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Chiang Mai shines as an easygoing yet active city. On the one hand, it appears very sophisticated and to some degree very westernized; on the other, influence from the surrounding farming communities and hilltribes infuses everyday life. This division between Western and Thai traditional style characterizes almost everything in Chiang Mai, including entertainment. Visitors can easily find Western-style entertainment in air-conditioned comfort, or they can join hundreds of zealous Thais to cheer at a boxing match, savor a khantoke dinner with Thai dancing or explore Chiang Mai on a river cruise. Muay Thai The ancient martial art of Muay Thai, or Thai kick boxing, proves as popular in Chiang Mai as elsewhere in Thailand, and it has a long history in schools, the military and warfare. Now, most Muay Thai is conducted in Western-style boxing arenas, and Thais from all walks of life root for (and bet on) their favorite fighters. A spiritual dance initiates each fight, with musical accompaniment from a small orchestra, that symbolizes the fighters? thankfulness to spirits, teachers and warrior kings, and their prayer for the strength and courage to win. The fighting itself looks codified and almost dance-like, but brutal, involving free-for-all kicks and elbow blows to the body and face (don't be surprised if one boxer knocks another one out--stretchers are common sights at Thai boxing matches). Check out Muay Thai at Gawila Boxing Stadium, where boxers from all over Thailand compete, usually at 7.30pm on weekend nights. You can also see less compelling exhibitions of Muay Thai at a small stadium on Loi Kroh, near the Night Bazaar. Khantoke While the word khantoke means wooden tray, a traditional khantoke dinner offers a sumptuous, languid occasion. Diners typically sit on cushions while elegantly attired hostesses serve them with a series of appetizers, salads, curries and rice dishes. Dancers meanwhile entertain guests with fluid, graceful performances using enormous fans and other props. To experience this age-old tradition, call The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center, Nakorn Lanna 1296 or Kantoke Palace for reservations. Thai Singing and Dancing While you can always enjoy traditional Thai dance over a leisurely meal at a khantoke restaurant or The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center, you might want to check out dancing over a simpler meal. Kalare Food and Shopping Center, located in the Night Market, is a good place to get your first taste of Thai dancing. At Kalare, diners select their own dinner from a host of stalls serving northern Thai, Indian, Middle Eastern and Western dishes. Live guitar is especially popular in Thailand. For traditional music, while dining in a more upscale atmosphere, visitors to Chiang Mai might want to stop by La Brasserie, Tha Nam or Huan Suntaree. Other popular venues for dinner and live music (Western and folk) include Phar Lap, The Gallery, The Good View and Antique House 2 River Terrace. The Riverside claims title to the most popular dinner and live music spot in Chiang Mai, for both Thais and farangs, and several different bands exuberantly and skillfully play Western popular music--everything from Metallica to Eric Clapton and the Cranberries. Crossroads Music and Food, a newcomer to the Chiang Mai music scene, boasts a blues band that performs nightly, and an 'open-mike? for those yearning to strike a few chords. Scene Song Say Pub provides an ultra-hip option for live music on weekends. Just about any bar in Chiang Mai has karaoke. Croon to your own favorites at Romantic Restaurant and Pub or check out the numerous karaoke clubs across the street from Kad Suan Kaew. River Cruises No visit to Chiang Mai is complete without a languid voyage down the Ping River. The Mae Ping River Cruise affords one option for a two-hour evening cruise, or call The Riverside Bar and Restaurant for information on its nightly dinner cruises. Cabaret Visitors to any part of Thailand will quickly learn that 'lady boys,? typically young men who dress as women, are as much a part of the culture as khantoke and Muay Thai. For an over-the-top lady-boy performance, stop by Blue Moon Cabaret near Tha Pae Gate--you can't miss the 'ladies? beckoning you into the show! Other Entertainment Even the sturdiest traveler needs an occasional dip into the familiarity of Western entertainment. For first-release movies, Vista Cinema, which has two locations at Kad Suan Kaew (one on the top floor of the mall and the other across the street) screens about three films per week, each showing at least four or five times a day. Call +66 53 262 661 for English language listings and show times. Kad Suan Kaew offers another destination for other forms of entertainment. Bully Sky Ice, an ice-skating rink on the top of the building, commands a panorama of the city. Learn to skate or brush up on your triple-toe loops, or just watch the other skaters in the hip, well-maintained rink. The rink stays open until 1am. Bowling offers yet another option. Bully Bowl, also in Kad Suan Kaew, seems like a cross between a bowling alley and a disco--dance music throbs while Thais toss back sodas and Singhas (Thai beer) between rounds. Bowling is a popular late night and weekend activity for Thai teenagers, so it is no wonder Bully Bowl remains open until 2am. The Irish Pub is an extremely popular expat hangout, especially on Thursday nights when an occasionally raucous trivial pursuit tournament rages from about 8.30pm. |
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