Men's Fitness Online

Looking to do some hard-core Thai Boxing? Want to learn with the pros in the land where it all began? Check out one of these 5 Thai Boxing Camps that will really kick your butt.

Thailand is where this contact sport started, so doesn’t it make sense to get your butt in shape and train in the land where it all started? It isn’t called Thai Boxing for nothing, and anyone that’s really serious about training should head to the ‘Land of Smiles’ to train in this discipline, which is known as the “art of eight limbs”. Muay Thai, as it is called in Thai, uses feet, knees, shins and fists in its techniques, with training being very specific to get your body ready for combat. It’s hard work, but the payoff is great, and it will really get you into shape. So if training where it all began is something that you dream about, check out one of these 5 Thai Boxing camps that will really kick your butt.

Tiger Muay Thai; Chalong, Phuket

One of the most recognised names in the country, Tiger Muay Thai is completely authentic, training everyone in the traditional Thai way. There is no watering down here. All trainers have been fighters themselves, and know exactly what it takes to be a top fighter. In fact, many of them have been, and today they are some of the best Muay Thai trainers in the world! Whether you are a beginner, at the intermediate level or a pro Thai Boxer, there is a program here for you. Plus, everyone that enrols in a Thai Boxing camp at Tiger Muay Thai gets their very own personal trainer, so you are guaranteed to learn the proper technique.

There are two training sessions each day, with each session lasting around 2.5 hours. In between, you are free to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Phuket. And you don’t even have to go far, as the camp is close to Chalong Beach and Panwa. Train for one week, one month or three months, staying at the accommodations of your choice. You can also purchase an entire package and stay right onsite in one of their cosy rooms. They have a variety of packages to suit all budgets, so you’re able to book something to suit your style and your needs. It’s a beach holiday that will also get you ready to fight like a pro.

Diamond Muay Thai; Nai Wok, Koh Phangan

You will find this gem of a Thai Boxing camp on the beautiful island of Koh Phangan. Diamond Muay Thai opened in 2011 and has since established itself as one of the top Thai Boxing camps in the country. No matter what your Muay Thai background is, the trainers here will take good care of you and ensure that you’re in top form by the time that you leave. In fact, most of them are former champions that understand what it takes to be a title-holding fighter, and they are great at passing this knowledge on to others, with the correct technique being a key focus. 

Be prepared for some pretty intense training that’s done is an amazing environment with the backdrop of the jungle and mountains. There are two training sessions a day; one at 8am and one at 4pm, lasting around two hours each. But don’t worry, everyone is trained at their own fitness level, so beginners don’t have to worry about being pushed beyond their limits. In between training you can walk to Nai Wok beach or to the island’s main town of Thong Sala, both of which are less than 5 minutes away. You can also take advantage of their yoga classes, TRX training, HIT work outs or kettle bell classes.

The Camp Muay Thai Resort and Academy; Hang Dong, Chiang Mai

If you prefer city life to beach life, than The Camp is a great choice. In fact, it’s the largest Muay Thai gym in Northern Thailand, boasting a 9,000 square foot training area that has a 50mm thick mat to support you while you train. Thai Boxing is intense, and here they want to make sure that you walk away with as little injuries as possible. So much so that they even have a warm up session to prepare you for each session and a cool down for after. Training sessions last anywhere from 90-150 minutes, depending on your level. They also have 22 various types of Fairtex heavy bags and a weight training area that has brand new machines at your disposal.

Train for one month, three months or even six months and learn how to fight like one of their pro trainers. Don’t have that much time? No problem, The Camp Muay Thai Resort and Academy also offers week long camps. And no matter how long you stay on, you can do as many as four training sessions per day. In between training sessions you will have the pleasure of touring around the ancient city and visiting its sights. You can also just relax in one of their rooms or on a cosy dorm bed.

Master Toddy’s Muay Thai Academy; Bearing, Bangkok

Speaking of city training, don’t miss the chance to train under Master Toddy; one of the most famous legends around. In fact, Grand Master Toddy has been pegged as the ‘Father of Muay Thai’ in England due to the fact that he trained famous Thai boxers Ronnie Green and Russ Williams. He’s also trained many MMA fighters, including Bob Sapp, Randy Couture, and Tito Oritz, and UFC champion Forrest Griffin. In short, this is THE place to train in Bangkok and Master Toddy is the man to see if you want to be a professional fighter.

There are two group training sessions every day; one at 7:30 am and another at 5pm. Both last two hours and are intense, but will make you strong and fight worthy. Come try it for a day, or stay for one, two, three or four weeks. It really is up to you. But the longer you stay and train with this renowned master, the better you will become at the art of Muay Thai. And he makes things easy by having clean, themed rooms right onsite. You can also stay anywhere off-site, as the camp is just a 15 minute walk away from BTS Bearing, or 5 minutes by motorbike taxi.

Kombat Group; Banglamung, Chonburi

Found just outside of Pattaya, Kombat Group is not run by a Thai champion, but an Italian one. Christian Daghio has won 145 Muay Thai fights, three MMA fights and 31 Professional Western Boxing matches all over the globe. His name is very well known, especially in these parts of Thailand where his camp has been going strong for years. It’s more than just a Muay Thai camp, but also a friendly place where like-minded people come to train. There are no big egos here, just trainers eager to teach and students that are ready to learn.

Even if you have never trained before you will feel right at home at Kombat Group and in its serene environment. Most people stay right at the camp in one of the private or shared accommodation options. Even families can stay, as there is a swimming pool for adults and a separate one just for the kids. They even have a Thai masseuse that can kneed those sore muscles after a day of training. Anyone staying here can also use the gym, take a yoga class or even learn Krav Maga techniques. They also offer Western boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and functional training classes. In short, this place will kick your butt and then some, but you will enjoy every minute of it.