Fast and furious: Amari's man's guide to Thailand
Go a round with a Muay Thai kick boxing legend, rock climb through eerie caves, reinvigorate with an ‘Alpha Male’ spa treatment, feel the need for speed on the back of jet ski, or get rowdy at a Thai football match with a Singha in hand...these are just some of the masculine activities to be explored in the rugged and diverse Thailand.
Amari, one of Thailand’s leading hotel groups with 13 properties situated across Thailand, and packages from £686 per person have the accommodation side sorted. Round up the lads for the ultimate bromance adventure which will quench those thirsts for adrenaline, sun, curries, relaxation....and beer!
Here are few boyish adventures to experience in Bangkok and Koh Samui
Amari Watergate Bangkok
Muay Thai combat is the country’s national sport and provides entertaining ringside viewing. Visit the Lumpini Muay Thai stadium, one of Thailand’s most famous sporting stadiums. Run by the Thai Army, the stadium promotes professional Thai boxing and Muay Thai matches. Ringside tickets start from approximately 2,000 Baht per person (around £41) depending on availability and season.
For those who to prefer to be the other side of the rope, the Chacrit Muay Thai School offers one to one training sessions for all levels from beginners to experts, at a rate of 800 Baht per person for an hour’s lesson (approximately £16) and is easily accessible in the city centre.
Post match, relieve aching muscles in the hotel’s signature Breeze Spa with an energised mood massage or revive dry skin with signature Alpha or Hydro Male facial treatments designed especially for male skin.
Similar to the UK’s unending infatuation, Thailand has a passion for football (or as the locals call it, Soccer). Visit the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, home to Thailand FC, and soak up the atmosphere of a local football match.
Bangkok is the shopping destination of choice for many business men, and it has even been called the “capital of the customised suit”. Get suited and booted at one of the many tailors in the Sukhumvit area, selling snappy suits, custom made for great prices.
When the sun sets, indulge with a Chinese meal at Amari Watergate’s Heichinrou restaurant, before sampling the local hospitality at Henry J. Bean’s Bar & Grill.
Kenwood Travel is offering four nights at Amari Watergate Bangkok from £686 per person, based on two sharing, on a B&B Basis and including flights with Etihad. To book, visit kenwoodtravel.com.
Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui
Head out of the city to the picturesque island of Koh Samui for some water based thrills. Sample activities including waterskiing, kneeboarding, wakesurfing and snorkelling, and soak up the sunshine in the blue waters.
Saard Watersport Centre offers windsurfing and sailing lessons by one of Thailand’s most renowned windsurfers, Sa-ard Panyawan. A two day windsurfing course starts from 4,000 Baht per person (approximately £82). Alternatively, give the nerves a test and take to the skies on a parasail or pick up some speed on a banana boat (saardswatersport.com).
Back on dry land, head to Northern Koh Samui to experience adrenaline pumping go-karting at its best. With the fastest vehicles reaching speeds of up to 100km (62 miles) per hour, may the best lad win. Prices start from approximately 300 Baht per person (approximately £6).
For an afternoon with a twist, swing-by Samui Football Golf and try out this bazaar sport. Football Golf is a challenging but fun variation on standard golf with bigger holes and footballs instead of golf balls, an ideal break from the beach suitable for all abilities, ages and competitive levels (samuifootballgolf.com).
For a relaxing base, stay at Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui, located on sandy Chaweng beach and a mere ten minutes walk from lively Chaweng town. For refuelling before a Singha, grab a bite at Prego, the hotel’s popular Italian restaurant serving up delicious pastas and pizzas.
Kuoni is offering seven nights at Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui from £1,016 per person, based on two sharing, with breakfast in a superior room, including flights with Thai Airways from Heathrow and private transfers in resort. To book, visit kuoni.co.uk.