Treks usually run for three or four days through a scenery consisting of forested mountains inhabited by hill tribes whose small villages offer basic overnight accommodation for trekkers. Guides are widely available, but visitors should ensure that, besides English, they speak some of the hill tribe languages and have good contacts with the tribal communities. Instruction and accommodation is usually free, though donations are expected. Different meditation techniques and dress codes apply to different centres. Upmarket resorts offering mind, body and spirit holidays are also available, with various alternative therapies included in the package.
Larger retreats are for the serious minded only.
Male and female English speakers are welcome, but strict segregation of the sexes is enforced and many places observe a vow of silence. Thai boxing matches are preceded by elaborate ceremonies and accompanied by lively music. Thailand has over 60,000 full-time boxers. Foreigners may enrol at a traditional muay training camp, some of which specialise in training westerners. There is a strong spiritual and ritualistic dimension to muay Thai adding grace to an otherwise brutal sport.