NICK BOULOS UNCOVERS ASIA’S BEST LEARNING EXPERIENCES
WHAT’S LIFE WITHOUT learning something new every now and then? Acquiring a new skill whilst taking in new surroundings can make an ordinary journey extraordinary – and with luck, these newfound talents will last long after the trip has ended. Here’s our guide to the best of the region’s educational adventures. And there’s not a blackboard in sight…
1 SILK WEAVING IN LUANG PRABANG
Silk weaving is an important part of life in Laos and the Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre runs classes that range from half a day to three days, each showcasing this highly skilled profession.
Lessons include mastering the loom and perfecting the spinning and ikat weaving techniques. Ikat means “to bind”, and this particular method creates designs by resist-dyeing, where dye is prevented from reaching all the cloth to create a pattern.
Interaction with local weavers is on the itinerary. Students are also taught the various weaving methods and how silk is made.
Everything learnt goes towards creating the ultimate souvenir. Students on the three-day course produce a tasselled scarf boasting a colourful Lao motif; while those on shorter lessons leave with a woven cloth, traditionally given as a love token to a potential suitor.
The centre, located 2km from Luang Prabang on the banks of the Mekong, also specialises in making dyes from natural resources. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to get your hands dirty – it’s part and parcel of signing up!
HOW TO:
The three-day course with Ock Pop Tok, which includes home-cooked lunches, costs US$115. Tel +856 (0)71 212597, www.ockpoptok.com
2 THAI MASSAGE IN CHIANG MAI
No visit to Thailand is complete without a body-pummelling, bone-cracking Thai massage, but learning its secrets for yourself means friends and family back home will never complain about sore limbs ever again.
The practice, which dates back to the 2nd century, focuses on 10 energy lines known as sen, which aim to balance the body’s energy flow to benefit the physical, mental and emotional state.
Situated in a sleepy area in the north-east of the city, the Sunshine Massage School guides students through the history and traditions of this fine therapeutic discipline.
Classes during the 10-day beginners course are a blend of theory and practice, concentrating on the yoga-based stretches that form the foundations of the massage.
Key pressure points are also identified. The expert local tutors devote entire days to teaching different techniques designed for specific parts of the body, which all come together to form the perfect Thai massage.
Past student Paul Laurey speaks fondly of his time here. “The school has an exceptional combination of teachers rich with authentic massage knowledge.”
The real draw is the intimate atmosphere. Each class consists of a maximum of 10 students, and the teachers, all seasoned practitioners, create a laid-back learning experience. An advanced course is also available – for those who develop a particular flair for kneading those knots.
HOW TO:
A 10-day course at The Sunshine Massage School costs US$220. Beginner classes begin every Monday and last for 10 days, but tailored programmes are available for those short on time. 159/2 Kaew Nawarat Soi 4, tel +66 (0)53 262574, www.sunshine-massage-school.com
3 SAILING IN SAMUI
Cruising through the pristine waters of the Gulf of Thailand is a magical experience, but finding yourself at the helm of a luxury yacht could make it that extra bit sweeter. Learning everything there is to know about life on the high seas is an ongoing process, but you can get a good taste of it on Samui Ocean Sports’ introductory course. Just be warned – it can be highly addictive.
“Sailing grips your soul,” says the company’s managing director, Armin Kundke. “It never lets go. A bad day sailing is better than a good day in the office.”
Thankfully, novice captains are not simply thrown in the deep end. All lessons begin on the dry land that is Chaweng beach, where the fundamentals are explained. It is important to understand and respect this activity, so a thorough introduction to the different types of boats, weather conditions and safety equipment is undertaken before anyone sets foot on deck.
It is then time to get wet as lessons shift to a small laser boat where you will learn exactly how to get the wind in your sails. With your newfound nautical confidence acquired, the day is capped off with steering an elegant yacht, measuring 26ft in length, unaided – although the instructors are reassuringly on-hand at all times. Happy sailing.
HOW TO:
Samui Ocean Sports offers 12 hours of sailing lessons which cost US$383 per boat with a maximum of four participants. Five hours of tuition (US$158) are also available but do not include the yacht excursion.
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, 155/4 Moo 2, Tambon Bophut, tel +66 (0)8 1940-1999; www.sailing-in-samui.com
4 TAI CHI IN YANGSHUO
It’s said that the gentle and rhythmic movements of tai chi can help the weak overcome the strong, making this art form the perfect activity for those seeking some spiritual enlightenment. The meditation-based practice encourages the opening and closing of the mind, and improves flexibility and coordination.
If there was ever a place to find your inner self, it’s here – just an hour out of Guilin amongst the limestone karsts and beside the gentle Li River in Yangshuo. For an intensive introduction to this ancient art form, normally practised first thing in the morning, sign up for a one-week course at the Long Tou Shan Martial Arts School. Strategic stretching and the “pushing of hands” are among the skills taught by Fu Weiqiang, a fully-fledged tai chi master.
Some of the intricate movements can be a bit of a challenge to pick up, but their detoxifying qualities are evident almost right away. The mind soon feels clear and uplift ed, making tai chi the perfect way to start the day.
The week’s tuition provides an in-depth understanding and includes all meals and accommodation. Best of all is the ability to continue to practice away from the school even when you leave.
HOW TO:
A seven-day course at Long Tou Shan (tel +86 (0)138 7837-6597, www..longtoutaichi.com) with a private room and meals costs US$180 per person or US$305 per couple. Single classes are charged at US$7 per hour.
5 THAI BOXING IN BANGKOK
Buns (and legs) of steel are required to carve a career in this high-octane sport, but learning the ropes is far easier. A programme catering for muay thai beginners is on offer at Sor. Vorapin Gyms and teaches the basics of this high-kicking, all-punching activity. The gym is named after founders Surapol (Sor) and Vorapin.
Muay thai was incorporated into military training during the reign of King Naresuen the Great in the 16th century. It revolves around an arsenal of lethal bodily weapons known as na-wa arwud, which include the fists, elbows, knees and feet.
The school was established in 1979 and operates two sites within the city, but head for Sor. Vorapin 2 in order to learn in a truly majestic setting of lush greenery and flowing gardens. Skilled trainers – some of whom are ex-champions – supervise to ensure students are not over-exerting themselves. It’s hard work, but the satisfying post-box burn more than makes up for it.
HOW TO:
Courses vary in duration and are available from one-off sessions (US$12) to month-long classes (starting from US$762), including accommodation at Sor. Vorapin Gyms. 37/15 Moo 10, Soi Siriwat, Suanpak Road, Talingchun, tel +66 (0)2 433-9768, www.thaiboxings.com
6 PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS ACROSS THAILAND, LAOS OR CHINA
Want to get serious about your holiday snaps? Join one of the Travel Photography Adventures with your personal instructor, Ewen Bell. Voted the Australian Society of Travel Writer’s Travel Photographer of the Year 2007, Bell is an accomplished photojournalist whose work has appeared in The Sunday Telegraph, The Herald Sun and has graced the pages of this magazine.
During the tour, Bell gives you on-the-ground coaching on how to capture images with a digital SLR camera – tutoring you on all aspects of the art from capturing expression to using wide angle lenses. Apart from the unbeatable insight from a professional, the tours also allow you to experience the country as never before.
Says Bell: “The photo tours spends more time in each place than a regular tour, so our guests have time to absorb the subtle charms that each place has to offer – and hopefully take better photos. We also select a range of places on the itinerary so they get to see the different aspects of the country.”
HOW TO:
Photography Adventure Tours include the Silk Road (beginning in Xi’an), the Ancient Kingdoms of Asia (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap) and Thailand (Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Krabi). They last around two weeks and prices start at US$3,400. Grasshopper Adventures, tel +66 (0)8 7929-5208, www.grasshopperadventures.com
