When the city’s skyscrapers are decked out in Christmas-themed illuminations, the child in every one of us resurfaces with delight. Hong Kong is rolling out its red carpet for the holiday season, to welcome visitors of all ages to a celebration that’s hard to beat. From 27 November 2009 to 3 January 2010, the Hong Kong Winterfest will be the centerstage of exceptional celebrations.
“Asia’s World City” will be sparkling and scintillating, with a full array of entertainment, activities and visual treats for every member of the family. Stunning Christmas lights will surround the harbour, popular tourist spots, food districts and shopping malls, while buildings will be transformed into giant neon-lit paintings. Carol singers will be performing all around, bringing good cheer to all corners for the season.
At Hong Kong Disneyland, the celebration will be grand, so you and your loved ones can live your Christmas dream that will set your heart aglow. At the Ocean Park Christmas Sensation, amazing illusions and magic tricks will be on the roster. A world-class ice-skating show and an exciting tube ride down a snowy, icy slope are among the highlights to look forward to. Santa’s Lodge will be open to all those who would like a cheery welcome and a true taste of the Yuletide spirit.
And of course, the party will not be complete with Hong Kong’s New Year Countdown Celebrations. Salute the New Year in true Hong Kong style by j oining the large crowds that line Victoria Harbour for a one-of-a-kind welcome to 2010! Breathtaking fireworks and the mesmerizing party ambience will certainly remain etched in your mind for years to come!
Since terrific shopping and incredible bargain-hunting are synonymous with Hong Kong, you will not be disappointed as you discover the generous discounts and promotions that will allow you to go on a mega shopping spree to fill your suitcases! And gourmets and gourmands will just love the Feast as they take up the fantastic wine and dine offers as restaurants in the popular food districts serve up a fabulous selection of festive menus.
So for unparalleled excitement and holiday thrills, book your family and friends now for the Winterfest, a celebration like no other – in a travel destination like no other – Hong Kong!
For more details about Winterfest please take a look at website discoverhongkong.com
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Goldfish and steamed dumplings
Hong Kong is sometimes compared to an enormous department store; go shopping there and you're bound to find what you're looking for eventually. A highlight of any visit to the city is a trip to one of its numerous markets. Many of these specialise in items such as fish, flowers, jewellery or song birds.
Qiang Wu is still not sure what he should do. He has spent the entire morning at the bird market on Yuen Po Street. He wants to buy a bird for his small apartment but he cannot decide which one he prefers. There are over 70 traders at this market in Mong Kok district and all of them are selling colourful song birds native to many different regions of the world.
Qiang already has a favourite but first he wants to have a chat with the men standing with bird cages at the edge of the market.Just as some people meet up for a coffee when they take their dogs for a walk, elderly Hong Kong men like to take their song birds for a stroll to the bird market in the morning.
Just a few streets away is an equally interesting spectacle: the goldfish market. Goldfish are very suited to the crowded conditions in which most of Hong Kong's seven million people live. Tung Choi Street is crowded with tiny shops selling colourful fish from aquariums or pre-packed in water-filled plastic bags pinned to their walls.Everything from goldfish to fish tanks and fish food is on sale here.
A few streets away is the flower market on Flower Market Road,one of the most colourful locales in the whole city, according to Denny Ip, who works as a movie-location scout."It's always very crowded here ahead of the Chinese New Year festivities with people buying plants to bring luck and wealth for the next 12 months."
There are plenty more markets in Mong Kok apart from these three. The clothing markets in Fa Yuen are nearby and include the Ladies' Market where women can find shoes and accessories at bargain prices.
And if you're thinking of buying some jewellery check out the Jade Market. This delicately hued precious stone, which is found in Burma, China, Australia and Taiwan, is believed by the Chinese to possess mysterious powers.
As night falls, things start getting really busy along Temple Street.The Night Market in Yau-Ma-Tei district on Kowloon has most everything you'd need. There are fortune tellers sitting beside chess players, street musicians singing Cantonese operas and everywhere people can be seen eating steamed meals. To complement the Ladies' Market, Temple Street has men's clothing on offer.
Also well known is the Stanley Market on the south coast which appears far removed from Hong Kong's skyscrapers and jammed streets. The many hairpin bends in the road provide views of the South China Sea and of pretty residential areas.
In contrast to most of the other markets the traders here are less likely to offer a great deal."Too many tourists come here and pay the prices indicated on the labels," says Denny. Which explains why it's practically impossible to haggle with the vendors here.
Qiang Wu is still not sure what he should do. He has spent the entire morning at the bird market on Yuen Po Street. He wants to buy a bird for his small apartment but he cannot decide which one he prefers. There are over 70 traders at this market in Mong Kok district and all of them are selling colourful song birds native to many different regions of the world.
Qiang already has a favourite but first he wants to have a chat with the men standing with bird cages at the edge of the market.Just as some people meet up for a coffee when they take their dogs for a walk, elderly Hong Kong men like to take their song birds for a stroll to the bird market in the morning.
Just a few streets away is an equally interesting spectacle: the goldfish market. Goldfish are very suited to the crowded conditions in which most of Hong Kong's seven million people live. Tung Choi Street is crowded with tiny shops selling colourful fish from aquariums or pre-packed in water-filled plastic bags pinned to their walls.Everything from goldfish to fish tanks and fish food is on sale here.
A few streets away is the flower market on Flower Market Road,one of the most colourful locales in the whole city, according to Denny Ip, who works as a movie-location scout."It's always very crowded here ahead of the Chinese New Year festivities with people buying plants to bring luck and wealth for the next 12 months."
There are plenty more markets in Mong Kok apart from these three. The clothing markets in Fa Yuen are nearby and include the Ladies' Market where women can find shoes and accessories at bargain prices.
And if you're thinking of buying some jewellery check out the Jade Market. This delicately hued precious stone, which is found in Burma, China, Australia and Taiwan, is believed by the Chinese to possess mysterious powers.
As night falls, things start getting really busy along Temple Street.The Night Market in Yau-Ma-Tei district on Kowloon has most everything you'd need. There are fortune tellers sitting beside chess players, street musicians singing Cantonese operas and everywhere people can be seen eating steamed meals. To complement the Ladies' Market, Temple Street has men's clothing on offer.
Also well known is the Stanley Market on the south coast which appears far removed from Hong Kong's skyscrapers and jammed streets. The many hairpin bends in the road provide views of the South China Sea and of pretty residential areas.
In contrast to most of the other markets the traders here are less likely to offer a great deal."Too many tourists come here and pay the prices indicated on the labels," says Denny. Which explains why it's practically impossible to haggle with the vendors here.
Best way to book hotels
What's the best way to book a hotel? That's becoming trickier as hotels try everything they can to drum up business in one of their most challenging years.Average daily hotel rates in the United States are expected to drop 9.7 per cent for the year, to US$96.43, according to Smith Travel Research, which tracks the industry. That would be the steepest year-over-year decrease since Smith began tracking hotel data in 1987. To fill rooms, hotels are offering special sales on their own web sites, turning to third-party sites like Expedia.com to sell excess inventory and even quietly acquiescing to travellers who call up or walk in and haggle.
"It would not be unusual for travellers to find rates as much as 40 per cent below last year if they're a little bit resourceful and flexible," said Bjorn Hanson, a hospitality professor at New York University."Each hotel is trying to manage its inventory and occupancy and rate uniquely," he said, which creates more opportunities for travellers.
To see how low hotels will go, I recently tested out four booking methods across a range of properties in New York City - one of the most expensive hotel markets in the United States - by comparing prices for a Thursday night in October on the hotel's own website,Expedia.com and the reservation phone line. For good measure, I also hoofed it to the hotel itself and haggled with the front desk. In each instance I did not reveal my affiliation with The New York Times and presented myself as just another traveller.Of the five hotels I compared, only one - the venerable Four Seasons New York - stuck to the same rate. It was a whopping US$855 a night for a "moderate room" on the hotel's website,US$855 on Expedia.com and US$855 when I called. What happened when I showed up in person?"Eight-hundred-fifty-five dollars," a front-desk clerk assured me in a thick Central European accent."That would be our cheapest, ma'am." he added, when I demurred over the price. A female clerk nodded in agreement, hardly looking up from her computer to glance at the dishevelled traveller who dared to ask for a discount. Harrumph."Alright," I said in the most exasperated tone I could muster, then quickly pivoted on my heels
for a deliberate exit.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Cen'Most hotels offer
tral Park was more accommodating,a best-rate at least on the phone. Initially, the reservation agent quoted US$795 for guarantee that a king - the same rate found on Expedia and its own web site. But promises guests
when I said,"I was hoping for somean additional 25
dropped the rate US$100, showing thing lower," she immediately per cent discount that even luxury hotels are willing to cut a deal if you ask. But that's if a lower rate is against Ritz-Carlton policy, I later found within 24
for comment."The policy of the learned when I called the company hours of booking'Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is for rate integrity across all channels of distribution whether made online,toll-free reservations or through travel professionals," Vivian Deuschl,a spokeswoman, said."The hotel erred in quoting a rate lower than US$795."
But was it a mistake? About a week later, the reservation line once again extended the US$100 discount when I asked if there was anything cheaper than the initial US$795 quoted. So it can pay to pick up the phone.
A phone call to the Westin New York at Times Square also paid off. First the reservation agent quoted a rate of US$479 a night,about US$10 higher than the hotel's web site (Expedia was sold out).But the reservation agent offered to search for corporate or other discounts. My AAA membership brought the rate down to US$455.08 - something that did not occur to me while I was searching on the hotel's site. I also went in person to the hotel, but by the time I arrived at 7pm, it was completely sold out.
In one case, a web search yielded the best price. Expedia offered the cheapest rate at the Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square South at US$322 a night, US$57 less than the price for the same room type on the hotel's own web site, the reservations line or at the front desk.
Expedia said it doesn't try to outdo its suppliers."We don't view ourselves as competing with the hotel itself," said Tim MacDonald,general manager of Expedia.com. But he acknowledged that it happens sometimes, as when a hotel offers Expedia a low rate and shuts down the sale on its own web site.
John Wolf, a spokesman for Marriott, which owns the Courtyard,said the hotel reloads its rates on Thursdays, so there may have been a lag in the case of my discount."What happened to you was a fluke," he said.
Like most major hotel chains, Marriott offers a best-rate guarantee that promises guests an additional 25 per cent discount if a lower rate is found within 24 hours of booking. But that policy applies only to its own booking channels, not third-party web sites. That might explain why the Courtyard's gray-haired desk clerk frowned and shook his head when I slapped the Expedia printout on the counter and asked if the hotel could match it.
But who, you might ask, really books a hotel by walking in the same day with suitcase in hand. More people than you might think.On a typical weeknight, the Courtyard gets 15 to 20 walk-ins for its 244 rooms. Still, even if you booked well in advance, it's worth inquiring about the cheapest rate that evening before you check in.
It was pouring rain by the time I arrived at the upscale 60 Thompson Hotel in SoHo. Maybe my drenched state worked in my favour because even though the lowest rate listed on the hotel's web site had been US$499 for a room with a king-size bed, the front desk knocked off another US$20 when I asked for a walk-up rate.(Still,it would have been cheaper had I booked by phone earlier in the day. A reservation agent was able to find a queen for US$459, but by the time I stopped by the hotel that evening, the queen had already been taken.)
It turns out that 60 Thompson has a more liberal pricing policy than some of the large chain hotels in the test. While the boutique hotel group also strives for rate parity across booking systems,Stephen Brandman, co-owner of Thompson Hotels, said that rates greatly depend on availability and seasonality and change several times a day."We have an average occupancy of over 90 per cent year round," he said,"and this can only be achieved by lowering prices when demand requires and raising prices when demand permits."
The lesson? No matter what kind of hotel you're booking, it pays to shop around. To get a baseline, first compare rates online at the hotel's web site and at sites like Expedia. Then pick up the phone and ask for a deal. The reservation agent may discover a lower rate you couldn't find online on your own.
Also, consider signing up for an organisation like AAA. A membership costs about US$58 including a one-time enrollment fee and tends to pay for itself with discounts of 5 to 15 per cent off the best available rate at many hotel chains. And for due diligence, ask the front desk for its best rate before you check in. There's nothing to lose by asking, and you may end up with a lower rate or a better room.
"It would not be unusual for travellers to find rates as much as 40 per cent below last year if they're a little bit resourceful and flexible," said Bjorn Hanson, a hospitality professor at New York University."Each hotel is trying to manage its inventory and occupancy and rate uniquely," he said, which creates more opportunities for travellers.
To see how low hotels will go, I recently tested out four booking methods across a range of properties in New York City - one of the most expensive hotel markets in the United States - by comparing prices for a Thursday night in October on the hotel's own website,Expedia.com and the reservation phone line. For good measure, I also hoofed it to the hotel itself and haggled with the front desk. In each instance I did not reveal my affiliation with The New York Times and presented myself as just another traveller.Of the five hotels I compared, only one - the venerable Four Seasons New York - stuck to the same rate. It was a whopping US$855 a night for a "moderate room" on the hotel's website,US$855 on Expedia.com and US$855 when I called. What happened when I showed up in person?"Eight-hundred-fifty-five dollars," a front-desk clerk assured me in a thick Central European accent."That would be our cheapest, ma'am." he added, when I demurred over the price. A female clerk nodded in agreement, hardly looking up from her computer to glance at the dishevelled traveller who dared to ask for a discount. Harrumph."Alright," I said in the most exasperated tone I could muster, then quickly pivoted on my heels
for a deliberate exit.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Cen'Most hotels offer
tral Park was more accommodating,a best-rate at least on the phone. Initially, the reservation agent quoted US$795 for guarantee that a king - the same rate found on Expedia and its own web site. But promises guests
when I said,"I was hoping for somean additional 25
dropped the rate US$100, showing thing lower," she immediately per cent discount that even luxury hotels are willing to cut a deal if you ask. But that's if a lower rate is against Ritz-Carlton policy, I later found within 24
for comment."The policy of the learned when I called the company hours of booking'Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is for rate integrity across all channels of distribution whether made online,toll-free reservations or through travel professionals," Vivian Deuschl,a spokeswoman, said."The hotel erred in quoting a rate lower than US$795."
But was it a mistake? About a week later, the reservation line once again extended the US$100 discount when I asked if there was anything cheaper than the initial US$795 quoted. So it can pay to pick up the phone.
A phone call to the Westin New York at Times Square also paid off. First the reservation agent quoted a rate of US$479 a night,about US$10 higher than the hotel's web site (Expedia was sold out).But the reservation agent offered to search for corporate or other discounts. My AAA membership brought the rate down to US$455.08 - something that did not occur to me while I was searching on the hotel's site. I also went in person to the hotel, but by the time I arrived at 7pm, it was completely sold out.
In one case, a web search yielded the best price. Expedia offered the cheapest rate at the Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square South at US$322 a night, US$57 less than the price for the same room type on the hotel's own web site, the reservations line or at the front desk.
Expedia said it doesn't try to outdo its suppliers."We don't view ourselves as competing with the hotel itself," said Tim MacDonald,general manager of Expedia.com. But he acknowledged that it happens sometimes, as when a hotel offers Expedia a low rate and shuts down the sale on its own web site.
John Wolf, a spokesman for Marriott, which owns the Courtyard,said the hotel reloads its rates on Thursdays, so there may have been a lag in the case of my discount."What happened to you was a fluke," he said.
Like most major hotel chains, Marriott offers a best-rate guarantee that promises guests an additional 25 per cent discount if a lower rate is found within 24 hours of booking. But that policy applies only to its own booking channels, not third-party web sites. That might explain why the Courtyard's gray-haired desk clerk frowned and shook his head when I slapped the Expedia printout on the counter and asked if the hotel could match it.
But who, you might ask, really books a hotel by walking in the same day with suitcase in hand. More people than you might think.On a typical weeknight, the Courtyard gets 15 to 20 walk-ins for its 244 rooms. Still, even if you booked well in advance, it's worth inquiring about the cheapest rate that evening before you check in.
It was pouring rain by the time I arrived at the upscale 60 Thompson Hotel in SoHo. Maybe my drenched state worked in my favour because even though the lowest rate listed on the hotel's web site had been US$499 for a room with a king-size bed, the front desk knocked off another US$20 when I asked for a walk-up rate.(Still,it would have been cheaper had I booked by phone earlier in the day. A reservation agent was able to find a queen for US$459, but by the time I stopped by the hotel that evening, the queen had already been taken.)
It turns out that 60 Thompson has a more liberal pricing policy than some of the large chain hotels in the test. While the boutique hotel group also strives for rate parity across booking systems,Stephen Brandman, co-owner of Thompson Hotels, said that rates greatly depend on availability and seasonality and change several times a day."We have an average occupancy of over 90 per cent year round," he said,"and this can only be achieved by lowering prices when demand requires and raising prices when demand permits."
The lesson? No matter what kind of hotel you're booking, it pays to shop around. To get a baseline, first compare rates online at the hotel's web site and at sites like Expedia. Then pick up the phone and ask for a deal. The reservation agent may discover a lower rate you couldn't find online on your own.
Also, consider signing up for an organisation like AAA. A membership costs about US$58 including a one-time enrollment fee and tends to pay for itself with discounts of 5 to 15 per cent off the best available rate at many hotel chains. And for due diligence, ask the front desk for its best rate before you check in. There's nothing to lose by asking, and you may end up with a lower rate or a better room.
A new destination for eco-tourists
Chiang Mai last month carved out a new district, its 25th, and then proceeded to unveil plans to develop and turn it into its latest nature and eco-tourist destination.
Named after the late Princess Galyani Vadhana the new district,165 kilometres northwest of the provincial town, has a population of 16,000 spread over 21 villages occupying 700-square-kilometres in tambon Ban Chan, Chaem Luang and Mae Dad, said Chiang Mai Governor Amornphan Nimanan.
The majority of its residents are ethnic Karen, Mong and Lisor hill tribe farmers in employ of royally initiated projects growing vegetable, fruit and other cash crops.
With pleasant weather all year round,the district is also noted for its vast pine forest around Ban Wat Chan, a village perched at an elevation of 1,000 metres above sea level.
An existing art and craft centre, now under renovation, will initially serve as the district office, but a new one will be built on an 80-rai plot in tambon Chaem Luang in due course.
Additionally, there are plans to build a highland sports complex and a herbal study centre for which an allocation of 300 million baht will be sought from the government.
To get to the new district, take Highway 1095(Mae Malai-Pai) from Chiang Mai town and turn left into ChomchaengBan Muang Rae Road. Alternatively, take a public bus plying the Chiang Mai-Wat Chan route. Tourism memo inked
The tourism offices of Xishuangbanna in China's Yunnan Province and Chiang Rai have signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the movement of tourists and logistics along the 1,800-km-long R3A highway linking Kunming with Bangkok.
The memorandum signed recently in Chiang Khong district seeks to promote land travel and also calls for low-cost air links between Chiang Rai and Jinghong,the main city of Xishuangbanna, said Chiang Rai Governor Sumeth Saengnimnuan.
Last year some 1.7 million tourists visited Chiang Rai of which 11 per cent were from China. Their number is expected to increase slightly this year. Bird sanctuary
A newly-opened tourist centre at Talay Noi, a wetland home to some 43,000 birds representing 187 species, in Khuan Khanun district of Phattalung comes fully equipped with high-speed Internet as well as tourist information available to visitors both in Thai and English.
October to March is high tourist season in this 285,625 rai wetland area during which migrating birds flee harsh winter in the northern hemisphere to seek refuge around this tropical lake, pulling in avid bird-watchers and nature lovers in droves.
Apart from bird watching, visitors can observe the lifestyle of fishermen inhabiting the wetland and stop by Krajud Rong Fang to watch a group of housewives weaving lepironia mats, baskets and purses. Airport gets a facelift
Some 5.3 million passengers transited through Phuket International Airport last year and their number is expected to increase to 6.5 million by the end of this year.
Preparing for the upcoming high tourist season, the airport is planning to spend 30 million baht to polish up its image and present its best face to the arriving tourists.
According to its Managing Director Pratheung Sornkum, the money will be used to improve road surface around the airport, car park, toilets, passenger terminals and buy two more X-ray security machines.
The airport also plans to expand its passenger capacity to 12.5 million annually by 2013.NokAir tie-up
Low-cost airline Nok Air has joined hands with SF Cinema City to sell air tickets via 13 of the latter's outlets in Bangkok and Phuket.
Nok Air CEO Patee Sarasin said the arrangement would suit those whose lifestyle revolves around cinemas and shopping malls.
The airline is offering 100 baht discount to those who purchase a roundtrip ticket with 5-kg extra baggage allowance on the Phuket route, and 50 per cent discount coupons redeemable at Budget Car Rental.
If the tickets are bought at SF Jungceylon in Phuket or at Central Phuket, buyers get 200 baht discount for a BangkokPhuket round-trip.
The offer is valid until Nov 30. Adventure race
The 4th Yara Bangkok Challenge 2009,part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series already run in Kanchanaburi,Chiang Mai and Samui Island, kicks off Nov 14 in Nong Chok district of Bangkok.
The event is a test of endurance involving trekking, mountain biking, swimming, and canoeing over a distance of 50 kilometres in which two-man teams compete in a gruelling race that lasts hours depending on physical fitness of the participants. More than 100 teams are expected for the race.
Visit www.ama-events.com for more information. Big field for regatta
The 23rd King's Cup Regatta scheduled Nov 28-Dec 5 off Kata Beach promises a big field with boats from Australia,Britain, China and Russia joining local teams vying for honours at an event that heralds the start of high tourist season in Phuket.
Kevin Whitcraft, president of the organising committee, is hoping some 2,000 high spending international tourists to converge in Phuket for the event which is expected to pump some 40 million baht into the local economy.
Named after the late Princess Galyani Vadhana the new district,165 kilometres northwest of the provincial town, has a population of 16,000 spread over 21 villages occupying 700-square-kilometres in tambon Ban Chan, Chaem Luang and Mae Dad, said Chiang Mai Governor Amornphan Nimanan.
The majority of its residents are ethnic Karen, Mong and Lisor hill tribe farmers in employ of royally initiated projects growing vegetable, fruit and other cash crops.
With pleasant weather all year round,the district is also noted for its vast pine forest around Ban Wat Chan, a village perched at an elevation of 1,000 metres above sea level.
An existing art and craft centre, now under renovation, will initially serve as the district office, but a new one will be built on an 80-rai plot in tambon Chaem Luang in due course.
Additionally, there are plans to build a highland sports complex and a herbal study centre for which an allocation of 300 million baht will be sought from the government.
To get to the new district, take Highway 1095(Mae Malai-Pai) from Chiang Mai town and turn left into ChomchaengBan Muang Rae Road. Alternatively, take a public bus plying the Chiang Mai-Wat Chan route. Tourism memo inked
The tourism offices of Xishuangbanna in China's Yunnan Province and Chiang Rai have signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the movement of tourists and logistics along the 1,800-km-long R3A highway linking Kunming with Bangkok.
The memorandum signed recently in Chiang Khong district seeks to promote land travel and also calls for low-cost air links between Chiang Rai and Jinghong,the main city of Xishuangbanna, said Chiang Rai Governor Sumeth Saengnimnuan.
Last year some 1.7 million tourists visited Chiang Rai of which 11 per cent were from China. Their number is expected to increase slightly this year. Bird sanctuary
A newly-opened tourist centre at Talay Noi, a wetland home to some 43,000 birds representing 187 species, in Khuan Khanun district of Phattalung comes fully equipped with high-speed Internet as well as tourist information available to visitors both in Thai and English.
October to March is high tourist season in this 285,625 rai wetland area during which migrating birds flee harsh winter in the northern hemisphere to seek refuge around this tropical lake, pulling in avid bird-watchers and nature lovers in droves.
Apart from bird watching, visitors can observe the lifestyle of fishermen inhabiting the wetland and stop by Krajud Rong Fang to watch a group of housewives weaving lepironia mats, baskets and purses. Airport gets a facelift
Some 5.3 million passengers transited through Phuket International Airport last year and their number is expected to increase to 6.5 million by the end of this year.
Preparing for the upcoming high tourist season, the airport is planning to spend 30 million baht to polish up its image and present its best face to the arriving tourists.
According to its Managing Director Pratheung Sornkum, the money will be used to improve road surface around the airport, car park, toilets, passenger terminals and buy two more X-ray security machines.
The airport also plans to expand its passenger capacity to 12.5 million annually by 2013.NokAir tie-up
Low-cost airline Nok Air has joined hands with SF Cinema City to sell air tickets via 13 of the latter's outlets in Bangkok and Phuket.
Nok Air CEO Patee Sarasin said the arrangement would suit those whose lifestyle revolves around cinemas and shopping malls.
The airline is offering 100 baht discount to those who purchase a roundtrip ticket with 5-kg extra baggage allowance on the Phuket route, and 50 per cent discount coupons redeemable at Budget Car Rental.
If the tickets are bought at SF Jungceylon in Phuket or at Central Phuket, buyers get 200 baht discount for a BangkokPhuket round-trip.
The offer is valid until Nov 30. Adventure race
The 4th Yara Bangkok Challenge 2009,part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series already run in Kanchanaburi,Chiang Mai and Samui Island, kicks off Nov 14 in Nong Chok district of Bangkok.
The event is a test of endurance involving trekking, mountain biking, swimming, and canoeing over a distance of 50 kilometres in which two-man teams compete in a gruelling race that lasts hours depending on physical fitness of the participants. More than 100 teams are expected for the race.
Visit www.ama-events.com for more information. Big field for regatta
The 23rd King's Cup Regatta scheduled Nov 28-Dec 5 off Kata Beach promises a big field with boats from Australia,Britain, China and Russia joining local teams vying for honours at an event that heralds the start of high tourist season in Phuket.
Kevin Whitcraft, president of the organising committee, is hoping some 2,000 high spending international tourists to converge in Phuket for the event which is expected to pump some 40 million baht into the local economy.
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