The Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO) of Wang Maprang in Trang has invested 120 million baht to upgrade facilities at the viewpoint of Wang Pha Mek mountain.
The tourist attraction is a popular spot for viewing the sea of fog and the sunrise over the mountain range. Located in Wang Wiset district, Wang Pha Mek is about a 40-minute drive from the city. To reach the mountaintop, visitors need to negotiate a 600m forest trail, which can take about an hour.
Visitors can start hiking to the mountaintop from 4.30am, for those who wish to see rolling mists before sunrise, until late afternoon for those who want to see the sunset.
To facilitate visitors, the TAO of Wang Maprang has upgraded the dirt road leading to the foothill of the Wang Pha Mek mountain into an asphalt road and renovated the viewpoint platform at the mountaintop. It also upgraded public facilities at the foothill including toilets and parking lots as well as a garden zone, where it erected sculptures of dinosaurs, elephants and fish as well as an artificial waterfall.
New capybaras
Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri's Si Racha district has introduced a family of capybara, the largest rodent in the world, to welcome the Year of the Rat.
Native to the Americas, the mammals can weight up to 70kg. The average height is about 50cm and the length is 100-130cm. The lifespan is about 10 years.
In addition, the zoo also introduced a newborn male pygmy hippopotamus. It has just been named Moo Tun (meaning stewed pork). It was the most-voted-name on the zoo's Facebook page.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is open daily from 8am to 6pm.
Visit khaokheow.zoothailand.org/en.
AIRLINES UPDATE
Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines have launched an economy light fare.
The new tariff is designed for price-conscious passengers who want to travel with hand luggage only and do not require ticket flexibility. If required, passengers can individually book a piece of luggage for a fee. Meals and beverages on board remain free of charge for all passengers.
Visit austrian.com, lh.com and swiss.com.
Qantas Airways has joined hands with Air France and its subsidiary KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) to make it easier for Qantas Frequent Flyers to earn and redeem points for all types of fares provided by Air France's network.
Qantas Frequent Flyers with Gold status or higher will also receive priority boarding, priority check-in and extra baggage allowance on any Air France and KLM operated flights.
Visit qantas.com.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATE
Dusit Suites Hotel Ratchadamri, Bangkok, has announced the grand opening after the refurbishment.
The property with 97 suites was renovated last September. It brought in the atmosphere of the Dusit Thani Bangkok, its flagship property, for fans while the hotel is closed for redevelopment as Dusit Central Park.
Many ornaments and artwork from the hotel are used to decorate the suites and lobby of Dusit Suites Hotel Ratchadamri. Dusit Gourmet, a signature dining outlet, has been renovated into a bright and cosy venue. The hotel also introduced a new dining venue at the decking overlooking a swimming pool. It can provide private dining for up to four guests.
Visit dusit.com/dusitthani/ratchadamribangkok.
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa has launched "Welcome 2020" promotion.
The package offers special rates for a two-night stay starting at 12,000 baht net in a Superior room to 18,600 baht net for a Deluxe Pool Access room. The prices include breakfast for two and up to 20% off at restaurants, bars and Quan Spa.
The rates are valid for Sunday-Thursday stays, with a 1,000 baht net supplement for Friday stays and a 2,000 baht net for Saturday stays. Additional nights start from 6,000 baht net per night. The promotion is available for reservations until Feb 27, for staying from now until Jan 16 and Feb 3-27.
Visit facebook/Huahinmarriott.
Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort has introduced one-bedroom spa pool villas.
The villa is 100m² in size. It has a dedicated spa treatment area next to the villa's private pool. Guests who book the unit can have in-room check-in, daily spa treatment, evening chef's platter of canapés with one-hour of cocktails at Edgewater at sundown and round-trip airport transfers.
Prices for a night stay start at 14,482++ baht.
The property is about a 10-minute drive from Samui airport.
Visit outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/thailand/koh-samui/outrigger-koh-samui-beach-resort.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
