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Have faith, will travel

Thai Airways International is introducing offers on cultural travel and pilgrimages to Buddhist landmarks in eight countries across Asia. The promotion features airfares to visit everything from sacred temples in Surathani province to Burma's Golden Rock to the site of the Buddha's enlightenment in India's Bodhgaya. The airline also offers a prepaid THAI Value Plus card, starting at Bt9,999, to make the spiritual trips more affordable. Visit www.ThaiAirways.com or call (02) 665 9922.

Room at Pattaya's new Inn

Pattaya has 367 more rooms at the inn now that the Holiday Inn has opened its doors. The new resort is located in North Pattaya and has impressive views of the bay. For business, the hotel offers meeting and conference facilities while for pleasure there's a spa and fine dining. The resort comes equipped with an Italian restaurant, retro-Cuban lounge and kids zone.

"With its relaxed ambience, first-class amenities and service and ideal location, Holiday Inn Pattaya is a product that we are proud to stand behind," says Kasama Punyagupta, president and CEO of the hotel brand's owners, the Erawan Group.

Paint Chiang Rai red

Take your creativity to Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa and they'll make you into an artist. From January 1023, the luxury resort is organising art workshops led by acclaimed painter Gregory Burns (he has Master's in Fine Art and work that's been displayed at galleries around the world). The classes promise an adventure through your imagination. Prices are Bt6,000 (half-day), Bt11,000 (fullday) and Bt19,000 (two-day class). Call (053) 784 090 or email goldentriangle@anantara.com.

Comfier at the Conrad Residences

Conrad Bangkok Residences has completed a Bt46-million renovation that should please its growing customer base of expatriates, longstay travellers and medical tourists. Highlights are wireless high-speed broadband Internet, large LCD flatscreen TVs, and Sony PlayStation 3s to keep gamers of all ages happy. Rooms have also been refurbished and kitchen equipment upgraded and updated.

"This renovation offers our guests a value-added range of services and an experience that will help make their longterm stay in Thailand one to remember," said Manfred Pieper, who manages the residences.