Thailand Activities

Watersports
Thailand's 2710km (1694 miles) of coastline, on both the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, as well as its many offshore islands, make it a popular destination for watersports, particularly diving and snorkeling. Two of the largest diving centers are at Pattaya, a two-hour drive from Bangkok, and Phuket, both of which offer access to numerous offshore islands and coral reefs. The Andaman Sea is particularly good for reef diving, the famous Similan and Surin islands being the most visited areas. In the Gulf of Thailand, the islands of Ko Phangan, Ko Samui and Ko Tao also attract many divers, while Ko Chang and the Trat area are amongst the most recent locations to have opened up to sports tourism. The Burma Banks and the islands off Trang Province have also recently been hailed as new diving destinations. Live-aboard dive cruises, equipment rental and certified diving courses are widely available. Several beaches are particularly well-suited for windsurfing, particularly Chaweng, Hua Hin, Jomtien (south of Pattaya), Karon (on Phuket island), Kata and Lamai (on Koh Samui). In the Gulf of Thailand, the windiest months are mid-February to April; in the Andaman Sea, the period from September to December has the strongest winds (for further information on beaches, see also the Where to Go section). Sea canoeing and kayaking have become increasingly popular in recent years, the coastal limestone islands in Phang Nga Bay, north of Phuket, being the favorite destination, also offering the chance to explore the half-submerged cave systems known as hongs. Sailing is a popular way to access Thailand's many islands and the main base for sailing trips in the Andaman Sea is Phuket, which also hosts the annual Kings Cup Regatta in December. Sailing cruises in the Gulf of Thailand usually start from Pattaya. Yachts can be chartered either with or without a crew. The presence of big game fish, such as barracuda, tuna, wahoo, swordfish or marlin, attracts many game fishing enthusiasts, who can charter fully crewed boats from most major coastal resorts. Inland raft trips can be arranged on several rivers.

Trekking
The best trails are in northern Thailand, particularly the remote provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. This is also the region of the infamous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet and from where much of the world's opium originates. Treks usually run for three or four days through a scenery consisting of forested mountains inhabited by hill tribes whose small villages offer basic overnight accommodation for trekkers. Guides are widely available, but visitors should ensure that, besides English, they speak some of the hill tribe languages and have good contacts with the tribal communities. Although the people are reported to be extremely friendly, trekkers should also be aware that the area is mostly unpoliced and hold ups and robberies have been reported during the last few years.

Meditation
Thailand has dozens of temples and meditation centers specializing in vipassana (insight) meditation. Instruction and accommodation is usually free, though donations are expected. Different meditation techniques and dress codes apply to different centers. Upmarket resorts offering mind, body and spirit holidays are also available, with various alternative therapies included in the package. Larger retreats are for the serious minded only. Male and female English speakers are welcome, but strict segregation of the sexes is enforced and many places observe a vow of silence.

Thai kick-boxing
Also known as muay thai, this traditional sport can be seen every day of the year at the major stadiums in both Bangkok and the provinces. Thai boxing matches are preceded by elaborate ceremonies and accompanied by lively music. Thailand has over 60,000 full-time boxers. Foreigners may enrol at a traditional muay training camp, some of which specialize in training westerners. There is a strong spiritual and ritualistic dimension to muay thai, adding grace to an otherwise brutal sport.

Spectator sports
Horse races are held every two weeks at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club on Saturday and at the Royal Turf Club on Sunday. Another spectator sport is takraw, also sometimes called Siamese football, in which a small woven rattan ball is kicked around by players standing in a circle and often performing spectacular moves. The aim of the game is to keep the ball off the ground, and to do this any part of the body can be used except for the hands.


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