From rock climbing to rafting, Thailand offers its more intrepid visitors a plethora of options. Richard Mcleish pushes the boundaries of his travel insurance policy to find the Kingdom’s outer limits of adrenaline-filled fun.
What does the perfect post-holiday travel anecdote involve? A paradise beach? A vast cuisine to discover? Perhaps a new mate from a faraway land? These days it can involve a lot more, particularly if you’re a little daring. With its established travel infrastructure, Thailand caters well to more adventurous visitors looking for some adrenaline-tinged activities to balance their relaxation. Try these at your own risk (and fun).
While it’s tempting to contemplate your navel from a hammock on a southern beach, the Krabi area in the south is home to some of the most spectacular rock climbing in the region. The Railay peninsula has been a climbing Mecca ever since backpackers first discovered its spectacular limestone rock faces in the 1970s. It offers more than 700 routes ranging from beginner to extreme, some of which ascend right from the sand and overhang turquoise waters below. For info and guides, try Hot Rock Climbing School and Tonsai Basecamp.
Every year as the wet season descends, the rafting element of the Kingdom mobilizes to make use of the swelling rivers and gurgling rapids. The most popular spots are located closer to Bangkok, but the North is where the real adventure is, rewarding the more intrepid with smaller crowds and more itinerary options. The Pai and Mae Tang rivers attract the most attention with their jungle scenery, frequency of rapids and reliability. For info, contact Thai Adventure Rafting or Siam River Adventures, both of which offer 1- to 3-day packages that suit all levels of experience.
If you prefer petrol-driven thrills, Pattaya is the go to place for many adrenaline junkie scenarios. Dive through the sky with Thai Sky Adventures who run training courses and tandem jumps 30 minutes’ drive from the city (or 90 minutes from Bangkok). The undisputed home of motor racing in Thailand is Bira Circuit, a 2.4-kilometer international-standard track that lies 20 kilometers from Pattaya’s center. After you’ve whet your racing appetite there, Pattaya Kart Speedway offers two dedicated karting tracks: professional (750 meters) and beginner (450 meters). EasyKart maintains a smaller circuit also with public access in the downtown area.
With these guidelines in mind, plot your own unique adventure in the Kingdom and script the quintessential travel tale for ultimate bragging rights to match your post-holiday tan and grin.
