Phuket is the top destination Thais want to visit during the Songkran holiday, according to Agoda.
The website collected booking data as of March 15 for check-in dates between April 13-15 compared to the same period in 2019 and found that people had booked rooms in Phuket the most, beating last year's top spot Pattaya which dropped to the second spot this year. Hua Hin/Cha-am is the third popular destination followed by Krabi, Koh Samui, Khao Lak and Bangkok.
The top traveller type is families followed by couples and individuals. Travellers also prefer to stay in 4-5 star hotels, a change from 2019's preference of 1-3.5-star hotels.
Lop Buri turns to AR to boost tourism
Lop Buri has unveiled an augmented reality game to boost its tourism.
Called Go Go Lopburi, the game highlights 10 famous attractions of the province such as Phra Prang Sam Yot Khmer Sanctuary, Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace and Pa Sak Dam.
Players need to visit the places to collect digital coins from now until June 30. Each player is entitled to 10 rewards.
The app is available for download on Apple's App Store and Google Play Store.
Visit facebook.com/GoGoLopburi.
AIRLINES UPDATE
- Emirates has resumed its iconic A380 service to Bangkok.
Due to strong passenger demand for travel to and from Thailand, the airline operates its jumbo aircraft daily, allowing more travellers to connect to the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Asia Pacific via Dubai.
The A380 aircraft features 14 First Class suites, 76 lie-flat seats in Business, 429 seats in Economy class, onboard lounge and shower spa.
The airline also offers multi-risk travel insurance including Covid-19 medical cover for all tickets.
Visit emirates.com.
- Thai Vietjet has joined hands with Seub Nakhasathien Foundation to launch the "Fly Green Fund" project.
The aim is to encourage its passengers to support the foundation's conservation projects through online donations, starting from 20 baht to 200 baht.
In addition, passengers can make donations via donation boxes at check-in counters of the airline and Airport Rail Link.
Visit SkyFUN.vietjetair.com/donation.
- The first group of 48 staff at Samui Airport has received two doses of Covid-19 vaccines provided by a team of doctors and nurses from Bangkok Hospital Samui, according to Bangkok Airways which owns and manages the airport.
The aim is to prepare for the opening of flights from overseas and to build the confidence of passengers.
Another 636 employees who work at Samui Airport will receive their first vaccine between April 2-7. The airport expects that its employees will be 100% vaccinated by early May.
Thai Airways is offering a special direct flight from Frankfurt to Phuket on May 7.
The flight will depart Frankfurt airport at 2.45pm and arrive in Phuket at 7.10am the next day. The travel time is 11 hours and 25 minutes.
For the return trip to Frankfurt, passengers need to have a connecting flight in Bangkok.
Visit thaiairways.com.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATES
Movenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya will host Songkran Fun Fest from April 12-15.
Featuring a temple fair theme, the event will offer an array of traditional food, desserts and outdoor activities including fun games, sandcastle competition, Thai dancing and fire shows.
The fair will be held at the hotel's beach lawn from 4-10pm. The entrance fee is 500 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. The fees can be redeemed as a credit for purchasing food or joining games.
For more info, contact 033-078-888 or Line: @movenpickpattaya.
- Sala Bang Pa-In will open on May 1.
Located in Ayutthaya, the riverfront property features 24 deluxe rooms and pool villas including a three-bedroom presidential pool villa. Other facilities include a 30m-long swimming pool, restaurant and bar and a meeting room for up to 20 participants.
Rates start from 5,180 baht net per room per night, including breakfast and river transfer to Bang Pa-in Palace.
Visit salahospitality.com/bang-pa-in.
- The Bangkok-based Cross Hotels & Resorts will open its first property in Japan.
It has signed a contract with AB Accommo Company to manage Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort on Kouri Island, north of Okinawa. The island is connected to the main island by a 2km-long bridge.
The boutique beachfront resort features 38 suites and each room is equipped with a kitchenette, a dining table, a living area and a private balcony/terrace.
The property will be open in July.
Visit crosshotelsandresorts.com.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
