As some of you may know I have been out of the office the past few weeks. I started my journey with a 10 day visit to Kunming and Guizhou province in China. After a 48 hour stopover, I repacked my bags, rounded up the family and headed down south for a Mexico cruise. We then rounded out the trip with a visit to San Diego visiting some of the most exotic animals on the planet.
So this morning we are getting ready to board our plane which is heading to my favourite travel destination that I also have the privilege to call home, Vancouver.
Over the next few weeks I will be sharing more details of this trip and some interesting information I have learned about how to travel with two small boys.
Talk to you soon,
Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Situation Update: Flooding in Thailand
The flooding in Thailand is mainly affecting the central provinces along the Chao Phraya River including Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Other popular tourist destinations in the central region including Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi and Ko Chang have not been affected by the floods. Provinces in the south of Thailand also have not been affected by the floods.
Flood waters in Ayutthaya and some other central provinces have begun to subside, although many areas are not yet fully accessible. Tourist attractions in Ayutthaya will reopen once they have been restored.
Events relating to Loy Krathong, an ancient tradition that has been celebrated since the Sukhothai Era, will still take place in many locations throughout Thailand including Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, and Tak during November 8th to 10th. Some Loy Krathong events have been cancelled in Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Suphanburi due to the flooding.
Situation in Bangkok
Most areas of central Bangkok where to tourists normally go are not flooded at this time. The Chao Phraya River, which runs through Bangkok, is at a higher-than-normal level. This is causing some flooding at tourist attractions that are close to the river, as well as some parts of Chinatown, especially during high tide periods.
Within the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, several suburbs and areas adjacent to the Chao Phraya River are experiencing flooding. As these areas are largely residential and industrial zones, they are not normally visited by tourists. The government has asked residents to leave these areas due to the flooding.
According to government officials, the peak period for flooding due to a combination of high seasonal tides and the large volume of water flowing from the northern provinces through the Bangkok area ended on October 31st. They have stated that the chance of flooding in central Bangkok, which has so far not been affected except in some areas close the Chao Phraya River during high tides, is now greatly reduced. In central Bangkok, businesses, hotels, and tourist attractions remain operating as per normal.
Transportation
The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are operating normally. Taxis and tuk tuks are available as per usual. Many BMTA bus routes have been rerouted or suspended due to the flooding. Express boat services on the Chao Phraya River have also been suspended, as have most water-related tourist activities.
Given the rapidly changing nature of the flooding situation in Bangkok, the TAT advises travelers to carefully consider visiting tourist attractions close to the Chao Phraya River as they may be in areas affected by flooding, which could limit access. Visitors should also check multiple sources of information to make an informed decision about whether they should visit Bangkok at the present time.
Airports
Bangkok is served by two airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main gateway to Thailand with 120 international and domestic airlines, remains open. It has considerable flood protection measures in place and is operating normally, handling around 800 flights per day. Suvarnabhumi Airport is also the main connector for international arrivals to domestic flights serving tourist destinations throughout Thailand such as Phuket, Chiang Mai and Surat Thani. Domestic flights are operating as per normal between Suvarnabhumi Airport and all other airports in Thailand.
Transportation to and from the airport into central Bangkok including taxis, buses and the Airport Rail Link have not been affected by the floods and are operating normally. Highways from the airport to tourist destinations southeast of Bangkok such as Pattaya, Rayong and Ko Chang are open. Travelers should allow additional time to travel to the airport due to traffic congestion.
Don Mueang Airport, the old international airport, has been closed until November 1st due to flooding. The two domestic airlines operating from Don Mueang have temporarily switched their operations to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
State Railway of Thailand and inter-provincial bus services:
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and inter-provincial bus services are operating as per usual in areas that are not affected by the floods. In Bangkok and other areas affected by the floods, the SRT and inter-provincial bus service operators are adjusting their routes to best serve passengers given the disruptions caused by the flooding. Inter-provincial buses from Bangkok to southern provinces are leaving from a temporary station with shuttle services to and from the Southern Bus Terminal, also known as Sai Tai Mai.
Train services to northeastern Thailand are operating as per normal. Train services to the northern provinces are operating between Hua Lamphong station in central Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Trains to the north are being rerouted around flooded areas, adding approximately two hours of travel time. Train services to the southern provinces are operating from Hua Lamphong station or Nakhon Pathom if required due to flooding in Bangkok’s western suburbs. The SRT is providing shuttle bus services between Hua Lamphong station and Nakhon Pathom when needed. Travelers are advised to check in advance with these operators and may want to consider flying to their destinations within Thailand.
Flood waters in Ayutthaya and some other central provinces have begun to subside, although many areas are not yet fully accessible. Tourist attractions in Ayutthaya will reopen once they have been restored.
Events relating to Loy Krathong, an ancient tradition that has been celebrated since the Sukhothai Era, will still take place in many locations throughout Thailand including Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, and Tak during November 8th to 10th. Some Loy Krathong events have been cancelled in Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Suphanburi due to the flooding.
Situation in Bangkok
Most areas of central Bangkok where to tourists normally go are not flooded at this time. The Chao Phraya River, which runs through Bangkok, is at a higher-than-normal level. This is causing some flooding at tourist attractions that are close to the river, as well as some parts of Chinatown, especially during high tide periods.
Within the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, several suburbs and areas adjacent to the Chao Phraya River are experiencing flooding. As these areas are largely residential and industrial zones, they are not normally visited by tourists. The government has asked residents to leave these areas due to the flooding.
According to government officials, the peak period for flooding due to a combination of high seasonal tides and the large volume of water flowing from the northern provinces through the Bangkok area ended on October 31st. They have stated that the chance of flooding in central Bangkok, which has so far not been affected except in some areas close the Chao Phraya River during high tides, is now greatly reduced. In central Bangkok, businesses, hotels, and tourist attractions remain operating as per normal.
Transportation
The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are operating normally. Taxis and tuk tuks are available as per usual. Many BMTA bus routes have been rerouted or suspended due to the flooding. Express boat services on the Chao Phraya River have also been suspended, as have most water-related tourist activities.
Given the rapidly changing nature of the flooding situation in Bangkok, the TAT advises travelers to carefully consider visiting tourist attractions close to the Chao Phraya River as they may be in areas affected by flooding, which could limit access. Visitors should also check multiple sources of information to make an informed decision about whether they should visit Bangkok at the present time.
Airports
Bangkok is served by two airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main gateway to Thailand with 120 international and domestic airlines, remains open. It has considerable flood protection measures in place and is operating normally, handling around 800 flights per day. Suvarnabhumi Airport is also the main connector for international arrivals to domestic flights serving tourist destinations throughout Thailand such as Phuket, Chiang Mai and Surat Thani. Domestic flights are operating as per normal between Suvarnabhumi Airport and all other airports in Thailand.
Transportation to and from the airport into central Bangkok including taxis, buses and the Airport Rail Link have not been affected by the floods and are operating normally. Highways from the airport to tourist destinations southeast of Bangkok such as Pattaya, Rayong and Ko Chang are open. Travelers should allow additional time to travel to the airport due to traffic congestion.
Don Mueang Airport, the old international airport, has been closed until November 1st due to flooding. The two domestic airlines operating from Don Mueang have temporarily switched their operations to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
State Railway of Thailand and inter-provincial bus services:
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and inter-provincial bus services are operating as per usual in areas that are not affected by the floods. In Bangkok and other areas affected by the floods, the SRT and inter-provincial bus service operators are adjusting their routes to best serve passengers given the disruptions caused by the flooding. Inter-provincial buses from Bangkok to southern provinces are leaving from a temporary station with shuttle services to and from the Southern Bus Terminal, also known as Sai Tai Mai.
Train services to northeastern Thailand are operating as per normal. Train services to the northern provinces are operating between Hua Lamphong station in central Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Trains to the north are being rerouted around flooded areas, adding approximately two hours of travel time. Train services to the southern provinces are operating from Hua Lamphong station or Nakhon Pathom if required due to flooding in Bangkok’s western suburbs. The SRT is providing shuttle bus services between Hua Lamphong station and Nakhon Pathom when needed. Travelers are advised to check in advance with these operators and may want to consider flying to their destinations within Thailand.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
We are live! Chinapac's New Booking Engine
So after months of planning, designing and testing, our new website is online!
Designed with a simple yet sophisticated interface, the new booking tool will help both clients and agents on planning and booking their Asia travels with more ease and convenience. Its user friendly navigation system allows for an uncomplicated browsing experience through more than 700 recommended tours and activities in China and South East Asia.
For questions or for more information, please visit http://www.chinapac.ca or call 1-800-661-8182.
Regards,
Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations
Designed with a simple yet sophisticated interface, the new booking tool will help both clients and agents on planning and booking their Asia travels with more ease and convenience. Its user friendly navigation system allows for an uncomplicated browsing experience through more than 700 recommended tours and activities in China and South East Asia.
For questions or for more information, please visit http://www.chinapac.ca or call 1-800-661-8182.
Regards,
Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
China National Holiday Quickly Approaching!
October 1st will celebrate the beginning of the National Day of the People's Republic of China. This holiday is celebrated every year on October 1 and lasts for a week. During this time most businesses and offices are closed. Travelers in China can expect extreme traffic, long lineups and massive crowds at popular sightseeing locations such as Tian An Men Square.
In addition, the Canadian and American China Consulate will also be closed. During this time visa applications will not be accepted.
So if you are thinking of going to China soon, today is the time to finalize your travel arrangements with Chinapac.
Best Regards,
Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations
In addition, the Canadian and American China Consulate will also be closed. During this time visa applications will not be accepted.
So if you are thinking of going to China soon, today is the time to finalize your travel arrangements with Chinapac.
Best Regards,
Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Despite popular belief, not all Chinese people look alike. China is composed of 56 ethnic groups
whose features, traits and beliefs have been passed down to generations upon generations.
The largest of them are the Hans who populate the major cities of Beijing and Shanghai. Yet there
remains 55 other minorities inhabiting the different regions of China.
Come join the handful of North Americans who have discovered these people and regions with our regularly
scheduled tours. Add this tour to an existing Chinapac itinerary or experience it as a standalone tour.
You may also want to join us on our 10 Day Shangrila & Shanghai Tour which departs on Feb 17, 2012. Price from YVR is 1949/person. For more information about this tour visit:
http://cpi.zts.net/PackageInformation/10DayShangrilaShanghai/Kunming/SGID974/LG-EN/Content.aspx
Regards,
Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations
whose features, traits and beliefs have been passed down to generations upon generations.
The largest of them are the Hans who populate the major cities of Beijing and Shanghai. Yet there
remains 55 other minorities inhabiting the different regions of China.
Come join the handful of North Americans who have discovered these people and regions with our regularly
scheduled tours. Add this tour to an existing Chinapac itinerary or experience it as a standalone tour.
You may also want to join us on our 10 Day Shangrila & Shanghai Tour which departs on Feb 17, 2012. Price from YVR is 1949/person. For more information about this tour visit:
http://cpi.zts.net/PackageInformation/10DayShangrilaShanghai/Kunming/SGID974/LG-EN/Content.aspx
Regards,
Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Touch Me. Use Me. 2.0
So we have successfully launched the first version of our new online booking engine. Travel agents such as yourself have been signing up every day and the feedback has been positive.
Our new tool currently offers Day Tours, Activities and Transfers and yes we are still giving away $10 HBC gift cards for all online bookings so make sure you give it a spin before we run out. In addition to accepting credit card payments, the new engine allows us to e-mail you up-to-date vouchers and invoices for convenience. And for security, users will require a log-in account to successfully book their travel plans.
We are currently in the process of testing the next version of our tool which will offer full package tours with air & land, multi-day packages and hotel booking system. Version 2.0 will become available later in the fall.
Go ahead and set up your account here and let us know what you think.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
I'm Back!
So after 10 days off I am back in the office. There have been some interesting developments in the world that will affect the 2011/2012 tourism season for many travel industry professionals and their clients.
US economy: As we all know our neighbors to the south are having some serious problems controlling their spending. This in turn has affected their economy and more importantly everybody else's economy as other countries own much of this debt. China alone owns 1.3 US trillion dollars of this debt. As a result, the Chinese RMB currency will continue to appreciate in value. So if you are planning to visit China in 2012, I suggest you book early before prices go up.
London is burning: Riots have plagued this city for several nights now. The fairytale wedding that took place earlier this year is a distant memory and now the 2012 Olympic Host city will have some challenges improving its image before the games take place. Once things settle down, I expect to see many specials and hopefully great FAMS to the United Kingdom.
Vancouver summer: After a disappointing June and July, Vancouver might actually have a chance to salvage this year's summer as the forecast for August seems to be warming up. I really hope this hotter weather continues into September. I am happy that I had the opportunity to visit Thailand in June and experience 30 degree weather otherwise I would be feeling shafted like many other Vancouverites.
By the way if you have not had a chance to take a sneak peak at our new booking engine, you can visit it here
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
