CHIANG MAI

High in the North

After its establishment in Hua Hin, Veranda is expanding to the capital of the arts. Veranda Chiang Mai: the High Resort (192 Moo 2, Bangpong, Hangdong, Chiang Mai, 02-513-3003 ext. 402, www.verandaresortandspa.com) is opening on Dec 26, in a secluded area outside of town. The relaxing hotel embraces Northern culture in its decoration of the rooms, pavilions and villas. When it’s not too cold, you will love the open bathroom and balcony with views of the surrounding mountains. A “valley” deluxe room is B5,900 net, while a two-bedroom “presidential” pool villa is B28,000 net. Through Apr 15. 

Inn Town

Duang Champa (053-327198/9, www.duangchampa.com), a boutique hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai, offers 10 rooms in their main building and two rooms in a Thai wooden house. Contemporary luxury meets Northern heritage in each unique room. The resort is located near the Three King's Monument. Including breakfast and application taxes, a superior room is B2,850, a deluxe B3,050, a grand deluxe B3,350 and a villa B3,400.

PATTAYA

Super Nova

Part of the Amari group, the new boutique Nova Platinum Hotel (562 Moo 10, Pratumnak Rd., Banglamung, Pattaya, 038-711-345, www.­novaplatinum.com) has recently opened in South Pattaya. The modern low-rise building boasts 78 rooms with a swimming pool, lobby lounge, restaurant and wifi throughout. From the hotel, you can easily walk to Pattaya’s entertainment hub and the beach. B2,600-3,500 for a superior room and B2,970-3,870 for a deluxe. Through Oct 31.

Rave Ave

Launched last month, The Avenue Pattaya (Pattaya 2 Rd.) is Pattaya’s answer to J-Avenue. This 40,000-rai lifestyle complex offers a movie theater, bowling alley, karaoke, fitness center and favorite Bangkokian eateries like Pizza Pizza by Yanee and Orangery by the Sea. Villa Market is open 24/7 while McDonald's doesn't close its doors till 2am, so you know where to go after walking street.

AIRLINES

Flying Boutique

Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) is rolling out special prices for its domestic and international flights before New Year. Book and travel before Dec 31 to Chiang Mai for as cheap as B4,000 roundtrip. If cultural relics are your passion, head to Sukhotai for B3,000. Hiroshima and Fukuoka cost you only B18,000 roundtrip. For information and prices on other routes, visit www.­bangkokair.com/en/flights/delight.php. These rates are available online only.

HUA HIN

Love in the Sea

Since trains began taking royals to Hua Hin, the seaside town has been a favorite for romantic escapades. Keep the tradition alive with Hyatt Regency Hua Hin’s (91 Khao Takiab Rd., Hua Hin, 032-521-234, www.huahin.regency.hyatt.com) Romance Package. It comes with one-night accommodation, daily breakfast for two, a bottle of red wine, snacks served in your room and two Hyatt t-shirts. Prices start from B7,250 per room. Through Feb 29.