Out with the old and in with the new with our roundup of the hottest new destinations.

Peace and Quiet

- Pai
This month, Black Canyon Coffee announced plans to open a branch in Pai, perhaps the final nail in the coffin for the once remote town. The serene haven for trekking tourists has now been invaded by Bangkokians and Chiang Mai-ers looking for a quieter life and, in winter, some seriously cold weather.

- Chiang Khan, Loei
Chiang Khan is a small, cute town on the banks of the Mekong River. Founded by pioneers from Luang Prabang, in Laos, it is still occupied by their descendants and muang luang (what Laotians call Luang Prabang) traditions, like offering sticky rice to monks in the morning have been retained. And Chiang Khan’s timeless vibes are exactly what people are after.
Do this: Get up early and join the century-old alms-giving tradition. Then stroll along the old town to Suwan Rama, an old theater turned local cafe, for a cup of hot dark coffee. The rest of the day will work itself out.
Where to stay: Loog Mai Guest House (B350-450, 042-822-334) and Suk Somboon Hotel (B300-1,000, 042-821-064)
How to get there: The Bangkok-Chiang Khan VIP bus departs from Mo Chit Bus Terminal around 10pm and arrives Chiang Khan around 7am. Ticket B694.

 
Luxury Beachbum

- Phuket
Amanpuri, Sri Panwa, Sala Phuket, Banyan Tree—when it comes to five-star luxury, Phuket has long held the crown. While the combo of pretty beaches and an old town with a rich heritage means it hasn’t completely lost its charm, the island is rapidly being covered in ugly outlet stores and high-density resorts.

- Samui
Samui will see three new five-star properties open in 2010: Banyan Tree, W and Conrad. Compared to Phuket, you’ll find a lot fewer backpackers and sex tourists and the hoteliers on the island are all complaining about a lack of flights to the island (which means fewer tourists) as low-costs have yet to penetrate the THAI and Bangkok Airways and duopoly at Samui Airport.
Do This: A typical five-star holiday usually involves holing up in your resort and getting fancy spa treatments. Six Senses Hideaway offers a wide selection of packages, from two to six nights, that include accommodation and spa treatments, starting from B47,600 per couple. But even if you’re not staying there, you can drop by at any five-star hotel spa for some pampering. See a complete list at www.samuispaassociation.com.
Where to stay: We just did a story on Samui’s hottest properties (bkmagazine.com/feature/samui-style) which included X2 Samui (from B5,440, www.x2resorts.com), Six Senses Hideaway (pool villas from B24,100, www.sixsenses.com) and The Library (from B10,500, www.thelibrary.name). Also try Karma Kamet (from B4,505, www.karmakamethotel.com).
How to get there: Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) flies from Bangkok to Samui 10 times a day. A roundtrip ticket starts from B4,400. A roundtrip ticket from Thai Airways (www.thaiairways.com), which flies twice daily, is from B4,200.

Weekend Drive

- Hua Hin
Every weekend, throngs of Bangkokians drive South for three hours to enjoy 48 hours of great seafood and fresh sea air. But with prices creeping ever upward, a cheaper, more pocket friendly option is definitely needed.

- Khao Yai
Thanks to the frequent TV appearances of the celebrity owner of Bonanza Resort (www.bonanza-khaoyai.com), Songkran Techanarong, and a lot of press coverage of Primo Posto (www.primo-posto.net), we keep being firmly reminded of the charms of Khaoyai as the ultimate “you can drive there” destination for Bangkokians. Amid the old, fading resorts, the recent opening of luxurious Sala Khaoyai (www.salaresorts.com) with only seven rooms and villas and a simple white décor, has breathed life into the accommodation options.
Do this: The soon-to-open spinoff of Primo Posto, Palio Khaoyai (www.palio-khaoyai.com) shopping street, will appease those who can’t live without some high-end spending while on their holidays. And if you get bored of Farm Chockchai’s steaks and milk (www.farmchokchai.com), The Life Park at The Greenery Resort (www.greeneryexperience.com) has a variety of outdoor activities from paintball and go-karts to tree-top adventures. A long line-up of concerts are set to take place in Khaoyai starting this month and continuing until early next year. Yet another reason to extend your stay and experience a place that’s cool all year round.
Where to stay: Bonanza Khao Yai (from B1,500, www.bonanza-khaoyai.com/th/home), The Greenery Resort (from B3,000, www.greeneryresort.com), Sala Khaoyai (from B5,000, www.salaresorts.com)
How to get there: It’s easiest to drive your own car (2.5 hours) as points of interest are quite spread out. Get on Phahonyothin Road and head directly to Khao Yai. For rentals, try Thai Rent-A-Car (from B1,470/day, 02-737-8787, www.thairentacar.com).

 
Under the Sea

- Maldives
While they’re still under serious threat of disappearing under the Indian Ocean, a desperate global rush to see the islands while we still can has only made things worse. An increasing number of mid-range resorts and cheaper package deals mean this place has somehow lost its exclusive destination tag.

- Sipadan, Malaysia
A regular in lists of top dive sites around the world, the brilliant blue waters around this volcanic outcrop are home to hundreds of corals and more than 3,000 underwater species. Located off the coast of East Malaysia close to Borneo, it also has the beauty of being that little bit harder to get to, perfect for a feeling of exclusivity. Oh, and if that isn’t reason enough, then Malaysia just got listed in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2010. It’s also a lot closer (and cheaper) than the Maldives.
Do This: The best spots for diving are around Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai islands. The best way to explore them is to get a complete package (see below).
Where to stay: Sipadan Water Village (www.sipadanwatervillage.com), has a 2-night diver’s package from US$875.
How to get there: Get Air Asia from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur (7 flights/day, from B2,900) and get another Air Asia flight to Tawau (from B3,700). Then you need a shuttle service to your hotel. Malaysia Airlines also flies roundtrip the same route from B12,880.

Spiritual Serenity

- Bhutan
This is the land that invented the National Happiness Index, but our motivations for visiting were not all that pure. Surely, you remember the days when we (girls, mostly) were so crazy about Bhutan that the US$200 a day tourist fee seemed worth it just for a chance of running into the handsome prince (and now the king) of this Himalayan realm? But the heart is fickle and just like K-Pop chased J-Pop, we’re ready for something new.

- India
India is hot—specifically, pilgrimages to India. Airlines and tour operators have been rolling out a series on packages including flights and visits to holy sites and one person we spoke to at Jet Airways said even they were surprised by the response from Thais, hungry for a connection with the homeland of Buddha. THAI Airways have started operating new daily flights to the Buddhist centers of Bodhagaya and Varanasi, while Air Asia just introduced new direct routes from Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata, Kochi and Trivandrum.
Do this/Where to Stay: A package from Royal Orchid Holidays (www.royalorchidholidays.com) takes seven days and is inclusive of all transport, meals and visits to four sacred sites in Gaya and Varanasi. Prices are from B60,735 per person.
How to get there: THAI Airways flies daily from Bangkok to Bodhagaya and Varanasi, price starting at B9,000 for single trip. Air Asia flies daily to Kolkata, Kochi and Trivandrum via Kuala Lumpur.

 World Heritage

- Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, a World Heritage Site, has got to be one of the most charming places on earth. Stunning architecture graces this little mound of land tucked into the fork where two rivers meet. At the crack of dawn, long files of novice monks still collect alms before retreating to their temples. Chill weather allows for leisurely al fresco eating and coffee (from Laos, of course) sipping. Except that the place is now overrun with tourists and it feels more like the BTS at 8:45am than a getaway retreat.

- Bagan, Burma
Though disputes between UNESCO and the Burmese military junta mean it fails to be recognized as a World Heritage Site, Bagan has all the necessary elements. The old capital city of Burma’s first kingdom is where Buddhist devotees can enjoy a stunning panorama of more than 2,000 pagodas scattered over the city like a sacred blanket.
Do this: The vintage town and untouched traditional lifestyle make it worth waking early for a morning temple tour with a local guide—as long as you can forget about the whole military dictatorship government bit of course.   
Where to stay: Bagan Hotel (from B2,500, www.bagan-hotel) and Thiripyitsaya Hotel (from B4,000, www.thiripyitsaya-resort.com).
How to get there: Take a flight from Bangkok to Yangon (Thai Airways from B10,400, Air Asia from B5,400) and get a direct flight from Yangon to Bagan on Air Bagan (roundtrip from B6,200, 02-235-5752, www.airbagan.com). Or, if you really have some time, just try a river cruise on the Orient Express’ Road to Mandalay (www.orient-express.com). Just back in business, the cruise takes from three to 11 nights depending on the itinerary. Rates start from US$2,220 inclusive of accommodation, all meals, direct flight from Yangon and all transport.