TRAVEL TITBITS
National heritage sites get smart app boost
The Fine Arts Department has launched an AR Smart Heritage app which will allow visitors to explore national heritage sites in a more fun way and with more knowledge.
The AR technology will add digital elements on real objects by using the camera of a smartphone. The technology has been widely used for games like Pokémon Go.
The app consists of four historical parks, including 10 ruins in Sukhothai Historical Park, nine locations in Sri Satchanalai Historical Park, six sites in Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, and 11 ruins in Ayutthaya Historical Park.
When clicking on each park, you will see a list of places where you can use your smartphone to see what the structures may have looked like during their glory years such as Wat Yai Chaimongkhon in Ayutthaya, Wat Si Chum and Wat Chang Lom in Sukhothai and Wat Phra Si Ariyabot in Kamphaeng Phet.
The data is based on research by Prof Emeritus Santi Leksukhum, an expert in art history and archaeology.
When visitors click on each location, they will see a map provide a guideline for spots where they can activate the app. The images will be shown in 3D and you can compare the digital pictures to the real structure. Moreover, you can also move the object on your screen to see every angle of the site.
The information is available in both Thai and English. If you would like to listen to an audio guide, you can scan a QR code while at the location.
AR Smart Heritage is available for free download on both the Google Play Store and App Store for iPhone.
TAT unveils new platform to spur tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched “The Thailand Smart Tourism Platform” to promote domestic tourism.
The programme is part of TAT’s 2021 plan to boost tourism amid the Covid- 19 pandemic as well as promote new normal tourism in line with public health measures.
The platform offers a smart map application covering about 1,000 attractions, accommodation, restaurants and food outlets as well as recommended travel routes in 11 key tourist destinations in Bangkok such as Yaowarat, Bang Rak and Phra Nakhon areas.
The information is currently available in Thai with plans for English and Chinese in the future.
Visit bit.ly/3bdjUUo.
AIRLINES AIRLINES UPDATE UPDATE
Nok Air has launched direct flights between Ubon Ratchathani and Hat Yai.
The service is available three times a week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The outbound flight departs the northeastern province at 9.25am and arrives in Hat Yai at 11.25am. Meanwhile, the inbound flight departs the southern city at 11.55am and will arrive at Ubon Ratchathani airport at 1.55pm. One way ticket prices start from 1,549 baht.
Visit nokair.com.
HOTEL HOTEL DEALS DEALS & & UPDATE UPDATES
Hotel Labaris Khao Yai is offering 12% off for guests who book a room for at least two nights.
The package is called “Long Stay Save More”. The booking and stay periods run until May 30.
The property is located on Thanarat Road at KM16, leading to Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima. It offers five room types starting from a Deluxe Room (45m ²) to a twobedroom pool villa (300m ²). It has meeting and function rooms also that can accommodate 30-200 guests.
Visit hotellabaris. com.
The Sukosol Hotel has introduced a “Dim Sum Delights” package, combining a night stay with a dim sum set for two.
The prices start at 1,999 baht net and includes a night stay in a Deluxe room, breakfast for two, a dim sum set for either lunch or dinner, 50% discount for spa service, 25% discount for food and beverages at all outlets, early check- in at 9am and late check- out at 6pm.
Visit sukosolhotels. com or call 02- 247- 0123.
Novotel recently announced its collaboration with Disney and Pixar to introduce augmented reality animations based on its latest film Soul.
Throughout this year, hotel guests can access augmented reality games and animations through their smartphones at select Novotel properties worldwide.
In Thailand, guests can experience Soul
at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, Novotel Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit 34, Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort & Spa, Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra, and Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach.
Visit novotel.accor. com/ gb/asia/ index. shtml.