Fitfac Muay Thai Academy

243/2 Soi Atsawa Pichet, Boromratchonanee Rd. 089-890-5995. Open Mon-Fri 1-10pm and Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. www.fitfacmuaythai.com

This newest Thai boxing studio just opened its doors a week ago. The fitness center offers classes designed by professional boxers and professors from the Faculty of Sport Science at Mahidol University. The courses are slightly different from other boxing places, as they put the focus on exercising and body firming purposes based on your body mass index. Programs span from the basic aerobic kickboxing class up to the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and emotional involvement training (EIT). Day passes start from B490/day (training gear included). 

Jaroenthong Muay Thai

581 Ramkhamhaeng Soi 39. Pracha-Uthit Rd. 02-539-3867, 082-658-6097. Open daily 10am-noon and 2-8:30pm. www.jaroenthonggym.com 

Jaroenthong Muay Thai sits somewhere between a traditional boxing camp and a new-age boxing-for-exercise center. Founded by professional fighter Jaroen Choomanee, who went by the stage name Charoenthong Kiatbanchong, the classes here cover a variety of levels—starters, serious exercising and potential pros—all of which involve training one-on-one with an instructor. A day pass is B500/day (2 hours) while courses are priced at B6,000/month.  

JittiGym The International Muay Thai Training Gym

12 Soi Chokchairuammit Yak 29, Viphavadee Rangsit, Ratchadapisek Rd., 089-069-5026. www.jittigym.com

Jitti Gym started as a proper Muay Thai camp, but once boxing gained more popularity among ladies it started offering up firming and exercising classes as well. The atmosphere is very traditional compared to the others on this list—ideal for keeping concentrated. Among the trainers are many ex-pros from the Ratchadamnoen and Lumpini rings, so you can rest assured you’ll be treated like a real fighter, too. Day passes start from B300/day (2 hours) to B5,000/30days (2 hours a day). 

Ratchadamnoen Singha Muay Thai Academy (RSM)

3/F SeenSpace, Thonglor Soi 13. 02-185-2384. www.rsm-academy.com

RSM is another place pushing Muay Thai as an exercise in Bangkok. Located in the middle of town in Thonglor, it offers a wide range of courses designed especially for each different age ranges. The classes combine traditional martial arts with modern professional fitness routines, with all trainers also lead coaches at Ratchadamnoen stadium. An introduction to Muay Thai trial starts at B550/day up to B6,000/month for unlimited participation. They also cater for private groups and pro-pratic as well. 

BK asks

Why go boxing? 

Varlynphat Pawanantheerakul, 27, business owner 

“I hate the idea of fitness, it’s boring and uninspiring. But when you’re getting older you can’t stay skinny without it. One of my model friends told me to try boxing, saying it really burns calories. I thought, she’s a model, so why not?” 

Mayticha Kaensa, 25, producer

“A friend of mine had been asking me to box with her for a while. But once she showed me her topless boxing instructor, complete with six-pack, tan skin and skinhead, and all sweaty, like he was Bua Khao’s twin brother, I had no hesitation at all.” 

Wanutcha Sriphotongnak, 26, finance

“I used to be twice the size I am now and it was hard to go shopping as even XL was still very small. I’d tried yoga, but it was too laidback, so I came to the boxing gym with my friends. Here it makes you feel like you’re dancing in the club, even at 10am.” 

Kanchanaburi is back in the headlines again with the recent Hollywood release of The Railway Man, a film based on the bestselling autobiography by Eric Lomax, a British POW who was put to work on the infamous death railway during WWII. The town hosted its annual River Kwai Bridge Festival last month, but there are many other ways you can explore Kanchanaburi’s fascinating past.

War Memorials

Upon arriving in Kanchanaburi, you will be confronted with many reminders of World War II. Firstly, there are several museums you can visit. Start with the JEATH War Museum (Chaichumphol Alley, open daily 8:30am-4:30pm, B10 for Thais and B30 for foreigners) at Wat Chaichumpolchanasongkhram, or Wat Tai as locals call it. Founded by the abbot of the temple, this u-shaped one-storey bamboo shack is intended to resemble the shelters where prisoners of war (POW) from England, Australia and Holland were forced to live while building the Thai-Burma railway for the Japanese Army. Inside are various photos and paintings detailing their plight, as well as everyday items. JEATH takes its name from each of the countries involved in the construction of the death railway: Japan, England, Australia, Thailand and Holland.

Another similar exhibition can be found at the World War II & JEATH War Museum (Maenamkwai Road, open daily 8am-5pm, B40, 034-512-596, 034-513-478), which is near the River Kwai Bridge. Here things go into considerably more detail with quite eerie touches like an old Japanese army locomotive, old guns, sculptures of WWII world leaders and skeletons believed to be POWs’ displayed in a dark room of a temple-like building. In the next wall, it is home to Japanese cemetary which is always visited by Japanese families and officials annually. 

Perhaps the most informative museum, the Thai-Burma Railway Centre (next to Don Rak Cemetery on Saeng-Chuto Road, open daily 9am-5pm, B120, 034 512-721, www.tbrconline.com) offers well-designed exhibitions covering the construction of the railway as well as the post-war situation, including models, video and dioramas.

Another option is Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum (open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm, free), which specifically explores the brutal conditions of the eponymous railway cutting here. Apart from the exhibition, you can also take a 15-minute trek down to Chong Khao Khad, aka Hellfire Pass.

One other famous stop is Don Rak Cemetery or Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery on Saeng-Chuto Road. You can also visit Chungkai War Cemetery, the site of the original POW camp and hospital during WWII. Though the war has been over for more than 60 years, these two cemeteries are still often visited and not just by surviving POWs. “I recently met a family from the UK who came to visit Don Rak cemetery as their relative was buried there. During their stay, the grandson visited the cemetery to lay flowers and sat next to his grandfather’s grave for 30 minutes every day. He never met his granddad but the connection is still strong,” says Michael Newbatt, Manager of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Thailand. 

Historic Road

Apart from all the museums, there are more lively ways to dive head-first into Kanchanaburi’s history, like heading to Pakprak Road to visit the 170-year-old community there. Once you reach this road, the first thing you will notice are the beautiful century-old buildings. Each building has a sign detailing its special history and unique design. This road was once a dense commercial area, so the Japanese army came here to do business during their occupation. Here, you can learn about the extraordinary story of a merchant named Boonpong Sirivejjabhandu, who risked his life to secretly help POWs stationed in the area. “He joined with Sir Ernest Edward Dunlop, a POW at the camp, to smuggle in medicines and food, and lend money without knowing whether he would ever get it back. His wife was totally against these actions as she feared what would happen if the authorities found out. But then she saw how bad the POWs had it,” Boonpong’s sister-in-law Lamyai Sirivejjabhandu explains. “His courage has been widely honored by POWs, especially the Australians and English, but sadly very few Thais know his story.” Today, there is a small exhibition devoted to the heroic acts of Boonpong in an old building named Siri Osot (สิริโอสถ).

This nostalgic road is also home to beautiful cafés sat in century-old structures. First stop is Baan Sitthisang (141 Sitthisan House, Pakprak Road, open daily 8am-6pm, 034-514-514), a colonial-style house turned retro café that occasionally hosts small art workshops at the weekend. Another worth a visit is Hua Hong Coffee (154 Pakprak Road, open daily 8am-6pm, 034-511-577), which is decorated in a colorful Chinese-Viet style including vibrant flower-print chairs. Their treats include homemade brownies and banana chocolate chip muffins. The best way to take in this street is by cycling, easily done by renting a ride at one of the many neighborhood bike shops.

Train Hopping

One image forever associated with Kanchanaburi is of a train on a wooden bridge right by the River Kwai. In order to capture that iconic moment yourself, you’ll have to plan your trip carefully to reach to the scenic spot of Krasae Cave. You can start by catching a train at Thonburi Station in Bangkok at either 7:45am (train No. 257) or 1:55pm (train No.259). Last stop is Nam Tok Station at Sai Yok Noi Waterfall but you need to hop out at Tham Krasae Bridge Station to take the famous shot of the train running along the cliff and the river. Travel is free for Thai citizens and B100 for foreigners. If you go by car, you can simply drive to Krasae Cave—just make sure to time your arrival to coincide with the train’s.

Essentials 

Memorial Services

There are two annual memorial services at Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery, the Remembrance Service held by the Royal British Legion on Nov 11 and Anzac Day held by the Australian Embassy on April 25. The Anzac event also includes a moving dawn service at Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.

Where to Stay

U Inchantree Kanchanaburi Hotel (443 Mae Nam Kwai Road, 034-521-584, 086-368-7014, http://bit.ly/1dxN8Ge). Room rates start at B3,000 for a superior room.

Dheva Mantra Resort and Spa (9/99, Tha Makham district, 034 527-666, www.dhevamantra.com) at B4,500 for superior room. 

How to get there

By car

From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 (Phetkasem Road) before turning onto Highway 323 at Ban Pong district and then drive until you reach Kanchanaburi.

By train

From Thonburi Station catch train No. 257 at 7:45am or train No. 259 at 1:55pm. Return trains from Kanchanaburi Station leave at 7:11am and 2:37pm.

Join a Club

There are many cycling clubs in Bangkok nowadays, where bikers of all levels get together to enjoy the simple thrill of riding. Most of these are more like meet ups, meaning that you don’t even have to pay for membership. The main advantage of joining a club is that you can learn from experienced bikers who know the routes well, making for a safer journey. Also, you can expect to meet like-minded people and make new friends. Joining a club has become a popular choice for keen bikers in Bangkok. First of all, though, you should know your cycling strength: beginners, for example, shouldn’t attempt trips longer than 30km. For the more adventurous, many groups offer night rides which tend to go from about 6pm to midnight, with organizers usually guiding members to famous local restaurants to enjoy food together. A few popular destinations for night trips include Asiatique, Chinatown, Chocolate Ville and Sanam Luang. Popular weekend destinations, meanwhile, include Ayutthaya, Amphawa, Bangkrachao, Rattanakosin Island, Sapan Phut, and the historic Bangrak fire station.  

Get in touch with popular bike clubs:  

BKK Wheels at www.facebook.com/BKKWheels

Bangkok Bicycle Campaign at www.facebook.com/BangkokBicycle

Thailand Folding Bicycle Club at www.facebook.com/pages/ชมรมจักรยานพับได้ประเทศไทย

Thai Cycling for Health Association at www.thaicycling.com

Save our Cyclists at www.facebook.com/savecyclists

Bianchi Club at www.facebook.com/bianchiclub

Ride Independently 

If you have some experience and feel confident in your ability, going independent can be even more fulfilling, allowing you to stop off where you like and travel at your own speed. However, you are advised to do some research about the routes you plan to take, make sure your bikes are in good condition, and familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations. Thankfully, there are many organizations and publications to help you stay up-to-date, such as the Thai Cycling for Health Association (www.thaicycling.com), Thailand Cycling Alliance (www.tcabike.com), Cycling Plus Thailand Magazine, Bicycles United Magazine, Mountain Bike Tours Thailand (www.mountainbiketoursthailand.com). Another popular website with good local information is Thai Mountain Bike (www.thaimtb.com). Recommended routes include Benjakitti Park to Khao San Road (12km), Bangkok to Ayutthaya (76km) and around Bang Kachao or Phrapradaeng (3km trail). Other cycling hotspots include Muang Boran or the Ancient City (www.ancientcity.com), Khao-Eto in Prachinburi province, Ampawa floating market and Wachirabenchatat Park (Suan Rot Fai).  

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) offers bike rental services at low rates available from 17 rental stations in the city center. Rental is free for for the first 15 minutes and just B100 for an eight-hour period. However, you do have to become a member beforehand. The application fee is B320 which also includes insurance. For details, visit www.punpunbikeshare.com or call 087-029-8888. 

Use Guided Tour Agencies 

This is perhaps the safest and most convenient option if you’re new to cycling. You don’t need to bring anything, just yourself, some money, and perhaps a camera. Most tour companies will present you with a long list of available programs, ranging from a half-day tour in Bangkok to a week in a neighboring country. You can choose a tour that best suits your interests and level of strength. The fees usually cover bicycle and helmet rental, accident insurance and an English-speaking Thai tour guide. Some of the best-known agencies are Spice Roads (www.SpiceRoads.com), Grasshopper Tours (www.GrasshopperAdventures.com), Co van Kessel Tours (www.CoVanKessel.com), Follow Me (www.FollowMeBikeTour.com) and Recreational Thailand Biking (www.bangkokbiking.com). 

Spice Roads, for example, offers a half-day tour to Bang Kachao at B1,150, a day-trip to Ayutthaya at B2,950, and a four-day, three-night trip through central Thailand covering Samut Songkram, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-in and Bangkok at B17,500 per person. The company also provides a mini-van that follows the group so that you can grab a rest whenever you need it. Though most of these packages are more appealing to tourists, you may want to consider using guided tour services when you plan a trip to upcountry destinations you are unfamiliar with. 

LIFE CYCLE

Upcoming bike events to set your wheels in motion.

LEARN TO RIDE #2

Date: Sunday, Jan 26

Location: Faculty of Sports Science, Chulalongkorn University

Organized by the Thai Cycling for Health Association (www.thaicycling.com), this event is highly recommended for beginners since it gives instructions on how to ride a bike properly, how to choose the right bike for you and suggests safety measures to deal with Bangkok’s roads and traffic. Free.

100KM WITH BIANCHI CLUB THAILAND

Date: Sunday, Jan 26

Route: From Nakorn Nayok to Prachinburi

The Thailand Cycling Alliance (www.tcabike.com) and Bianchi Club Thailand will hold a friendly bike tour from Bangkok to Nakorn Nayok and Prachinburi. Though the journey is 100km long, beginners are welcome as the maximum speed allowed will be 40km/hour. Setting off from Bangkok at exactly 9am, participants will head for Ingtharn resort in Nakorn Nayok to take a rest and have lunch. There will be a party and lucky draws for membersฃ in the afternoon. Entry fee is B200 for newbies, which also covers club membership for two years.

TOUR DE KHAO YAI

Date: Jan 25

Location: Bonanza International

Speedway, Khao Yai Bonanza International Speedway, the international standard race circuit for cars, will for the first time hold bicycle races on its tracks. There will also bea fair with bike shops and accessories together with stalls selling food and drinks. If you are interested in joining the races, call 085-669-3000 or 085- 669-4000. Entry fees are B400-B500 and B700 at the event.

THAILAND BIKE & VEHICLE 2014

Date: Mar 6-9, 10.30am-8pm

Location: Impact Muangthong Thani, Hall 2-4

If you are looking for a new bike or bike accessories, don’t miss this event. The fair is a one-stop shopping spot for bikers, featuring about 150 booths selling bicycles, spare parts, cycling outfits, helmets and all kinds of bike accessories. For more information, visit www.thaibikeshow.com. Free entry. Learn to Ride #1 Spice

1. Caité

The UK niche nail polish brand has finally made its way to Bangkok, offering Thai nail fashionistas over 100 colors to choose from. The highlight, undoubtedly, is their signature Caviar Kits.   

What you need: Caviar Luxe (B900)

Why you need it: Caviar nails never fall out of trend, and here you have a wide range of colors to choose from so keep playing till you find your favorites. Their brushes’ long, slim handles provide a good grip when you’re applying the color onto your nails. 

Where can you find it: Sephora

2. Too Faced

With their “makeup is power” philosophy, Too Faced provides bronzers with real cocoa, “Better than Sex” mascara, and application guides on all of their packaging to continually educate makeup addicts. Now that the brand is finally here, you can stop ordering from Thai Instagram accounts and enjoy a vast selection of goodies you probably won’t find anywhere else in Thailand. 

What you need: Primed and Poreless (B1,350)

Why you need it: Wear it under your bronzers and foundation powders to attain flawless skin without much makeup. This allows the powder and foundation to blend onto your skin, creating a smooth airbrushed look. The color lasts all day, making your skin appear fresher and brighter.

Where can you find it: Sephora

3. Lime Crime

This organic, fantasy makeup comes in purple tubes adorned with sparkly unicorns. Up until now, they’d done all their selling online without offering shipping to Thailand, so we’re thankful someone in Bangkok is bringing in this bright and vibrant makeup. 

What you need: Velvetines in Red Velvet (B810)

Why you need it: It’s a lip stain that dries a scarlet matte red when applied. Red lips are always in; why not try something different from your usual M.A.C. Russian Red? 

Where can you find it: Lashes

4. Caudalie

This French skincare brand was founded back in 1995 in a vineyard in Bordeaux, making the most of their expertise in grapes and further research into the benefits of grape-seed extract on skin. Now Caudalie has finally reached Asia, including Bangkok, through the arrival of Sephora.      

What you need: Moisturizing Sorbet (B1,670)

Why you need it: This moisturizer can be used both day and night. You can feel the richness in texture when you apply it but due to the water-based formula, the cream easily dissolves into your skin without leaving an oily finish. Recommended for day use before doing makeup.     

Where can you find it: Sephora

5.Too Cool Art Class

This sub-brand of the Korean cosmetics store Too Cool For School just reached Bangkok at the very same time as Sephora. The Too Cool Art Class offers products with a stationery-like design, like lipsticks and shadow sticks that look just like crayons and cream brushes in acrylic tube packaging.    

What you need: Art Class Eraser Pencil (B550)

Why you need it: Normally if you line your eyes incorrectly, you need to wash off the whole thing and start again. But this pencil remover makes the whole process easier. And we’ve actually never come across such a fun package before.   

Where can you find it: Too Cool For School. 

6. Fairydrops

This Japanese cosmetics brand aims for functional and effective makeup that makes every girl look perfect both in front of the camera and in real life. The label is well-known for their volume mascara that’s not only become a best-seller in Asian countries but is also stocked by Sephora in the USA.  

What you need: Candy Bar BB Cream (B1,290) and Vanilla Puff Mineral Powder (B990)

Why you need it: Aside from the mascara, the Candy Bar BB cream bundles medium coverage, moisturizers and UV protection, all in a single, easy application. Top up the BB cream with Vanilla Puff Mineral Powder for a bright finish.    

Where can you find it: Lashes

Essentials

Sephora. G/F Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., BTS Siam  

Lashes. G/F, Silom Complex, Silom Rd. 02-632-0131. BTS Sala Daeng 

Too Cool For School. Siam Square Soi 7, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam. 02-279-8166/7