INSIDE THAILAND

by **Admin** Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:21 am

Thailand

• Take a memorable train trip across the notorious River Kwai Bridge at Kanchanaburi, which was built by Allied prisoners under the direction of the Japanese during WWII (website: www.kanchanaburi-info.com).

• Admire the skills of the kite fighters. Opposing teams fly male Chula and female Pakpao

• Take in a muay thai (Thai kick-boxing) match;
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.

• Cast off all cares through traditional meditation. Thailand has dozens of temples and meditation centres specialising in vipassana (insight) meditation. Attend a class for just one day or a retreat lasting several weeks.

• Get to know northern Thailand better, particularly the remote provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son by trekking, riding an elephant or rafting through this spectacular region. Check out the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.

• Enjoy Thailand's spectacular coastline. Have a go at sea canoeing and kayakingPhang Nga Bay and explore the half-submerged caves and grottoes.

• Learn traditional massage and the healing properties of herbal medicine at ancient Wat Pho (website: www.watpho.com).

• Try Thai cooking at one of many cookery schools. Learn how to blend the many herbs and spices that provide the unique flavours of Thai food.

• Take a boat trip through Bangkok's Floating Market, or along the klongs; a network of canals leading off the river, and lined with dwellings opening directly on to the water.

• Dive with the sharks in the aquarium at Bangkok's Siam Ocean World (website: www.siamoceanworld.co.th), and live to tell the tale.

• Have afternoon tea at the Oriental Hotel (website: www.mandarinoriental.com)
in Bangkok, one of the most famous hotels in the world. Once the haunt
of the likes of Somerset Maughan and Joseph Conrad, it is now
frequented by royalty and celebrities.

• Be entertained by the infamous 'lady boys' or katoeys of Bangkok at the outrageous Calypso Cabaret at the Asia Hotel (website: www.calypsocabaret.com).

• Be wowed by the spectacular cultural production of a Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Thailand with hundreds of performers and special effects at Siam Niramit in central Bangkok (website: www.siamniramit.com).

• Join a wine-tasting tour at the Siam Winery near Bangkok (website: www.siamwinery.com).

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.
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