Explore Amazing Thailand in 72 hours with MasterCard

MANILA, Philippines - Experience the wonder and unique charm of Thailand as the Tourism Authority of Thailand and MasterCard bring travelers a host of exclusive privileges via the “Bangkok Welcomes You” and “72 Hours Amazing Thailand” campaigns.

Cardholders can simply log on to www.bangkokwelcomesyou.com to discover a wealth of exclusive and exciting offers that they can exclusively avail themselves of when they use their MasterCard cards.

The “Bangkok Welcomes You” campaign, which runs until Nov. 30, was launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and MasterCard. It presents up to 100,000 packages to travelers, with MasterCard cardholders eligible for various exclusive hotel and merchant privileges.

MasterCard travelers can choose from six hotel pricing tiers starting at BHT999, BHT1,599, BHT1,999, BHT2,499, BHT2,999 and BHT3,999 (rates are on a nightly basis for two persons).

Cardholders will receive the “Bangkok Welcomes You” privilege card and special vouchers upon checking in at their chosen hotel. They can simply present the privilege card when using their MasterCard card to be eligible for dining, spa and beauty and accommodation privileges.

Furthermore, the “Bangkok Welcomes You” privilege card can also be used in popular Thai destinations in upcountry resorts like Sukhothai Pattaya and Prachuap Khiri Khan, among many others. Other perks that this card offers include entertainment, transportation and shopping benefits.

A trip to Thailand is never complete without exploring Bangkok. With its magnificent temples, intriguing museums and ancient attractions, Bangkok is truly the hub of enlightenment.

As the cultural apex of Thailand, Bangkok is where modernity melds with the traditional, assuring travelers of an extraordinary experience that will last a lifetime.

But there is definitely more to Thailand than just Bangkok. With the “72 Hours Amazing Thailand” campaign, MasterCard cardholders get to enjoy three-day, two-night deals in Bangkok with an additional stay in one of five exciting destinations like Khao Yai, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Samui or Phuket.

The majestic Khao Yai is the latest inclusion to the “72 Hours Amazing Thailand” campaign. MasterCard is offering cardholders a slew of benefits from special hotel, dining and entertainment, wellness, golf and shopping discounts to perks at numerous merchant outlets until December 2011.

MasterCard hopes to bring cardholders priceless experiences at these destinations.

Prepare to be marveled by Khao Yai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ASEAN National Heritage Park where one can find the ancient ruins of the Angkor Empire and enjoy breathtaking scenery from rolling hills, lovely vineyards to dense forests with exotic wildlife.

Regarded as Thailand’s oldest and most pristine national park, Khao Yai offers travelers both a quiet retreat and an exciting adventure.

Nature lovers are in for a treat when they visit Hua Hin, where the sunflowers are known for their larger blossoms compared to other sunflower fields around the country. It is also here where the Wat Huay Mongkol temple, home of the sacred Luang Pu Thuad statue, is found.

Prasat Hin Phanom Wat reflects the exquisite stone carving and architecture of the reign of Angkor.

For a distinct experience on Thai culture and arts, a visit to Chiang Mai is a must. Surrounded by a ring of mountains, Chiang Mai boasts of 700 years of fascinating history, which resulted in its own distinct culture, arts, festivals, and traditions as well as an exciting mix of local, ethnic as well as expatriate communities from all over the world.

Chiang Mai has been voted one of the top destinations to live in Asia and is a modern and cosmopolitan city while retaining its traditional old charm.

If one is looking for a beach holiday, Koh Samui, which is famous not only for its array of beautiful beaches but also for its eclectic culture, is the best bet.

Whether one seeks the non-stop party atmosphere of Chawang Beach, the scenic serenity of island hopping in Ang Thong or the surreal ambience of Koh Phangan, Koh Samui is the ideal place to spend an exhilarating 72 hours.

Another hot spot for beautiful beaches is the world-famous Phuket, which features the Surin, Patong, Kata, Karon and Laem Singh beaches. Snorkel, dive, swim and have fun in any of these beaches for a truly amazing vacation.

Thailand’s magnificent Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife, spectacular islands, unique culture, delectable food and renowned massages, certainly give travelers so much to look forward to.

Thanks to MasterCard, each visit to this wondrous kingdom becomes an amazingly priceless experience.