Travel Tips to South East Asia by TripHole

Get deep discounts from more than 100 Thailand hotels

triphole — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:30:56 +0000

Travel tips to Southeast Asia – Thailand travel guide – more than 100 hotels in Thailand give special discounts for a month: The Thai Hotels Association (THA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are teaming up with an aggressive buy-one-get-one-free scheme, seeking to restore tourist confidence after the massive floods.

Bangkok Hotel Le Meridien

The initiative will begin Dec 15 and last for a month. More than 100 hotels nationwide will participate, and 26 global TAT offices will promote the campaign.

“THA hopes that this will help restore tourist confidence in time for the high season,” said THA president Prakit Chinamourphong.

The country’s tourism industry has been wrestling with the floods since October. THA says the campaign will be especially welcome in short-haul markets like Hong Kong and Taiwan.

“We want tourists to know that the floods have already passed and Thailand is ready to welcome them,” Mr Prakit said. “We think the campaign will help increase average occupancy rate from 20-30% to 50-60%.”

The association estimates this year’s average occupancy rate nationwide at 65%, compared with 53% last year. The forecast is down from an earlier projection of 70%.

Mr Prakit said the occupancy rate in November should be lower than 50% on average nationwide, versus 80% under normal conditions.

Nonetheless, THA reported that average occupancy in October for Phuket was 70%, up from 65% a year earlier. In Phang Nga it was 50%, up from 18%; and in Krabi 45%, up from 26%. Chiang Mai’s rate was 47% and Bangkok’s 55-60%, both up mildly.

The floods cut international tourist arrivals to 18.3-18.6 million with revenue of 600 billion baht, lower than previous estimates for 19.5 million with revenue of 760 billion baht.

Hoteliers are calling on the government to help negotiate bank loan repayment extensions for the hotel business.

In addition, hotels that need repairs want low-interest loans with repayment periods of at least two years.

Hotel managers are also seeking a six-month income tax exemption for hotel workers whose homes were flooded. THA expects an improved tourism situation next year, with nationwide room rate rises of 5-10%.

Source: Hotels to offer deep discounts to restore traveller confidence

Travel Health alerts in Indonesia and Philippines

triphole — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:39:48 +0000

Southeast Asia travel guide – Indonesia and Philippines are listed among World Travel Health Alerts – October 2011.

Indonesia Travel Guide: INDONESIA: Bird flu feared in new Bali death; Virus reaches Lombok

Bird flu (H5N1) is again suspected in the death of the mother of the two boys who died last week in Jehem village (Bangli Regency, Bali), raising fears the virus had been transmitted from person to person. Tests have yet to confirm the cause of the 3 deaths.

Meanwhile, bird flu has now spread to 9 districts on Bali, as well as to neighboring Lombok, where a village was isolated to prevent the virus spreading further.

Advice to travellers: As stated previously, bird flu is a low risk to travellers. However, the virus is spreading in new regions in Bali and Lombok. Australians visiting affected areas should avoid eating poultry from street stalls, and handling chickens or caged birds in live animal markets.

Philippines Travel Guide: PHILIPPINES: Soaring leptospirosis rates in Western Visayas

This year, leptospirosis infections (2061 cases, 156 deaths) are almost double the number recorded nationally during the same period last year. Worst effected regions have been Western Visayas (824 cases), National Capital Region (411), Central Luzon (166), and Davao (131).

Advice to travellers: Leptospirosis is typically associated with direct exposure to floodwaters and, as such, pres ents a low risk for most travellers. Australians travellers to flood-effected areas of the Philippines should first wash fresh vegetables and fruit in clean water, and cook or peel produce before eating. Full article on World Travel Health Alerts – October 19, 2011 is available HERE.

Helpful travel guide to Koh Samui, Thailand

triphole — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:59:16 +0000

Travel tips to Southeast Asia – Thailand travel guide – Koh Samui travel guides: Where to eat, where to sleep, what to do and where to party at Koh Samui Island.

Koh Samui is a schizophrenic version of paradise. Each of the island’s beaches, bays, tourist strips and local villages has a distinct personality that collectively caters to a riot of tastes and holiday pleasures.

Coast of Samui Island

Whether your idea of a beach break is playing lost in the tropics with your sweetheart, down-timing with the family, cleansing out your system on a five-day detox or getting hammered every night and sleeping it off on the beach, Samui delivers.

Some parts of the island are saturated and sleazy. But if you surf through the marketing spin you’ll find a cookie jar full of tempting vacation choices. Continue to read Full Story

Travel advise for Singaporeans in Thailand

triphole — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:18:04 +0000

Southeast Asia travel tips – Singapore travel guide: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised those planning to travel to Thailand to monitor local news on the flood situation there and to take precautions for their personal safety.

In a notice posted on its website, MFA asked that they get regular updates from local English news reports via Bangkok Post and The Nation.

It also suggested Thailand Tourism Update for information on the impact of flooding at popular tourist destinations.

Travellers have also been asked to consider purchasing comprehensive medical and travel insurance and to eRegister with MFA before travelling to Thailand.

Travellers to Thailand can get weather information via Thai Meteorological Department.

Stay up-to-date on flood situation via Thailand’s 24/7 Emergency Operations Centre.

Singaporeans who require consular assistance should contact the Singapore Embassy in Bangkok or the MFA Duty Office (24-hours) at:+65 6379 8800 +65 6379 8855. Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg . (Source via)

Bangkok and Samui are listed in top 10 food destinations in Asia

triphole — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:20:58 +0000

Southeast Asia Travel Tips – Thailand travel guide – Bangkok and Samui are listed in top 10 food destinations in Asia, including Singapore and Hoi An – Vietnam in Southeast Asia by popular travel website TripAdvisor.

Bangkok, Thailand – is famous for its world-class restaurant and nightclub scene. From familiar favorites like pad thai to more exotic delicacies like fried insects, Bangkok offers up a variety of cuisines to tempt any palate. You can also taste world-class Thai beers, such as Singha and Chang.

Bangkok street food

Koh Samui, Thailand – Whether you’re a timid eater or a culinary adventurer, you won’t go hungry on this luscious Thai island. Samui has something for every taste and budget, most of it with a view and all of it delicious. Alongside traditional Thai fare like green curries and exotic specialties like crispy-fried worms, you’ll find pizza, pub grub and seafood.

Poor boy sandwich with egg salad – Angela’s, Koh Samui

Full list of Top 10 Food & Wine Destinations in Asia is available HERE.

Malaysians told to avoid the flooded Ayutthaya

triphole — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:42:41 +0000

Southeast Asia travel tips – Malaysia Travel guide: Malaysians have been advised to avoid the flooded Ayutthaya province in Thailand for the next few days.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) public relations manager C. Somboon said two of the province’s attractions, Wat Chaiwattanaram temple and Hua Ro market, were badly hit by floods.

He advised Malaysians in Bangkok to dial 1672, TAT’s information line, to enquire about the situation before making their trip north of the province

“Those who intend to visit the flooded Ayutthaya province should be careful,” he said yesterday. “If possible, visit other places of interest.”

Somboon, however, said Thailand’s tourism sector was not affected as the preferred destinations for Malaysians such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Haadyai and Phuket were not flooded.

“Tourists could also keep abreast of the latest situation via website www.tourismthailand.org.”

Thirty of the 77 provinces in Thailand are currently flooded, especially in the north and central regions, with the death toll rising to 261.

Beautiful Planet Holiday (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Loo Eng Wah said none of its Bangkok-Pattaya trips had been cancelled.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agencies deputy president John Tan said MATTA was closely monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra said Malaysians in Thailand were safe.

“There has been no report of anyone missing or dead so far,” the official said.

Thailand attracts Chinese tourists via music video

triphole — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:08:51 +0000

Southeast Asia travel tips – Thailand travel guide – Thailand attracts Chinese tourists via music video: Thai superstar Thongchai “Bird” McIntyre will sing for the first time in Mandarin, rendering a soft, romantic melody in a music video set against the backdrop of some of Thailand’s most appealing and iconic tourism attractions.

The music video will be broadcast in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, which are some of Thailand’s fastest growing visitor arrival markets.

Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT Governor said, “Music is a universal language, understood by everyone. This new strategy helps us to use the power of both music as well as our popular celebrities to underscore the brand image of Thailand and the strength of our marketing slogan, “Amazing Thailand: Always Amazes You.

“This special music video will communicate a powerful and memorable message in a completely new way to our target group of Chinese visitors, which are important in terms of both numbers as well as spending power.”

In addition to the five source markets in the Asia-Pacific, the video will also be broadcast in the China town districts of cities in Europe and Australia.

The TAT will seek to convert interest into bookings by offering special prizes of 3 days 2 nights tour packages to potential travellers who sign up for the marketing promotional offers before December 2011.

The 3-minute music video “Rong Hai Tham Mai” (Why the tears?) will feature Mr Thongchai and Ms Sonia Sui, a well-known actress, singer and model in Taiwan and another well-known Thai performer Mr Nawat “Pong” Kulrattanarak, who now commands a large Chinese fan following.

The music video is directed by Mr Ekachai Uekrongtham, a rapidly-rising Thai film-maker.

The narrative tells the tale of a Thai tour guide who meets up with a Chinese girl on his tour around Thailand. Their journey takes them to famous tourist attractions in Thailand such as Hua Hin Beach, Kao Tao Beach, Bung Bua National Study Centre in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Khao Wang in Phetchaburi province, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Giant Swing, Yaowarat (China Town), the Golden Mount in Wat Saket, and other popular sites around Bangkok.

Both of them share some memorable times with each other throughout the trip, until the tour comes to an end. How will this love story end? The climax to this love story is the draw card that is expected to keep viewers riveted until the end, and send the bookings to Thailand soaring.

Mr Suraphon said, “We think this video will pull at the heart-strings of potential visitors across all age groups. If it proves successful, we will replicate this strategy in other markets.”

Malaysian foods to promote with Travel Packages

triphole — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:27:44 +0000

Southeast Asia travel tips – Malaysia travel guide – Malaysian food promotion in November 2011: Travel agents and companies in the tourism industry have been urged to include Malaysian food when promoting their travel packages to prospective tourists due to its variety and uniqueness.

Malaysia Foods

Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen said by introducing tourism packages that include local food, tourists coming to Malaysia can be introduced to attractive locations and at the same time savour a variety of local cuisine.

“To promote local food to tourists, it needs the cooperation of all the authorities since the food industry is a very important and relevant product,” she told reporters after launching the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia 2011 here on Monday.

Yen Yen said Malaysian food was unique because it entails cuisine from a variety of culture and race.

“We may not consider our food as special but to tourists, the variety of food available here is a special attraction,” she said.

Yen Yen said last year tourists spent about RM9.7 billion on food and drinks which was approximately 17 percent of the money spent by tourists in the country. (US$1=RM3.2) The three-day Fabulous Food 1Malaysia 2011 promotion from Nov 18, will be held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), here. (BERNAMA) (Source:)

Chiang Mai floods and travel warning, September 2011

triphole — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:59:19 +0000

Dear Travelers, floods in Chiang Mai is getting worse now on 28 September 2011 and you all are advised to be aware of moving around and get a safety place in the city. Here are some latest photos of Chiang Mai floods and updates will be available soon again.

Royal Flora festival 2011 – Chiang Mai, Thailand

triphole — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:33:32 +0000

Southeast Asia travel tips – Thailand travel guide – Chiangmai Royal Flora festival 2011: The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has planned to spend 500 million THB in the upcoming International Horticultural Exposition Royal Flora Ratchaphruek in Chiang Mai.

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006

The fair, organized in commemoration of His Majesty the King’s 7th Cylcle Birthday Anniversary, will feature Thailand’s innovative horticultural technologies, horticultural exhibitions, and other theme activities.

Twenty eight countries will participate in the exposition. About two million visitors are expected to join in the event, generating at least 400 million THB in income.

The International Horticultural Exposition Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011 is scheduled between November 9, 2011 and February 15, 2012 in Chiang Mai. (Source:)