Thai boxing

For a vivid glimpse of the kind of energetic passion that drives Thailand, go to a Muay Thai fight – a contest of professional kick-boxing.

It's worth witnessing this national sport, not just for what goes on in the ring, but to watch what goes on around it, enlivened by frantic betting.

There are two main stadiums: Lumpini Stadium (Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays), and Ratchadamnoen Stadium (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays).