5 healthy Thai holiday destinations you need to visit now the rain has stopped
These destinations are a real breath of fresh air.
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7 years ago
Credit: Steven Belcher
Find inner peace in Chiang Mai
Located 4km outside of Chiang Mai town, Wat Rampoeng is popular with both Thais and foreigners seeking a short but effective meditation retreat. The temple offers a 10- or 26-day basic course in Vipassana (Insight) Meditation in a group setting that focuses on achieving self-understanding and unity of the body, the heart and the mind. To join the program, contact the temple by phone or in person at the administration office. Your entrance fee is accepted in the form of donations.
Health tip: Meditation offers huge mental and emotional benefits by giving you a sense of inner peace and balance. It can help manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure and more.
Tambol Suthep, Chiang Mai, 053278620.
Credit: Guide Wasan
Go hiking in Isaan
The 359-meter-high sandstone mountain Phu Thok has recently popped up on the radars of many travelers seeking something new and different. Phu Thok (which means “Lonely Mountain” in the Isaan dialect) has two peaks: Phu Thok Yai and Phu Thok Noi. With a thrilling walk that ascends seven different levels before you reach the summit, it’s not only a good workout to the top, but also a rewarding one thanks to the stunning views.
Health tip: Because it is a weight-bearing exercise, hiking boosts bone density, builds strong muscles in your hips and lower legs and can strengthen your core.
Bueng Khan Province, Isaan
Credit: www.facebook.com/pg/UniqueRunning
Take on marathons in the countryside
The new year welcomes a whole series of marathons outside of Bangkok that will test your speed, endurance and strength across countryside terrain. Hardcore runners can sign up for what is referred to as the most challenging trial race in the country, The North Face 100 2017, which charts a 100km course through the mountains of Korat. For something a little less demanding, the Khao Yai Half Marathon offers 5, 10 and 21km runs (bit.ly/2hBKqsS) and the Chonburi Love Running event hosts 5.5 and 10km runs along the province’s beautiful coastline (bit.ly/2hUxopf).
Health tip: Long distance running is a great way to lose weight and burn calories, while also improving the immune system, reducing blood pressure and keeping cholesterol in check. It also strengthens your joints and bones while building muscles.
Eat clean in Ratchaburi
Organic farm Rai Pluk Rak, just one hour away from Bangkok, is great for people who want to kickstart a healthier diet plan. Run by sustainability champion Anotai Gongvatana (of Anothai restaurant in Bangkok), the weekend agricultural workshops teach participants how to grow vegetables without the use of any chemicals (starting at B750 per class). There’s also an on-site vegetarian restaurant promising refreshing countryside views and nothing but clean, health-loving food.
Health tip: Eating clean helps regulate your blood sugar, improves overall mood, boosts energy levels and helps with weight loss.
130 Moo 1, Petchkasem Rd., Ratchaburi. 032-389-521. www.fb.com/thaiorganicfood
Trek around the Royal Projects at Doi Angkhang
The birth place of the Royal Projects is not only home to beautiful plantations growing pears, peaches, strawberries, kiwi fruit and more, but it’s also a serene camping point with scenic trekking routes. Make your way up the 30-minute Nor Lae path at the Angkhang Military Base to catch great views of the mountains over in Myanmar—the climb is short but strenuous enough to break out some sweat and get the heartrate up, and totally worth the rewarding views at the top.
Health tip: Trekking is a great form of interval training, where you’ll get interval cardio in short bursts of exertion. The uphill climb will work the leg, arm and core muscles for strength training while the downhill will give your heart rate a chance to recover.
Doi Angkhang, Chiang Mai. www.angkhangstation.com
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