LADIES’ PARADISE
A News Room Guide to ‘Things to Do’ for Female Visitors to Thailand
by Karen Campbell
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THAILAND GET COOKING
Whether you enjoy bargain basement discounts or need the latest labels lining your closet, shopping in Bangkok is truly ‘a ladies’ playground’. Stroll around any number of outdoor markets that offer everything from cosmetics, funky clothing, house-ware, handicrafts and food -- not to mention jewellery, art work, paper lamps and so many souvenir-worthy items -- and you'll be adding another suitcase to your shopping list! QUEEN FOR A DAY
For more regal indulgences, many fine hotels house spas that offer treatments such as aromatherapy massage to being ensconced in a full-bodied orange-chocolate wrap and soothing papaya scrub facials. Be careful not to go on an empty stomach, or you might be tempted to sample the products! NIGHTLIFENow that you have been reborn, get out there and experience Bangkok after dark. Today, many local bars and pubs host 'ladies nights’ during the week with drink specials and other discounts. If you are in the mood for dancing, downtown hotels house discos or live bands that play popular English songs guaranteed to get you grooving! BACK FOR MORE If you have made the trip to Thailand before, or have lived here a number of years and are looking for a fresh experience, why not join a class? Learn how to play an instrument, enrol in Thai lessons, take up salsa dancing or explore your artistic side with a painting course. 
Yoga and Pilates centres are growing in popularity with some convenient and affordable places for the beginner, novice or expert yoga master. Golf courses are also very lady-friendly and are equipped with locker rooms and facilities just for women. Not only are these options great for your health and spiritual well-being, but you are bound to meet other women who share your passions and interests! If you are looking for something more active to get the blood pumping, there are a host of fitness centres in Bangkok that offer state-of-the art equipment and provide classes in everything from body combat to hip-hop dance classes. Other ways to stay in shape include jogging in Bangkok's 'lung', Lumphini Park, or taking a mountain-biking trip outside the city. Thai kick-boxing (known as muay Thai) gyms in and around Bangkok are very receptive to women, no matter your level or experience with the sport! TEA FOR TWO OR COFFEE FOR ONE:
Afternoon high teas found at fine hotels are perfect ways to spend lazy afternoon gossip sessions with friends -- or pour over the weekend paper on your own at one of a number of coffee shops in Chiang Mai or Bangkok. Sample some of the locally grown beans and unwind after a hectic week! GET CONNECTED: Another social group that holds informal get-togethers at bars or pubs in the city is SWIB (Social Women In Bangkok). Contact them at swib@pacific.net.th For the literary-minded lady, check out the Bangkok Women's Writers Group. It’s a social writing group for women interested in poetry, fiction, non-fiction, essays etc. The group holds weekly writing sessions and occasional afternoon teas at the Oriental Hotel. Contact Lois Ann Haley-Dort at bkk_writers@yahoo.com (02-653-8753) or visit www.bwwg.net. With so many great activities, and attractions to explore, the only problem any savvy lady would have is finding the time to do it all! So what are you waiting for? Take the plunge and dive in to all that Thailand has to offer. The only thing you will regret is that you didn't visit sooner.
SHOPPING STREETS AROUND THAILAND TIPS ON SHOPPING FOR GEMS & JEWELLERY |
