#Muay Thai & Other Sports

Muay Thai &  Other Sports

   Bangkokians are avid sports followers, enjoying the excitement of many sports and games. Through sports in the West Like snooker, soccer, golf, American football, volleyball, tennis and badminton are very popular, traditional sports, pastimes and games still play an important role in their lives. These include Thai boxing, takraw, kite flying and fighting, and cock, fish, and insect fighting. Since most Thais are inveterate gamblers, during many sporting events, there is usually as much activity on the sidelines as on the field. Wagers could be on a boxer, a cricket, or a kite.

                                   Credit Photo: thairath.co.th

Thai Boxing (Muay Thai or Simese Kick Boxing)

   It is not uncommon for foreign visitors to Bangkok to come across a group of Thais crowding around television sets at night watching the latest boxing match. Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, attracts the most attention of the Thai people. Your visit to Bangkok will not be completed if you do not see at least one Thai boxing match. Although boxing matches are regularly televised, attending the live event is a thing not to be missed. Thai boxing is almost universally regarded as today's most exciting ring sport. It is considered by many to be the most violent martial art compared with Japanese Karat, Korean Taekwando, and   Chinese kang Fu. A boxing stadium is normally a noisy crowded arena, full of spectators cheering and screaming supports for their favorites. Each fight start with both corners performing a ritual, honoring and paying homage to their teachers (Ruam Muay Thai).

                                  Credit Photo: siamsport.co.th

A match consists of five rounds, each of which lasts there minutes with a two-minute break between rounds. The bout is normally accompanied by the music of a three-instrument orchestra (drums, cymbals and flute). The music rises and falls with the action taking place in the roped ring. Apart from using their gloves, boxers are allowed to use their feet, legs, knees, elbows, shoulders, or any other parts of the body, except the head, to overcome their opponent. A winner is awarded for a knock-out or a points decision given by a panel of judges. There are two boxing stadiums in the city: Ratchadamnoen Nok Road (near the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Office), and Lumphini Stadium on Ramintra Road (near Central Ramintra, which moved from Rama IV Road). Events take place at Ratchadamnoen Stadium on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and at Lumphini Staduim on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. However, interested visitors are advised to check in advance for information on venues, time and ticket prices. (Credit: Tourism Authority of Thaialnd)

#Koh Samui

#Koh Samui : A New Luxury Destination in Thailand

Koh Samui, also known as Samui, is Thailand's one of the most idyllic islands, located in the Guft of Thailand. Situated about 85 km east of Surat Thani and about 700 km south of Bangkok, Koh Samui is the largest island on the Gulf of Siam and third largest island in Thailand, other two being Phuket and Koh Chang. Sometimes Koh Samui is also referred to sa Coconut Island because of its countless number of coconut palms, harvesting more than two million coconuts per month. Koh Samui's prime attraction is undoubtedly its serene environment blessed with mountainous jungle terrains, luxuriant tropical ferns, swaying coconut palms, long stretch of pristine white sandy beaches, grante boulders, clear blue water, superb waterfalls, and sparking ponds, Hence, it is no wounder why foreigners, particularly from Europe, flock here year - round. One of the most popular among the Koh Samui's attractions is Wua Ta Lap, which has to its credit a stunning cave. Perhaps the most prominent attraction of Koh Samui is Pra Yai or the Big Buddha - a 12 mt high golden statue which is proudly placed at the northern point of the island. This astounding image is visible even from several kilometers away. Located at the southern part of the island, Na Thian numberous species of butterflies. A well-maintained garden, bee house, and a Thai style house are also attached to the garden. There are also some interesting destinations in the area, such as, Hin Ta Hin Yai, which are two renowned granite stones that stand out among numerous other rock formations along the coastline. These two rocks, literally meaning Grandfather and Grandmother are belived to be the origin of the Mui people. Landmarks also include the Samui Aquarium with a variety of tropical fish and marine fauna. Other worth visiting destinations in the area Thale Nai, encircled by mountains; the statue Garden featuring an array of Buddhist and Hindu Statues; and Tham Bua Bok. In addition, Samui is much famed for its incredible beaches such as Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam Beach, each of them providing options to enjoy a range of activities such as fishing, boat chartering, and sailing. Further, Samui boasts of some stunning water falls like Namuang. Koh Samui is home to some of the best diving sites in Thailand, with a range of spectacular islets such as koh Mad Lang, Koh Som, and Koh Taopun. 

However, Koh Samui's enormous range of activities is more than diving and fishing. For instance, Koh Samui provides excellent options for bowing, with more than ten pin bowling. For shooting enthusiast, superb facilities are available to enhance your shooting skills at the Shooting Gallery, consisting of a variety of guns with live ammunition. Some Superb options are also available for adventures in the form of Bungy Jumping in Chaweng. Equally fabulous is Samui's nightlife, with arange of happening beach bars, cabaret bars, rocking, and pubs. If you are looking for something different during your Koh Samui vacation, then spectacle a Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) match or take a Thai cooking lesson under the guidance of some renowned Thai cooks. Likewise, take an elephant trekkinh for a unique experience. A lot number of other choices are also available, such as Treasure Island Adventure Golf Course and a tennis court facility as well as a go kart facility. For weary travelers, a plethora of spa facilities are available to get pampered and relaxed. Majority of the high-end resorts and hotels render a range of massages and herbal treatments. From elegant bungalows and sea view villas to beachfront resorts and world-class hotels, accommodation options are aplenty in Samui. Many of them provide top-class facilities including air-conditioned rooms coupled with en-suite bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, and dining room. Facilities cover barbeque area, baby sitting service, and car rental. Further, majority of the villas and apartments offer maid service, apart from facilities such as superb swimming pools and complimentary airport transfers. Besides, there are also some fantastic options available for budget conscious travelers. Above all, most of them provide some kind of discounts for booking rooms in advance. With these attractions and umpteen options to choose from, Koh Samui is unquestionably luxury destination in Thailand!. (Wolfgang Jaegel)