Photo: Dean Croshere

Quiet retreat in Ko Kret

Where: Separated from the city by a stream of water, this island transports you back in time. This is the real slow life. With no cars and most walkways unpaved, you can seize this rare opportunity to unplug, unwind and recharge your batteries in the fresh air. Almost all of the folks living here are of Mon descent, who have kept their culture after fleeing to Thailand over 200 years ago, so the island is abundant in beautiful pottery and Mon cuisine such as fried flowers and fish cakes.

What: Start the new year on a high with a nature hike, watch the locals make pottery or explore the island via bike. Grab some tasty local cuisine at the market or visit the cool Chit Brewery.

How: Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station and take the express boat with the green flag that runs every 20 minutes. Sticking around? There are limited accommodation options; try Ko Kret Homestay, which will hook you up with accomodation options ranging from B500-1,000 per night. 

Photo: Theerawat Sangprakarn

Slow life in Chachoengsao

Where: Barely an hour out of Bangkok sits the quiet province of Chachoengsao, home to some of the country's most beautiful temples, a giant market selling hard-to-find Thai desserts and beautiful nature sites.

What: Temples to visit include Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, home of the sacred Luang Phra Sothon to get your New Years’ blessings, the beautiful golden temple known as Wat Pak Nam Jo Lo that's reminiscent of Chiang Rai’s White Temple, and Wat Sanam Rattanaram, home to many beautiful Buddhist statues. Grab some treats like their deliciously soft chiffon cake at the Talad Boran market, then end your day of exploring at the Bang Pakong estuary, the best place to catch the playful dolphins as they jump up and out of the water.

How: Take highway 304, which will take you directly to Chachoengsao in less than an hour. 

Photo courtesy of Dean Croshere

Hit the Chao Phraya

Where: The mighty Chao Phraya River.

What: The River of Kings is a prime spot to catch the New Year fireworks. But you'll want to avoid the crowds by booking a spot on an overnight cruise. Not only do these cruises take you to the major temples and villages along the river, but you’ll also get to ring in the New Year doing many good deeds, as some packages also stop at local orphanages and rice paddy farms where you can do your bit.

How: Cruise companies such as Thanatharee Cruise operate during the New Year. Day trips are also available, but you can also enjoy stays of up to three nights on their restored rice barges, equipped with bunks, air-conditioning and other mod-cons. Prices start around B4,200 per person.  

Urban farming in Ratchaburi

Where: Coro Field is a newly-opened organic Japanese honeydew farm in Ratchaburi that offers some fresh melons, arts and crafts, and relaxed farming. 

What: Here, farming is approached as a hobby to get away from hectic city life rather than a career, so you'll find many workshops, DIY and GIY (grow it yourself, a term coined by the founders) stations to partake in. Unlike your typical farm, the 104-rai compound is arranged in a tidy, minimal fashion (not unlike a Muji store, strangely enough), where you can help grow and harvest your own produce. You’ll also get to start your year on a healthy note, as the on-site restaurant only serves dishes using their own certified-organic products. 

How: Ratchaburi is barely two hours outside of Bangkok. Travel by car via Rama III Rd. (highway 35) before merging onto Petchkasem Rd. (highway 4). For more farming info, see www.fb.com/corofieldTH. All tuckered out? On-site accomodation is still in the works,  but in the meantime, you might want to book a night at Artisto Chic Resort and then check out La Toscana Resort. 

Central luxury at Phothalai Leisure Park

Where: Located in the middle of Bangkok, in Bang Kapi to be precise, Phothalai Leisure Park is a 130,000-sq-meter park home to open spaces and world-class recreational facilities, allowing for a private and luxurious celebration just minutes away from your home.

What: Gather a group of friends, and book a multi-function room at Phothalai’s meeting and event facility for an exclusive little countdown celebration, or take the festivities outdoors and hang out in the surrounding private garden, with its stunning arrangement of trees, pools, fountains, ponds, streams and waterfalls. Those who want to celebrate with their families can also opt to host an intimate celebration in their stunning and bold facilities while their children explore the park's massive grounds. The meeting space can hold up to 2,000 people, and as a bonus, they also offer catering and party planning services, so planning, prepping and clean-up wouldn't be a hassle either. 

How: Phothalai Leisure Park is easily reached by car. Head to 28 Soi Yothinpattana 3, Praditmanuthum, Klongchan. www.phothalai.com 

  Brought to you by Phothalai Leisure Park