Kiteboarding Asia – Hua Hin
The latest X-treme sport to take to the waves, it was inevitable that someone who combine paragliding and windsurfing for an added adrenaline rush. Kiteboarding Asia (43/8 Soi Na Ranong, Petchkasem Rd., Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Tel. +66 (0) 8 1591 4593) has all the equipment you need as well as licensed instructors to teach you how to catch the wind and waves to take off about the rolling swell of this favorite beach side resort. The best time of year for kite boarding is at the end of the winter as the hot season sets in and brings with it strong thermal breezes that can blow till dusk. There is also a good chop and short surf, ideal for taking off.
Snorkeling in Koh Talu
One of my favorite things to do when I’m not performing is snorkeling. The waters around this island (www.taluisland.com) are so clear that on a sunny day the coral reefs and marine life below can be easily seen. I love this island because of its perfectly preserved underwater scenery and rich variety of colorful fish and other creatures.
Koh Talu is also not too far from Bangkok, so I can take a quick weekend trip with a minimal amount of travel time. You should’nt miss this island paradise if you’re a fan of snoerkeling as these are the most beautful and best preserved coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand.
Golf in Pattaya & Hua Hin
I’m such a huge fan of the golf courses in Thailand because they are truly some of the best designed and most beautiful in the world. When I’m in Pattaya, I always try to play the Siam Country Club Old Course (+66 (0) 3824 3816, www.siamcountryclub.com). This course is so challenging, but also beautiful as a large golden Buddha watches over the ninth green. While in Hua Hin, I enjoy playing at the Springfield Royal Country Club (+66 0 3270 9222), designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, with 27 beautiful holes and plenty of challenging hazards.
Laser Gun Phuket
When I’m in Phuket and I feel like something more than just chilling out on the beach I head for the Laser Gun arena. This game is really addicting and it is so much fun to take on your friends in the realistic battlefield with many obstacles and things to hide behind. It is pretty simple too; you have a gun that fires laser beams and when you hit someone, a vest they are wearing will give off a beeping signal. I can play this game all day long, as is the perfect alternative to lazy days of a beach bum.
BB Gun Pattaya
For the fans of Airsoft, or BB Gun, like me, you’re in for a treat as Thailand has a lot of venues where you can play out this war game. The one in Pattaya (+66 (0) 8 0095 3533) offers some of the most action packed games. You can rent a gun or bring your own, either way it’s hours of intense non-stop fun. In Bangkok? The best place to battle it out is at the Military Infantry Base 11 on Phaholyothin Road. Bumming out in Samui, you can go for a thrill at Samui Shooting Range, just off Chaweng Beach. A popular spot among tourists and locals alike.
Tree Top Adventure Park Koh Chang
When I want to soar from tree to tree in a beautiful tropical island atmosphere I head to the Tree Top Adventure Park on Koh Chang (+66 (0) 8 4310 7600, www.treetopadventurepark. com). There are so many thrilling things to do here, including an assortment of games such as rope bridges, tarzan swings, flying skateboards, and giant zip lines. No matter how old you are, you will enjoy hours of fun and excitement! And it’s really safe too, with a mandatory briefing that teaches you how to use the slings, carabineers, pulleys, and harnesses safely.
Kayaking and Canoeing in Krabi
I’m a big fan of exploring new places and one of the most beautiful I’ve ever visited is Krabi. Here there are enormous granite cliffs that shoot straight out of the water, like in a science fiction movie. The calm water is an amazing turquoise blue color and perfect for exploring all the small caves and hidden beaches on a kayak or canoe. You can rent them anywhere for a cheap price and they are great for a day excursion. I also like to take my camera to get some awesome postcard-perfect shots that you cannot take from land.
Go Kart in Bangkok & Pattaya
For a little more extreme fun I head to Easykart in Bangkok or Pattaya (www.easykart.net). You can experience the thrill of miniaturized Formula Racing at these exciting venues. I love to challenge my friends to a duel on one of the winding courses that really test our driving skills. There are a couple of different kart styles available, some for novices and others for seasoned pros. Another cool thing here is that the track automatically records your lap time, so you can aim to beat the track record and be exact when you brag to your friends!
Football Golf Samui
I really enjoy playing football and golf, although usually I only have time to do one! That’s why I’m so happy I discovered Football Golf on Koh Samui (+66 (0) 7724 8084, www.samuifootballgolf.com). This is a challenging activity that is great for family and friends because rather than participating one by one, this game gets you and your friends playing all at the same time. The concept is simple, you use footballs instead of golf balls and the holes are much bigger. The course has been designed so that any level or ability can play competitively and enjoy the sunny weather!
