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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/travel/40018980

US properties lead the pack, with Thailand accommodation providers securing top spot in Asia. while Bangkok tops on the list of winning destinations.

This week, Agoda presented its Customer Review Awards 2022 to more than 36,000 properties in over 150 markets that have endeavoured to achieve high-rating customer reviews (ranking 8 or above), in a year where the world continued to face restricted travel and international lockdowns.

The Agoda Customer Review Awards are presented to hotel and accommodation partners who have offered exceptional services to their customers, including great pricing and availability. Properties must also utilize Agoda’s Yield Control System (YCS).

This year, globally, Asia tops the region league table with 18,670 properties represented, followed by Europe and North America in the second and third place respectively.

The US becomes this year’s market champion with 7,015 properties represented, followed by Thailand (4,343), Indonesia (2,590), Japan (2,053), and India (1,948).

Bangkok tops on the list of winning destinations with 681 properties, while is second Bali (579), Paris third (498), Chiang Mai fourth (479) and Phuket (451) rounding out the top five.

“Customer reviews quickly help travellers to make decisions where to stay. They are a trusted source which allows travellers to identify places that match their own travel requirements such as travelling with kids, the location in relation to other attractions, or how welcoming the guest relations staff are, said Liyana Jamil, Vice President of Partner Services, Agoda.

There has to be consistency in delivering quality stays to achieve the 8+ ranking and with the challenges faced by the travel industry over the past years, winning this award not only speaks about our partners’ exceptional service but is also a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for providing our guests with an experience they truly value.

With over 35+ million guest reviews on the platform, Agoda understands the importance of customer reviews as Agoda’s Usage & Attitude Study data shows 84% of travellers globally read online reviews before choosing where to stay when they travel.

For hoteliers and accommodation partners, these reviews provide vital feedback to benchmark services and make improvements.

For the first time this year, there will be a dedicated landing page https://www.agoda.com/customerreviewaward to celebrate and feature all Customer Review Award winners.

This landing page will be accessible to all Agoda’s customers and help guide them to great service offerings. Customers may filter their reviews in several ways, including score, timing, reviewer demographics, and language, to discover the best suits their needs.

The Agoda Customer Review award is judged on genuine customer reviews based on five key criteria including Cleanliness, Facilities, Location, Room comfort, Quality, Service, and Value for money.

The 2022 Customer Review Awards was awarded, on July 26, 2022. The winning properties were notified through an email and YCS App pop-up.

Published : August 16, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/thai-destination/travel/40018698

This International Youth Day, Airbnb recognises two top Hosts under the age of 30 years old in Thailand

While Airbnb Hosts span the age spectrum, Airbnb is celebrating International Youth Day (12 August) this year by shining a light on its most successful, innovative and tenacious Airbnb Hosts in Asia Pacific under 30.  

Airbnb is recognizing 13 outstanding young Airbnb Hosts across the Apac region with an average rating of 4.9 and over 4,300 guest check-ins collectively, including two from Thailand – Genie, 23 and Kantaphon, 27.

“A new world of opportunities has been unlocked for the younger generation through their access to and adeptness with modern technology. We are seeing more young Thais discovering Airbnb and sharing about it with their families and friends. They are not only travelling with us domestically and overseas but also becoming tourism entrepreneurs by helping their families generate new streams of income through hosting,” shared Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

For many Airbnb Hosts in Thailand, hosting is a way to generate additional income and for passionate Thais to share their local culture, hospitality and neighbourhood communities with their guests.

In fact, 77 per cent of Thai hosts use Airbnb as an opportunity to connect guests around the world with their local communities.

During the pandemic, Thailand welcomed many first-time hosts and Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Pattaya were the top destinations for new Hosts’ earnings. 

Genie, who hosts this three-bedroom home in Bangkok with her family, was inspired when staying in an Airbnb for the first time overseas.

“In 2016, my family and I travelled abroad during the summer and stayed in an Airbnb for the first time. We absolutely loved the experience. We thought it would be so nice to be a Host back home in Thailand – to welcome guests from around the world that are maybe looking for a more local experience of travelling in Bangkok. Later that year, we put up a listing on the platform and welcomed our first guests.”

For Kantaphon, who hosts the Punjum House Airbnb Stay in Chiang Mai, becoming a Host was unexpected.

“My parents rented out our family home but unfortunately our long-term resident did not take good care of our home leading to high costs of refurbishment and repairs for us. A friend of ours then made the life-changing suggestion that we list our home on Airbnb, and I have been an Airbnb Host for 5 years now since 2017.”

To become a successful host, Genie suggests future hosts should look through the eyes of guests and distinguish their stay from others.

“I think it’s helpful to put yourself in the shoes of the guest and imagine yourself as a traveller in a foreign place. What would they want? I think reliability is a top priority, also comfort, and even community. For places like ours, where we might not have the most prime location, it’s also helpful to recognize the charm of your own home and bring it out. There’s a unique charm to every house and you can really showcase it differently on Airbnb. You also learn from other hosts! I enjoy staying at other Airbnb stays and seeing how they do things differently.”

Kantaphon believes in creating a stay that reflects your own style and ensuring the local community benefits too.

“If you’re interested in being an Airbnb host, I strongly encourage you to start now! It’s a great occupation as it allows you to spend time with your family and enables you to create opportunities for the local community. Make sure to look after your guests as if they are friends visiting you, and decorate your home based on your own style. I believe if you do this, guests will feel connected to you and will see how sincere you are. And all the great reviews from your guests will come flooding in.”

As these young Thai entrepreneurs show, age is definitely no barrier to becoming a successful Airbnb Host.

For more detail on hosting, visit https://www.airbnb.com/host.

Infinity Communications

Published : August 09, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/travel/40018699

In 2018, 12 young footballers and their coach were trapped by rising water in the twisted depths of Tham Luang cave, triggering a drama that drew worldwide attention.

Experts from around the globe flew in for a rescue mission that lasted 17 long days, before the boys were finally found by two British divers.

Now, a new tourist attraction in Tham Luang National Park will offer visitors an immersive experience of that heroic mission, taking them deeper than any simple museum memorial.

Index Creative Village Pcl has invested over 1 billion baht to create “THE CAVENTURE” on a 20-rai plot, aiming to draw more than 500,000 Thai and foreign tourists throughout the year. 

The project is set to become a new tourism landmark in the Tham Luang National Park-Khun Nam Nang Non area, generating over 300 million baht per year.

“In June 2018, the incident at Tham Luang in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province became world famous for the rescue mission to save 13 lives,” said Kriangkrai Kanjanapokin, founder and CEO of Index Creative Village Group.

“The mission was difficult and dangerous, requiring the cooperation of the Thai government, private sector, and international experts from many countries. The world was watching this rescue mission and desperate to see all 13 lives saved.”

Kriangkrai said the cave drama had turned Tham Luang National Park into a tourism magnet in Chiang Rai. Its popularity was boosted further by the recent release of ‘Thirteen Lives’, a movie based on the true story. 

“However, the national park does not allow people to visit inside the cave due to limited parking facilities to handle the high tourist demand,” he added.

Instead, tourists will be able to plunge into the depths of the Tham Luang drama at THE CAVENTURE, where the clothes, bikes and other objects from the rescue mission will be on display. Tourists will experience what the 13 boys went through amid the rising water level and pitch-black darkness of the cave. They will also experience the mission through the point of view of the Navy Seals and divers, learning about rescue methods and the high-tech equipment used to locate and rescue the boys.

THE CAVENTURE is located an hour’s drive from Chiang Rai international airport in Pong Pha, Mae Sai district and is due to launch at the end of 2023.

Published : August 09, 2022

By : Stephanie Adair

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40018351

First Pattaya got the Hard Rock Hotel that gave visitors an inside look into the world of rock ‘n’ roll, now the seaside town has a hotel that promises to take you on a trip through space.

The Grand Centre Point Space Pattaya will be flinging its doors open on Monday and promises to become a new bright landmark in this eastern seaside town.

Kitti Worrabanpott, managing director of LH Mall & Hotel, said his company has high hopes of Pattaya City becoming an international tourist destination, which is why it decided to spend more than 3 billion baht on building this hotel.

Besides, Pattaya is just an hour from Bangkok and offers beautiful seaside vistas as well as plenty of sightseeing venues.

The hotel built by LH Mall & Hotel also includes a massive space-themed water amusement park. The space theme has been applied to not just the exterior, but also the interiors, the landscape and the amusement park.

The hotel boasts of two restaurants – the Orbit and Sola Luna Rooftop – and the Oort Cloud tearoom. It also has the Space Convention Centre that can accommodate 1,000 people and a massive LED display.

Paveen Korbboon, from Palmer and Turner (Thailand) which created the design and architecture, said the space travel theme was applied to every facility in the hotel. For instance, he said, the hotel’s roof and front look like a space shuttle from afar, while rooms sport digital displays of fields of stars.

Boonchai Sakulthammarat, from Green Architects which designed the landscape and waterpark, said his company was given free rein to convert 80,000 square metres of space into a space-themed extravaganza. He said a light-and-sound show is held every night to take people on a flight through space.

The hotel has 490 rooms and suites between 45 and 133sqm in size. The Space Water Park, meanwhile, is divided into four areas, namely the Mountain Zone, Flying Rock Zone, Space Pirate Beach Zone and Planet Zone.

Parents can also drop their young ones off at the Astro Cub playroom, while they laze by the Sky Pool – the highest rooftop swimming pool in Pattaya from where people can enjoy spectacular sunsets over the bay or dazzling lights at night.

Published : July 31, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40018331

Trat’s Koh Chang island appears to be a huge hit among local tourists during this long weekend, with even Thai superstar Nadech Kugimiya seen soaking in the atmosphere.

He was spotted enjoying a show at the Klong Son Elephant camp on Friday, where he reportedly donated 160,000 baht for elephant feed. A source said the actor had donated the money he earned from songs he had written about elephants.

Dusit Samutrakaphong, chief of Mu Koh Chang National Park, said more than 10,000 people had visited the park between Thursday and Friday, though most were Thai. He added that one of the most popular activities was diving, judging by the number of boats and diving gear rented.

The weather was also favourable, with clear skies and no strong winds or waves. The only problem was the long line of cars waiting to get on the ferries to Koh Chang. The government tagged an extra day to the July 28 holiday for the King’s birthday to create a long weekend in a bid to promote local tourism.

Covering an area of about 213 square kilometres, Koh Chang is Thailand’s second biggest island after Phuket and is known for its protected coral reefs, diving spots and diverse marine life.

Published : July 30, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40018255

A resort and elephant centre in the Chiang Dao district of Chiang Mai province is offering unique shows of elephants ploughing paddy fields in the hope of luring more tourists.

Wassana Thongsuk, manager of the Hug Chang Chiang Dao elephant centre, said a 30-rai plot (4.8 hectares) in Chiang Dao has been developed as an ecotourism site and centre for elephant conservation.

Wassana said the centre has enlisted what she claimed to be Thailand’s two last rice-ploughing elephants for shows at the resort.

Wassana said the two elephants belong to Karen families in tambon Na Kian of Om Koi district in Chiang Mai. During the non-farming season, their owners normally show off the elephants at various destinations.

Their owners became jobless during the pandemic, so the Hug Chang Chiang Dao hired them to plough the rice field at the resort. The resort pays Bt15,000 a month for each elephant, excluding salaries for the mahouts, Wassana added.

The resort has set aside 16 rai of land for rice fields that grow organic rice, she said. Parts of the rice will be used to feed the elephants at the centre, Wassana added.

She said the two elephants managed to plough rice fields naturally as they have been doing it for years.

The sight of elephants ploughing rice fields generated a lot of excitement among both local people and tourists, Wassana added.

In the past, farmers mostly used water buffaloes to plough their paddy fields, but now many are deploying small tractors.

Wassana said the show of elephants ploughing fields at her resort looked splendid with the backdrop of Doi Luang Chiang Dao mountain that could provide great photo opportunities for tourists.

Published : July 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40018247

Get set to be dazzled if you drive across any of the thirteen beautiful bridges along the Chao Phraya River until Sunday.

The Transport Ministry said on its Facebook page on Wednesday that it is celebrating His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 70th birthday with a grand light show at the 13 bridges.

They are Rama III Bridge, Rama IV Bridge, Rama V Bridge, Rama VII Bridge, Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge, Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge, Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge (Memorial Bridge), Phra Pok Klao Bridge, King Taksin the Great Bridge (Taksin Bridge), Krung Thon Bridge, Krung Thep Bridge, Bhumibol Bridge 1 and Bhumibol Bridge 2.

The light show, which started on Wednesday, commenced at 7pm and went on until midnight. On other days it will be 7pm to 10pm.

Apart from celebrating the King’s birthday, the Transport Ministry said that its objective is to promote the beauty of the bridges and support tourism.

Published : July 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40018158

With a more than 180 per cent increase in international guest searches for stays in the country, Thai tourism is seeing positive signs of recovery.

As travel restrictions continue to ease, international travellers are increasingly looking to visit Thailand, according to newly released Airbnb data.

Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Samui emerged as the most popular destinations in Thailand among both international and domestic guests.

Travellers are also eager to stay longer and explore more places than ever before, as part of a travel revolution that’s creating more economic opportunities for the locals, Airbnb said.

There has been a surge in enthusiasm among international travellers from the time Thailand has eased all travel restrictions.

Searches by international guests for Airbnb Stays in Thailand grew by more than 180 per cent year on year in the first quarter of 2022, suggesting that the travel industry is once again spurring economic recovery for the country.

Thailand is also uniquely positioned to take advantage of the remote-work trend and the rise of the digital nomads. Long-term stays on Airbnb are emerging as a popular choice for guests, the platform said.

Airbnb data also revealed that travellers are raring to travel to destinations both familiar and lesser-known.

Travellers are also exploring uncharted destinations that include Ko Lanta, Trat, Pai and Cha-am. This offers an incredible opportunity for those considering hosting in off-the-beaten-path destinations that have traditionally missed out on the benefits of tourism, Airbnb said.

International travellers from the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany are leading the searches for travel to Thailand.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb general manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan said, “It is heartening to see that Airbnb guests from around the world are looking to revisit Thailand — as well as explore it for the first time — which bodes well for the sector’s ongoing recovery and for our local community of hosts. The blurring lines between travel and living has also led to many travellers continuing to embrace their newfound flexibility. They’re jumping at the opportunity to base themselves amidst the picturesque destinations in Thailand — both the favourites and some uncharted parts of the country — looking to live and work remotely. We’re excited to be working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand on a range of initiatives that will showcase Thailand to the world and attract more remote workers. We remain committed to working with local hosts across the country, as well as the Thai government, to help ensure local communities can take advantage of the travel revolution.”

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb general manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan

The platform upgrades and innovations that Airbnb unveiled over the past year have made it easier than ever for locals across Thailand to become hosts. Additionally, new search tools such as “I’m Flexible”, which has been used more than two billion times since May 2021, as well as the new Categories and Split Stays features, are also encouraging guests to explore new destinations, Airbnb said.

Published : July 26, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40018095

Two popular sites in Krabi will be closed to tourists for two months from August, national park officials said last week.

The Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park announced that Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay will be closed during the monsoon season from August 1 to September 30.

This is because the sea gets rough during that period and is unsafe for tourists. Also, it said, the closure will help the area’s ecosystem to rehabilitate itself.

Loh Samah (Sama Bay) sits on the Koh Phi Phi Leh island’s southern tip. The bay has a small islet in the centre along with a tiny beach behind a small canyon. This bay is popular among snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.

Maya Bay is well-known because it was used as the location for the Leonardo DiCaprio blockbuster “The Beach”.

Published : July 24, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40018072

If lush landscapes and the romance of rain on canvas are what you are seeking, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has the answer. The TAT is recommending five national parks for travellers during the wet season.

The five natural treasures that gleam brightest in the rain are:

1. Camping in Phu Soi Dao National Park in Uttaradit

The park has been open for overnight stays since July 1. Travellers can pitch a tent in the forest near the roaring river. There are also swollen waterfalls and other sightseeing spots.

However, the highlight here is Lan Son – Thailand’s largest meadowland of “Crested Naga” flowers, stretching as far as the eye can see – or 1,000 rai (160 hectares) to be precise. The delicate flowers burst into bloom during the rainy season from August to September, carpeting the hills in purple haze.

For campsites and other info, call 095-629 9528, 091-024 7633, or see the park’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/phusoidao07).

2. Misty mountains at Phu Ruea National Park in Loei

Among the highlights of this park are the gorgeous wildflowers (Caulokaempferia thailandica K Larsen) that bloom across the hills. Watch as the sea of mist lifts slowly each morning to reveal hillsides crowned with delicate white petals.

The park is open from 5am to 8pm. For more, call 095-629 9528, 091-024 7633, or contact its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/phusoidao07).

3. Siam tulips at Pa Hin Ngam National Park in Chaiyaphum

Emerging like precious purple jewels from the rainy season mists here are Siam tulips (“dok kra jiao” or Curcuma alismatifolia). The “queen” of rainy season flowers bursts into bloom in the cool upland meadows from June to August but is at its most impressive in July.

Call park authorities at 044-056 141.

4. Rafting at Kaeng Hin Phoeng in Prachin Buri

Rainy season adventurers can tame the swollen white-water rapids of the Sai Yai River in Khao Yai National Park from July to November. Each raft carries up to 10 people and river expeditions last around two hours. The six rapids run from gentle-intermediate to expert levels but lifeguards are stationed at regular intervals to aid any rafts that get into trouble.

Rafting is available at several resorts in the area. Call 037-312 2821, 037-312 284, or 037-315 664.

5. Angel Mountain at Phu Toei National Park in Suphan Buri

A beautiful sea of mist cloaks Khao Thevada (Angel Mountain) during rainy season. Morning hikers can take the 800-metre path through the mist to the hilltop and, if they’re lucky, emerge above the swirling cloud and lush jungle. To get an early start, visitors can pitch a tent at the campsite.

Call 035-96 0240.

Note that visitors to national parks must book on the QueQ app (Google Play/App Store) before travelling.

Published : July 23, 2022

By : THE NATION