29 June 2005.

Greetings from a rather wet, but very Green Chiangmai..

First the bad news……

Another Airline Fuel Surcharge.
We have just been advised that Thai Airways International are implementing another Fuel Surcharge to their Domestic Ticket Prices with effect 1st July 2005.

So for any Programs that we have already quoted for that include Domestic Air Tickets - We will have to add this surcharge to your costs and we will advise you all individually (by the way if you think this may apply to your bookings and have not received anything specific from us – please contact us immediately to check.).

However, from what we understand this will probably not be the last increase in the foreseeable future !. Therefore it may become necessary to increase any previously quoted Program costs again. We will of course try to give you as much notice as possible, but as we indicated in all our quotations..

“All prices quoted are NET (non-commissionable), assuming prepayment by your Company's Check or Bank (wire) Transfer to our US$ Account in and may be revised subject to major currency fluctuations, air fare changes or other items beyond our control”

... and once again this is certainly be beyond our control !!
Sorry again for the late notice, but as usual with the Airlines - they do not let us know until the last minute - and again if you have any questions in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact us.

… Now the Good News….

Hotel Updates
We have been out and about again recently, checking out Hotels (and Hotel Construction Sites !).... and have a few updates

The Chedi, Chiangmai.
Now Scheduled to open This week – 1st July - The Chedi, Chiang Mai, is a new addition to the celebrated portfolio of GHM Hotels, is a elegant retreat offering all the pleasures of resort living in the heart of a historical city.
Strategically located on the banks of the renowned Mae Ping River in central Chiang Mai, each of the resort's 84 exquisite rooms and suites boasts private courtyards, open balconies and breathtaking views.
The Resort features 52 exquisitely appointed Deluxe Rooms and 32 Chedi Club Suites. Contemporary-Asian in design, with stylish furnishings and muted tones, the allure of the resorts accommodation is elegantly understated.

Personally we like the Chedi Club Suites Concept, with “Executive “Floor” privileges, such as a Club Lounge with Private Check-in, Evening Cocktails, Butler Service, etc.

As we mentioned before this Downtown Riverside Property is going to fill the much need gap between the Four Seasons Chiangmai & Sheraton Chiangmai, with a quality Boutique Resort. We do have a very good relationship with them and our local rates for the opening period are very reasonable, so you will see us offering this property in our Private Programs in the future.
http://www.ghmhotels.com/hotels/hotel_home.asp?hotelid=15&section=home

Anantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle.
We have been advised this week that the Anantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle are embarking on their next phase of development. From July, 2005, they will begin refurbishing all their Superior Rooms, upgrading them to Deluxe Room standards. Completion of this project is scheduled for late November, 2005. They will also be adding 7 additional Anantara Suites bringing the full compliment of luxurious suites to 20.

To ensure the privacy and comfort of guests, all refurbishing will be confined to the Mae Sai Wing, allowing the Chiang Saen Wing to be unaffected by any refurbishing activity. During this period they will upgrade, at no additional charge, from a Superior to Deluxe Room, any guest who has confirmed their reservation as of today. So effectively after July there will only be 2 categories here Deluxe & Suite.
http://www.anantara.com/html/goldentriangle.html

River House Resort Chiangrai.
Central Hotel Group has taken over the Marketing & Management of the River House Resort Chiangrai, We have been advised that there will be no change to the operations, etc. and will continue to use & recommend this property, unless we see any negative affects.http://www.riverhouse-chiangrai.com/

D2. Chiangmai.
We had to don our “Hard Hats” to have a look around the “Mock-up” Rooms here this week, but a worthwhile experience. This new, ultra Thai modernistic style, would not be out of place in New York and will be a very fresh alternative for accommodation right in the heart of downtown Chiangmai. Scheduled to open late 2005 and we will keep you updated on this one.http://www.d2hotels.com/

Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel, Sukhothai.
While down in Sukhothai recently we came across the Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel. http://www.ananda-hotel.com/ , Although not fully completed, it is taking bookings and (in our opinion), is now probably the best Hotel to stay at in the Sukhothai Area.

Unfortunately, it seems that the Central Region of Thailand is still not really ready for Four Seasons / Mandarin Oriental level of Hotels yet, but this is certainly a great improvement on current properties available and will offer this where we think Suitable for our Private programs

… and finally….

Pandaw Cruises in Myanmar
In Myanmar, there have been some Company changes with the unique River Cruises operated by the RV Pandaw. The Original one & Two Night Cruises that were operated by RV Pandaw (http://www.pandaw.com/ ), have now been taken over by AYRAVATA RIVER CRUISES, using the RV Pandaw 1947. (http://www.pandaw1947.com/ ).
While this does sound a bit complicated, actually it’s effectively just a Name and Company change over and does not really affect the overall Programs offered. As always if you need any further clarification on this – just let me know

I think that’s about it for now… so until the next letter

Take care and best wishes
David, Wanna, Vachira and all of us at Wanna Tours…

Please note that our E.mail list for these Updates is quite specific and as we do respect your decision about receiving these updates - If you do NOT wish to be notified about these News Updates - please advise us by replying to this e.mail and we will take your e.mail address out of the Mailing List.

PO Box 80 Chiangmai 50000 Thailand.
TEL: (053) 115651& (053) 115650
FAX : +66 53 115652
Email: wanna.tour@usa.net or: info@wannatours.com
Website: www.wannatours.com