Thailand is a popular destination for tourists and families, but this isn’t the only demographic heading to the kingdom. Every year, flocks of Muay Thai fighters and enthusiasts come to the country to experience authentic Muay Thai training in the motherland. But coming here, it’s easy to be spoilt for choice. With Muay Thai gyms being a dime a dozen, it can be challenging to find the right one that suits your needs and budget, especially with a location that works for you.
I’ve been all around Thailand, training and fighting in a range of gyms, and not all are made the same. Depending on what kind of training you’re looking for, it can be hard to find the right gym; what is perfect for one person might be unsuitable for another. But there, if you know where to look and pick somewhere suitable for your level and needs, then you’ll be best positioned for opportunity and development.
In this article, I’m going to go through some of the best locations for training Muay Thai, but also go into detail as to what you can expect and what is suitable for your level. There is no right or wrong for anyone; we all have different needs and preferences.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is first on my list because this is the place where my Muay Thai journey first began. It is a fantastic location for beginners and those seeking to escape the more hectic Bangkok or party atmospheres of Phuket and Pattaya. What makes this area unique is that it is perfectly catered for beginners; the gyms aren’t akin to the high-level gyms you’d find in Bangkok. You will get some good attention from the trainers if they see you’re serious, which can be harder to find in the more commercial and fighter-oriented gyms in other parts of the country.
The fight opportunities are also perfect for beginners. Chiang Mai is home to a range of local stadiums, and fights are running almost every night of the week. The level in Chiang Mai isn’t the same as Bangkok, and as a beginner, you will get some good opportunities to fight someone close to your level. Notable stadiums include Chiang Mai night bazaar, Loi Kroh stadium and Thapae stadium, all within arm’s reach of the centre.
Luckily, living is also cheap, with condos or apartments costing a lot less than in Bangkok or Phuket. If you do end up staying longer term, I would recommend renting or buying a scooter, as the traffic isn’t as crazy as it is in Bangkok, and alternative methods of transport are not as convenient. The centre ofChiangg Mai is known as the old city and houses an array of small cafes, restaurants, entertainment venues and markets, and you’re close to some beautiful natural sights, mountains waterfalls.
When it comes to gyms in Chiang Mai, you have a range of options, from beginner to high-level. I would say that if you’re completely new to Muay Thai, most gyms will be able to give you enough of a introduction and good foundation to start your journey. Just ensure that the price is reasonable and you get some good attention from the trainers. But if you’re looking to fight or you already have some experience I would recommend spending time trying some different gyms out.
My recommendations would be Manop Gym, which houses one of the old trainers/padmen of Saenchai (One of the living legends of the sport), Hong Tong Muay Thai or Manasak Muay Thai gym. Not to say that you won’t have good training at other gyms, but these are my three notable options and great for those wanting to fight.
Bangkok
Next up is going to be no other than the capital of Thailand, which is Bangkok. I would say Bangkok is not for beginners, not only because of the sheer level of training but also because of the distractions. It’s such a hectic environment, and with so much going on, it can be hard to focus, but if you’re advanced and you won’t get taken away by the nightlife, then you can expect the best training experience the country has to offer. Not to mention being close to all the big stadiums like Lumpinee and Rajadamnern.
The gyms here are serious and high-level, and if that’s what you want, then you’re in the perfect spot. But don’t expect to get the same attention you would in other areas like Chiang Mai or Phuket, because you’re likely going to be a small fish in a big pond. There are limited fight opportunities for beginners here, and I wouldn’t recommend jumping into the bigger stadiums if you’re just starting. But that being said, if you’re in Bangkok for other reasons, such as work and just want to go somewhere to keep fit, then you’ll be fine.
In terms of living, Bangkok is very convenient; you have everything you’re going to need within walking distance. Whether that be great restaurants, medical care, condominiums and apartments with everything you need. Although you’re not close to any beaches or significant nature areas, there are some great parks and areas where you can get out and go for runs or walks. It is a little more expensive than the other areas I’ve mentioned, but still great for those looking to be close to all the action.
Those who a relatively seasoned and have experience fighting would probably be better suited to this environment. It’s close to the big stadiums, you’ll get high-level training and be able to rub shoulders with some of the best in the industry. While there are too many great gyms to name, I would recommend PK Saenchai, Petchyindee, Superbon Training Camp, FA Group and Eminent Air to name a few.
Pattaya
Now Pattaya is another one quite popular for a range of levels and still pretty accessible from places like Bangkok. It is known for its party and nightlife atmosphere, but you can also count on the fact that it has some high-level training. I would say this is suitable for intermediate-level fighters, but beginners should also be able to find the right environment if they know where to look. This kind of environment is perfect if you like the beach and more relaxed vibes while still being reasonably close to the action and having Bangkok also acceptable.
The area itself isn’t just about partying, though, and if you stay away from the more touristy areas, it can be much more laid back. You have a good amount of amenities and resorts, and condos are relatively cheap and can be anywhere from 6000-14000 baht for one month (If you plan to stay long term). You have a range of shopping centres for all your needs, as well as swimming pools, saunas and massage parlours after training.
Some well-known gyms in the Pattaya area include the famous Fairtex gym, which houses a range of champion fighters and trainers. There are also Venum Muay Thai and Silk Muay Thai, which are some pretty well-known camps. They are good for beginners but fantastic fighter gyms if you plan on taking things to the next level. If you’re just starting or looking for fitness, most gyms around Pattaya would be quite suitable. In terms of fight opportunities, you can fight in a few stadiums around Pattaya; these include Max Muay Thai and JF Boxing.
Phuket
Last but not least is Phuket, and while very luxurious, this area is also home to some fantastic gyms and serious training. It is quite a big tourist destination, though, so don’t expect things to be as cheap as in other cities. This doesn’t mean that you can’t live affordably, but it might be a little more difficult. While it is touristy, it’s still a great spot for fighters, and there are some professional fighters who choose to train here. If you really love clean beaches, fresh air and that holiday vibe, then Phuket is probably perfect for you.
In terms of living, condos and apartments here can set you back quite a bit, since they are more luxurious market. That doesn’t mean you can’t find something decent for 10,000-15,000 baht a month, but expect to see prices hit up to the 50,000-60,000 mark quite easily. The taxi cost here is very inflated compared to other areas, so expect it to rack up unless you have your own bike. But like most places in Thailand, food can be pretty reasonable, and other expenses can stay low if you budget.
But if you’re training regularly and care about your health, then Phuket has good air quality compared to other parts of the country. This is a huge bonus if you’re training hard and care about your health, not to mention the accessibility to nature, beaches and wildlife. This is most likely a reason why many opt to go train in Phuket and the southern parts of Thailand.
You will have access to an array of Gyms that are located in some pristine areas and with nice facilities. Notable mentions include Bangtao Muay Thai, which is home to famous fighters such as Nico Carrilo, Lerdsila, Michael Savvas and many more. The famous Tiger Muay Thai is also located in Phuket, and while it is quite commercialised now still can offer some good training. Revolution is also a well-known gym. There are pretty frequent fight opportunities for beginner to intermediate levels around Phuket, so it’s great if you’re around those levels and looking to fight.
Summary
Now it might be hard to find the perfect gym, but hopefully this guide gives you a little run-down of what to expect. There is no one-size-fits-all all, and whenever someone asks about where to train, it’s always hard to answer without knowing what kind of training you want and what your plans and preferences are when coming to Thailand. The right gym can mean a range of different things for different people, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for when you choose a place to train. It can really make or break your experience when coming to Thailand, so spend some time thinking it out; you won’t regret it.
