The State Railway of Thailand has launched the 'Rod Fai Loi Nam' programme for a day trip to Pasak Jolasid Dam in Lop Buri.
The reservoir is the country's longest water-retention clay dam. It is one of a kind where a railroad runs along the dam's edge. When the reservoir fills up, especially at the end of the rainy season, the rail line peeks a bit over the water's surface. When the train passes the section, it looks as if it is floating on the water, which is the meaning of Rod Fai Loi Nam.
The trip is organised every weekend until January, starting on Saturday, except Dec 5, 26-27 and Jan 2-3.
The train will leave Hua Lamphong terminal at 7.10am and stops at popular stations including Bang Sue, Don Mueang, Ayutthaya and Saraburi. When it reaches Pasak Jolasid Dam, the train will stop for 30 minutes for tourists to take pictures of the train over the body of water. The journey will continue to the last station at Khok Salung before returning to the dam at 11.42am for visitors to have leisure time or lunch. The train will leave the dam at 3.30pm and return to Bangkok at 6.50pm.
Round-trip ticket prices are 290 baht for a third-class seat and 490 baht for a second-class seat in air-conditioned carriages. The service is also available for group tours who want a private rail wagon. Prices start from 34,000 baht for 20 passengers to 51,400 baht for up to 110 passengers. A VIP carriage with meeting facility is also available for 8-30 passengers. The price is 40,000 baht.
Booking is available within 30 days at any train station nationwide.
Visit railway.co.th or call the call centre at 1690.
Wine and dine online
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will for the first time launch the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival with an "online + offline" format to give online audiences a new gastronomic experience.
The event will run for five weeks, from today until Dec 15, and will feature an Online Wine Cellar and Gourmet at Home Menus. The highlight is the 34 online masterclasses covering a wide range of topics from wine and spirits, trends and fine dining, healthy eating, and the art of food plating.
The access is free and available at winedinefestival.discoverhongkong.com/eng.
AIRLINES UPDATE
- Thai VietJet will launch its first direct flights between Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chiang Mai on Nov 30.
The service will be available four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Flights will depart from Nakhon Si Thammarat at 9.20am and will arrive in Chiang Mai at 11.20am. The return trip will depart the northern city at 11.50am and arrive in the southern city at 1.45pm. The travel time is one hour and 50 minutes.
The airline also introduces Hat Yai Pass, an unlimited flight pass between Hat Yai and Bangkok, and Hat Yai-Chiang Rai. The price is 7,200 baht excluding tax and surcharges. The service will be valid for six months, from Nov 16 to May 15 next year, with blackout periods from Dec 25 to Jan 5 and April 10-18.
Visit skyfun.vietjetair.com.
- Bangkok Airways has launched the "Bangkok Airways Elite Card", offering unlimited tickets for economy class seats on all domestic flights throughout 2021.
The card is priced at 100,000 baht excluding VAT and available for purchase within this month.
The airline also offers other privileges including 10km extra baggage allowance from 20kg, premier check-in counter at some airports, free unlimited reservation modifications and a 10% discount for Bangkok Airways inflight shopping.
Visit bangkokair.com/elitecard.
- Emirates has launched a Dubai-Phuket route via Bangkok. It will fly a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, departing from Dubai International Airport at 3.05am and arriving in Bangkok at 12.05pm. The service to Phuket is operated by Bangkok Airways.
Visit emirates.com.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATE
- Ozo Phuket launches the "Stay & Surf" package targeting first-time surfers or paddle boarders.
The programme includes two nights with daily breakfast, one-hour surfing or paddleboarding lessons per person or couple, complimentary upgrade to the next room category, early check-in from noon and late check-out until 2pm.
Prices start from 3,000++ baht. The package is available until the end of November for stays until July 31 next year.
Visit ozohotels.com/phuket.
- Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya celebrates its 19th anniversary with a 1,910 baht net rate.
The price includes breakfast for two and a night's stay in Deluxe City View room. For other room types, net prices are 2,119 baht (Deluxe Room), 2,419 baht (Deluxe Sea View) and 3,919 baht (a suite).
Booking is available until Nov 30 for stays from now until June 30.
Visit pattaya.hardrockhotels.net.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
