Think about Thailand and one of these things will immediately come to mind:

• spicy, flavorful Thai food
• a crazy nightlife rivalling Spring Break
• or the country’s national sport, Muay Thai

If you’re thinking about going to Thailand, then it’s a good idea to experience all the above, and everything else Thailand has to offer.

But I want to make the case that training Muay Thai in Thailand is the most memorable experience you will get out of your travels.

Muay Thai is such a big part of Thai culture. You can see the influence of this martial art in the young and the old.

For kids born in poverty, Muay Thai is an opportunity to build a better life. These kids start training at a young age, where their Kru(coach) acts like their adoptive father. They train hard with the hopes of one day fighting in Lumpinee Stadium.

For a Muay Thai fighter, Lumpinee Stadium is THE stadium to aim for. Attend a match here and you’ll get to watch the best of the best fighting each other. Having said that Lumpinee Stadium is only one out many venues where Muay Thai matches are held.

These venues are packed with fans, veterans, and farangs(foreigners) who are drawn to the competition in the ring. You might be a little overwhelmed as these fans scream and shout in excitement. You might even notice them gambling by using confusing hand signals with each other.

Nevertheless, the atmosphere is amazing and is a bucket-list experience when you’re in Thailand.

If you want to get to know the Thai people and their culture, then a Muay Thai gym is the place to do it.

You’ll get to improve your fitness, learn how to defend yourself, make friends with the locals in an honest setting, and maybe even pick up the language.

Besides, when you leave Thailand for home, you’ll bring back more than fridge magnets and a few T-shirts.

You’ll bring back a beach bod and the ability to kick butts.

Muay Thai will not only build you up physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Think about it. Once you’re able to survive in the ring with someone who wants to kick your head off, would a business meeting ever rattle you after that?

The Martial Art That Will Make You A Confident Fighter

Muay Thai, or the art of the eight limbs, has a rich history behind it. Its history dates back to 1238 as a combat system for soldiers.

It was only in 1887 when Muay Thai became more regulated, as King Rama V made Muay Thai part of the curriculum in the Physical Education School and Royal Military Academy. This was known as the Golden Age of Muay Thai.

Muay Thai became known in the outside world in the 20th century. Japanese and French martial artists saw the prowess of ‘Siam Boxing’ and started learning from it.

The modern interest in Muay Thai probably stemmed from the movie ‘Ong Bak’. I’m sure you’ve watched the impressive athleticism of Tony Jaa and were inspired to throw a few kicks at a pillow.

Whether you’ve trained before or not doesn’t matter. There are so many gyms in Thailand that you’re bound to find one suited for you.

In Thailand, the gyms can be divided into two groups: farang gyms and local gyms.

Farang gyms are tailored for foreigners so you’ll probably be more comfortable here. The coaches speak English, their facilities can handle large numbers of people, and the accommodation they provide have air-conditioning and other creature comforts.

These gyms are perfect for a ‘fitness-holiday’ as they are hardcore on the training but not on the living arrangements.

How Long Should I Train For?

There’s no clear-cut answer to this question. Obviously, the longer you spend time on learning and refining your Muay Thai skills, the better shape you’ll be in.

Most gyms offer a flexible payment method so that you can tailor your fitness holiday to your liking. There are walk-in classes where you book for one session and turn up. There are private one-on-one sessions if you prefer personal attention.

Most gyms offer package prices for a week, a month, or three months worth of training. If you just want a taste of the gym atmosphere, one or two classes should be enough.

However, if you want to truly sculpt your body and instill the techniques into your brain I’d go for three months.

The price is also up to you. Do you want your accommodation to have air-conditioning? Do you mind sharing the room with other people?

Just for reference, you can train at Tiger Muay Thai for 3 months at the price of 39,000 Baht. The basic all-inclusive package, which includes accommodation and food, is 119,000 Baht for 3 months.

Most gyms will have a similar price range so plan accordingly.

Top Gym To Train

Tiger Muay Thai

Location: Rawai, Phuket
Notable Fighters: UFC Fighter Tai Tuivasa, UFC Fighter Nordine Taleb
Accommodations: Available + Meals Website: https://www.tigermuaythai.com

Tiger Muay Thai is one of the most popular gym in Thailand. The gym caters to everyone, with Muay Thai classes ranging from beginner to advanced, BJJ and MMA classes, and even fitness classes.

It doesn’t matter if your goal is to look good on the beach or to fight in the ring, Tiger Muay Thai has you covered.

Everything about Tiger Muay Thai is about quality. From the coaches to the equipment, you will have nothing to focus on but training. They also have a pool and a cafe so time spent outside of classes will be enjoyable and relaxing.

There are also other fun things to do on your downtime. You can get a tan and play on the beach. Go scuba diving or snorkeling. Visit the elephant safari or Phuket’s zoo. It’s always sunny in Phuket and everyone is smiling from all the fun activities living near a beach provides.

Yokkao Bangkok

Location: Bangkok
Notable Fighters: Muay Thai Legend Saenchai, Singdam Kiatmoo9
Accommodations: Not available
Website: http://www.yokkao.com/bangkok/

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. It is also the capital of Muay Thai. Professional fighters all flock to this city to fight in Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium. Naturally, the coaches in Bangkok’s gyms are of the highest quality.

Yokkao is home to one of the best champions to have stepped into the ring. Here, you can meet with the legend Saenchai. He speaks some English so you’ll get to learn from the best. Who knows, you might be lucky and have him hold pads for you.

Yokkao caters to both beginners and professional fighters. The coaching and facilities are top notch, so you can accelerate your learning by learning quality knowledge.

Bangkok is not Phuket however. The hustle and bustle that comes with city life might not be what you want on your ‘fitness-holiday’.

If you don’t mind the city environment, you’ll be in for top coaching, great food, easy transportation, and great shopping. Plus, you’ll get to see Saenchai’s lightning kicks right in front of you.

Banchamek Gym

Location: Bangkok, Surin
Notable Fighters: Buakaw Banchamek
Accommodations: Included + Meals
Website: http://www.banchamekgym.com/

Banchamek Gym is the brainchild of Buakaw, another legend in Muay Thai. Buakaw gained worldwide recognition when he won the K-1 World MAX Championship Belt twice. This gym holds many fighters, which means you’ll be getting a lot of good clinching and sparring in.

If you’re looking to take your Muay Thai to the next level, you can’t go wrong with Banchamek Gym. Training with Buakaw, the prestigious coaches, and the successful fighters here will only elevate your skills.

Fairtex Pattaya

Location: Pattaya
Notable Fighters: Yodsanklai Fairtex
Accommodations: Included + Meals
Website: https://fairtexpattaya.com/

Fairtext Pattaya is a fitness resort that will have you training in luxury. The resort provides the full package: countless ways for you to sweat and be active, while also offering relaxation and recovery.

The hotel rooms will have you feeling like home. There’s a spa, a body cleansing program, rock climbing walls, crossfit classes, muay thai gym, weight training room, yoga, and a tennis court. You can come here for a few days and come back looking totally different!

The First Step Is The Hardest

It doesn’t really matter where you go to. As long as you have the determination to train in Thailand, then you will have a good time.

Thai people are friendly and Muay Thai fighters are especially so. They’ll be happy to share with you their knowledge and experience.

Soon enough you’ll be looking fit and have the deadly skills to defend yourself. This skill will carry over in other areas in your life as you carry yourself with newfound confidence.

You’ll return to your home country looking like a changed person, inside and out. Best of all, you’ll have done something only an uncommon few can say they’ve experienced, going to another country and learning their beloved national sport.