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Trekking
Thailand has some ideal terrain for hiking, from the precipitous
karst forests of Krabi and Khao Sok to the undulating mountains
surrounding Mae Hong Son and Loei. Aside from the country's
natural beauty, it is the opportunity to visit hill tribes that
has undoubtedly caused the trekking business to boom. The
novelty of encountering hill tribes people in elaborate costumes
undeniably adds cultural frisson to a trek. However, over time
traditional tribal values cannot but be eroded by continued
exposure to tourists.
Tips for trekkers include lining backpacks with plastic bags to
keep wet clothes in and damp out; always steep in dry clothes -
even if it means putting on wet clothes by day; wear a sun hat
and cream, long trousers to protect against leeches, insect
repellent and worn-in hiking boots - or at least supportive
trainers. Nights are cold in the mountains, so take warm layers
- thermal tops and leggings, and silk sleeping bags.
Canal Excursions
Numerous opportunities for boat travel along Thailand's major
rivers and canals are available through the extensive public
boat system and aboard a small number of tourist boat services.
So far only the lower Chao Phraya River and a few rivers in
Northern Thailand have been introduced to regular leisure
boating. A variety of water- craft are available, from
air-conditioned tourist boats along the Chao Phraya River around
Bangkok to rustic bamboo rafts on the Kok River and sturdy
whitewater kayaks on the Pai River.
The Mekong River, until the late 1980s considered perilous due
to regional hostilities, has enormous potential. During the last
six years or so short-distance boat trips have been offered in
Chiang Rai, Loei and Nong Khai provinces, and in early 1994 an
experimental tour service between Chiang Saen and China was
inaugurated (so far the route has yet to be regularised).
Central Thailand's vast network of canals, centered around the
Chao Phraya Delta and fanning out for hundred of kilometers in
all directions, offers numerous boating opportunities. However,
the motorized boat traffic along these water- ways, which is
sometimes imposing, has meant that very few foreign visitors
have tried canoeing or kayaking this grid. For the adventurous
traveler the potential is huge, as by public and chartered long
tall boats you can piece together canal journeys of several days
duration.
Krabi-Krabong
'krabii-krabong'is a traditional Thai martial art still
practised in Thailand. This tradition focuses on hand-held
weapons techniques, specifically the 'krabii' (sword), 'plong'
(quarter-staff), 'ngao' (halberd), 'daap sawng meu' (a pair of
swords held in each hand) and 'mai sun-sawk' (a pair of clubs).
Although for most Thais krabi-krabong is a ritual artefact to be
displayed during festivals or at tourist venues, the art is
still solemnly taught according to a 400-year-old tradition
handed down from Ayuthaya's Wat Phutthaisawan. The king's elite
bodyguard are trained in krabi-krabong ; many Thai cultural
observers perceive it as a 'purer' tradition than muay thai.
Modern krabi-krabong matches are held within a marked circle,
beginning with a 'wai khruu' ceremony and accompanied throughout
by a musical ensemble. Thai boxing techniques and judo-like
throws are employed in conjunction with weapons techniques.
Although sharpened weapons are used, the contestants refrain
from striking their opponents - the winner is decided on the
basis of stamina and the technical skill displayed. Although an
injured fighter may surrender, injuries do not automatically
stop a match.
Takraw
'Takraw', sometimes called Siamese football in old English
texts, refers to games in which a woven rattan ball, about 12cm
in diameter, is kicked around. The rattan (or sometimes plastic)
ball itself is called a 'luuk takraw'. 'Takraw' is also popular
in several neighbouring countries; it was originally introduced
to the South-East Asian Games by Thailand and international
championships tend to alternate between the Thais and Malays.
The traditional way to play 'takraw' in Thailand is for players
to stand in a circle (the size of it depends on the number of
players) and simply try to keep the ball airborne by kicking it
soccer-style. Points are scored for style, difficulty and
variety of kicking maneuvers.
A popular variation on takraw - and the one used in intramural
or international competitions - is played with a volleyball net,
using all the same rules as in volleyball except that only the
feet and head are permitted to touch the ball. It's amazing to
see the players perform aerial pirouettes, spiking the ball over
the net with their feet. Another variation has players kicking
the ball into a hoop 4.5m above the ground - basketball with
feet, but without a backboard!
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