"72 HOURS AMAZING THAILAND" CAMPAIGN INTRODUCES VISITORS TO FRESH EXPERIENCES IN ONE OF THE REGION'S MOST POPULAR TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Bangkok, October 11, 2007 — Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with MasterCard Worldwide announced the launch of "72 Hours Amazing Thailand" — a dedicated campaign presenting a host of exciting activities and special privileges exclusively for MasterCard cardholders visiting Thailand.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, "72 Hours Amazing Thailand offers a new way for tourists to explore the beauty of Thailand within 72 hours. The campaign introduces customized travel routes and activities for MasterCard cardholders, as well as showcases a collection of Thailand's newest and most stylish resorts and hotels, hip shopping destinations, luxurious pampering hideaways, chic dining outlets and top golf courses."

"We are targeting the 72 Hours Amazing Thailand campaign at the mass affluent consumer, aged over 25 years old, who enjoys traveling and experiencing new places which are in vogue in Bangkok and its surrounding areas," added Mrs. Rerngronasa.

After the success of the 'Unseen Paradise II: Stay in Style' campaign launched two years ago, TAT and MasterCard are once again jointly collaborating to launch this new campaign to offer MasterCard cardholders traveling to Thailand, exclusive benefits and privileges. As part of the campaign, an English language guidebook — "72 Hours Amazing Thailand" — will be produced for tourists.

According to the latest Masterlndex of Travel (H2 2007) by MasterCard Worldwide, Thailand is among the most preferred personal travel destination for Singaporeans.

Ms. Eileen Wee, Vice President and Country Manager for Thailand, MasterCard Worldwide said, "The 72 Hours Amazing Thailand campaign launched by Tourism Authority of Thailand enables visitors to fully enjoy and experience the natural beauty of Thailand, as well as the many attractive offerings and exceptional service that this tourism paradise has to offer to the sophisticated, style-conscious traveler of today. The campaign is an example of how Thailand constantly refreshes itself as a travel destination."

"Our collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand builds on our commitment to offer MasterCard cardholders priceless experiences, while allowing us to reinforce the ease and convenience of traveling with a MasterCard card," she added.

From September 2007 to the end of August 2008, customers making transactions with their MasterCard cards will receive up to 50% off their purchases at over 200 leading hotels and resorts, shopping centers, beauty and nail spas, fine dining restaurants, golf courses and retail outlets in Thailand, in addition to a range of other privileges.

The "72 Hours Amazing Thailand" campaign includes a selection of beautiful resorts and hotels in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, such as Dream Hotel in Bangkok — the city's only true haute couture hotel. Dream Hotel is part of Preferred Boutique, a collection of the world's most luxurious small hotels. Also on the list is the Putahracsa Hua Hin — Hua Hin's hippest urban-chic resort located amidst powdery white sand and tropical lush trees.

In addition to these luxury hotels, MasterCard cardholders can indulge in the best spa destinations such as S Medical Spa — one of only two medical spa retreats in the world with the Hydrotherapy 7 in 1 with Shirodhara — an integrated treatment that cares for the mind, body and soul. Services include purification programs, holistic massage and body work, hydrotherapy and full-day wellness programs. MasterCard cardholders also receive the VIP treatment at the Banyan Tree Spa at the Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok — the ideal sanctuary for physical and spiritual well-being.

The "72 Hours Amazing Thailand" English language guidebook is also on sale at various branches of Asia Books.

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For details, please visit
Web site: www.thailand72hrsamazing.com and www.tourismthailand.org

Khaosan Road : A short road with the longest dream in the world

Khao San Road is a small street situated on Banglamphu, Bangkok, Thailand, not far from Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew just walk about 15 minutes. Khao San Road is most favourite for thai people and tourist. Khao San Road has a lot of thing to do. such as restaurant, pubs, bars, shopping guesthouse and hotels. It is a popular place for backpackers and tourists are drawn by some of the cheapest hotels and guesthouse in Thailand.
Khao San Road Attraction
A lot of backpackers and tourists use Khaosan road, Bangkok, Thailand as a base for going upcountry Thailand as there are many direct coaches from the street to practically all traveler destinations in Thailand, from Northern Thailand to Southern Thailand. Many tourists will also take advantage of the many travel agents for comparing prices and to arrange visas and transportation to deastinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket or Samui.
Khaosan People
Khaosan road Bangkok, Thailand has in recent years also become a popular hangout for local people, particularly artists and art students. Khaosan road has a lot of bars and pubs, where people of many countries meet and consult their travels.
It is one of Bangkok's most exciting roads, many people from around the world can be seen here. One Thai writer narrates the Khaosan road as "a short road that has the longest dream in the world." Khaosan road absolutely draws some strange characters.
Songkran Festival on Khaosan road
Khaosan road is one of Bangkok's center for bar hopping and partying, dancing and splashing water during Songkran festival on April 13 to April 15 each year. Songkran festival is the Thailand New year celebration and people run around in swimming shorts and play with water guns and water buckets so expect to get wet when you go on the street during this time. A lot of Thai people and foreigner stayed on Khaosan road area to enjoy this event as it is one of the most popular areas to come to. Beware of mobile phones, wallets or other valuable things that you carry with you. This way you will be able to fully enjoy this fantastic festival.

information form http://www.excelloz.com

Ambassador Hotel Bangkok

Ambassador Hotel Bangkok Description

A popular choice for the leisure traveller, the Ambassador Hotel Bangkok offers good value for money and a superb location in the heart of busy Sukumvit Road. Bangkoks legendary commercial district with its great shopping and entertainment venues is literally steps away. Within easy reach of the airport expressway, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and only two minutes walk from Nana Skytrain Station.
Rooms The rooms are comfortable and offer the necessary amenities to make your stay a pleasant one. The tower wing offers more modern rooms and a higher standard of accommodation. Exercise and SportThe Health Centre offers a gym including free weights, sauna, massage, Jacuzzi and whirlpool baths. Also available is a swimming pool, tennis courts and an outdoor jogging track. Transport Just outside is the Soi Nana BTS sky train station - five minutes walk away. Take a ride on the BTS and beat the traffic congestion.

Hotel Features

• Tennis
• Parking
• Laundry
• Spa
• Bar/Pub/Lounge
• Business Centre
• Room Service
• Shopping
• Airport Transfers
• Coffeeshop
• Swimming Pool
• Beauty Salon/Barber
• Restaurant
• Facilities for Disabled
• Conference Facilities
• Internet Access
• Fitness Centre
• Jacuzzi

About Sukhumvit:

Sukhumvit in many ways epitomizes modern Bangkok. Characterised by high rise apartments, air-conditioned shopping centres, stylish restaurants and a wide selection of entertainment venues. Linked to the main tourist and commercial areas by the new Skytrain (overhead rail system) the area is provides a good base for exploring the sights and sounds of Bangkok. Accommodation is also very good. Many of the hotels are new and offer excellent facilities, swimming pools and great views over the city.

Wat Benjamabophit , Bangkok

Wat Benjamabophit  (also spelled Wat Benchamabophit) is called the Marble Temple because of the white Carrara marble of which it is constructed. The Marble Temple is the most modern and one of the most beautiful of Bangkok's royal wats.

History
The Marble Temple was built in 1899 by Prince Narai, the half brother of Rama V. Thailand's present king spent his days as a monk here before his coronation. Today, Marble Temple is not only a magnificent Thai temple, but a seat of learning that appeals to Buddhist monks with intellectual yearnings.
Description
Unlike the older complexes, there's no truly monumental wihaan or chedi dominating the grounds. Walk inside the cloister, beyond the main bot, to view over 50 bronze Buddha images that represent styles from various Buddhist countries and regions.
Behind the cloister is a large Bodhi tree, bought from Bodhgaya, India as a gift for King Chulalongkorn.

Many smaller buildings reflect a melding of European religious designs (such as stained-glass windows) with traditional Thai religious architecture. Even the courtyards are paved with polished white marble.
This is an excellent place to watch religious festivals and processions. Unlike most other temples, monks do not go out seeking alms but are instead visited by merit-makers from 6am-7am.
During the early mornings, monks chant in the main chapel, sometimes so intensely that it seems as if the temple is going to lift off the ground.

Visitor Information
Names:     Wat Benjamabophit, Wat Benchamabophit, Marble Temple
Date:     1899
Location:     Si Ayutthaya Rd. (south of the Assembly Building near Chitralada Palace)
Phone:     2281-2501
Hours:     Daily 8am-5pm
Cost:     20B (50¢) admission
information http://www.sacred-destinations.com/

Patpong Night Market

After recently cleaning up its act, Patpong's become one of the 'must' night shopping destinations for avid shoppers. The place is always busy and chaotic with all the commotion from the GO-GO bars nearby and lots of foreign tourists. This market in Bangkok's notorious nightlife district is often the first and easiest stop for many tourists just arriving to Bangkok, whilst lodging at one of several mid-to-upper-end hotels in Silom. Be warned though, the quality and prices of most items sold are about as real and trustworthy as the girls shaking their wares in go-go bars flanking the area. Both market and go-go bars seem to complement each other well, but remember not to be fooled by first impressions, and to bargain hard.

How to get there: Coming from BTS Siam station, depart at Sala Daeng station and exit down one of the right-hand stairs. Follow the increasing trail of vendors along the sidewalk, and after five minutes, you'll know you're there.
Items at market: Cheap 'brand-name' items, CD's, souvenirs, T-shirts, etc
Open: 18:00 - around 01:00 (every day)
source form http://www.bangkok.com/