Review Unseen Thailand

Muay thai-Thai Boxing

bird — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:24:05 +0000

Muaythai-Thai Boxing

The sport of Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, is immensely popular in the Kingdom. Fights are broadcast on TV almost nightly, every sizable city has a boxing ring, and the top fighters are all household names. Boys start training as young as 7 to become professional boxers. The biggest and most prestigeous stadiums in the country are Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen in Bangkok, which hold fights on alternating nights so that there is a program every night.

In Muay Thai, there are five three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between, and every fight is preceeded by a symbolic dance by both fighters to pay homage to their teachers. Fights are accompanied by live music played by a ringside band with traditional instruments.

I attended a program at Lumpini in January 2005 that included 8 fights (although we missed the first 2). Ticket prices had just been raised (at least for tourists), so ringside seats were 1500 Baht and second level were 800 Baht. We opted for second level, which turned out to be right behind the ringside section, still very close to the action. The fights were fast and furious, with 3 ending in a knockout. Although it was quite expensive, it was definitely worth the experience.

List of Bangkok Muaythai Stadiums

Lumpini Stadium
Rama IV Road, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 252-8765, 251-4303, 253-7702, 253-7940
Fight Nights: Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.30 p.m, Saturday afternoons 5-8 p.m., Saturday nights from 8.30 p.m.
Ticket prices: 500, 1,000, 1,500 Baht (ringside)

Ratchadamnoen Stadium
Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
Tel: (662) 281-4205, 280-1684-6
Fight Nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, starting at 6.30 p.m.
Ticket Prices: 500, 1,000, 1,500 Baht (ringside); special discount on Sunday nights

Channel 7 Stadium
Behind the old Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit), opp. Chatuchak Park, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 272-0201
Fight Schedule: Sundays, from 1.45 p.m., third Wednesday of each month starting at 12.00 noon.
Ticket prices: Free admission

Tags: Muay, thai,, Thai, Boxing

Chill-Out on KHAO SAN ROAD

bird — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:56:58 +0000

SPOKEN in the
same breath as any of the world’s best-known backpacker enclaves, Khao San Road is a
never-ending hive of activity. Street vendor’s ant shops line either side of the strip where you can find everything from used books, fisherman’s pants and handicrafts to tattoo parlors and travel agencies. Khao San also has loads of guardhouses, some of which could be called three-star boutique hotels. And in front of each are tables to grab a meal or a cold drink and watch the world go by. There’s always plenty of good travelers conversation to be had, and at night, the place really rocks.
HOW T0 GET THERE: Boat: Pra Athit Pier #13. Taxi: Just ask for Khao San Road

Tags: Khao, San, Road

TEE-OFF ALONG AIRPORT RUNWAYS

bird — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:49:52 +0000

KANTARAT Golf Course is a must-play, if for no other reason than to say you did it. The asshole course, owned by the Royal Thai Air Force runs between two of Don Muang Airport’s runways and it’s not uncommon to have a 747 touch down next to you On your back swing. NO signature hole comes to mind, and the fairways and greens are nothing special, In fact, there’s nothing remarkable about the course, other than you’re teeing off next to a roaring commercial jet. The amazing thing is that a well-hit drive which slices a bit too much actually stands a chance of whacking a big bird. ‘

Details; Green fees; Weekdays Bt32O, weekends: 13t620. Tel; 02 534-3840/1

HOW T0 GET THERE: Taxi; Royal Thai Air Force, Don Munag

Tags: golf, bangkok

COOL OFF AT SIAM WATER PARK

bird — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:46:26 +0000

“Susan SIAM” is located a bit outside of the city but the trip is well worth it especially on really hot days. The main attraction is the 400-metre Super Spiral water slide, though the giant sea-pool with its artificial surf set in tropical gardens draws a huge crowd. Filling out Siam Water Park is everything water: swimming pools, fountains, waterfalls, water slides and whirlpools. Other attractions include playgrounds, beer gardens botanical gardens An Open ZOO and an aviary.

Details: admission including rides: Bt4O0 for adults, Bt30O for children. Open daily 10 am. - 6 p.m.: and 9 a.m.-7 pm. on weekends. TeI: 02 51 7-0075-9.

HOW T0 GFT THERE: Car or Taxi: Located al the end of Ramintra and
Sukhapibarn 2 Roads in the eastern suburb of Minburi.

Tags: Susan, SIAM

Experience a day at Bang Sai

bird — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:40:53 +0000

BANG SAI, a project of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand, was created to keep traditional Thai crafts alive.

The Museum shop’s sells centre-produced handicrafts and features museum-like galleries with paintings, sculptures ceramics, and other ads. text door are workshop for drawing, mask-making, and weaving rattan furniture. There is also a small village with traditional wooden houses around a lake, designed to reflect the local architecture of various Thai regions. Here you’ll find silk and cotton fabrics from the north, pottery from the Nodheast, foods of the central plains,and many other local products.
DETAILS: Admission: Bt100 for adults and Bt5O for kids. Some animal : attractions may carry a small additional fee.

HOW T0 GET THERE: Car or Taxi: Take highway 37 to Aytltthaya. Boat : Many tour boats include the Bang Sai Crafts Village in their Ayutthaya itinerary Bus: To Ayutthaya from Morchit Bus Terminal.

Tags: Bang, Sai

Thai Silk & Jim Thompson’s House

bird — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:46:35 +0000

Folks who love Thai silk or Thai architecture should not miss Jim Thompson’s House. Jim Thompson came to SE Asia during WW2 and soon found opportunities that would bring fame and wealth. Realising the potential of Thai silk, he almost single-handedly brought global fame to the art of Thai silk weaving. He was a lover of Thai architecture and travelled throughout Thailand to bring back items that he wanted for his dream house. Sometimes, houses were brought back plank by plank and rebuilt. Folks would not miss the european styled black & white marble tiles at the basement of the main galley - these were from a palace that was about to be torn down and he salvaged it. Jim Thompson disappeared in the highlands of the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in 1967 and the house was eventually returned back to the Thai government under a trusteeship. You are not allowed to wander around on your own. Compulsory guided tours (in groups of different languages) were given for visitors and you will be guided from room to room, hall to hall. The house is tasteful designed and rich with architecture gems. Take your time to marvel at the beauty of Jim’s House and imagine yourself in his shoes. There is a cafe/restaurant for folks wanting a drink/or a meal and of course, you can’t really be in Jim’s House without taking a look (and buying) the product that he made famous, wouldn’t it? There is an in-house boutique selling products made from Thai silks as well as momentos for your visit.

Opening Hours : 09:00 to 17:00 everyday with the last Guided Tour at 16:30* Admission : Adult 100 baht; Students 50 baht

How to get there : From Siam Square, take Th Phra Ram I towards the west, and turn right at the 2nd alley. Go till the end and there you are, just before the canal

Tags: Thai, Silk, Jim, Thompson

Shop at River City

bird — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:51:57 +0000

Many people come to Thailand to buy antiques, and many come to sell them. Then there are many who simply like to browse. well, River City is ahaven for them all.The complex’s four floors surround and atrium , and there are no crowds, giving it an air of exclusivity. The firt two levels house an array of high-quality taillors, jewellers, funiture shops, hadicrafts and art galleries, but no antiques. It isn’t untill the 3rd floor that the antique shops appear, scores of them in library silence, giving the place amuseum-like aura, Many i tems are 18th-19th century Thai and chinese: ceremonial oars, carved ivory, maps, vase, anythings that may have been used 200 years ago.

Open daily from 10am-10pm

How to get there: Next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton.. BTS to the Taksin Bridge Station, then ferry to Sri Phraya Pier.

Recommend Hotel : Hotels near River City

Tags: River, City

Explore Bangkok by boat

bird — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:46:28 +0000

To see the wonders of old Krung Thep (Bangkok) a sanp,the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat runs a special ferry all day, stopping at key attractions along the way. Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Po, Chinatown, The royal Barge Museum, Khao San Road, and other attraction on historic Rattanakosin Island with a one-day tourist boat pass and jump from pier to pier, An English speaking guide explains the sites on the riverand tells you at which pier to jump off to fill out your ititnerary. You’ll also get a free river guidebook.

Details:Fare Bt100 for the entire day. Cost covers all Chao Phraya Express Boats. Sevive is available daily 9:30am-3p.m Tel:02 623-600

How To Get There: Tickets available at Central Pier at BTS Saphan Taksin Station, Phra Athit Pier near Khao San Road, and Maharaj Pier at the Grand Palace.

Tags: Chao, Phraya, Tourist, Boat

See the sharks at Siam ocean world

bird — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:05:57 +0000

Thailand’s newest tourist attraction just opened in December, and it’s already pulling in big crowds. Siam Ocean World, Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, occupies 10,000sqm over two levels inside the new Siam Paragon.

Visiter journey through seven aquatic zones like the Weird and the Wonderful, The Rainforest and the Open Ocean Swiming around are 30,000-plus aqutic creatures representing some 400 species, including a ragged-tooth shark, blue ring octopus, leafy sea dragons, giant spider crabs.

Details:Open daily:9 a.m-10 pm, Entrance fee: Adults, 450Bt. Children 280Bt. Tel:02 6872000

How To Get Ther: BTS Siam station. Siam Paragon Level B1&B2

Tags: Siam, ocean, world

Journey to the past at Siam Niramit

bird — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 06:37:44 +0000

Make This three-act performance your initiation to Thailand’s heritage. Siam Niramit is staged at the spanking new Ratchada Grand Theatre, “the only world-class satge in Thailand”

The Show

Journey Back to History For over seven centuries, Siam has been home of diverse cultures; A cross-road where civilizations met. Siam Niramit takes you back to the past.

Journey Beyond Imagination : The Three Worlds : Hell, the Forest of Himapaan and Heaven Despite the diverse cultures and livelihood, Thai people are all bound by common belief in religious principle of the Law of Karma. The good deeds or bad deeds in this world will result in merit or suffering in the next life.

Journey Through Joyous Festivals

Believing that to go to Heaven, one must gather merit in their present life. In this final act Siam Niramit will take you to enjoy all year round of merit making festivals, which combine religious ceremony with colourful and joyful celebration.

How to get There: Siam Niramit Complex. MRT:Thailand Culture Station. 19 Tiamruanmit Road.

Tags: Siam, Niramit