CATCH UP!
Vol.2 2021

It’s nearly vacation time! The festive season is just around the corner,

and we have great destinations to satisfy your itchy travel feet. 

Will it be Chiang Mai with its cool vibes (and temperatures),

gourmet dining and award-winning accommodation?

Perhaps, beach fun and counting in the New Year in Pattaya.

Maybe the space and fresh air of river and jungle vibes in Kanchanaburi.

Or the vibrant explosion of New Year in Thailand’s magnificent Capital City?

IT'S TIME TO START LOCKING IN THOSE HOLIDAY PLANS,

SO WE'VE PACKED THIS BLOG FULL OF TEMPTATIONS

AND INSPIRATIONS JUST FOR YOU.

Cross Chiang Mai Riverside Resort, an award-winning design resort

Cross Chiang Mai Riverside personifies our core belief of “Luxury by Design.” We were delighted to receive Gold at the Thailand Tourism 2021 Awards, one of only two Design Hotels in Thailand to earn this coveted top of the line recognition.

Taking inspiration from the Mon brick and ornate design elements of the Chiang Mai old city’s Tha Phae Gate, Cross Chiang Mai Riverside Resort is a haven of tranquillity thanks to its Ping Riverside location.

Hang out at the rooftop infinity pool. Chiang Mai’s only pool with fibre-optic lighting. Gaze at the Ping River and Doi Setup views. Take afternoon tea in the Library Café & Bar. Seek resplendent relaxation at Cross Spa. Sip sundowners at the Ozone Roof Bar. Or rejoice in the space, artful design and décor of your luxurious room or suite with its river or garden views while keeping yourself amused with the state-of-the-art entertainment system and complimentary media library.

These are luxurious designer digs well worth including in your holiday plans.

Transform yourself at Away Chiang Mai Thapae with a soulful and mindful holiday

Invest in a self-care retreat at this unique design hotel tucked away on a quiet Chiang Mai lane. A Vegan resort. You choose the theme for your holiday or mix it up to make the most of your “away” time.



Get mindful with yoga, Thai Chi or meditation. Amp up the physicality with your in-room gym, join in the HIIT or cardio sessions or train the body and mind with Muay Thai lessons. Be nice to yourself with various beauty offerings from facial, pedicure and manicure or relaxing or rejuvenating massages. Turn up the fun with Zumba or dance classes.

Self-care also means eating well, and your choices include onsite at Moreganic Vegan Restaurant or nearby with our vegan and vegetarian recommendations around town. How about a bicycle tour, hiking in the hills, or a rafting expedition for that lung filling and life-affirming northern Thailand fresh air?

How would you craft your bespoke Away Chiang Mai Thapae holiday experience?

Loy Krathong and the Festival of Lights 2021

Many say Loy Krathong is Thailand’s most romantic festival and is about giving thanks to the Goddess of Water and river spirits for the plentiful water supply during the rainy season. It’s also about letting go and ‘floating away’ the negative events, habits and misdeeds of this passing year and looking forward to a more positive year ahead. This joyous family orientated festival is celebrated on the full moon of the Thai lunar calendar’s 12th month – which for 2021 falls on November 19.

Specific to northern Thailand is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival (or Festival of Lights), which falls on the same full moon as Loy Krathong. While central and southern Thailand have celebrated Loy Krathong for 150 years, people in the Lanna Kingdom (north-western Thailand) have released bamboo framed rice paper lanterns since the 13th century.

Chiang Mai, the Lanna kingdom’s ancient capital, is the best place to experience this “Festival of Lights”. Elaborately constructed lanterns in the shape of lotus flowers, dragons, and other designs are found around the moat encircling Chiang Mai, on temple grounds, and at the Old City gates. Fireworks herald the approaching climax of Yi Peng, with thousands of lanterns released on mass, filling the sky. It is spectacular and so immense that air traffic controllers close flight paths for the event.

If visiting Chiang Mai, the Cross Chiang Mai Riverside, Away Chiang Mai Thapae and Cross Vibe Chiang Mai Decem are great places to stay for the festivities. Check out the buttons below for more details!

New Year Destinations near Bangkok

Where will you spend your New Year count down and holidays?

After nearly two years of restrictions, let’s find some attractive and fun locations to welcome in 2022. Here is our selection of short drive escape ideas for your New Year celebrations.

Pattaya and Jomtien are known for hosting family-friendly new year festivities. Why not build a beach escape for some much-needed relaxation and sea air for the whole family. We have two ideal properties for you to choose between.

Cross Pattaya Oceanphere is located in the former pirate enclave of Bang Saray. Their one, two or four bedroom pool villas are perfect for couples, families and groups. Pure holiday comfort in a modern-day setting. Alternately, Cross Vibe Pattaya Seaphere is the perfect chic and chilled-out holiday destination, nestled in a serene corner of Pattaya’s Na Jomtien beach. A relaxing, cosmopolitan location that sets the scene for the ultimate holiday getaway.

Cross River Kwai could be an ideal option if mountain air, greenery, and space are more your new year holiday vibe. Take in the rich cultural heritage of the Kanchanaburi region while relaxing on the most beautiful stretch of the Kwai Noi River. The modern design meshes seamlessly with the natural environment, with all rooms enjoying uninterrupted river views.

Cross Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit is away from the chaos of the central city but close to the action. This residential area on The Sukhumvit Sky Train line means shopping malls, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, markets, and the full vibrancy of Bangkok is right on your doorstep. This Upper Sukhumvit area focused around On-nut road is a city escape within the city. The stylish Cross Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit is an ideal base for your explorations.

Lighting Up The Skies - Pattaya Fireworks Festival 2021

Pattaya’s Fireworks Festival is an annual two-day event that has attracted visitors from across the country and the world in the previous year. Local government authorities have scheduled this year happening for 26 & 27 November; COVID related restrictions permitting. 

Cafe hopping in On-nut area

And as we are talking about the On-nut neighbourhood, here are three recommendations for cool neighbourhood cafes. All within easy travel distance of your base at Cross Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit.

LAFF Café in Sukhumvit Soi 50 is the closest at just 400 meters walk from the hotel. The pointed arch ceiling, modern design and most importantly, their signature coffees and passionfruit sodas, frappes and smoothies are renowned. On On-nut Road, the Nordic style cafe DNA Coffee with its 2-story glass front, mezzanine level and outdoor garden space is also worth your time. Both Laff and DNA will get your Instagram feed firing.

The Habito Community Mall across the Pra Kanong canal is the third stop, part of a significant new residential complex. This fabulous new community mall has a variety of cafes, eateries and even a cool co-working space. This mall provides convenient access to the Sansamran pedestrian bridge – a popular new photo spot that offers excellent views of the surrounding green space and canal life.