Tourism

Visititing Bangkok on a Budget: Luxury for Less

Published

8 years ago

December 9, 2016

Bchcomber

The food court called Pier 21 located at 5th floor (San Francisco theme) is thronged with locals and you could find a variety of cheap options that will definitely fit anyone’s budget.

BANGKOK – One of the most packed places to dine in Thailand’s capital is not a restaurant with tablecloths and fussy waiters. It’s the food court at the Terminal 21 shopping mall.

Stall after stall on the fifth floor of this mall offers an array of cuisines and dishes: Thai, Chinese, Indian, Hainanese, vegetarian, halal, spicy papaya salad, rice noodles, soup with fish balls, and fresh fruit juices.

At least a dozen people queue up to buy 100 Thai Baht debit cards to gain access to the eateries. That is about $3.

Few meals at Pier 21 will exceed that price. And few meals will disappoint.

“Look at these prices,” says Evan Roe, a native of Washington, D.C., who used to live in Bangkok and is visiting with a friend. “I’d come here for lunch all the time. It’s always packed because it has good, cheap food.”

A dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River taking in both Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and the Rama 8 Bridge

This is Bangkok, an exotic city where you can eat, drink, stay, and get pampered for far less than you would in New York or most other cosmopolitan cities. On a recent evening, I struggle to eat enough to use my preloaded debit card. My card gets me duck with noodles, dumplings, and mango with sticky rice.

A round-trip economy airfare to Bangkok this fall cost less on Etihad Airways from New York City than a trip to Europe on any U.S. airline: $689 vs. more than $1,000. A night at a luxury five-star hotel such as the Banyan Tree or Metropolitan COMO was in the low-$100 price range. Compare that to $545 for a night at the Peninsula New York.

Granted, it can take up to 24 hours to get to Thailand from the eastern U.S., if you don’t get a non-stop flight. But once you arrive, you can pay $10 for an hour-long massage that will soothe any distressed muscles.

Airfares to Asia and other continents have been trending downwards thanks to lower jet fuel prices. A stronger U.S. dollar has made traveling overseas more affordable—which means that a trip to Asia is as approachable to U.S. citizens as it’s ever been. And with terrorist attacks plaguing the European Union, Asia now seems like an appealing alternative.

Upon my arrival in Bangkok, I head straight to Hua Hin, a seaside community just a few hours away, to decompress from the journey. For one night, and less than $200, I stay at the Aleenta Resort and Spa on the beach. The penthouse suite offers me a view of the ocean when I wake up. A gourmet breakfast of my choosing is included — eggs, noodle soup, pastries and more.

“We came here to show people you can have a really nice environment without being glitzy and glammy,” says general manager James Noble, who is from the United Kingdom.

A run on the beach leads me to a cave and peaceful trails. I take the route through town on the way back and chat with street vendors barbecuing chicken that they sell for less than $1.

After a day and night of sunbathing and dining by the water, I head back to Bangkok. Traffic is gnarly but any cab ride costs as much as a bottle of water. The MRT subway or BTS Skytrain are often better options, with fares that range from 22 cents to $1.12.

I stay at the Banyan Tree, where the most inexpensive room is a suite. The rooftop bar has one of the best views of the city.

For shopping, I head to the Chatuchak street market. The largest street market in Thailand, it has more than 8,000 stalls with vendors hawking everything from iPhone cases to socks to luggage. The quality of items is questionable but the sights, smells, sounds and energy are undeniably appealing.

I join friends for lunch at the food court.

“You can eat really cheap if you don’t mind eating this,” says Geofrrey Aggadasavin, an Australian who has lived in Bangkok for years.

“This” is a delicious chicken curry soup that he bought for me for about $2. It’s better than meals I have had at Michelin-starred restaurants run by celebrity chefs.

I then head to the movies. A ticket to see a Hollywood blockbuster at the Scala theater is $3.40. When I arrive a few minutes late, a man in a tuxedo with a yellow jacket escorts me to a seat with a flashlight to make sure I don’t fall down the stairs. There are no ticket machines accessed by credit cards. A cashier writes out your ticket on paper. It’s quaint, but the movie screen is as big as the one at the AMC Empire 25 in Times Square.

In the evening, I make my way over to the Flower Market on Chak Phet Road, the largest of its kind in the city, where you can get not just flowers but fruits and vegetables. It is open 24 hours. I go not so much for the flowers but for the sight of locals haggling over jasmine and garlands. The market is busiest in the morning when trucks and boats deliver fresh goods.

Nearby Yaowarat Road offers much more delectable treats. Bangkok’s Chinatown on this particular evening is bustling with street vendors and tourists as it’s a holiday. My guide, Pair Sangkaew, and I dig into a dish of fresh shrimp and noodles.

“In a restaurant, this would cost you more than 300 baht,” she says. It cost us 80 baht, about $2.24.

But even high-end restaurants are easy on the budget.

At Issaya Siamaese Club, I have a five-star meal on a two-star budget in a beautifully converted house. Chef Ian Kittichai offers his take on Thai cuisine, such as pad Thai made with salmon instead of noodles.

“He’s doing traditional Thai food, and he’s doing it his way,” says his wife Sarah Chang.

Thai people are obsessed with their food, and teaching people how to cook it. So I make a point to take a cooking class.

Banyan Tree offers one to guests once a week for free. I learn how to make the traditional papaya salad.

Then I take a boat ride to Amita Thai Cooking class. Along the way, the other students and I get to see the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and other traditional sights along the Chao Phraya River.

Owner and chef Tam Piyawadi Jantrupo invites us into her home. We make Tom Yum Goong, clear hot and sour soup with fresh shrimp, and chicken satay.

“We cook because we love it,” she says. “This is the real Thai.”

By Nancy Trejos

Tourism

Interior Ministry Introduces New 180 Day Destination Thailand Visa

Published

7 months ago

July 13, 2024

Bchcomber

People from more nations will be now able to enter Thailand without a visa beginning Monday. This is part of an effort to increase tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Friday.

According to Ms. Traisuree, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed four documents that will make it easier for foreigners to travel. These modifications will all take effect on Monday, provided they are published in the Royal Gazette.

The instructions include 93 more nations on the list of individuals who can visit Thailand without a visa, up from 57 previously. People from these countries can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Additionally, from 19 to 31, nearly twice as many nations will be able to obtain visas on arrival in Thailand.

To attract digital nomads, artists, and tourists interested in learning or practicing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai, the country will also introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service.

The new form of visa, which is valid for five years, allows travelers to stay for up to 180 days.

According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will not be required to leave Thailand immediately upon graduation. They will be able to stay for an additional year to hunt for work or vacation.

In order to enhance the economy and tourism, the cabinet took a general decision on these additional measures in May. The statement was meant to be released in June, but it was pushed back.

Ms. Traisuree believes that this is the greatest sort of visa for persons who want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and explore the nation without the various restrictions and complications that come with conventional tourist visas.

Getting a DTV will give you a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with the opportunity to stay for another 180 days.

Ms. Traisuree said that the Destination Thailand Visa is great if you want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and see the sights without the many restrictions and problems that come with a regular tourist visa. The Destination Thailand Visa will cost 10,000 THB.

Qualifications for the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)

According to Thai Embassy, to be eligible for the visa, you must fulfill the following conditions (which could change):

You have to be 20 years of age or older
You have to be able to afford the cost of the visa
To sustain your stay in the nation, you must demonstrate that you have at least 500,000 THB in your bank account
Proof of your employment with a recognized company is required.

For digital nomads or remote workers who want to make the most of their travels and yet have the opportunity to work while they’re there, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed just for you. Additionally, it is ideal if you are traveling to Thailand in order to partake in any of the following activities:

Thai food prepared with Muay Thai
Instruction and conferences
Sports medicine therapy
International talent International music and art events

Thailand DTV Visa Benefits

Additionally, there is uncertainty about these details and they could change:

In comparison to other Southeast Asian nations that provide comparable visas, Thailand has less stringent income requirements and charges for the visa. For another 10,000 THB, you can extend the visa once, for a maximum of 180 days.
There are ninety-three foreign nations that qualify for the Thailand DTV Visa.
With this visa, you can lawfully operate remotely for foreign clients and companies while in Thailand.
Your spouse and any children under the age of twenty may accompany you.
You are exempt from paying taxes on your foreign income because the visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days.

Drawbacks of a Thailand DTV Visa

You are unable to work for a Thai company that needs a Thai work visa, even though you are still able to engage in some activities and make money. Your DTV will end if you decide to change the kind of visa you are currently on.

Additional information on the visa’s release date and application process will be available in late June or early July of 2024. You will most likely be able to apply for it via the Thai immigration office, a Thai embassy, or a Royal Thai Consulate.

Tourism

Hotels in Thailand Fret as German Itravel Group Files for Bankruptcy

Published

7 months ago

June 25, 2024

Bchcomber

Thailand’s Hotels Association (THA) reports that another German tour operator has gone bankrupt, but that this will have a far less effect than the recent bankruptcy of FTI Touristik.

Following notification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Hotels Association has now confirmed that the Cologne-based luxury tour operator Itravel Group has formally filed for bankruptcy.

Southern Thailand is home to numerous high-end resorts, which Itravel aims to attract, according to Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun.

As a result of Itravel’s bankruptcy, he said, the hotels association is currently collecting data from its members.

On Monday, the organization wrote to the TAT and the Foreign Ministry, requesting that they assist hotel operators in keeping up with legal developments surrounding the bankruptcy of the German tour operator FTI, which resulted in a loss of almost 111 million baht for hotels around the country.

Hotels having issues with Itravel

On Monday, during the THA monthly meeting, Mr. Thienprasit noted that they also emphasized the case’s urgency to Minister Sermsak Pongpanit of Tourism and Sports.

In response to allegations that hotel operators with business partnerships with Itravel were experiencing issues with financial transactions, the agency issued an alert to the industry, according to Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

He speculated that the losses might be lower with Itravel, an online travel agency that focuses on the niche luxury market, than with FTI, the third operator.

According to the Bangkok Post, at Monday’s THA meeting, Mr. Sermsak stated that the ministry will look into measures to assist hotels, especially since the goal of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism earnings for this year is still very ambitious.

According to Mr. Thienprasit, the organization is opposed to the government’s plans to increase the legal foreign ownership of condominiums from 49% to 75%. This, he added, might lead to an increase in unlawful accommodations and make other condo residents feel uneasy about having more guests around the clock.

Unscrupulous investors

He said that some international investors are already breaking the law by renting out their rooms to day guests, even though the Hotel Act only permits rentals of at least 30 days.

An increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos, according to Mr. Thienprasit, could entice unscrupulous investors and lead to the construction of even more unlawful rooms, which now exceed the number of registered hotel rooms by a factor of two.

The success of Thailand’s hotel industry is highly dependent on the business of tour operators. These collaborations bring in a constant flow of visitors, particularly during busy seasons.

It is more convenient for passengers to book comprehensive packages offered by tour operators, which include hotel accommodations and activities. Because of this arrangement, hotels may anticipate a specific amount of bookings without having to spend a lot on advertising.

Additionally, hotels are able to provide more affordable rates, which appeals to guests who are mindful of their budget. But if tour operators go through slumps or start focusing on other places, this dependence might be disastrous.

Source: Bangkok Post, Thai PBS

Tourism

Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Published

7 months ago

June 24, 2024

Freelancer

Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos emerges as a paradise where the desert meets the sea, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant culture. Whether you seek serene relaxation, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, Los Cabos promises an idyllic escape that exceeds expectations.

Discovering Pristine Beaches

Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm and allure. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Medano Beach, a bustling stretch perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. For a more secluded experience, explore the rugged beauty of Santa Maria Beach, ideal for snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enhance your beach experience with guided tours and snorkeling excursions offered by https://boattripsloscabos.com/, where you can explore the coastline and underwater wonders with expert guides.

Embarking on Aquatic Adventures

Venture into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean for thrilling water activities. Dive into snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to discover underwater treasures like colorful coral reefs and curious sea creatures. Set sail on a whale-watching tour during the winter months to witness majestic humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of the Pacific horizon.

Exploring the Baja Desert

Beyond its pristine coastline, Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes waiting to be explored. Take an ATV or jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, where towering cacti and unique rock formations paint a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hiking trails that lead to hidden oases and panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

Los Cabos is a culinary paradise, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. Sample fresh seafood tacos at local taquerías or dine on gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs at upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean. Savor authentic Baja cuisine with dishes like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus paired perfectly with locally produced wines and craft cocktails.

Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, Los Cabos transforms into a lively nightlife destination. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas with its array of beachfront bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs. Dance the night away under the stars or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marina, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement.

Relaxing in Luxury Resorts

Los Cabos boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to every traveler’s desire for relaxation and indulgence. Unwind in infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, rejuvenate with holistic spa treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions, or tee off on world-class golf courses designed by golf legends amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Immersing in Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Los Cabos with visits to historic landmarks like the Mission San Jose del Cabo Church or art galleries showcasing local and international artists. Browse through vibrant markets selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, or attend cultural festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions, music, and dance.

Planning Your Los Cabos Escape

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Los Cabos ensures a memorable vacation that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired, promising a return to its paradise shores time and again.