Muay Thai has a nickname “Art of Eight Limbs” and is more than just a form of combat, it’s a part of the country’s culture, history, and discipline. For travelers this might be just a sport you’ve seen on TV before but once you step in Muay Thai gym to learn it yourself, it offers unique opportunity to experience Thai life, fitness, and spirituality firsthand.
Muay Thai origin: Its history traces back 700 years ago, during Sukhothai period as a combat technique for soldiers. They trained to fight in hand-to-hand combat using their fists, elbows, knees, and shins, that’s why it’s known as Art of Eight Limbs. In the 20th century Muay Thai changed from combat practice into a professional sport with official stadium, rules, and championships. Traditional Muay Thai matches are commonly started with the ceremonial Wai Kru Ram Muay, a pre-fight dance honoring teacher, ancestors, and the art itself and accompanied by classical music (Sarama). Muay Thai is not only about physical training but also discipline, respect, and patience.
You can learn Muay Thai at any province in Thailand, there will be Muay Thai gyms waiting for you. For example, in Bangkok the gym will give more modern and international vibe since there are a lot of foreigners training in the gym. Here are some popular gyms across Thailand that you can learn Muay Thai. Training price is usually around 600-1500 per session, the price will be higher if you decide to learn as a full week camp lesson.
- Sor Vorapin Gym (Bangkok)
- Santai Muay Thai Gym (Chiang Mai)
- Tiger Muay Thai (Phuket)
- Sinbi Muay Thai (Phuket)
What to Expect from a Muay Thai Class
- Warm-up: Jump rope, shadowboxing, and stretching.
- Technique Drills: Basic punches, kicks, knees, and elbows with detailed corrections.
- Pad Work: You’ll train one-on-one with a coach holding pads, improving power and timing.
- Bag Work & Sparring: Optional for beginners, but common in multi-day camps.
- Cool Down: Push-ups, sit-ups, and stretching to finish.
If you are not interested in training Muay Thai, watching a Live Muay Thai match is one of the most unforgettable cultural experiences in Thailand. Here are some of the best stadiums you can watch live Muay Thai matches.
1. Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok
One of the oldest Muay Thai stadiums in Thailand, at Rajadamnern Stadium there will be fights schedule four nights a week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday). The price depends on your seat, it can be from 1000-2500 THB and if you want full experience I suggest sitting near locals, you will hear them cheer and chant like they are fighting themselves.
2. Lumpinee Stadium
The most prestigious stadium runs by the Royal Thai Army, people believes that if fighter wins at this stadium, they’ll become a big-name fighter in a short time. But if they win the championship here their career will be at the top of the industry, the honor, the fame, and wealth will be largely increased after the big championship win at Lumpinee Stadium. There are fights on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday and the ticket price started at 1200- around 3000 THB.
3. Max Muay Thai Stadium
This is a modern and more international stadium; most matchups are international matches since the stadium is in Pattaya. There are more foreign audients than locals, that’s why they sometimes mix foreign fighters in a match. There are fights nearly every day so make sure you check the stadium’s website for information. The ticket price is around 800- 1,500 THB.
4. One Championship
This is not exactly the stadium, it’s like a promotor/show for Muay Thai matches. The ONE Championship is working like a big fighting sport league, there are divisions, male/female fighters, and not specifically for only Muay Thai. This is popular worldwide for the last few years, and big-name Muay Thai fighters participated in ONE Championship. They usually host the show at Lumpinee Stadium, but sometimes they move the show to Impact Arena Muang Thongtani or outside Thailand. If you miss the ticket, you can still buy their online Pay-Per-View service to watch the fight live anywhere.
Practical Tips for Watching Muay Thai
- Dress Comfortably: It gets warm inside stadiums.
- Photography: Allowed but avoid flashes during fights.
- Drinks & Snacks: Sold at most venues; some even allow beer.
- Respect Traditions: Remain quiet during the Wai Kru Ram Muay and stand if others do.
- Best Experience: Sit among locals instead of front-row VIP seats
Mauy Thai isn’t only offer travelers a physical training or entertainment, it’s provided culture, history, heart, and soul of the country, all within one sport. It’s what Thai people proud of, it’s one of the most famous sports in the world. Either experiencing it with training or enter a live Muay Thai event, gives you an unforgettable experience.