CHIANG MAI

French Flair
The newest Le Meridien property, Le Meridien Chiang Mai (108 Chang Klan Rd., Tambon Chang Klan, Ampur Muang, Chiang Mai, 053-253-681/-3. www.starwoodhotels.com) is about to open in the center of Chiang Mai this August. Of course, it’s not the best sanctuary. But it gets you a view of Doi Suthep to compensate for that. The promotional deal during the opening starts from B9,800 for two nights with daily breakfast, a gift set and a voucher for a one-night stay at Le Meridien Bangkok. Through Oct 31.

KRABI

Bamos a la Playa
Enjoy Krabi’s caves, waterfalls and the Andaman sea at La Playa (143 Moo 3, Tambon Aonang, Ampur Muang, Krabi, 075-637-015/-20. www.krabilaplaya.com,) a comfy resort located on Nopparat Thara Beach. Its two-night package, for B6,999, grants two people two nights in a superior room with daily breakfast, a choice of three one-day trips (islands tour by speed boat, emerald pool and hot waterfall, or snorkeling tour at Koh Hong), roundtrip airport (or bus terminal!) transfer and one set dinner. Through Oct 31.

KOH CHANG

Blissful Moments
The Dewa Koh Chang (24/1, Moo 4, Koh Chang Tai, Trat, 039-557-339. www.thedewakohchang.com), the private resort with a tropical design in Klong Prao Beach, is launching a Koh Chang Trail trip. You get to stay two nights in a Luxury Deluxe room with daily breakfast and roundtrip transportation (van departs from Lumpini park everyday at 8:30am, ferry ticket included). B10,600 for two people, shared room. Through Oct 31.

PHUKET

The Real Deal
The brand new Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Surin Beach (106/27 Moo 3, Cherngtalay, Talang, 02-656-7700. www.marriott.com) opened its doors early this month. Along with the opening, comes a tempting promotion for Thais and expats at B2,500 net per night with buffet breakfast for two persons. Rates for expats without a work permit are a bit higher at B2,999 not including VAT and service charge. Through Oct 31.

AIRLINES

Easier, Faster
Jet Airways makes things a lot easier for travelers who are flying with them from Suvarnabhumi by launching a web check-in service through www.jetairways. com. If you are holding Jet’s platinum or gold card, you can get prior web check-in up to 48 hours before departure. For others, web check-in opens 12 hours before departure time. Still, you need to arrive at the airport at least 75 minutes before takeoff to check your luggage and flash your passport.

First Come, First Served
No luck with Euro 2008? Fly Bangkok Airways (02-265-5555. www.bangkokair.com) and get a second chance at casino central, Macau. To celebrate its 40th birthday, the first 400 passengers to book Bangkok-Macau flights pay only B4,000 for a roundtrip (excluding fees.) And for those who aren’t quick enough to be the first 400, fly there with Blue Ribbon Class and get another ticket for free. Through Aug 31.