No, it’s not too late for an affordable, last-minute, year-end escape. By Alisara Chirapongse.

Note: We looked for room rates and roundtrip air fares valid during the holidays (Dec 24-Jan 1). Rates for discount airlines change quickly and hotels fill up fast. Book now and bon voyage.

In Touch with Nature

Local ● Khao Yai
The place: What better way to get in touch with nature than by living with the animals? Well, animals about to end up in your plate, but still. Khao Yai is best known for its luscious green mountains, wine and, of course, Chokchai Farm (KM. 159-160, Moo 2, Friendship Highway, Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima, 044-328-485. www.farmchokchai.com). These 20,000 rai of farmland are where you can get all the Chokchai products from milk to meat. There’s also a farm tour so you can learn how to live like a cowboy: milking, farming, sheepdog training, but no sleeping in tents with your cowboy friends—Heath Ledger, he’s dead, boys.
The deal: The best way to sample all of Chokchai’s greatness is by booking yourself a Chokchai Boutique Camp. You can camp out in style in their private, internet-enabled forest. For three days and two nights, you get to learn the way of life of farmers, make yourself a milk ice cream and a trekking trip to the mountaintops of Khao Yai, all for only B6,700.
How to get there: You can drive to Nakorn Ratchasima through Saraburi or catch a train from Hua Lamphong Station (State Railway of Thailand’s hotline: 1690. B50-230).

Regional ● Guilin, China
The place: If you want to experience the scenery as seen in antique Chinese paintings, then you need to go to Guilin. Think mountains, caves, cliffs and calm rivers covered in light fog, this region is famous for its rotten weather but that’s why we love it! The only downside, while the river towers are breathtaking, accommodation in town tends to be very depressing concrete megastructures. Oh, but look what BK found! HOMA (Hotel of Modern Art, Dabu Xiang, Yanshan District, Guilin, +86-773-386-9077. www.guilinhoma.com) is an art museum cum hotel. A bit far from the center of Guilin, it’s certainly more in keeping with the region’s majestic scenery as it sits right in the middle of Yuzi Paradise, an art park surrounded by a calm river.
The deal: The hotel offers many trips and tours around the region. You can choose to cruise along the world heritage river Li or take a trip to the local village and learn the crafts. For a stay in a standard room, rates start at RMB660 (B3,000) excluding activity fees.
How to get there: Bangkok Airways (02-265-5555. www.bangkokair.com) flies to Guilin direct daily for B11,000.

International ●  Kruger National Park, South Africa
The place: Who says you have to freeze your bum off in the winter? If you really want to get in touch with nature, there isn’t a more authentic place than at a safari. Kruger is a game reserve park, which means you can legally hunt wild animals there. But if firing lead into the hide of living creatures isn’t your thing, you can just sit back and take in the atmosphere at the Hamiltons Tented Camp (Kruger National Park, Limpopo Province, South Africa, +27-13-735-8915. www.hamiltonstentedcamp.co.za). Pretend to be Dr. Livingstone in one of their 1930s style cabins and explore the park with their guided tour. If you’re up for it, you can also join in the hunt and bring home anything from fish to lions.
The deal: For a double standard package at ZAR5,410 a night (B18,500), you get three meals and two game activities. You will have to pay ZAR33 (B110) extra for the park fee.
How to get there: Prepare yourself for a long ride. From Bangkok to Johannesburg, fly Cathay Pacific (02-263-0606. www.cathaypacific.com) for B46,985 with a stop-over in Hong Kong. From Johannesburg, take South African Express (www.flysax.com) to Hoedspruit for ZAR2,411 (B8,300). There goes your life savings.

Romantic Countdowns

Local ● Chiang Rai
The place: If you’re not looking to get hammered at a beer garden and celebrate the coming of 2009 with thousands of strangers in the city, then bring your sweetie to the mountainous terrains of quiet Chiang Rai where you can countdown to the new year quietly together. To add that extra dreamy touch, stay in the foggy scenery of thePhu Chaisai (388 Moo 4, Ban Mae Salong Nai, Mae Chan, Chiang Rai, 053-918-636/7. www.phu-chaisai.com).  When you’re not cuddling your sweety in one of their bamboo cottages, you can sample the local culture from small activities such as bamboo umbrella painting to elephant trekking.
The deal: A superior room starts at B4,000 a night, but if you’re looking for a more intimate and romantic stay, get yourself a suite cottage, starting at B8,000.
How to get there: Last time we checked, you can get tickets to Chiang Rai on AirAsia (02-515-9999. www.airasia.com) for about B5,700.

Regional ●  Kowloon, Hong Kong
The place: Hong Kong is probably the most impressive countdown spot in Asia. Did you know they even countdown to Christmas? For your celebration overload, Hong Kong’s diligent Tourism Board has a Hong Kong WinterFest lined up for your wintery pleasure. The fun includes seasonal sales and dining promotions in Hong Kong’s top shopping centers and restaurants. Perfect for consumerist travelers like us! The highlight is the countdown to 2009 at Victoria Harbour in Kowloon. For a stay close to the heart of the festivities, check in at the new W Hotel Hong Kong (1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon, +85-23-717-2222. www.whotels.com/hongkong).
The deal: The W brand is all about being chic and sexy, so go along with the theme with Feel the Wuv (starting from HKD2,700/B12,200) package that treats couples to a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, Choco-tinis, a feather tickler and a seduction sash.
How to get there: AirAsia (02-515-9999. www.airasia.com) flies to Hong Kong for about B9,000.

International ● New York
The place: Times Square may get all the attention but for romance, nothing beats the Rockefeller Center (5th Ave, between 49th and 50th St., New York, +1-212-332-7654.www.rockefellercenter.com). Start by observing breathtaking views of New York at the Top of the Rock observation deck and then warm those little toes inside the Weather Room with a martini before you hit the skating rink. You can also opt for lessons, otherwise it’s $19/person (B650). It’s going to be a cold New Year countdown, but that gives you more of a reason to snuggle and cuddle. If you happen to be ready to take your already blossoming relationship to the next level, they have a special engagement package where you get the rink to yourselves for 5-minutes (you pick the music) and Champagne at the Rock Center Cafe (B8,700).
The deal: It’s not easy to find an affordable accommodation in New York, during the holidays, and in the center of the festivities, but look what we have here! Paramount Hotel (235 West 46th Street, New York, 1-212-764-5500. www.nycparamount.com) sits in Times Square, only a few steps away from Broadway and a stay in their Standard Room is only US$135 a night (B4,700). Don’t judge the hotel by its beat-up exterior, though.
How to get there: Try Cathay Pacific (02-263-0606 ,www.cathaypacific.com). It’s roughly a 22-hour flight with one stop in Hong Kong, B48,430.

Shopping Paradise

Local ● Chiang Mai
The place: When it comes to offbeat mall-free shopping, Chiang Mai is second to none. The city is home to a plethora of talented local designers. If you want to grab kitschy handmade earrings, clothes or paintings, the Sunday Walking Street, which stretches between Ratchadamnoen and Prapokklao roads, is an ideal destination. It’s wise to book a room at U Chiang Mai (70 Ratchadamnoen Rd., Sri Poom, 053-327-000. www.uchiangmai.com) since the intimate 41-room hotel stands right in the middle of the walking street. Shortened from “jing jai” (not Chatuchak), JJ Market Chiang Mai (45 Atsadatorn Rd., 053-231-520/-9. www.jjchiangmai.com) is another good place to exercise your bargaining skills. Similar to Bangkok’s Chatuchak, this 40-rai bazaar brings together a wide range of goods from cool clothes, pets to organic veggies and antiques. Looking for souvenirs for your expat friends? Then book a bed at Le Meridien Chiang Mai (108 Chang Klan Rd., Muang, Chiang Mai, 053-253-666. www.lemeridien.com/chiangmai) and hunt down some silverware and jewelry at the Night Bazaar, which is only 10 minutes away on foot.
The deal: If the walking street is your goal, sign up for the U Leisure package (B4,399 for superior room) at U Hotel, which gives you complimentary breakfast and bike rentals for you to roam the area. For a more bustling atmosphere, book the Discovery Package at Le Meridien (B4,900).
How to get there: Bangkok Airways (02-265-5555, www.bangkokair.com) takes you to Chiang Mai for B3,800.

Regional ● Orchard Road, Singapore
The place: The sales season is in the summer but Orchard Road turns into an Asian Champs-Élysées come Christmas time. Party, shop and then shop some more. If you want to be at the heart of the commotion, then book yourself a room at the Orchard Parade Hotel (1 Tanglin Road, Singapore, +65-6737-1133. www.orchardparade.com.sg). It is situated at the very start of Orchard Road so you can embark on a thorough spending journey from A to B.
The deal: The Stay Exclusive package at the hotel (SGD248/B5,680) lets you stay in their newly revamped Club Room, with daily breakfast, evening cocktails and free flow wines and late checkout.
How to get there: AirAsia (02-515-9999. www.airasia.com) can take you to Singapore for B7,700.

International ● Melbourne, Australia
The place: Australia isn’t just known for their weird accent and surfers. Take Melbourne, this city puts Australia on the world’s shopping guide—and we’re not talking about designer brands and megastores. Besides the sidewalk cafes that the city is famous for, Melbourne is also home to many bargain markets. For an easy access to the shopping galore in St. Kilda, stay at Annie’s Bed and Breakfast (93 Park Street, St Kilda West Victoria, +613-9534-8705. www.anniesbedandbreakfast.com.au) and you can save your pocket money for more retail therapy. With the location by the bay, you can visit the beach or continue your spending in the nearby markets and shopping streets.
The deal: The room rates start at AUD130 (B2,988) for single and AUD150 (B3,445) for double and all come with home-cooked breakfasts.
How to get there: Australia’s own Qantas (02-236-2800,
www.qantas.com.au) flies to Melbourne from B29,575.

Catch Some Culture

Local ● Pai, Mae Hong Son
The Place: Who doesn’t like Pai these days? However, Mae Hong Son province does have more things to offer than Bangkokian dek naew in need of fresh air. This is the place to taste the true Northern lifestyle, whether it is the traditional Lanna living or the hill tribe culture. You can go on a trekking tour to the various doi (mountains), live like a karen or learn how to cultivate tea at Baan Rak Thai tea village. Stay at Vimarnkiri Resort (128 Moo 2, Viangnea, Pai, 053-699-827. www.vimarnkiri.com) that sits in a calm rice field with breathtaking mountainous terrain of Pai as your neighbor.
The deal: The rooms at Vimarnkiri come with complimentary breakfast. Rates start at B1,500.
How to get there: Want to go to Pai but don’t want to rough it out like the dek naew? Take Air Asia (02-515-9999. www.airasia.com) to Chiang Mai (B6,000) then take SGA (02-664-6099, www.sga.co.th) to Pai (B 3,860 roundtrip).

Regional ● Luang Prabang, Laos
The Place: The ancient royal city and UNESCO World Heritage site is perhaps the most charming and well-preserved town in all of Southeast Asia. Gorgeous religious architecture, throngs of saffron-robed monks, great coffee and baguette, a river on each side of the town, nice chill weather… Must we go on?
The deal: Go back in time into the Old Quarter and stay at 3 Nagas by Alila (Ban Vat Nong, Luang Prabang, +856-71-253-888. www.3nagas.com) but get ready to dish out US$200 a night (B7,000). For a more affordable accommodation, Chantanome Guesthouse on Ounkham Road (+856-30-514-0633) will set you back only US$10 (B350) a night.
How to get there: Bangkok Airways (02-265-5555. www.bangkokair.com) flies there direct (B7,500). Too broke? Well, you better not be in a hurry. You’ll have to hitch a train to Nong Khai, a cab to Vientiane, then a bus (eight hours of pure nightmare) to Luang Prabang.

International ● Rome, Italy
The place: Great food, beautiful men and women (and so sharply dressed!), great weather—Rome is the city of dolce vita. But it’s also the ancient capital of the great Roman Capital, the second cradle of European civilization. Not a bad place to start elevating your mind. As for your soul, you’re just next to the Vatican. You won’t run out of churches to visit on this trip. Or the next. Staying at Hotel Alexandra (18 Vittoria Veneto, 06-488-1943, www.hotelalexandraroma.com) not only gives you a taste of luxurious Rome but it’s also situated in the middle of Piazza Barberini, which is where you can also hook yourself up with the Rome Open Tour (www.romeguide.it) and explore the city on a duble decker bus.
The deal: If you’re planning to visit during Christmas, Hotel Alexandra is offering a special rate at B5,424 a night in a standard room. The deal includes breakfast and ends Dec 28.
How to get there: THAI Airways (02-356-1111, www.thaiair.com) can take you to Rome for B39,645 with no stopover.

Winter Sports

Local ● The Esplanade
The place: OK, so the closest things to winter wonderland we get here in Thailand are canned snow and ice-skating rinks but that should not stop you from celebrating the Santa season. Wrap yourself up with the latest winter wear and head to SubZero Ice Skate Club (The Esplanade, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-354-2134. www.subzeroiceskateclub.com. MRT Ratchadapisek). Just like any other leisure venues in town, if it doesn’t have the DJ booth blasting pop remixes to the max, it ain’t cool.
The deal: For weekdays, you pay B200 for 3 hours. On weekends, add B50 more. Next year, you might want to consider saving for a real vacation. Meanwhile, learn how to maneuver yourself around the rink with classes (B800-1,000 a session, depending on your level).

Regional ●  Pyeongchang, South Korea
The Place: There is more to South Korea than plastic surgery, mass-produced teen idols and suicide scandals. South Korea is probably the biggest ski hub in Asia with over 13 ski resorts to satisfy those who don’t want to fly across the globe to sample the icy slopes. One of the most popular ski getaways is Phoenix Park (1095 Myeonon-ri, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, +82-2-527-9511. www.phoenixpark.co.kr), and if you’re a Korean series addict, you might have already tasted the landscape through the scenes from Endless Love TV drama. Just imagine—hot Korean ski instructors. Sign us up!
The deal: There are two types of accommodation available. The hotel gives easy access to the slopes as it’s located at the foot of the mountain (KRW240,000 or B5,900 a night). But if you’re planning to stay a bit longer, opt for the homey condominium instead (KRW360,000 or B8,900 a night for a 99 sq.m. unit).
How to get there: Korean Air (02-635-0465/-9. www.koreanair.com) offers non-stop flight to Seoul at B24,930. From Seoul, you’ll have to take the shuttle bus to Phoenix Park (KWR24,000 or B600 for a round trip).

International ● Lapland, Finland
The Place: Your holiday getaway can’t get more authentic than spending your freezing trip at Santa Claus’ hometown of Lapland. You thought it was the Northpole, didn’t you? That’s the American tradition but the Finnish believe their Father Christmas resides in their homeland—that’s if you believe in him at all. But if you’re not feeling that festive, Finland is also home to many fun winter activities and the best place to sample them all is at Hotel and Igloo Village Kakslauttanen (Saariselka, Lapland, +358-16-667-100. www.kakslauttanen.fi). Yes, you’ve read it correctly. This Igloo Village is not just a tourist attraction but also a world-famous accommodation where you can to stay in a room made from carved blocks of ice. While living it up like an Eskimo, you can also enjoy their activities such as sledding and ice fishing.
The deal: Go all out and book yourself in one of their snow igloos. The rates start from USD250 (B8,712) and you’ll even get to sleep on an ice bed!
How to get there: Finnair (02-634-0238/9, www.finnair.com) flies from Bangkok to Ivalo Airport in Lapland for B50,665.

More Local Deals

Rooms

Koh Chang ● Amari Emerald Cove Resort
Klong Prao Beach, Koh Chang, 039-552-000. www.amari.com
An island full of hippies may not be an ideal place for you to celebrate the birth of Christ but Amari Emerald Cove Resort is luring you in with their holiday deals. If you’re staying at the resorts for four nights or more, you’re automatically eligible for a free upgrade to the Deluxe Room. And good news for heavy eaters, with this deal you will also get 15% discount on all food and drinks. Happy eating. Through Dec 26

Phuket ● Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa
100 Vised Road, Moo 2, Tambol Rawai, Muang District, Phuket, 076-381-010. www.sixsenses.com
Ah, Evason. The ultimate island experience where you can lounge away in their super cozy resort and get world-class treatment from the award-winning spa—that if you could dish out tens of thousands of baht. But this holiday, if you’re staying there at least for three nights, they’re letting you in for cheap at B6,100 a night. With that, you’ll get a stay at Evason Studio Sea View, daily breakfast, one-day use of the Day Sala by the beach, and complimentary use of sports and fitness facilities. Through Dec 27.

Special Dinners

Chiang Mai ● De Naga
21 Soi 2 Ratchamanka, Moon Muang Rd., Chiang Mai, 053-209-030. www.denagahotel.com
Thanks to the hotel’s convenient location in the city center, you can enjoy Chiang Mai’s favorite must-see spots such as the walking street and local arts and crafts market. To get into the holiday mood, sign yourself up for the unlimited European dishes on Christmas Eve (Dec 24) for B950 per person. Of if you’re taking your darling for New Year’s Eve (Dec 31), you can enjoy the international buffet dinner at B3,500, which comes with a complimentary bottle of Naga Wine for each couple. Though April 2009.

Chiang Rai ● Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa
229 Moo 1, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, 053-784-084.
http://goldentriangle.anantara.com
The resort boasts supreme privacy and tranquility thanks to its homey spot in the middle of a hill tribe community. Aside from the stunning views of our neighbors Myanmar and Laos, on Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy a special dinner at B5,400 per person, which includes unlimited supplies of roasted turkeys, honey hams, Northern Thai delicacies and desserts. Only on Dec 24.

Hua Hin ● AKA Resort
Moo 7, Baan Nhong HiangHin Lek Fai, Hua Hin, 032-618-900.
www.akaresorts.com
Looking for a place to celebrate the festivities by the beach? Head to AKA Resort in Hua Hin for their special Christmas and New Year dinner deals. For Christmas Eve (B4,900) and Christmas Day (B3,000) your plates will be filled with smoked salmon, foie gras, roasted suckling pig and unlimited supplies of oysters and lopsters. Not enough? Stay on until the New Year comes and get nine more menus (B6,600). Only on Dec 24, 25 and 31