Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [208]
Language
Tuition at most Thai language schools averages 100B to 200B per hour for group classes, more for private tutoring. We recommend the following:
AAA Thai Language Center (Map; 0 2655 5629; www.aaathai.com; 6th fl, 29 Vanissa Bldg, Th Chitlom, Pathumwan; Chit Lom exit 5) Opened by a group of experienced Thai language teachers from other schools, good-value AAA Thai has a loyal following.
American University Alumni Language Center (Map; 0 2252 8170; www.auathai.com; 179 Th Ratchadamri; Ratchadamri exit 3) The most intensive language course in Bangkok, with rolling classes for listening only, from 7am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, shorter on Friday and Saturday. The teaching method focuses on listening and comprehension before then advancing to speaking and reading. For long-stayers only.
Thailish Language School (Map; 0 2258 6846; www.thailanguageschool.com; 427 Th Sukhumvit, btwn Sois 21 & 23; Sukhumvit exit 2; Asok exit 6) This small, personal school looks like an antique shop and has private or small-group classes concentrating on conversation.
Union Language School (Map; 0 2214 6033; union_lang@yahoo.com; 7th fl, 328 CCT Office Bldg, Th Phayathai; tuition from 7200B; Ratchathewi) Generally recognised as having the best and most rigorous courses (many missionaries study here). Union employs a balance of structure- and communication-oriented methodologies in 80-hour, four-week modules.
Meditation
Although at times Bangkok may seem like the most un-Buddhist place on earth, there are several places where foreigners can practise Theravada Buddhist meditation. Most Buddhist study centres specialise in vipassana (insight) meditation. DhammaThai (www.dhammathai.org) has a rundown on several prominent wát and meditation centres, or speak to the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB; Map; 0 2661 1284; www.wfb-hq.org; 616 Benjasiri Park, Soi Medhinivet, Soi 24, Th Sukhumvit; 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri; Phrom Phong exit 6), which also hosts occasional meditation classes.
International Buddhist Meditation Center (Map; 0 2623 5881; www.mcu.ac.th/IBMC; Vipassana Section Rm 106, Mahachula Bldg, Wat Mahathat, Th Pra Chan) Holds regular lectures on Buddhist topics in English, and meditation classes.
International Meditation Club (Thailand) (Map; 0 2712 8965; www.intlmedclub.org; 138 Soi 53, Th Sukhumvit; Thong Lo exit 6) New, modern centre offering lectures and activities aimed at English speakers. Regular beachside retreats on weekends.
Wat Mahathat Meditation (Map; 0 2222 6011; Section 5, 3 Th Maharat; Ko Ratanakosin; 7am-9pm; Tha Phra Chan or Tha Maharat) Daily meditation sessions every three hours starting at 7am and ending at 9pm. Suitably basic accommodation for long-term meditation is also available; speak with Phra Suphe, the monk who organises visitors.
Massage
Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School (Map; 0 2221 3686; www.watpomassage.com; Soi Pen Phat 1, Th Maharat, Ko Ratanakosin) The best place to learn traditional massage. Courses are held at the school headquarters across from Wat Pho on Soi Phenphat, just off Th Maharat. Five-day courses include massage (8500B), foot massage (6500B) and aromatherapy massage (6500B); you must do the basic massage course before starting on aromatherapy. We were told no booking is required, but we recommend you do or drop in first.
Moo·ay Tai
Many foreigners come to Thailand to study moo·ay tai (Thai boxing; also spelt muay thai). Training regimens can be extremely strict. The following camps provide instruction in English and accept men and women. Food and accommodation can be provided for an extra charge. See www.muaythai.com for more information.
Fairtex Muay Thai Camp (off Map; 0 2755 3329; www.muaythaifairtex.com; 99/8 Mu 3, Soi Buthamanuson, Th Thaeparak, Bangpli, Samut Prakan) This long-running, high-profile camp south of Bangkok offers training from 500B a session to 7700B for a week's