Used guidebook and learning Thai boxing
Q: Do you know if it's possible to buy a used Thailand guidebook in Chiang Mai? I'm flying into Chiang Mai from Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia and want to buy a guidebook while I am there. Thank you for your help Melanie
A: Buying a used guidebook in Chiang Mai will not be a problem. You'll find plenty of stalls and secondhand bookstores in town offering your favourite guidebooks, no matter what brand you prefer.
It's probably easiest to find Lonely Planet guidebooks, but you'll also find Eyewitness, Rough Guide, Let's Go and others.
If you don't want to wander along the streets looking, I recommend you head to one of the used book stores near Tha Phe Gate like Gecko Books and Backstreet Books. If you take time to stroll around Tha Phe Gate, you'll also find smaller stores like Big Mango Books and Bookzone.
Gecko Books has several branches including in the Night Bazaar as well as on Ratchamankla and Chaiyaphum Roads. Also on Chaiyaphum Road are Shaman Books and Boho Books.
Buying used books is simple in Chiang Mai and you can even sell them back before flying back out of town.
Q: I am interested in learning about Thai boxing while I am in Bangkok. Do you know a good school that teaches muay thai to women? Thanks, Jane
A: There are plenty of facilities offering training in Thai boxing in and around Bangkok, from big fitness centres to muay thai specialist schools.
A new Fairtex boxing school has just opened at RCA in the Rama IX area, and is a branch of its residential boxing camps in Pattaya and Bang Phli, Samut Prakan. Check it out at www.Fairtex.com.
This is a kind of gymcumboxing training in one of Bangkok's nightlife areas. Apart from Thai boxing, there's a fitness centre plus a shop selling boxing equipment.
If you're looking for more something more original, check out Sor Vorapin Muay Thai camp on Trok Kasap off Chakrapong Road, opposite Khao San Road. Founded almost 30 years ago by a professional Thai boxer, it now has another branch with a more spacious camp at Suanpak Soi 1 in Taling Chan. Training costs Bt500 per session for foreigners. (www.ThaiBoxings.com)
If you are in Sukhumvit area, the Khanomtom 62 Muay Thai Camp in Sukhumvit Soi 62 offers training in ancient boxing styles plus ringstyle boxing. (www.Khanomtom62MuayThai.com)
On Setsiri Road, Onesongchai Muay Thai College, run by a famous Thai boxing promoter from the Rattanasuban family, offers both short and long courses for both men and women. Call (02) 618 53146.
Enjoy the classes!
