The Tourism Authority of Thailand has joined hands with Hua Hin/Cha-am Tourism Association and local partners in Hua Hin to introduce a free sightseeing bus.
However, the service is available only on weekends of this month. According to TAT's Prachuap Khiri Khan office director Soraya Homchuen, the aim is to promote the old ambience of Hua Hin.
The open-air bus with 20 seats will have the first and last stop at Hua Hin railway station. The one-hour city tour will bring tourists to various places including Hua Hin Temple, Hua Hin Beach, Chao Mae Tubtim shrine and the Chatchai market.
The service is available three times a day at 10am, 2pm and 5pm on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of April. There will be two sightseeing buses which can serve up to 40 passengers.
Free tickets are available at the Hua Hin railway station. For more information, call TAT's Prachuap Khiri Khan Office at 032-513-885.
Combating human trafficking
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched a global task force to help prevent and combat human trafficking.
The task force is the first global industry-wide initiative to assert zero tolerance and share best practices.
According to the WTTC, human trafficking is an illicit activity that affects 30 million victims worldwide and relies on travel networks. One-quarter of trafficking victims worldwide are children. Meanwhile, 19% of victims are trafficked for sexual purposes, which makes up 66% of the illicit income generated.
The WTTC founded the task force on human trafficking to increase industry and consumer awareness, to train employees and travellers on how to identify and report suspected cases, to encourage governments to enact legislation and to provide assistance, employability training and employment opportunities to survivors.
The founding members of the task force are Airbnb, Amex GBT, The Bicester Village Shopping Collection, Ctrip.com International, CWT, Emirates, Expedia Group, Hilton, JTB Corp, Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority, Marriott International, Silversea, Thomas Cook and TUI.
AIRLINES UPDATE
- Nok Air has launched direct flights from Chiang Mai to Ubon Ratchathani.
The airline flies with Q400 aircraft with 86 seats.
The outbound flight departs Chiang Mai airport on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 9.25am and arrive at Ubon Ratchathani airport at 11.20am. The inbound flight departs Ubon Ratchathani airport at 11.50am and will arrive at Chiang Mai airport at 1.40pm.
Visit http://nokair.com
- Thai AirAsia X will launch direct flights from Bangkok to Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning province in northwest of China, from June 25 to Oct 24.
The service will be operated by Airbus A330-300 aircraft and will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The outbound flight will depart from Don Mueang Airport at 3.35am and will arrive at Shenyang at 9.05pm. The return flight will depart Shenyang at 10.15pm and will arrive in Bangkok at 3.15pm.
Visit http://airasia.com.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATE
- Phunacome Resort in Loei's Dan Sai district has launched the Phunacome Eco Club Card.
With a 20,000 baht price, the offer includes 10-nights stay in a Deluxe Room (4,200 baht a night), free two night upgraded room to a Grand Deluxe Room (4,800 baht a night), 15% discount for food, 10% discount for souvenir and free green activities organised by the hotel such as mountain bikes in Dan Sai, a cooking class or Phi Ta Khon or a ghost mask workshop.
The special offer cannot be used during New Year and Phi Ta Khon Festival (which will be organised on July 5-7 this year). The membership is valid for two years after purchase.
The resort features 20 rooms with a private balcony for each room, restaurant, spa, organic vegetable plantation and rice field.
Visit http://phunacomeresort.com.
- Kantary Bay Hotel and Serviced Apartments in Chon Buri has launched a weekend special package.
The promotion is available for two-night stays from Friday to Sunday. A night stay starts at 1,900 baht for a studio (40m²), 2,400 baht for one-bedroom suite (70m²) and 4,000 baht for a two-bedroom suite (135m²). The prices also include breakfast for two, service charges and tax. It will be available until Dec 19, but it is limited to Thai residents and can be used only one time with a maximum of two rooms for the reservation.
Located on the beachfront road in Muang district, the property has two swimming pools, fitness centre, executive lounge and meeting rooms.
