Thai Airways’ low-cost sister, Thai Smile (www.thaismileair.com), just launched direct flights to Kaohsiung in Taiwan and the ancient UNESCO town of Luang Prabang in Laos.

 

Next to Taipei, Kaohsiung attracts Taiwan’s highest visitor numbers thanks to its hall of giant Buddhas in Fo Guang Shan monastery and the cheap seafood street on Cijin Island.

 

The tranquil city of Luang Prabang, meanwhile, sits in a valley of lush-green mountains where sacred temples and abundant natural beauty jostle for attention.

 

Starting this October, Bangkok-Kaohsiung flights cost from a little over B9,000 return (through Oct 31), while the Luang Prabang return trip costs B5,200 (through Mar 4).