Golfing

Thailand offers truly outstanding golf facilities. Wherever you are in the country, it is not difficult to find a golf course nearby. In Bangkok, most courses are located on the outskirts of the city where there is more open space. There are also a number of fine and attractive golf courses in the adjoining provinces, especially in Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani. Besides clubhouses, some modern golf clubs even provide swimming pools, tennis courts and fitness centres. Apart from enchanting locations, modern courses, first-class service, and friendly caddies, a main advantage of playing golf in Thailand is the low green fees and caddy fees when compared to those in the Western countries. These are reason why Thailand was voted "Best Golf Destination in Asia" by Asian Golf Monthly's readers in 2006.

If you need a travel agent to organize a golf package program for you, please click here.

Muay Thai (Thai Kick Boxing)

Muay Thai or Thai Kick Boxing is a world famous martial art. It is considered by many to be the most violent and exciting sports. The Muay Thai boxer wears gloves and shorts, usually in red and blue, as international boxers do with additional armbands and a headband, which has been blessed by his teacher.

Compared with international boxing, Muay Thai has a distinctive feature. In Thai boxing, each part of the body such as fists, feet, knees, and elbows is allowed to be used as a weapon to overcome the competitor. Moreover, its combination of dancing and fighting is unique in style.

Before the match begins, each competitor will perform a dance, or what they call “Wai Kru”, accompanied by traditional Thai music. Reasons for doing the performance are to pay homage to gods and holy spirits for protecting, as well as to pay respect to their instructors and opponent. A bout of Thai boxing consists of 5 rounds, which lasts a total of 23 minutes. It takes 3 minutes to fight a round with a 2 minutes break between rounds.

Thai boxing is popular among Thais and foreigners, so the boxing stadiums, which are all over the country, are always crowded. The most well known stadiums, Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen, are in Bangkok. Similarly, Muay Thai training camps are also available throughout the country, especially in tourist-attracting cities like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Fees for training at a camp varies from $ 10-45 per day. For those who are interested in viewing Thai boxing at the stadium, generally prices are varied from 500-2,000 baht depending on the positions. The followings are some of the well-known training schools and stadiums:

Jogging & Aerobics

These two activities can be done easily in parks scattered around Bangkok. You can find energetic aerobics groups in a park around 5-6 p.m. every day. Some major parks in Bangkok are as:
- Lumphini Park on Rama IV Road in the Silom area
- Benchasiri Park (the Queen's Park) on Sukhumwit Road
- Rommaninat Park on Siriphong Road, near the Giant Swing
- Saranrom Park on Thaiwang Road, near the Grand Palace and Wat Pho
- Chatuchak Park next to Chatuchak Weekend Market

Boating

In Lumphini Park, Bangkok's most popular park, there is a big artificial lake in the centre which is perfect for boating. Boats are available for rent at very reasonable rates. There are similar facilities in Dusit Zoo.

Spas

For those who love to pamper themselves by the spa therapies, there are a good number of spas in Bangkok, many of them attached to first-class hotels.

These spas are equipped with hi-tech spa equipment and offer a full range of spa therapies including aromatherapy, herbal therapy, massages, facial and body treatments.

Sports Centres

For more information, call Tourism Authority of Thailand, 0 2250 5500.