Thais love to be entertained so it’s not surprising that they expect the same of others, and most tourist centres include shows and activities to liven up the evening for visitors.

You’ll find live music being performed in many venues, including cafes, restaurants and bars. At places like the Saxophone in Bangkok or The Riverside in Chiang Mai, the standard of musicianship is usually very impressive.

Cultural shows are a fun way to get a taste of Thailand, and the extravaganzas at Siam Niramit and Phuket Fantasea provide a visual and musical treat.

Thai cabarets are great fun, with glamorous ladyboys lip-synching to popular songs and cavorting around the stage. You can catch a show at Calypso Cabaret at Asiatique in Bangkok.

Thai Boxing (muay thai) has a worldwide following and many visitors like to spend time in a training camp learning the skills. If you’d rather watch this exciting sport, make for the Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok or look out for posters advertising bouts in the provinces.

Go-go bars exert a strong fascination among visitors of all persuasions. To find out what goes on in these dim-lit bars, check out Patpong, Soi Cowboy or Nana Plaza in Bangkok, or stroll down Bangla Road in Phuket.