Sports Holidays In Thailand | Here Is The Low Down
After the year 2020 and early 2021, I’m thinking about Holidays and a sporting holiday in Thailand is definitely on the agenda. Thailand has some of the best beaches globally, and yesterday I was imagining waking up early in the morning, getting my run on, and jogging up the beach while listening to the waves gently rolling onto my feet. The thought of doing that excites me, and they say it’s “the little things in life,” and it’s so true! Now that I know you have paradise in your mind its time to get the low-down.
If you’re thinking of heading to Thailand and want to keep occupied by doing a sport, you’re in luck because there’s every sport you can think of, from Muay Thai to Golf. You find most tourists do Muay Thai boot camps or the opposite Pilates and yoga- either way, You have so many options available.
I love kickboxing and keeping in shape, and there’s no better way to lose weight than a Muay Thai gym, and I found the training fun and intense. Others may like golf, and Thailand covers this base with world-class golf courses in Pattaya & Hua Hin. If you’re not a sun lounger, then don’t worry, guys, Thailand, has every sport under the sun, so what are you waiting for?
And now imagine you have a vision in your head of what you want to do, and after 2020 it’s time to start living your life and doing what you want to do. Keep reading to find out what Thailand offers!
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is deeply ingrained in Thai culture and is Thailand’s national sport. Fun fact, kickboxing is from Cambodia and was brought to Thailand under the Khmer empire, which invaded Thailand 850 years ago. Just to let you know! You can find Muay Thai gyms all over Thailand, and there’s a gym in nearly every city or town across Thailand. Many gyms operate with a monthly or single entry fee and offer everything from a workout class, sparring, and professional training if you want a bout?
If Muay Thai is your thing, then you can organize kickboxing Holidays from your home, so when you arrive, you’re all set to go. But I would do some research before booking anywhere and make sure you check reviews. Petr Yan (UFC Fighter) trains in Phuket, which says it all as he’s one of the best fighters in the UFC. Just don’t be like Jean-Claude Van Damme, who has one of the strangest dancers to exist on modern earth LOL!
Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp
Address: 7/35 Moo 5, Soi Ta-iad Ao Chalong, Muang Phuket, Thailand, 83130
Phone: +66 (0)76 367 071 or Skype
Website: Click here
Opening Hours
Mon- Sat 7am-7pm
Sun- 11am-7pm
Cycling
Cycling is great for keeping fit, as I get older, I like it more due to wear and tear on my knees from running on hard surfaces. I’ve not personally done cycling in Thailand, but I know it’s a big sport in Chiang Mai with some of the best views I’ve ever seen from the seven National Parks. Could you imagine waking up every day going to the mountains surrounded by nothing but jungle, Palm trees & wildlife and traveling back to Chiang Mai to eat delicious Thai food for just a few dollars? If that doesn’t sell you to you, nothing will. It is a lifestyle for sure!
Again the most popular cycling areas in Thailand are Sukhothai Historical Park (Between Bangkok and Chiang Mai) and Chiang Mai. You have many cycling holiday agencies operating in Thailand that pick some fantastic routes that are quiet and cultural, so you get a taste of Thailand and its cultural value. Or you could go Rambo style and take your bike on the plane and cycle from Bangkok airport and go wherever you want? I have heard people do this but get to know Thailand before attempting anything as commando as this! And get insurance.
Spice Roads cycling has amazing trips from a couple of days to 9 days, depending on what you want? For the website- Click here
Diving
If you have seen the movie “The Beach” you instantly feel paradise and splendor that not many other places in the world can offer in a tropical climate.
Many patients go snorkelling, and I would say the Gulf of Thailand is probably the most popular, with Ko Tao being a popular destination. On the other side of the pond is the Andaman coast, with Koa Lak being another base. I guess it depends on what side of Thailand you want to see and how much time you have?
Another thing you need to consider is your level of experience, it’s basic common sense if you haven’t got much dive experience to have lessons before.
Big Blue Diving Resort
Address: Ko Tao, Surat Thani, 84280, Thailand
Phone: +6677456050
Website: Click here
Snorkeling
I find Snorkeling one of the best activities to do if you have a spare hour in Thailand. The moment you dip your head under the water, you get straight into aquatic life, and a sense of calm and tranquility come over you.
I went snorkeling around Pi Pi island with a fisherman where we rented the boat for the day and had a day I’ll never forget with PiPi island, tropical fish, and crystal clear water. The only negative I can with Pi Pi is it gets super busy with boats, so be careful because sometimes they won’t see you swimming. I would say the best place to go snorkeling is Ko Tao as it’s just generally safer.
You can rent snorkel equipment from most beach huts in Thailand, so you don’t have to make a booking.
Kayaking
You can find Kayak rentals at nearly all hotel resorts, but the place to do Kayaking is Krabi, Phang Nga Bay, and Khao Sok National park. You also have options on the eastern side of Ko Chang with a slightly better water temperature that is smoother and easier to glide through the waves. Some resorts will go out at sea on a wooden boat, and you can kayak from the boat and discover hidden treasures. `
Golf- Pattya-Hua Hin
This surprised me a bit, but their are 300 golf courses in Thailand, and the ground and facilities are to the highest standards. Their are two main spots in Thailand Hua Hin and Pattaya, with plenty of options for a quick 12 holes.
If you’re looking for accommodation and facilities, the golf resorts cover all bases with loads of things to do nearby. Pattaya plays host to the LPGA tour every year with the best female golfers globally, showing of their abilities. I can’t think of better things than living next to beautiful areas and playing golf all day.
Chee Chan Golf Resort -Pattya
Address: 108/18 Moo 6, Na Jom tien, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Phone: +66 38 196 555
Opening Hours
Mon-Sun 6am-8pm
Website: Click here
Golf Hua Hin
Address: 136/429 Tambol Nongkae, Hua Hin, Amphor, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Phone: +66 88 867 2867
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm
Sat-Sun 8am-5pm
Website: Click here
Golf- Phuket
Phuket has a different landscape compared to a northern golf course. But offers 10 challenging courses with a great mix of relaxation and partying in downtown Phuket. In my humble opinion, Phuket has more charm than Pattya & Hua Hin, but it is more expensive overall in every way, shape, and form.
Address: 119 Moo 4 Vichitsongkram Rd., Kathu, Phuket 83120 Thailand
Phone: +66 76 322 000
Opening Hours
Mon-Sun 6am-6pm
Website: Click here
Hiking
Thailand has some amazing hikes for you to explore with breathtaking scenic routes. The best place for hiking is Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai with a real trekking scene that can take you to mountains to jungles. I remember I did a trek that took me right through the jungle, and we stayed with an indigenous family, which was a great experience. A word of advice make sure you go with an experienced company as some can be ropey.
Also, while your hiking, you get to meet new people, and I think that’s the point of hiking, you can have a great chat along the way. When we went into the jungle, the whole team went straight to McDonald’s after the trek finished, embarrassing enough, and went for a few drinks around Chiang Mai and made some friends for life.
There’s a group in Bangkok called Meet up, and they have loads of tracking events that are regularly posted on the website. They might be worth a look as they look great.
Ko Tao, John Suwan viewpoint
If your a photographer and need to go viewpoint, look at John Suwan viewpoint, Ko Tao. The viewpoint can be reached from Ko Lipe, and is just a short boat ride across to Adang. From their its just a short trek until you reach the summit, where you can see crystal blue waters and cloudless skies.
Rock climbing
I love rock climbing, and Thailand offers some fantastic spots for all experience levels to test your mite. Their are a few good spots, but Krabi is the best with some incredible cliff edges. If you are starting, go to Tonsai beach if you want something more advanced, go Railay beach & Phra Nang.
Running
In the last few years, Thailand has started to boom, with marathons popping up all over the country. Thailand is to hot during the day for running, but the temperatures aren’t bad before sunrise and at night (After 9pm). If your after a mission, try the midnight marathon, which is typically 2/4 times a year.
Look at the tourism authority (TAT), and they will display a series of running events around Thailand like Bangkok, Buriam, Phuket, Ratchaburi, and Chonburi. The circuits usually take you on the beach and offer some fantastic views. I use to run Phnom Penh, and you get a real sweat on, but I managed to lose a load of weight.
Yoga and pilates
It, not surprising Thailand has some amazing venues for yoga and pilates with retreats all over the country. Depending on what type of holiday you want, you have retreats in the north and on the islands. Yoga is excellent for psychical and mental wellbeing and a lot tougher than I thought, so be warned and start at a beginner’s level if your starting of.
The website to check out to book retreats is book yoga retreats- Click here to find out more
