Thailand on Sale!!!

In the aftermath of the Bangkok nonsense right at the start of the low season, it had to happen ... visitor arrivals have dropped drastically. And in response, hotel, airlines and tourism operators are also dropping their trousers drastically.

Don't just take advantage -- take advantage TODAY!

Let's see: Bangkok Airways is offering 5% off your next flight (from their already very affordable fares). Just show your boarding pass to qualify. ( http://www.bangkokair.com/ )

One of my Bangkok boutique hotels, Tenface, has got a Buy One, Get One Free night special on now. (See http://www.tenface.bangkok.com/)

And Agoda, one of the hotel booking sites I regularly use, has got pages of specials for Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, etc. (See http://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/129623a8c6c9bced ) I can see lots of 50% offs there at some amazing properties, cheaper than a lousy motel up the coast in Australia.

Thailand is consistently rated the world's best value destination. Now, it's unbelievable value. Even all those idiot news crews that mis-reported the Bangkok situation can probably afford to take a break now (in fact, fellas, do us all a favour and take a loooooooooooooong break).

PS: come on in, the water's fine. For tourists, Thailand is as peaceful as it ever was. Jing jing!

Let me know if YOU have a special you'd like to push to our readers: happy to help.

Anantara hat-trick in Travel + Leisure Awards USA

Every year Travel & Leisure USA asks billions (well, OK, lots) of its readers to select their top hotel picks from around the world to ascertain the 500 World’s Best Hotels. This year their readers’ poll ranked three Thailand-based Anantara Resorts & Spas worthy of inclusion.

(Anantara is a home-grown hotel and resort group. You might remember me gushing about their pool villas on Phuket some time back?)

1. Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa (photo above):  in the country’s legendary northern jungle sits on a hill ridge overlooking the misty forested slopes of Myanmar and Laos, as well as the Mekong and Ruak rivers. Highlights of the 160 acre resort include the on-site Elephant Camp and a pool which overlooks three countries.


2. Anantara Hua Hin: Proving that quintessential seaside charm in Thailand’s Royal Paradise delivers equal allure. Nestled on the golden sands and temperate waters of the Gulf of Siam, this picturesque resort is designed to resemble an authentic southern Thai-style village.

3. Anantara Bophut, Koh Samui Resort & Spa: This romantic haven blends island magic with Thai charm and Anantara style. (Actually it's directly opposite the Samui go-kart track, the real reason why it won. Jing jing!)

William E. Heinecke, Chief Executive Officer of Minor Group under which the Anantara brand operates, commented on the win: “These multiple award wins place Anantara on an unquestionable pedestal, highlighting the brand as a globally revered luxury hotel company and a leader in the hospitality business. We are delighted to once again be celebrating Anantara’s interactive concept of indigenous luxury in the most exotic destinations around the world.”

Overall, Thailand scored 19 hotels in the Top 500. That's 4% of the world's best hotels. Right here. Amazing Thailand!

For full listing see http://www.travelandleisure.com/tl500/2010/region/asia