For a quick escape, Sampran district in Nakhon Pathom province, only an hour’s drive from Bangkok, features the renowned Wat Raikhing, Donwai floating market, Thai Human Imagery Museum and Sampran Elephant Ground & Zoo.

Plus, late last year Parndhevi Riverside Resort & Spa opened a boutique café on a wooden raft overlooking Nakon Chai Si River, offering slow-drip coffee and a variety of homemade baked goods like coconut cake and scone with pomelo jam and cream.

Perfect as a laidback weekend hangout, the new Riva Floating Café (www.facebook.com/RIVAfloatingcafe) on Putthamonthon Sai 7 road has quickly made its name as a cute café which takes you back to nature. Open daily 10am-8pm Monday-Friday and 9am-9pm Saturday-Sunday.

For a full night’s relaxation, stay at the Parndhevi resort which offers 15 Lanna-style villas nestled in a lush garden. The resort is offering special packages at B2,300 per night, which includes a two-hour Thai massage and B2,800 per night including a 1.5-hr aroma therapy spa treatment. Details at www.parndhevi.com or call 034-312-190.