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Football, or soccer, makes up the most popular team sport in Thailand. However, they're not quite as advanced as most other countries - they don't even have a professional league fully developed at this stage. [more]
In regards to spectator sports, the most popular sport of choice in Thailand equals Muay Thai boxing. In genereal, other sports enjoyed in Thailand include badminton, golf, bowling, snooker, and of course, tennis.
If you're looking for a fitness centre in Thailand, your best bet would be to visit your hotel. There exists a much higher incidence of massage parlors and swimming pools than sport and fitness centers! However, if a boat race takes your fancy, you might be lucky enough to visit during prime regatta season. Many boat races in Thailand make up part of the celebrations for the end of the rainy season. These regattas use boats that look narrow, long, and low slung on the water. Decorations may include waving flags and flowers. Check with the local Tourism Authority for more information and exact dates.
There does exist a sports stadium to the northeast of Chaing Rai. The monthly rates provide excellent value for your money, and you can watch or play football, takraw, volleyball, tennis, or use the gymnasium. Shower facilities available.
Golf
About a century ago, Thailand hailed the arrival of golf to its shores. It quickly took off as a popular pastime for the elite. There now exist over 200 golf courses in Thailand, with new ones being developed daily, and all with excellent standards. Some of the top designers from over the world have utilised their skills in Thailand.
In Chiang Rai itself, there exist two international standard golf courses. The Santiburi Country Club has 18 holes at par 72. Built in 1992 and designed by Robert Trent Jones, this course weaves its way over rolling hills, around superbly blue lakes, and through steep valleys. Most greens gain protection from the bunkers, and there exist several dog-leg holes. Be cautious on hole 17 and 18 with the linked chain of three lakes, creating a unique and delightful challenge to the experienced golfer. Four different tees provide ample opportunity for all levels of golfers to enjoy this course. The clubhouse itself has superb facilities and you will not regret visiting this club.
The Waterford Valley Golf Club also has 18 holes at par 72. Designed by Rathert International, you will be forgiven if you forget the game when distracted by the unbelievable mountain surroundings. This course has 7000 yards of grounds and very friendly service in the clubhouse. With water hazards galore and lovely landscaping, you're sure to delight in this club.
Local sports
In 1767, a form of self defence developed in Thailand. This traditional Thai boxing, also known as Muay Thai, has since been handed down from generation to generation. Involving the art of fighting with bare hands, wrestling and biting must not be used. This first became a serious sport in the reign of King Rama IV at around 1921.
Yet another popular and traditional Thai martial art exists in Krabi-Krabong. This sport focuses more on hand held weapons than bare hands. Perfecting the use of krabii (sword), plong (quarter staff), ngao (halberd), daap sawng meu (swords in each hand), and mai sun-sawk (clubs) become the main goal of this sport. This 400 year tradition that has often been considered more pure and traditional than Muay Thai. Even now, the King's elite bodyguards must be trained in Krabi-Krabong.
Takraw has the infamous label of being on the most popular local sports in Thailand. It has parallels with both volleyball and soccer, using a light rattan ball in which the players can only touch the ball with their feet. There actually exist several different versions of the game, all with different rules. One version, known as Takrao, has parallels with hackey sack. Traditionally played in a loosely positioned circle of men, the players may use any part of their body, except their hands, to pass the ball along and keeping it airborne. The aim being to eventually kick it into the basket above their heads and score a point.
You might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of traditional egg rolling in the rural villages of Thailand. It used to be a favourite sport of the Thais, however, it lost some spark as a national sport when famine and egg shortages broke out across the country. However, some areas do carry on the tradition with enthusiasm.
Another popular pastime in Thailand exists in kite flying. The sport of kite fighting had been introduced to Thailand during the Ayutthaya period in order to encourage the rain for the crops. These events get held on the weekends between February and May, and they involve two kite flying participants trying to secure the line of each other's kite, using their own line. One a line has been captured, the player will then attempt to pull their opponent's kite across a line that has previously been marked on the ground. Generally, these fights will involve two different types of kites symbolising man and woman. The man kite, called Chula, has large proportions - standing at two metres tall in a star shape. The female kite, known as Pakpao has a smaller diamond shape. Chula must capture Pakpao and coax her into his area. One might think that Chula comes at a distinct advantage with his size, but, Pakpao's size enables her enough agility to keep out of his reach.
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