Thais Choose Chiang Mai as the Top Cool Season Destination

Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Mai ranks as the top destination for Thais wanting to travel during the upcoming cool season. According to the survey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), some 39% said that they wanted to go to Chiang Mai, 11% said they chose Loei province, and 9% said they wanted to go to the resort island of Phuket. NIDA conducted the opinion poll among 1,245 Thais nationwide at all educational levels and careers.

Regarding travel companions, 73% said they wanted to go with family, 19% said with friends, and 8% said with lovers. For each journey, most of them said they planned to take three to four days for a holiday and to spend around Bt14,500 per person. Concerning types of accommodation, 30% said they would stay at resorts, 23% at hotels, and 20% at relatives’ or friends’ homes. 42% said they searched for tourism information from the internet, 41% from relatives and friends, and 23% from television.

Long Boat Races in Phra Pradaeng this weekend

Towards the end of the rainy season and the end of the Buddhist Lent, usually in October, local people come together to race boats on canals and rivers. The timing of these events are set by the phases of the moon. For Phra Pradaeng in Samut Prakan it is on the 4th day of the waning moon of the 11th lunar month. Which translates as being on 3-5 November this year. This will take place along the waterfront in Phra Pradaeng in front of the district hall. I’m told that the racing will take place from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. However, if it’s anything like the last two years, they won’t start until after 2:30 p.m. I will be there on Saturday for the first day and you can follow me on Twitter @RichardBarrow for updates to the schedule.

Buffalo Racing in Chonburi 2012

One of the most popular events that is organized towards the end of the rainy season every year is the Buffalo Racing in Chonburi. This takes place in front of the provincial buildings. The festivities will run from 26 October to 1 November 2012. However, the popular buffalo racing takes place on Monday 29th October. As well as the racing there will be buffalo beauty contests, parades and sporting events such as climbing the greasy pole. Follow @RichardBarrow on Twitter for the latest news and live pictures from this event.

Visitors Urged to Get “Miracle Thailand Card” for Discounted Shopping

Visitors to Thailand this high season should make it a point to ask their travel agents and tour operators for a “Miracle Thailand Card” to help them take advantage of discounted shopping during their stay. TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said the TAT is supporting this initiative, launched by one of Thailand’s leading banks, the Krung Thai Bank (KTB), in partnership with the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), to help all visitors get better value for money from their shopping experience.

Offered as part of a campaign entitled, “Miracle Thailand Card for the Miracle Journey in Thailand”, the card is valid for use from now until December 31, 2012. This will make it perfect for those planning to do their shopping for the Christmas and New Year period while in Thailand.

Further details about the Miracle Thailand Card are as follows:

AVAILABILITY: The Miracle Thailand Card is available from Krung Thai Bank branches, KTB currency exchange booths throughout Thailand, members of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), and other travel agents in Thailand, as well as some Tourism Authority of Thailand offices. Purchasers have to register the card on this website

It functions as a debit card with a minimum stored value of US$3. The amount can be topped up at any KTB branch or KTB currency exchange booth throughout Thailand. Cardholders are advised to make a one time top-up to avoid exchange rate variations. Any remaining amount will be refunded upon surrendering the card at any KTB branch when departing Thailand.

PRIVILEGES:

• Exclusive discounts of 5 to 70% from more than 400 brand-name stores at the top shopping centers in Bangkok: Siam Paragon, The Mall, The Emporium, Siam Piwat Group, MBK Centre, Siam Centre, Siam Discovery Centre, and Paradise Park.
• King Power: 10% discount at King Power duty free shop.
• Siam Niramit: 10% discount on show tickets.
• Siam Park City: Only 750 Baht from 1,150 Baht (normal price) for both the entrance fee ticket and a buffet, when purchasing a minimum of park tickets.
• Personal Accident Insurance valid for the first seven days after registration of the card.
• Life insurance and loss-of-sight coverage of up to 1,000,000 Baht and travel accident medical expense coverage of up to 500,000 baht, and First Aid Medical Expenses of up to 10,000 Baht. No advanced payment is required for First Aid Medical Expenses at any 260 high standard hospitals throughout Thailand.
• No surcharge for cash withdrawals from any ATM machines in Thailand, which helps save the cash withdrawal surcharge of up to 150 Baht usually levied by credit cards.
• Automatic 5% discount upon showing the Miracle Thailand Card when buying normally-priced products in Power Mall, Gourmet Market, Home Fresh Mart (except Pharmacy, Wine Cellar, Food Hall, Food Court, Take Home, Park Food Hall, Serviced Shop and rental shops). The 5% discount applies even if cardholders pay by cash or regular credit card.

For further information, please visit the Miracle Thailand Card page at Krung Thai Bank.