Chiang Mai Thai Kick Boxing
Train in Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, from beginner drop-in classes to serious training camps.
Chiang Mai is one of the best places in Thailand to train in Muay Thai, the country’s national sport and martial art. Gyms across the city welcome everyone from curious beginners to dedicated fighters, offering drop-in classes and longer training camps under experienced coaches.
As well as learning to spar, students get a serious workout and a window into a proud Thai tradition, and you can catch a live stadium fight most nights of the week.
Training at a Muay Thai Gym#
The sport of Muay Thai, or Thai kick boxing, holds a strong fascination for Western visitors because it differs so much from the boxing practised in Europe and the USA. Fighters go barefoot and use their feet, knees and elbows as much as their fists in the effort to overwhelm their opponent.
Some visitors simply want to witness a few bouts, which is an exciting experience in itself. Thai spectators scream encouragement for their favourite fighter, and the boxers perform ancient rituals to the sound of wailing traditional instruments before each fight.
There are several places to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai. Some venues near Tha Pae Gate and along Loi Kroh Road are geared toward tourists and pair the fights with a lively, informal atmosphere. For a more authentic, purist experience, head to the dedicated boxing stadium east of the city centre, where local fans pack the seats and the action is taken seriously.
Many visitors also fancy themselves as budding fighters, and if you would like to learn the skills involved you can train at one of the city’s many Muay Thai gyms. These welcome everyone from curious beginners to dedicated athletes, offering drop-in classes and longer training camps under experienced coaches. As well as learning to spar, students get a serious workout and a genuine window into a proud Thai tradition.