TRAVELTITBITS
Phitsanulok unveils ‘Sapa’ of Thailand
Phitsanulok has introduced Phu Thap Si in Ban Nam Chuang as “Sapa Muang Thai”, or Sapa in Thailand.
Located in Lao Cai province in northwest Vietnam, Sapa is a famous tourist destination known for its rice terraces, pleasant weather and its peak at Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina.
Ban Nam Chuang in Phitsanulok’s Chat Trakan district is home to a Hmong ethnic group who are predominantly farmers that grow rice in about 500 rai of terraced paddies in mountainous areas. As the province wants to generate income for the villagers, it is promoting the village as a tourist attraction.
Besides its terraced rice fields, visitors will also have a chance to observe the local way of life of Hmong villagers, visit a royal dam project, flower fields, Tad Pla Klang and Tad Pla Khao waterfalls.
Homestay services are also available. Contact 063067-6100, 087-317-8089 and 089- 244-2552.
New Elite Health card available for tourists
Thailand Privilege Card (TPC), the operator of Thailand’s Elite Card, has launched an “Elite Maxima Health” card.
According to TPC president Somchai Soongswang, the new card is valued at 1.5 million baht and offers special privileges to serve long- stay tourists.
The offers include multiple re- entry permit for five years, annual physical check- up, wellness packages and health insurance valued at 5 million baht per year for use in leading hospitals nationwide.
Those who apply for the “Elite Maxima Health” card from now until the end of this year will receive a complimentary 14-day quarantine service at a state quaran
tine facility or a choice of alternative state quarantine services in participating hotels.
Presently, TPC offers seven Elite Card packages — Elite Family Premium, Elite Family Excursion, Elite Family Alternative, Elite Easy Access, Elite Privilege Access, Elite Superiority Extension and Elite Ultimate Privilege. The prices start from 500,000 baht to 2 mil
lion baht.
Founded in 2003, TPC has about 11,000 members and about 30% live in the Kingdom. It is expected that the new health-related offer will attract more members, especially during the Covid- 19 epidemic.
Phuket to host travel blogging conference in 2021
Travel Blog Exchange 2021 ( TBEX Asia 2021) will be organised in Phuket for the first time next year. The event will be hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Phuket province and the Tourism Authority of Thailand between October 20- 22, 2021. Founded in 2009 in Chicago, TBEX conferences are organised every year in the United States, Europe and Asia. Each event attracts 500- 700 travel and lifestyle content creators and tourist industry professionals from around the world. The programme in Phuket will include conferences, workshops, networking sessions and familiarisation trips. Visit tbexcon.com/Asia- 2021.
AIRLINES UPDATE
Thai Vietjet has launched special packages for corporate and government agencies to travel on its domestic flights.
The offers include fixed fares which cannot be used during public holidays. The fares include two options of
Eco and Skyboss tickets. Passengers with the Eco ticket will have 20kg baggage allowance and a one- time right to change the flight date, time or route without being charged for the service.
The Skyboss ticket will offer 40kg baggage allowance, a seat selection in the Hot Seat rows, a meal on board and unlimited changes for flight dates, time or route, but travellers have to do it at least three hours before their flight.
For more information, email vz.ags@ vietjetair. com.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATE
The Regent Group has launched Vala Hua Hin by Nu Chapter Hotel.
The property is located on a 24 rai plot of beachfront land and in the same location as its flagship Regent Cha Am Beach Resort in Phetchaburi province.
The new hotel features 97 rooms including pool villas, restaurant and bar, and function venues.
To promote the opening, the hotel has joined the government’s We Travel Together campaign. Available until Oct 31, room rates including breakfast start from 3,420 baht a night for a Deluxe Room to 6,200 baht a night for Mini-Suite Beachfront Room. Visit valahuahin.com. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a “Special Tiew Thai” campaign to stimulate domestic tourism.
TAT has partnered with hotels, resorts, homestays, tour agents, attractions and restaurants to offer up to 90% discounts from normal rates.
The programme will last until Oct 20 at specialtiewthai. com.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has launched the “Stay Close To Home” promotion, offering guests up to 25% off the best available rates at participating Wyndham hotels in the region.
In Thailand, the promotion is available at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok Menam Riverside, Ramada by Wyndham Bangkok Chaophya Park, Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Chao Fah in Phuket, Wyndham Grand Nai Harn Beach Phuket and Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay and Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak.
The offer is available for booking until Dec 31 for stays until the end of next March.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost. co. th if you have any comments to share.