Khao Kho is listed as the No.1-searched destination in Thailand, according to the Google Year In Search 2018.
Located in Phetchabun province, Khao Kho is one of the popular destinations during the cold season. Google showed that people looked for accommodation and attractions, especially during the high season running from October until December.
Ranked second in keyword destination searches is Khao Yai, part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex. Third is Ayutthaya, followed by Nan, Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Hua Hin and Chiang Khan in Loei.
According to Google, the lists are based on search terms that had the highest spike this year as compared to the previous year.
For the global top keyword searches, Bupphaesannivas is ranked third-most-searched among TV shows worldwide. Bupphaesannivas, or Love Destiny, was the popular period TV series on Channel 3. The series was translated into many languages, including Chinese. The popularity of the series led to fans, Thai and foreigner alike, travelling to Ayutthaya, the main shooting location.
Visit http://trends.google.co.th/trends/yis/2018/TH.
Pond-based lily field
Ayutthaya has introduced Thung Bua Daeng, meaning a field of red water lilies, as a new attraction.
Located in a 15 rai pond in Ban Khlong Sai in Bang Pa-in district, the field belongs to Jinwilai Nokinsea. She normally grew rice on the land, but this year, after harvesting rice, she planted pink water lilies. The pond became a hit when it was covered by the media.
It is open for public visits from 6am-6pm daily.
The pond is located not far from the inbound route of Highway 32, or can be found by following the GPS co-ordinates 14°12'46.7"N 100°37'10.3"E.
Call the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Ayutthaya office at 035-246-076/7.
AIRLINES UPDATE
Thai Lion Air will launch its first daily direct flight between Bangkok and Bali on Dec 21.
The flight will depart from Don Mueang International Airport at 12.55pm and arrive Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) in Bali at 6.30pm. The return flight will depart Bali at 7.20pm and arrive in Bangkok at 11.05pm. Flying time is 4hrs 35min.
Visit http://lionairthai.com/en.
Thai Airways has launched new version of the Thai Airways app.
The app is version 2.0. It features flight information and travel itinerary, travel reminder, Royal Orchid Plus membership services, e-boarding pass within the application, displaying flight details on smart watches and other services such as hotel reservations, car rental and travel insurance.
Visit http://thaiairways.com.
Malaysia-based AirAsia has recently signed a memorandum of co-operation with Thien Minh Group, a Hanoi-based tourism business, to launch its low-cost airline in Vietnam.
Following Vietnamese law, AirAsia has the right to invest 30% in the new venture. Since 2005, AirAsia has operated its international flights to and from Vietnam. It operates 141 return flights weekly on 13 destinations in Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.
The new joint venture is expected to serve domestic routes as well as to have more international flights connecting cities in Vietnam, China, Japan and South Korea.
Visit http://airasia.com.
HOTEL DEALS AND UPDATE
Centara Hotels & Resorts has soft-launched Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha in Qatar.
Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the hotel features 265 rooms, including studios, suites, one- to three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, two restaurants, indoor pool with pool bar, fitness centre, prayer room, kids' club, gift shop and two meeting rooms.
The hotel is about 25 minutes by car from Hamad International Airport. The grand opening is scheduled for January.
Visit http://centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cwq.
Dusit Thani Hua Hin has launch a New Year package. The promotion includes two nights' accommodation with complimentary daily breakfast, two tickets to the New Year's Eve Gala Dinner with mini-concert by renowned Thai artist Panadda Ruangwut, and free shuttle-van service to Hua Hin centre.
Prices start at 21,900 baht per room for the two nights' stay from Dec 30 until Jan 1.
Visit http://dusit.com/dusitthani/huahin.
Kept Bangsaray Hotel Pattaya has launched a 20% discount for online booking via its website.
Until March 31, the promotion covers all room types starting at 4,958 baht for a standard room (35m²) to 18,999 baht for a villa (71m²). The prices include breakfast.
Located on Chai Thale Bang Saray Road, the hotel has one restaurant, bar and swimming pool, as well as meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 40 guests.
Visit http://keptbangsaray.com.
