Thailand fantasy: luxe tent

FOUR SEASONS next weekend will open its first “Tented Camp” in the jungle of northern Thailand about 50 miles northeast of Chiang Rai. The Golden Triangle resort is within sight of the Thai border with Laos and Myanmar, also known as Burma. The only way to get there is by a 20-minute ride in a long-tail boat up the Ruak River.

The 200-acre property has 15 tent guestrooms scattered along a half-mile trail.

The 581-square-foot tents contain either a king-size bed or two twins, a large copper tub and replicas of 19th century furniture. Even though it may look like you’re living in the 1800s, you can surf the Net. Each tent has high-speed access.

Besides the usual resort activities such as lounging in the spa, guests can learn to drive an elephant through the jungle.

Introductory packages start at $1,035 per person for three nights at the camp and two at the Four Seasons in Bangkok. For information and reservations: (800) 819-5053, www.fourseasons.com.

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Kansas City

hotel changes

TWO Kansas City, Mo., properties are transforming themselves, one with a name change and the other with a remake.

The Fairmont Hotel, at the edge of the Country Club Plaza shopping district, is expected to become an Intercontinental hotel this month. Renovations will continue through 2007 at this property at 401 Ward Parkway, which has previously been a Ritz-Carlton and the Alameda Plaza Hotel.

For information: (800) IC-HOTELS (424-6835), www.intercontinental.com.

Meanwhile, Hilton will take over the old President Hotel in downtown Kansas City. The hotel, which opened in 1926 at 14th Street and Baltimore Avenue, is on the National Register of Historic Places but has been empty for about 25 years. Rates begin at $209. Information: (800) HILTONS (445-8667), www.hilton.com.

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Travelers’ notes

INDEPENDENCE Air, a low-fare carrier launched 18 months ago from Dulles airport in suburban Washington, D.C., was to stop flying last week. In a statement Monday on its website, www.flyi.com, the airline, which flew to 37 destinations, cited “financial pressures in the industry” for its decision.

* The airport in Bali, Indonesia, does not meet international security standards, according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. In a Dec. 23 statement, the agency said airlines that fly between the U.S. and Bandara Ngurah Rai International Airport were “temporarily providing additional security measures that counter the deficiencies identified at the airport.”

* Hawaiian Airlines plans to begin nonstop daily service June 9 between San Diego and Kahului Airport on Maui, Hawaii.

-- Compiled by

Travel staff