Recommendations for Thailand: non-sleazy and good snorkelling please?

avstar

Jonbvn wrote: »

Personally, I would say avoid Thailand and consider Malaysia instead. No sleaze and fantastic beaches. Much more westernised than Thailand, which may be better for first time visitors to SE Asia.

Thanks Jonbvn, but T'other half is into kickboxing and really fancied watching an authentic Thai Boxing match - its the highlight of the holiday to him :rolleyes:

Jonbvn

Interestingly my wife loves the kick-boxing and the food in Thailand.

If you really want to see the best boxing you must go to Lumpini Stadium in Bangkok.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumpinee_Boxing_Stadium
Electric atmosphere is an understatement!

Volcano

Jonbvn wrote: »

Personally, I would say avoid Thailand and consider Malaysia instead. No sleaze and fantastic beaches. Much more westernised than Thailand, which may be better for first time visitors to SE Asia.

I love Malaysia too, but it doesn't come anywhere near the exoticism, the food, the culture or the people of Thailand IMO. Any sleaze is firmly restricted to niche areas and even the biggest place for this (Pattaya) is a family-friendly area that's well policed.

I have to agree with the Thai boxing stadium though. There are many 'tourist friendly' thai boxing matches around that are basically a put-on show for those who don't know any different. Your husband will be VERY unimpressed by one of these theatrical displays by washed-out ex-fighters! The real thing is harder to find and you might have to ask a local, alternatively the main boxing stadium in Bangkok is a sure bet.