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Archive for September, 2006

Golfing in Siem Reap?

Yes - it is now possible!

Officially opened in July 2006, the Phokeethra Country Club is managed by Sofitel Royal Angkor Golf and Spa Resort. Located 20 kms. from Siem Reap and 15 kms. from the airport, the club offers an intelligently designed 18-hole golf course incorporating the latest innovations of golf professionals.

Add comment September 25th, 2006

New Terminal at Siem Reap International Airport

The Cambodian Government has recently launched a very useful website:

http://www.cambodia-airports.com

containing useful information about both the new Siem Reap International Airport and Phnom Penh’s Pochentong Airport.

Check it out before you travel!

Add comment September 25th, 2006

Hotel situation in Vietnam for October and November

Availability is VERY limited for hotels in Vietnam (especially Hanoi) during the months of October and November this year due to APEC meeting and its pre/post arrangements.

In order to get the space at the hotels (especially for 4 or 5-star properities) you wish to book - we highly recommend you move your traveling dates to be after the above two months as chances to get the reservations confirmed are EXTREMELY difficult!

Add comment September 25th, 2006

Check in time for departure flight at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport?

Again - we have received enquiries for the recommended check-in time for departure flight at the new Suvaranabhumi Airport. 

We would strongly recommend you leave the hotel 3 hours before scheduled departure time. Please note that the traffic from the downtown of Bangkok to the new Suvarnabhumi Airport usually takes at least 45 minutes and you should check-in at least 2 hours before departure time.

Add comment September 25th, 2006

Limousines at Suvarnabhumi Airport

If you are arriving at the new Suvarnahbumi Airport and would like to take the limousine for the transfer into the downtown - please note that limousine counters are located on Level 2. The limousines will be parked next to the bus station and the public taxi ranks. So once you buy the ticket for the limousine, it will be called up in batches and pick you up at the outer kebside of Level 2.

Source: TTR Weekly

 

Add comment September 22nd, 2006

Public taxis at Suvarnabhumi Airport

About 2500 trained taxi drivers will be stationed at the taxi ranks located 3 kms. from the passenger terminal building. Public taxis can drop off passengers at the departure hall (Level 4).

The current consensus is that passenger exiting the airport at Level 2 will be able to pick up a taxi for a transfer to downtown Bangkok, kerbside at Level 2 or 1 (final decision pending).  Taxis will transfer from remote parking in the manageable batches to meet passenger flow. Passenger can also board a free low rider shuttle bus (similar to the vehicles used airside) (our note: but this is only recommended for those traveling without any luggage) that transfers them to the bus station, taxi ranks and long term parking lot. AOT says it will supply express shuttle buses to provide a service every 3 minutes during the peak traffic hours. Traveling time from the terminal to taxi ranks is 10 minutes. Public taxis will charge additional THB 50.00 service fee on top of the meter charge (same like Don Muang Airport).

Source: TTR Weekly

Add comment September 22nd, 2006

Situation in Thailand

Here is the update on the situation in Thailand. Last night, the chief of Thailand’s army, navy and air force have taken over the leadership of the country.
 
Today has been announced as a special government holiday in Thailand, all government offices and banks as well as the Stock Exchange of Thailand are closed but the private sectors including shopping malls, markets all restaurants are opened as usual.

All flights to/from/within Thailand are operated as normal and transfers are organized as usual.

Everything is calm in the streets of Bangkok and even the Grand Palace is open. On a  few intersections some army personnel may be seen.  All tours outside of Bangkok such as floating market, Ayuthaya  and Kanchanaburi as well as all round trips are conducted normal without any restrictions.
 
Tourists and residents  had not been in any danger at any time.

There is absolutely no reason to cancel/postpone any trip to Thailand at this stage. We will monitor the situation carefully and will send you an update later.
 

Add comment September 20th, 2006

Best Seating Tips on Airlines

Here is one of the most useful websites for passenger guide to over 480 airlines and 550 airports with ranking, opinions, news and more:

http://www.airlinequality.com

One particular section that we think will be VERY useful for fellow travelers:

BEST SEATING TIPS

as it contains passenger recommendations on best seats (legroom, width, comfort etc) on a range of world airlines. Listed are major airlines such as Aerofloat, Air Asia, Air France, Alitalia, All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Delta Airlines, Emirates, Ethihad Airlines, EVA Air, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lauda Air, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Qantas Airways, SAS Scandinavian, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, Turkish Airline, United Airlines, Valuair, Virgin Atlantic etc.

Here is one of the samples - the best seating tips on Air Asia (Boeing 737-300) as they say:

“One class economy. All seats are at 29 inche and they have a free seating policy, so better board early and take the seats at the emgergency exits. These seats are wider but they do not recline. As you board take the one next to the aisle, (no one will purposely squeeze to seat next to the window), when it is ready for take off, lift the armrest and viola! A “business class” seat on a low-cost carrier! Another great seat, the row after the emergency exits by the window, great legroom, no seat in front of you just emergency exit. Remember never take the last row, I dare say it is even less than 29 inch!”

Check it out and make sure you request the right seats for your next travel!
 

Add comment September 19th, 2006

More flights between Sydney-Ho Chi Minh City

Jetstar, the Australian low-cost carrier is launching THREE weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City and vice versa as of November 30 2006.

Flights are:

Sydney/Ho Chi Minh City    Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday      1500/1945 hrs.
Ho Chi Minh City/Sydney    Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday      2140/1015 hrs.

The fares start off with AUD 794.00 (approx. US$ 595.00) excluding surcharges, fees and taxes. Book now and seats for this fare is very limited ang sold out very quickly!

Add comment September 19th, 2006

Golfing in Vietnam?

Interested in taking a golf break in Vietnam?

Yes, Vietnam have some of the most beautiful golf courses in the region. Most are easily accessible from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In the vincinity of some of these courses is luxurious accommodation. An added attraction is the green fee, which is VERY affordable and among the lowest in the region. Followings are the BEST golf courses in Vietnam:

Ocean Dunes Golf Club
oceandunesgolfclub1.jpgThis 18-hole golf course was designed by renowned golfer, Nick Faldo. Located on the outskirts of Phan Thiet, 200 kms. or 3-hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City.  The 6746-yard par 72 course at Ocean Dunes Golf Club winds through seaside dunes, with the coastal breezes shaping its character day-to-day. It is an engaging and playable course for higher handicapped players who will enjoy the openness of the links-course. The Ocean Dunes Golf Club is an outstanding natural site with sand dunes, sea breezes, beach vegetation, and sea views. “We have let the dunes determine the routing and the look of the golf course. It should have the feel and the playability of the early seaside courses, but with a tropical climate” says Nick Faldo. The Ocean Dunes course offers exciting opportunities for more experienced players who will appreciate the challenges posed by the winds.
The Novotel Ocean Dunes, one of the best hotels in Phan Thiet, is situated right next to the course.

Dalat Palace Golf Club
dalatgolfclub.jpgDalat, the old French hill station, about 280 kms. from Ho Chi Minh City and nestles amidst the green hills and surrounded by clear water lakes. The 18-hole golf course is one of hte oldest in Asia and was built in 1920s by former Emperior Bao Dai. At 7,009 yards in length and par 72, Dalat Palace Golf Club is an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels. Low handicap players will be tested by a series of lakes, which meander through ten of eighteen holes, as well as strategically placed bunkers, which penalize the miscalculating risk-taker. Novice players will find relief with large accommodating greens normally left open for run-up approach shots, as well as wide, forgiving fairways. Dalat Palace Golf Club features par 3’s ranging in length from 164 to 234 yards and par 5’s up to 556 yards. These varied lengths allow a true examination of one’s golfing skills, and require that players use each club in their bag – the hallmark of a great golf course. Four different tee areas on each hole allow players to determine their own degree of challenge on the course. Golfers at the Dalat Golf Club can choose to say at the luxurious Sofitel Dalat Palace and Ana Mandara Vills or 4-star hotel, The Novotel Dalat.

Song Be Golf Course
songbegolfcourse.jpgThis 27-hole golf course is regarded as Vietnam’s first international standard championship golf course. Located only 30-minutes drive away from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Its clubhouses offers accommodations together with restaurants and swimming pool. Those of you who wish to go to this golf course, its pretty easy to book your hotel in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh city so that you can enjoy both the sightseeing and golfing. Because of its convenient location, this golf course is busy over the weekends and tee off times are strongly recommended to be booked well in advance.

Long Thanh Golf Club
longthangolfclub.jpgThis is the second golf course in Ho Chi Minh City and is said to be one of the best golf courses in Vietnam. The club offers 27-holes and have plan to expand to 36. The course is set in beautiful tropical gardens and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Long Thanh Golf Club is about 40 minutes drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Same as Song Be Golf Course, its convenient location makes easy access from Ho Chi Minh City so by stayin at the hotel in town, you can simply enjoy both city sightseeing activities and golfing at this place.

King’s Island Golf & Country Club
kingislandgolf.jpgThis golf course is located in Ha Tay Province, 50 kms. from Hanoi. It is said to be the first international golf course in northern of Vietnam. The club have two 18-hole courses, a golf school and 80-rooms hotel overlooking the golf courses. This property includes approximately 350 hectares of rolling landscape located along the shores of Dong Mo Reservoir.

Tam Dao Golf Resort
tamdaogolfresort.jpgAnother 18-hole golf course, approximately 50 kms. north of Hanoi in the beautiful mountainous Vinh Phuc Province. Recently opened in 2005, Tam Dao Golf Resort is set in the pristine surroundings dotted with lakes and streams. The resort also offers swimming pool and tennis courts.

Enjoy!
 

Add comment September 17th, 2006

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