Destination: Thailand
Be Entertained Ayuthaya - Cultural Activities Bangkok - Cultural Activities Chiang Mai - Cultural Activities Sukhothai - Cultural Activities Ubon Ratchathani - Cultural Activities Bangkok - Nightlife Chiang Mai - Nightlife Ko Samui - Nightlife Pattaya - Nightlife Phuket - Nightlife Bangkok - Sports Chiang Mai - Sports Ko Samui - Sports Krabi - Sports Phuket - Sports	Thai Culture Ancient and sophisticated, Thai culture is based on the Indic tradition of South Asia transmitted to Southeast Asia via the religions of first Hinduism then Buddhism. The cultural intermediaries for this transfer were the early Khmer and Mon civilisations of the region. The great Hindu epic the Ramayana (in Thai Ramakien) is still omni-present in traditional dance, painting and puppetry, with the Buddhist Jataka (Buddha life-cycle stories) also making a major contribution. Traditional Thai art forms such as classical dancing, classical music, shadow puppetry (in the south), food sculpting and mural painting flourish with government and royal patronage. Safety Thailand's nightlife is legendary and, contrary to some uninformed opinion, does not just revolve around prostitution. Thais love nothing better than wining, dining and dancing. Particularly popular are the many suan ahaan or 'garden restaurants' in which Thais and foreign visitors, including children, can dine in garden settings, usually beside or on elegant platforms over lakes and ponds. Thailand is generally safe at night, although visitors should be discreet and not carry excessive amounts of cash. Generally speaking, Bangkok by night is safer than London, New York or Sydney. Katoeys Thai transvestites or katoeys ('lady boys') are very convincing - but despite their smooth skins and feminine attire, they often have a man's strength and a capacity for truculence. Watch for large hands and feet, Adam's apples and a precociousness of manner no Thai lady would ever exhibit. Spectacular transvestite stage shows have become a staple at tourist resorts such as Pattaya and Phuket. Thai Boxing Muay Thai or Thai boxing, also known as 'kick boxing', is enduringly popular in Thailand. Skilled, fast moving and entertain-ing, it is also a tough sport. In addition to gloved fists, the elbows, knees, feet and indeed any part of the body except the head can be used to strike one's opponent. Television Thai domestic television offers six channels of mixed quality, including some English-language broadcasts and, on many films, a dual soundtrack - the original English is available on FM radio. Cable TV (UBC) is now widely available, with BBC, CNN and a range of movie channels.	COUNTRY Thailand   Viewing   Top Ten   What To See   Where To ...     Eat & Drink     Stay     Shop     Take The Kids     Be Entertained     What's On When   Practical Matters REGION CITIES MAPS World Europe TRAVEL BOOK