The move enjoys the support of the Ministry of Interior’s Department of Local Administration (DLA) and Community Development Department (CDD).

Airbnb had added Buriram as the first Thai destination to its campaign earlier this year.

Airbnb will showcase the beauty of Saraburi with the launch of a community-led destination marketing video that highlights its rural beauty, local culture and diverse neighbourhoods, along with the warmth with which Saraburi hosts are welcoming domestic and international travellers into their homes and communities.

In addition to the video, which can be viewed by Airbnb travellers globally, Airbnb has also launched a dedicated Saraburi page at http://www.airbnb.com/saraburi.

The page, which features hyper-local information for travellers in Thai and English, includes local insights as well as links to Airbnb Stays and Experiences in Saraburi and surrounding areas.

In 2018, more than 1.9 million guests stayed in an Airbnb in Thailand, with inbound guest arrivals to Saraburi growing at an estimated 115 per cent year on year from 2018, based on Airbnb internal data from January and July 2019.

Due to its close proximity to Bangkok, as it can be reached within less than two hours with easy road and rail access, Thailand’s capital city is a key feeder market for Saraburi.

Meanwhile, the top six countries where inbound travellers to Saraburi come from are: 1 Thailand, 2 US, 3 Malaysia, 4 Japan, 5 Singapore, 6 Great Britain.

Based on internal Airbnb data, an estimated 70 per cent of all hosts in Saraburi received Airbnb’s maximum 5-star review rating, and local hosts rated their guests an average guest rating of 5 out of 5.

“Airbnb remains committed to investing in efforts to spread the benefits of tourism beyond big cities, in line with the Royal Thai Government’s policies. We are thrilled to unveil Saraburi as an emerging destination for Airbnb travellers, as it is easily accessible from Bangkok and offers a wealth of local culture and hosts who are passionate to share their homes and way of life,” Mich Goh, head of public policy for Southeast Asia, Airbnb, said.

“We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with government and industry stakeholders across Thailand in promoting the country’s emerging destinations.”

Samniang Simmawan, director of the Social, Economic and Quality of Life Development Subdivision of the Ministry of Interior’s Department of Local Administration, added, “Through this collaboration with Airbnb, we are helping Thai homestays – homes that have a maximum of four rooms or can welcome visitors not exceeding 20 – better understand the need of international travellers, as we encourage them to provide travellers with a truly authentic Thai experience. We want to see more Thais start their own homestay businesses and benefit from tourism, and with the support of Airbnb these Thai homestays can now reach millions globally.”

Saraburi and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of interesting options. Some of these include: Baan Baan homestay, Baan Klang Suan Clean Farm, Ban Thida Ruan Thai Rim Nam, Ban Suan Bua Yoo Pranom Chai, Duang Yee Whaa homestay.

The spring is one of tourist attractions in the area and is being promoted as an ideal spot for medical tourism. The area also features two large spa pools and playground where the kids can have fun while mum and dad take a dip.

The hot springs rise into small basins with a water temperature of around 40-50 degrees Celsius, and are said to contain various minerals that help body to relax. Many believe that the spring can cure disease. Staff are on hand to provide services and ensue safety while also maintaining the level of hygiene. The springs are open to the public daily from 8am to 5pm.

The project included building an additional 10 deluxe rooms and relocation of the gym to make it bigger with upgraded facilities. A trendy casual beachside restaurant/open bar called Rum Chapel is also a new addition.

“We are delighted to share this exceptional update with all guests and we are confident the enhancements in our services will be well received, optimise our guests’ experiences and increase satisfaction during their stay at our resort,” said general manager Erich Friedl.

“Whether guests are here for an island retreat, a rejuvenating spa getaway or an adventurous expedition, they can find what they need at the enchanting Naka Island resort in Phuket,” he added

1. Bangkok Countdown 2020 at Central World

Central World’s “AIS Bangkok Countdown 2020” includes more than 4,000 spectacular fireworks to ring in the New Year. Enjoy the night with more than 100 popular artists and international DJs in attendance on New Year’s Eve and into the New Year at Ratchaprasong.

2. Asiatique Thailand Countdown 2019, Bangkok

Prepare to recharge your energy at the “Chang Music Connection presents Asiatique Thailand Countdown 2020” under the concept of “Boost Your Energy”, with concerts by famous artists such as Da Endorphine, Mild, Black Head, Scrubb, Stamp, Atom, Mariam, and others, while dazzling fireworks are set to light up the night sky on the Chao Phraya River. The highlight is to watch the fireworks from a high angle on the large Ferris wheel. The big event kicks off at 5pm on December 31 at Asiatique The Riverfront.

3. CDC Countdown 2020, Bangkok

Here’s another New Year party – along the Ekamai-Raminthra Expressway, with artists like Joeyboy, Paradox, Cocktail, and Zeal taking the stage to entertain the crowd. Get free tickets on December 31 night at Event Park CDC.

4. Mega Countdown 2020, Samut Prakan

For those who live in the suburbs of Bangkok or the metropolitan area, the Mega Countdown 2020 may be a good alternative. The party and concert are expected to be full of fun and packed with quality artists including Getsunova, Potato, SlotMachine, PolyCat, UrBoy TJ, and Golf Fuking Hero on December 31. The event, to be held at the parking lot outside Mega Bangna near Ikea, commences at 5pm.

5. Khunwang Countdown 2020, Chiang Mai.

This colourful countdown will be held at Khun Wang Royal Agricultural Research Centre, Chiang Mai. You can catch a Hmong and Pga K’nyau tribe cultural show and folk songs, with beverages, food and Agricultural Research Centre products on sale. You can even make merit by giving alms to monks on the morning of January 1.

6. Happy New Year Asean 2020 @Maesai, Chiang Rai

For anyone visiting Chiang Rai, one place to be is “Hello Asean Countdown Year 2020” starting at 6pm and going on until 1am on New Year’s Day at the front of the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge border checkpoint. There are performances by renowned artists and a countdown featuring fireworks of course.

7. Khon Kaen Countdown 2020

The Khon Kaen Municipality, the Provincial Administrative Organisation and The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Khon Kaen, invites you to join their New Year countdown at the central city hall on Srichan Road. The highlight of the celebrations is a glowing garden event under the concept of “Grace of King Rama X: Colour of the Light”, which will leave you bedazzled by the millions of sparkling lights. The event actually begins from December 25 at the Khon Kaen City Gate garden. Delicious food and DIY products will be on sale. New Year’s Eve celebrations will lead to Khon Kaen Countdown 2020 under the concept of “Khon Kaen Countdown, Celebration of 222 Years”. Enjoy concerts by famous artists. To end the celebration, there will be an alms giving ceremony on January 1 at the Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine.

8. Buriram Countdown 2020

Tourists are invited to join New Year’s Eve celebrations with free concerts by famous artists led by ’90s artist duo “Tao” Somchai and “Mos” Patiparn, followed by BNK48, Kong Huai Rai, and TaitoSmith. There will be a special performance from the football club as well. The fun starts from 6pm at Chang Arena.

9. Pattaya Countdown 2020, Chon Buri

The Pattaya City administrative office, in cooperation with Mono29, has organised a “grand entertainment festival” to celebrate the end of the year called Pattaya Countdown 2020, a “spectacular” event with colourful lights, as well as concerts by leading Thai artists. The event commences on December 30 at the Pattaya Tourism Pier (Bali Hai Pier), from 5pm.

10. Patong Beach Countdown 2020, Phuket.

If you are in the south, head to Patong Countdown 2020. Held under the concept of “Save Our Earth – Say No To Plastic”, popular artists are expected to provide you with entertainment. Listen to world-class DJs and watch the Simon Cabaret Show and the Siam Niramit Show. And there are other enjoyable activities in which you can take part.

Have a happy countdown!

A popular spot of accommodations for tourists is located in Pak Chong district, featuring Tuscan-style hotels, villas, and condominiums in the enormous space of Khaoyai.

Those who visit Toscana Valley will be charmed by its Italian architecture in every zone. Also, there is the ‘Toscana Piazza’ hotel, located in the northern part of the valley, imitating the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The place is serene and private, a vast area which seems to be endless. Visitors can jog in the morning and ride their bikes in the evening.

Meanwhile, Jim Thompson Farm is the perfect place for fans of agriculture and flowers, located on over 600 rai at the hillfoot of Payaprab. The farm, a landmark of Pak Thong Chai district, charges an admission fee of Bt180 per person.

Visitors can see seasonal flowers, organic products, and traditional silk-making process. Moreover, they can experience Thai northeastern (Isan) culture in a simulated Isan village, where old houses, home interior designs, and tools are on display.

They will also be briefed on the story of Pa Pawet under the theme of

‘Tam Hook Tam Pa – Isan memory in textiles’.

Pa Pawet is a long fabric scroll that tells the story of all 13 chapters of Vessantara, an event held in 4th month of the ancient Isan calendar traditional. The presentation of Pa Pawet will be held until January 5, 2020.

Furthermore, premium silk products are available at the store in Isan village.

The department mentioned the increase in tourist traffic, as the temperature falls in winter, at mountainous national parks for camping and taking pictures of morning fog and wild flowers.

To ensure safety while visiting mountains, trekking routes and scenic points, here are some regulations that must be followed:

1 Do not stray off the routes or scenic points designated by National Parks, as uncharted routes can be dangerous.

2 Do not stand close to the cliff or try to look down it. Make sure to maintain a distance of at least one metre from the cliff, especially those who are afraid of heights or have physical limitations.

3 Be careful when taking pictures near cliffs or mountaintops and always check your surroundings before sitting/posing for picture. Refrain from playing or teasing with each other near these points.

4 Do not try to pave your own routes or making shortcuts in the National Parks, as it can cause confusion to other tourists and is against the law for destroying National Park’s environment.

Those requiring assistance from the Department, can contact its hotline on 1362, which is available 24/7.

Mueng Pichai Chrysanthemum farm is now a lively destination for tourists, who can catch a golden field full of the beautiful flowers.

The organic farm’s owner, Monshita Laingam, started to plant 2,100 Chrysanthemums six months ago in her leisure time while working for a private company. Now, with the flowers in full bloom and ready for harvest, the colour of the flower field is attracting tourists.

Monshita is not collecting any admission fee but is offering travellers the opportunity to help harvest the flower. She also sells Chrysanthemums teas at reasonable prices.

Chrysanthemums only bloom once a year, so those who dearly want to grab selfies had better hurry.

Organised by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage (MFLF), the festival supports the Tai Yai, Tai Lue, Tai Lua, Lahu and Yunnan Chinese hilltribes in their work to run a green business and create sustainability, says Polchom Chan-u-rai, the foundation’s chief administrative officer.

This year concept is “family friendly” and visitors are invited to eat, shop, spend and chill while witnessing the Doi Tung project’s success in maintaining zero waste.

The food zone includes both traditional tribal restaurants and delicious royal food from the Tamnak kitchen including the Lahu’s Pook rice, which is only available for special festivals or New Year and Khao Fieu Tod made from rice flour mixed with soybean flour.

Traditional handicrafts and Doi Tung-style eco items are also available along with fashion items crafted by the Akha, painted baskets, bags hats and scarves woven and much more.

As ever, the gardens are ablaze with such winter flowers as geraniums and orchids, many of them arranged into the fabric pattern of the 6 tribes. A giant mascot, the legendary lucky animal of the hill people designed by Loley – Thaweesak Srithongdee and standing 9 metres tall, is on hand to greet visitors, who can take a break and relax in the giant bird’s nest and a giant seashell seat.

The more adventurous can walk on the high side on the DoiTung Tree Top Walk or have a go at Wooden Cart Formula Racing, Kong-Kaeng, or Sabah.

Doi Chang Mub, the highest viewpoint of Doi Tung, will teach the little ones more about nature while mum and dad relax with a cup of coffee or tea Faidee Café.

Tourists come to see nature and shop for agricultural products at the Dek Doi market while also enjoying the new activities that the market has arranged; taking pictures on the solo swing and the lover swing. The market has erected swings at many points where visitors can go to play and take a picture alone or as couples.

This year, the maple trees around Wat Pa Phu Hin Rong Kla temple have begun to change colours from green to red and yellow, creating a kaleidoscopic scene. The leaves of the maple trees at the military school nearby are expected to become red during the New Year festival, to the joy of tourists.

People bring their families along to take pictures with the bright yellow Sunn Hemp flower blooming on both sides of the road. Some children come to play hide and seek. Travellers appreciate the bright atmosphere with the view of the mountains surrounded by lush green rice fields while some tourists opt to go kayaking in the Lam Lung.

Suthat Sudja, deputy chief executive of the local council, said that the idea of planting the Sunn Hemp came from the need to create a new tourist spot to attract the general public to get to know this district even more. With pictures of this flower field being posted on social networks, a lot of tourists come both in the morning and evening. In addition, the office has also organised a kayaking activity in the canal along Sunn Hemp road, and on December 22 a mini half-marathon will be held.