Special Interests
Cinemas
Thai, Western and Asian films with English subtitles are regularly screened at Bangkok’s many cinemas. The cinemas are scrupulously clean and modern
A regular movie ticket costs around 100-120 baht. Details of current showings can be found in Bangkok’s English-language press.
Golfing Opportunities around Bangkok and Samut Prakan
Over the last two decades, there has been an explosion in golf course building, as more land has become available for exploitation. Today, Bangkok and Samut Prakan can boast many modern, professionally run courses, many of them designed by famous golfing names from Europe and America.
Golfing in Thailand is a golfer’s dream. The courses are welldesigned, very cheap compared to their Western counterparts, and caddies are always available.
Thai Cooking
Thai cuisine is rapidly increasing in popularity worldwide and there is an increasing interest in learning the art. Visitors wishing to learn how to cook Thai food can contact:
- Thai Cooking School at the Oriental Hotel
Tel. 0 2659 9000
Website: www.mandarin-oriental.com/bangkok - Modern Housewife Centre
Tel. 0 2279 2831-4 - The Landmark Hotel
Tel. 0 2253 4259
Website: www.landmarkbangkok.com - UFM Food Centre
Tel. 0 2259 0620-30
Website: www.ufmeducation.com
Traditional Thai Massage
This therapeutic and highly soothing form of massage purportedly evolved from Brahmin hermit ascetics some 2,500 years ago, who relieved the stress of extended periods of meditation by adopting certain postures. Today, those practised in the art can bring great relief, reduce muscle stress and bring a sense of well-being to the body.
Entertainment
Thai and international cultural performances including symphonies, ballet, mime, modern dramas, jazz and pop concerts from world-famous artists are often staged in Bangkok. Details of current events are regularly advertised in Bangkok’s major English-language newspapers or www.thaiticketmaster.com.
National Theatre (at Sanam Luang)
Tel. 0 2224 1342, 0 2225 8457-8, 0 2222 1352
Thailand Cultural Center (on Ratchadaphisek Road)
Tel. 0 2247 0028 Website: www.thaiculturalcenter.com
Meditation
Meditation is one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, practised by numerous Thais and laymen as a means of inspiring inner peace and well-being. The World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) located on Sukhumvit Road between Soi 22 and 24 is the most convenient and useful place to learn about Thai Buddhism and meditation practised in certain Bangkok temples.
- WFB meditation
Tel. 0 2661 1284-7
Website: www.wfb-hq.org - Wat Mahadhatu
Tel. 0 2222 6011 - Association for the Science of Creative Intelligence
Muai Thai
With feet, arms, fists and knees used in the fights, the unique martial art of “Muai Thai” has caught on in many countries. Boxers undergoing long periods of specialised training are immensely fit and strong although slight in build. It comes as no surprise when much larger men without the specialised training, feeling that they can easily win, find themselves on their backs in a few seconds when up against these steely-muscled fighters.
Prasat Museum
Located at No. 9 Krung Thep Kritha Road Soi 4, Bang Kapi in the eastern area of the city, the museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from prehistoric to Rattanakosin periods (from 1782 A.D. to the present). Within the museum complex, there are various styles of architecture, like a baroque building, a smaller replica of the Red Palace in the National Museum, and a replica of Ho Tri Klang Nam (Tri Pitaka Pavilion - a library for Buddhist scriptures) of Wat Yai Suwannaram.