ASK feBT

Wondering about your travel options? Seeking answers to specific issues? Simply ASK feBUSINESS TRAVELLER for a plausible solution... Address your queries to editor@businesstravellerindia.com or write in to The Editor, feBusiness Traveller

1) I would like to visit Bangkok in the month of December 2003. I need some guidance on the following:
a) Is there winter in December?
b) Which airline offers the lowest airfare - Air India or Air Lanka?
c) I have heard that the visa can be collected from the airport. What are the documents required for the visa and what is the visa fee?
d) My husband is a senior citizen. Does any airline offer discounts for senior citizens?
e) Can you recommend a good travel agent who can guide me? Could you be so kind as to give me contact details of your recommended agent.
f) How many days does one need to travel through Bangkok and Pattaya?
g) A cousin has suggested a lodge run by an Indian. Do you think it would be safe?

- Roshan Elavia

The answers to your questions are as follows:

a) Yes, it is winter in the month of December, though the winters are very mild. The temperature varies from 16 degrees to 22 degrees and hence is the ideal temperature to visit Bangkok.

b) Air Lanka generally is on the cheaper end but to be specific on this more precise dates would be required.

c) Yes, Thailand gives visa’s on arrival to Indian passport holders for a validity of 14 days. You would require to carry your passport and hotel vouchers and a return ticket for a Thai visa on arrival. The fee for a Thai visa is 300 baht which is equivalent to approx Rs. 500

d) Only Air India offers a senior citizen discount but only on some specific sectors. The discount is generally 25 per cent of the economy class fare.

e) You can contact any of the well known travel companies for a good deal.

f) Ideally speaking a four days package would be great for Bangkok and Pattaya with two nights each.

g) Lodges run by Indians are pretty common in places like Bangkok. However, as a personal choice I would rather prefer hotels in the city centre which are not very costly and turn out to be more convenient due to their location.

2) I have heard that some states in India are promoting village tourism. What exactly does this imply? Is it an affordable proposition for middle class Indians like me?

- J P Singh, Delhi

Rajasthan is one state, which is actively promoting Village Tourism. Some of Rajasthan’s most interesting features can be seen during these tours such as the Jain Temples of Ranakpur, the remains of the 15th century Kumbhalgarh Fort, etc. The accommodation is mainly in old palaces and Havelis in small villages which have been redone like in the Shekhawati region where you can stay in one of the restored Havelis, built in 1890 and covered with original frescoes.

The Kerala backwaters is also being promoted in a big way by the Kerala govt. The packages includes options such as backwater cruise down the canals on your private "kettuvalam"-rice boat, a Kathakali dance performance, a boat safari over the lake at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the relaxing experience of an Ayurvedic massage.

As far as affordability goes these tours are mainly targeting the foreign tourist in India and hence would be on the expensive side but I believe prices will be pretty much seasonal.

3) Do international airlines have any special offerings or events during the night of December 31 to celebrate the New Year?

- Amar Thakur, Mumbai

There are no special offerings or events promoted on New Year’s Eve by any airline.