We went to Lumphini Boxing Stadium more than 10 years ago on our last trip to Bangkok...

Yes it’s possible and I’m sure he’ll be thrilled at the chance to see the stadium, one of the best known venues for muay thai, the famous martial art that was born in Thailand and is now practised all over the world. 

The ambience inside the stadium is fascinating too. Lumphini stadium, which has been around for 56 years, is where fights between the most highly regarded professional Thai boxers are held. The capacity of the stadium is 9,500 seats and ticket prices range from Bt200 for the third ring to Bt2,000 for a ringside seat. Be prepared though to lay out for the ringside seats. Sales staff are often reluctant and may even refuse to sell foreigners tickets for any other seats. Fights are held every Friday, Tuesday and Saturday.

There are also other boxing stadiums in Bangkok. The second most popular one is Rajadamnern Stadium, which has been around a decade longer than Lumphini Stadium. Fights are held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. The stadium can accommodate 8,000 people and ticket prices vary from Bt500 for the third ring to Bt2,000 for ringside.

The good thing about sitting ringside is that you can see trainers, friends and fans as they support their boxer. In the other seats, the atmosphere is different and you will see the betting on the fights. Rather like trading in the stock market, gamblers use hand signals to communicate with the bookies. The atmosphere is great and I am sure your family will have an enjoyable experience.

 

 

My husband and I will have only three days in Phuket in May and we want to take a day trip to either Phang Nga Bay or Phi Phi. We are leaning toward Phang Nga for the unique scenery and its proximity to Phuket, as I have heard that Phi Phi is a little over-hyped. We’d love to stay longer but it’s simply not possible so it really is one or the other.  Your opinion would be appreciated. Amy

If you only have a day trip out of Phuket, I would recommend Phang Nga Bay. 

For Phi Phi, a typical day trip will take you to visit Viking cave, some of the coves and Maya Bay at Phi Phi Le, then to Phi Phi Don for a quick stop and perhaps some snorkelling and back to Phuket. You need more time to enjoy the beauty of Phi Phi and it’s best enjoyed after the day-trippers have returned to Phuket. The Phi Phi tours offer both speed boat or ferry options but the schedule is tight and you have just a few hours on the island.

The scenery in Phang Nga Bay is stunning. Part of Ao Phang-nga National Park, it comprises 40 islands. A typical tour will take you to visit three or four islands and the sea gypsy village for lunch. As it’s near Phuket, it tends to be full of noisy tourist boats. 

The main attractions here are Khao Phingkan and Ko Tapu, which are near each other, and located some 10 kilometres from Tham Lot. Ko Tapu is known among tourists as James Bond island, as “The Man with the Golden Gun” was partly shot here. The island is also the most photographed object in the whole marine park due to its unique nail-like shape. Most of the tours also go to Ko Panyi for a seafood lunch and visitors wander around this sea gypsy village of 500 houses. 

Tham Lot, a limestone grotto sculptured by weather and the sea, is another highlight. You may choose a tour that includes a canoe trip where you can visit the cave and view stalactites hanging down from the roof. My advice would be to look around for a local tour operator that specialises in a canoe day trip at Tham Lot or other nearby islands in the national park.