretary of State, and really everything I asked for so that I could do the job that he wanted me to do,,” she said, “and I was running out of excuses.”

Now, back in the business, Clinton seems determined to continue with her breakneck schedule back home. On Friday, she scheduled a full day of meetings, including one with the Iraqi prime minister, Nuri Kamal al-Maliki. On Sunday, she is to appear live on a “Meet the Press” to discuss various issues.

And next week, she will be the co-chairwoman of a high-level meeting with Chinese officials, along with Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner. (ANI)

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Travel news in brief

Travel news in brief including a crackdown on scams in Thailand; a legal threat to Thomson, Virgin and BA price-fixing payout; and route watch.

Passengers have threatened to take legal action against Britain’s biggest tour operator after contracting norovirus while on a Thomson cruise in May. The law firm Irwin Mitchell, acting for 17 passengers who travelled on Thomson Spirit, has questioned hygiene standards on the ship. Thomson says every effort was made to contain the virus, and that an outbreak on board a cruise ship is not indicative of a failing in hygiene standards.

Crackdown on scams

Police authorities in Thailand are to be tougher with illegal taxis and unlicensed guides at Bangkok airport. The transport minister, Sohpon Zarum, called for new measures to protect foreign tourists.

Price-fixing payout

BA and Virgin Atlantic are to pay compensation to up to 170,000 British passengers following allegations of price-fixing over fuel surcharges. The law firm Hausfeld & Co confirmed that payments of between £2 and £10 per flight had been authorised in 133,000 cases.

Route watch

Aer Lingus (www.aerlingus.com) will start a daily service from Heathrow to Shannon on October 25.

Hellenic Imperial (www.hellenicairways.com) will start a weekly service from Birmingham to Athens this weekend, aiming to make it twice weekly next month.

Air Pacific (www.airpacific.com) will start a twice-weekly service from Hong Kong to Fiji in December.

Icelandair (www.icelandair.com) will fly between Glasgow and Reykjavik from August 27.

EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) will fly from Luton to Tel Aviv from November 2, and to Agadir from November 10.

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China Invasion of Phuket Begins: Photo Special

THE FIRST of 105 new flights from China arrived on Phuket last night, greeted with smiles, Thai dancing, beating drums, and a sense of relief.

There was no swine flu scanner to greet the arrival of the 160 tourists from Guangzhou. What would be the point?

As a pandemic, the H1N1 virus is now everywhere, and no longer a reason not to travel.

And as China is considered to be a difficult market for Thailand to win right now, the flight was something of a triumph, going healthily against the trend.

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By Phuketwan's rough calculations, the Guangzhou flights in the next year at a rate of two a week are worth about 250 million baht in extra spending on the island.

Little wonder then that passengers on last night's first flight were greeted enthusiastically by the Governor, Wichai Praisa-nob, his wife, Thaisika, Vice Governor, Worapot Rattasima, the regional director of The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Setthapan Putthani, and the general manager of Phuket Airport, Prathuang Somkhom.

Leading the incoming tourists, who will stay for five days, was Chen-Pbi Yu, CEO of CZL Travel, a large Guagzhou agent, and a local secretary of the Communist Party.

''This is my first time on Phuket,'' she said. ''The welcome is a wonderful surprise.''

As Phuketwan reported earlier this month, passenger numbers through Phuket in June dipped by 8.60 percent in June, taking the total decline for the first six months of 2009 to 13.28 percent.

This compares favorably with the decline of almost 23 percent reported for international travellers through Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in June.

While Phuket has had to deal with the economic downturn, swine flu and political uncertainty in Thailand, Bangkok has those three, plus allegations of an extortion scam.

Phuket TAT has been trying to unlock the China market for quite a while.

The invasion of the Pattaya Asean summit in April and street scuffles in Bangkok brought the previous attempt undone.

Last night, all went well. Among the arriving passengers were seven members of the Yuan family, all dressed in orange shirts.

Siyin Yuan, 23, a student, who speaks English, said it was the first time the family had holidayed together overseas.

''We've been waiting for a long time to come,'' she said. ''Lots of people talk about Phuket in Guagnzhou. Here's hoping it's as good as people tell us it is.''

China is not the only market that Phuket is tapping. New flights from Korea begin on Monday, with two flights a week coming until October.

New 747 charter flights from Spain began last Wednesday, with each flight carrying 450 passengers, and will continue twice a week until October.

Airport Scam: Duty Free Store Declares Innocence
Latest The duty free firm named in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi scam declares its innocence as the airport, a transit stop for many passengers to Phuket, prepares for a crackdown.

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The best hotel in Bangkok

Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply somewhere to enjoy the finer things in life, sometimes only five-star luxury will suffice. But, in today’s economic climate, hotels have to go a lot further in order to entice holidaymakers to part with their hard-earned money.

When paying top dollar for a suite or villa, travellers want to know that they’re getting VIP treatment. It’s all about the experience. With this in mind, Carol Driver reviews the best hotels in Thailand for travelbite.co.uk, starting with the five-star Lebua in Bangkok.

Standing, literally, head and shoulders above other hotels in Bangkok, the reputation of Lebua at State Tower precedes it.

I had seen the pictures, so I had expectations as high as the 247-metre tall building even before visiting what has been described as the finest, all-suite hotel in the Thai capital.

But, when I arrive at midnight, I’m tired after two flights to get from Vietnam to Bangkok airport – a 40-minute drive away – and want to relax. The staff are efficient and very friendly and I’m checked in quickly and taken to my 52nd-floor room.

I want to go straight to sleep, but my two-bedroom executive suite – one of 358 rooms - demands me to explore.

At more than 118 square metres, the word “spacious” doesn’t quite do it justice. There is a separate lounge area with two large sofas and a plasma TV – and there are two other TVs – one each in the generous bedrooms.

The master bedroom also boasts a welcoming king-size bed and an oversized en-suite bathroom.
The design is modern East-meets-West, without being complicated, and it’s very elegant, using calm, earthly colours.

However, the piece du resistance is actually outside of Lebua’s stylish rooms – which also has four large sets of double doors around the suite which lead out on to balconies.

The hotel is in the second tallest tower in Bangkok, and, situated by the Chao Phraya River in Silom Road, the panoramic view of the frenzied city is stunning.



I’m tempted to order a midnight cocktail from the 24-hour room service and take in the majestic sights for longer, but instead I decide to succumb to sleep – and I’m glad I do, as I wake up in the morning completely refreshed.

A buffet breakfast offering every type of cuisine imaginable – from spicy Thai soup to bacon and eggs - is available from the colourfully decorated Middle Eastern-themed Cafe Mozu which is next to the impressive outdoor pool. I fill up on an array of dishes before setting off to explore the city.

Lebua is based in the centre of Bangkok’s financial district – convenient for business travellers and also for tourists – as the main attractions, including the Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha are within easy reach.

That evening, I have reservations at Breeze – one of State Tower’s four highly acclaimed restaurants. For an aperitif, there are three bars from which to choose including Sky Bar – on the 63rd floor at The Dome, it’s one of the world’s highest open air bars with breathtaking views.

My guest and I make our way to Breeze – which is located high above sea level on the 51st and 52nd floors, with half undercover in case of bad weather. The entrance to the restaurant is dramatic – we walk over the impressive, 25-metre, space-age blue sky bridge which is suspended above a lily pond – overlooking the twinkling lights of the city.



Dubbed as a contemporary Asian seafood restaurant, the menu is extensive – and the chef is happy to create a tasting menu so diners can sample a selection of the dishes on offer.

Ken Ho works his magic and we make our way through delicate, mouth-watering courses – including Shanghai style chilled drunken pork with Japanese edamame beans and jelly fish as well as grilled Chilean seabass with asparagus in Tahiti lemon sauce - accompanied by a selection of wines from the 3,000-strong choice available.

The meal is exquisite – as is my stay at Lebua. With attentive, friendly staff, luxurious rooms, restaurants offering unique dining experiences and views that simply take your breath away, it’s obvious why the award-winning hotel is held in such high regard.

And, if it’s five-star luxury for a special occasion or business trip that you’re looking for, Lebua, which towers – in every sense of the word - over other Bangkok hotels, should be your first choice.

Carol Driver

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