Thailand. Two in one: Muay Thai and exploring

Phuket

The island of Phuket is critiqued by some and loved by others. What is the reality? From looking at the photographs from my visits, I can happily say it is a beautiful place. I highly recommend it.

I have been blessed enough to visit Phuket 3 times with my family spanning over a period of 10 weeks. Our time was spent training in Thai boxing gyms, exploring, taking advantage of the attractions on offer as well as well deserved relaxation.

In short, Phuket has an exotic climate, it's filled with thousands of attractions as well as tourists. There really is an array of attractions on offer. On every street corner you can find a ‘travel agent’. These 'travel agents’ are small stands with leaflets about all the adventures you can partake. There isn’t a lack of hostels ranging from low to high standards, nightclubs or beautiful beaches.

Big Buddha is the best known place in the island. It is situated on one of the highest mountain peaks in Phuket. It is certainly worth while to visit Big Buddha, not only because it’s a landmark but because of the picturesque scenery around it. It offers the best 360-degree view of the island.

The most popular attractions are probably Phi Phi island and James Bond island. These islands are famous for the James Bond film and a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Nature is by far the biggest attribute of Phuket.

A group of monkeys welcome you as you enter a mystical Buddhist temple located in a cave. This temple takes your breathe way. The beauty and serenity is beyond belief! Not far from this temple are stalls where locals sell souvenirs and bananas so you can feed the monkeys. When you feed the monkeys you need to remember to be careful and not get too close.

The cuisine is delicious in Thailand, regardless of where you eat. Whether it’s a high-end restaurant or a local shack, the food is divine.

Patong is a host of one of the best cabaret shows in Thailand – Simon Cabaret. It’s a spectacular show by ladyboys. Thousands of tourists watch this show nightly as they are intrigued to see the beautiful ladyboys. At the end of the show you have a chance to take up close and personal photographs with the starts of the show, for a fee obviously. A night at the cabaret show is an unforgettable, unique and fun experience.

Here is another great fun day or half day out in Phuket. Hanuman World Phuket is another amazing zip-line adventure tour. You can go to Hanuman World in the Wichit district to enjoy over a dozen zip lines that will take you soaring through the trees. Some of them are over 400 meters in length, and one special line called the roller zip line weaves around the entire area. There are plenty of activities to be enjoyed there as well. You can climb elevated sky bridges and platforms to catch unforgettable views of the jungle or challenge yourself by rappelling down the trees.

Phuket Bungy Jump is great if you are into extreme sports and want to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush while on holiday in Phuket.
So if you're in need of an adrenalin rush and want to try bungy jumping in Phuket, your in luck as there are two bungy jumps that operate in Phuket.

There are several elephant sanctuaries on the island, so you can choose the one that you like the most. We recommend the one that pioneered ethical wildlife tourism in the area, which is Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Paklok. There, you’ll be able to learn more about these majestic creatures and observe them in an environment that’s close to their natural habitat. Interaction with the animals is kept to a minimum, so you can enjoy nature in a responsible and mindful way. I had the opportunity to feed these elephants watermelons and bathe with them in their mud baths. It was truly an unforgettable experience. 

My primary and most important sport is karate. If you want to be good in your sport you have to practice a lots of sports that are in your sector. For me this is martial arts, it can range from judo, to MMA to Muay Thai. Muay Thai in Thailand is tradition, culture and a way of life. Thai’s are born warriors. It is the national sport. It is very popular with both locals and tourists. People love fighting. It’s the best chance for a better life for locals (children and competitors) from poorer regions. It provides an escape from poverty, a chance to earn money, for daily expenses and a better daily life, and to become a strong competitor and champion. It is a popular way to success, fame and respect. However, blood, sweat and tears are necessary to make a name for one-self. It is a noble sport. 

Everyone can sign up for Muay Thai lessons. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or just starting out. It’s open for everyone. What did my daily routine consist of? Wake up calls at 6.30 am. The day began with running and then skipping on a rope for 15 minutes. After skipping the training session begins. Punching bag, pads, sparring, shadow boxing, clinching and gym sessions. Each section was intense. This session usually lasts around 2 hours. After my training sessions I would relax and takeout our rented scooter to tour around the local areas, beaches or places I hadn’t previously visited. I would then return to the hotel to sleep. 1.5 hours later I would wake up and set out for the second training session of the day. The evenings consisted of a walk, trying new foods and family time. In the Thai boxing club the atmosphere is always very friendly, even if we have to spar with each other. Everyone who trains there has a reason to be there. Whether it’s for upcoming fights, to lose weight or just for fun. 

Muay Thai
I've had the opportunity to train in multiple Muay Thai boxing gyms. I highly recommend the two below.
Sinbi Muay Thai
Sinbi Muay Thai was founded by a champion Muay Thai boxer, Khun Sing. 
Sutai Muay Thai
The word ‘Sutai’ means ‘to die before giving up the battle’; this is the core principle of Sutai Muay Thai. “If you fall behind, run faster. Never give up, never surrender and rise up against the odds, your victory is right around the corner.” The Sutai gym was created by former Muay Thai champions, that have the same passion to succeed.

Bangkok

The capital of Thailand is a city of contrasts. There is something for everyone from all walks of life. The one side consist of prostitution – the dark side. The other side is like paradise. This side consists of spirituality and religion.

The Buddhist temple, Wat Arun is the ‘Temple of Dawn’, which is located at the bank of Chao Phraya river. It is one of the oldest monuments in Bangkok.

Thonburi canals – These canals show a different side of Bangkok than those in magazines. It’s a world based with locals and filled with serenity and peacefulness. Contrasting to the noisy and busy streets of Bangkok. It’s best to rent out a wooden boat, which will transport you around the canals. You may be lucky enough to spot some of their exotic animals such as a Giant Monitor Lizard.

The Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the best in the world, if not the best. It would be a sin not to visit during the evening. The area is filled with neon lights, hundreds of street food options and thousands of tourists.