Anantara Hoi An Resort, located within walking distance of the Unesco World Heritage site, has launched a picturesque new cruise on Hoi An’s beautiful Thu Bon River. The river was the bloodline for Champa culture and trade from 700 until the Vietnam conquest in the 15th Century. Hoi An, which lies on the estuary, was the port of arrival for Chinese traders, Arab merchants and French explorers. The cruise offers a sweeping look at the fascinating way of life along the river and sets off daily from downstream under the Cam Nam Bridge, skirts the fabled Ancient Town and its markets and then proceeds upstream along Cam Kim Island and Kim Bong carpentry village. The boat turns at Cam Nam Island and moves downstream again past the Thanh Nam fishing village, wrapping up at Anantara’s riverside dock. The price is US$8 (Bt280) per person and a minimum of two people is required.

KTC makes a five-day road trip in Hokkaido affordable to its cardholders, as the credit card company joins with World Explorer Company in offering the “You Drive in Hokkaido” package. Visitors can explore Hokkaido on their own by driving through five towns – Biei, Asahikawa, Furano, Otaru, and Sapporo. Billed as “Kitchen of Japan”, Hokkkaido is as abundant as it is beautiful. The endless farms in Biei, for example, roll up and down against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. You pay for this trip of a lifetime through no-interest instalments of Bt4,100 for six months. Bookings are open from today through March 31, 2017 by contacting KTC at (02) 665 5000. For details of the trip, call World Explorer at (02) 631 3448 extension 2.

Within on the tropical island of Phuket or far afield on the beaches of Taba in Egypt, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts offers 30-per-cent discounts at its properties in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The lead-in rates in Europe start from $77 at Movenpick Hotel Istanbul Golden Horn. In Asia, rates from $80 apply to bustling Bangkok, while the upscale hotel company’s latest opening on the Thai beaches of Pattaya, has sea-view room rates starting at $110. For a holiday in the Philippines, Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu offers an entry-level rate of $126. The booking period at http://www.Movenpick.com is now open for stays from June 1 to August 31.

The Okura Prestige Bangkok turns four this year and is marking the occasion with the dining and spa package Make a Wish. Priced at Bt6,800 per night for two sharing in a Deluxe room, the extra pampering includes flowers from Atelier, celebration drink or a glass of wine when dining at Element restaurant, special Okura crafts and a 15-minute head massage. Bookings can be made until May 14 for stays from now to August 31. Located in central Bangkok, The Okura Prestige Bangkok boasts Japanese aesthetic appeal as well as in the best in Japanese cuisine. Call (02) 687 9000 or email info@okurabangkok.com.

Re-energise body and soul with a special retreat at the Amari Phuket’s Breeze Spa. This bodywork uses a special form of yoga, merging rhythmic massage with assisted yoga poses and acupressure along each of the body’s pressure points, which are known in Thai as “seen”. Energy will be restored, guests will feel more relaxed in mobility and flexibility, and blocked energy will be released. The 60-minute massage (with an additional 30-minute free massage) costs Bt2,100 and is available this month and next. Nestled along the hill and overlooking Patong Beach, Breeze Spa of Amari boasts a fantastic ocean view from its outdoor treatment rooms. Call (076) 340 106-14 extension 8809 or e-mail phuket@breeze-spa.com.