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Published on November 3, 2007

BANGKOK

Loy Krathong at the Nai Lert 

Celebrate the Loy Krathong Festival on November 24 at the Nai Lert Park Bangkok, a Raffles International Hotel.

There will be a Noppamas procession and cultural shows in the park and by the pool.

The price is Bt1,950 net (children under 12 Bt975) and includes a krathong made of banana leaves. Annually under the full moon of the 12th lunar moon, Thais place all their troubles in the "float" and send it down the river, praying that the goddess of the waters will takes their worries away.

The Nai Lert Park Bangkok is on Wireless Road, within walking distance of the Ploenchit Skytrain station. Call (02) 253 0123, extension 8056, or e-mail restaurants@nailertpark.swissotel.com.

Festive at the Larn Luang

Two nights' accommodation at the Royal Princess Larn Luang costs just Bt4,000 for a single room and Bt5,000 for a twin during the Loy Krathong weekend, November 23 and 24.

Breakfasts and a barbecue dinner are included, as well as a krathong for you to float in the swimming pool. This lovely hotel is right in the heart of old Bangkok, close to the Grand Palace and other great landmarks.

Call (02) 281 3088, extensions 161 to 163, or visit Dusit.com.

Posh at the Shangri-La

The Shangri-La Hotel invites you to escape to a luxury room with a private pool in its Krungthep Wing. The price is US$275 until December 27, and includes breakfast for two, all-day beverages, afternoon tea, pre-dinner cocktails and unlimited wireless Internet access, plus a one-way airport transfer in a swank limousine.

The hotel is alongside the Chao Phya River and a five-minute walk from the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station. Call (02) 068788 or visit Shangri-La.com.

Swissotel will buff you up

Get fit and firm at the Swissotel Le Concorde Bangkok Fitness Centre. A three-month membership costs Bt5,000, Bt8,000 for a couple and Bt17,500 for a group of five. You'll get a free gym T-shirt and coupons for refreshment.

The hotel is on Ratchadapisek Road - a short walk from the Huai Khwang subway station.

The promotion is good until November 30. Call (02) 694 2222, extension 1580 or 1581.

KANCHANABURI

Tenting at the Buritara

The Buritara Resort and Spa is offering a special rate on November 24, during the Loy Krathong Festival.

Two days and one night in an air-conditioned tent costs Bt1,700 per person. For that you also get breakfast and a candlelit dinner.

The resort is on the Kwai Noi River, making it an ideal getaway any time of year. Call (02) 308 2295.

SAPA, VIETNAM

Up in the high hills

Enjoy a winter retreat in style at one of Vietnam's storied hill stations. This five-night, "off-the-beaten-track" holiday at the Victoria Sapa Resort in the north, complete with a home-stay experience, costs $581 per person (based on twin sharing).

The adventure begins with an overnight train ride on the luxurious Victoria Express, from Hanoi to Sapa, where elegant Swiss-style chalets await with breakfasts and one dinner. Then you'll spend another night in a Hanh Hi hilltribe village on the Chinese border.

The holiday is on offer right through September 30, 2008. Visit VictoriaHotels-Asia.com.

BHUTAN

Aloft and in style

Make Bhutan your Christmas-New Year destination. The Uma Paro, a small but well-appointed hotel featuring Bhutanese architecture, is offering seven nights and a discovery expedition.

The price is $6,838 for single occupancy and $17,036 for double, and includes three meals a day, airport transfers and a plunge in the unique Hot Stone Bath, plus plenty of culture and picturesque landscapes.

Visit Uma.Como.bz, or e-mail info.paro@uma.como.bz.

SHANGHAI

A grand new Mercure awaits

The new Grand Mercure Hongqiao Shanghai has a special weekend rate for Superior room until November 30: pay only 818 renminbi (Bt4,100). You can check in early and check out late, and have Internet access in your room.

The hotel is 45 minutes' drive from Pudong International Airport and close to the Shanghai Metro Network. Call (86) 21 5172 7959 or visit GrandMercure-Hongqiao-Shanghai.com.