Page 149 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

— Thailand —— Thailand —

at deluxe hotels. The Dome at State Tower, for example, has a watersport is available at the seaside resorts.
number of trendy bars and restaurants. Outside Bangkok, there Shopping
are restaurants specialising in various national cuisines as well as The good quality, wide variety and reasonable prices of many
the typical spicy northern delicacies.
Thai goods have long been a major attraction for tourists. Arts
In Chiang Mai, the best way to sample the local fare is to order and crafts range from wicker rice steamers and triangular,
a Khantoke dinner which features a variety of dishes served patterned cushions to antiques. Internationally renowned
with sticky rice. Rayong and Chanthaburi on the east coast Thai silks are available in a fascinating array of colours and
are known for their succulent seafood as well as tropical fruits designs. Tailors, particularly in Bangkok, can make clothes
including durian, rambutans, custard apples and mangosteens. in any fabric to high standards at low prices. There are huge,
modern shopping malls and other retail shops, but it is at
Those looking for nighttime entertainment will find all sorts
of action in Bangkok. Neon-lit bar districts, pubs, discos, live the colourful markets at the heart of every Thai town that
music, theatre, classical dance, cultural shows, night markets visitors can have fun bargaining with vendors.
and many other distractions abound. Check out the night Climate
markets behind Ratchaprarop Road in Pratunam. A night The climate varies from north to south. There are three
market in Hua Hin displays locally produced silk and cotton seasons, with March to May reaching 40°C. June to October
items and the region’s famed ‘kanom’ Thai sweets. is the wet season and November to February is the cool season
at 27°C. Casual clothing is worn by most visitors to Thailand.
Activities
Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport, is fast Respectable attire is recommended for top hotels and
restaurants. Skimpy clothing is forbidden in religious places.
gaining popularity worldwide. The sport is highly ritualistic,
but fights are fierce and furious. The ultra fit combatants Currency
use their elbows, knees and bare feet as well as gloved fists. The currency is the Thai Baht. A service charge is included in
Professional bouts are held almost every night at either of most bills. Only tip for special service. Porters expect a tip per
the two boxing stadiums in Bangkok. Golf, tennis, squash, piece of luggage. Remember that a tip consisting of coins is
darts and table tennis are also popular, and every imaginable considered offensive.

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