Hi, my team and I will be attending a conference in Pattaya next month near Fairtex center. My team is keen to try it out as total beginners who are looking to get a nice first time experience (learn how to punch, kick, knee, hit pads), so no sparring and clinching.

Would Fairtex be suitable for a nice first time experience? Or is there anywhere nearby that y'all would recommend? English speaking is definitely a plus, thank you!

Is an IDP (International Driving Diploma) required? I know legally it is. But.... Is it actually?!

Hey y'all

Just landed yesterday and am staying in Pattaya for a bit. I didn't bring any gloves or shinguards with me as I was hoping to pick up some new gear here. I'm exclusively looking for non-leather equipment. I went to the fairtex shop and fightgear on walking street yesterday but didn't have much luck. I'm thinking to go check at the other fairtex location next to their gym and also at woody Muay Thai but thought I might ask if any of y'all have any recommendations. I'd love to get some showy colorful stuff but if the options are limited, I understand. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a lovely day.

Hi. I’m not a fighter, I’ve been training MMA in my home country for almost 4 years and I’m coming to Bangkok for work and visiting the country, but I would like to keep my fitness and learn by the best, so I’m looking for a MMA or Muay Thai gym to train while I’m here. I’ll be staying in the Bangkok noi district for the whole month of August and I’ll conduct medical research at siriraj hospital, so I’d rather have a gym nearby. The ones I found are petchyindee and Valhalla MMA, but I couldn’t find prices for those two. Any suggestions? I will only be able to train in the afternoon and definitely not everyday since I wanna visit Thailand and enjoy my trip too. I want a chill place but not touristy and expensive

I’ve decided I want to take the next chapter of my life and train and fight in Thailand , I’m 20 years old and I’m not getting any younger , I’ve been training in the UK for 2 years now having a few fights and wanting to peruse a career in Thailand

I just have a question for all of you that’s managed too , what have you sorted for income ? I’m ready to leave my family and give up my job here in the UK that’s got a really good future for me for this.

I just need a way to survive out there and being able to afford things. Any advice would be appreciated

Been training 6 days a week consistently for 6 months but the gym I’m at currently isn’t pushing for me to fight because they prioritize Thai One Championship and RWS fighters so feels like I’m just training endlessly trying to prove myself. (In Bangkok). Should I stay in Bangkok and keep waiting for opportunity or head to Phuket, Pattaya or maybe chaing mai where it’s easier to match foreigners for their first fight? Have about 2 weeks to decide my next move any advice would help. Background is 10 years in western boxing, 7 months Muay Thai. 5’9 77kg

Hi, I’m gonna be in Bangkok for the entire month of August 2026 to do medical research, and since I’m very active in my home country sports wise, I’m looking to keep my fitness there as well. To give some context, here I practice MMA 3 times a week and weights+calisthenics 3 times a week. Since I’m gonna be in Thailand I figured it would be a good idea to do 1 month of Muay Thai and try to fit in the resistance work if I’m not too busy or tired. I need suggestions for good Muay Thai (or even MMA) gyms that meet these criteria:
- accept foreigners
- clean with good hygiene and well kept
- good reputation and training/sparring etiquette
- not crazy expensive*
- not mandatory: trainers that speak a bit of English.
* I’m referring to those popular/trendy Thai gyms where foreigners all around the world go for training camps and that are well known to shoot crazy prices, some with good reason (former champions as trainers etc…), some just because they know that the foreigners will pay a lot to do Muay THAI in THAIland, if you know what I mean, like chasing the clout. Add as many details of the gym as you can please, especially if they don’t have a website where they show the prices, training hours sessions etc…
Thank you

PS: I’ll be staying in the Bangkok noi district and I’ll conduct medical research at siriraj hospital, so I’d rather have a gym nearby. The ones I found are petchyindee and Valhalla MMA, but I couldn’t find prices for those two. Any suggestions?

Looking to train in Thailand to do Muay Thai for 2 months I train mma and BJJ but looking to upgrade my striking. Heard on YouTube that phukets the best place to train. For people who have been what’s the best place to train and how much will it cost to use nice facilities and have good accommodation. Any help would be appreciated

Going thru the planning phase atm, but will be going to Thailand for 3 weeks in November so far just have the days off at work no flight or anything bought yet. I’m a 29yo male planning to train Muay Thai there got about a year of experience but I do it as a hobby on and off, but got a a lot of love for it. What do you guys suggested for travels, gyms to look into this is my first time solo tripping as well, flights at the moment are over the roof as well I need a lot of info about everything tbh. What gyms to look into my budget is fairly decent as well any tips or advice on travels, where to stay, what gyms to look into.

Planning to visit Thailand with my husband and really want to train in a women’s Muay Thai space. Really appreciate any pointers on gyms that either have regular women’s only classes or women’s Muay Thai gyms if they exist! My husband doesn’t train so anything that’s in a good area for him to sightsee or lay on the beach while I’m in the gym. I’m basing our entire trip on the gym so really appreciate any advice or recommendations 🙂 we will also be travelling within the country but most like 2 cities in two weeks. Thanks!!

TL;DR: Out-of-shape office worker with some old hobbyist experience looking for a beginner-friendly gym in Phuket for a 1-week "trial run" retreat. Need a beginner-friendly gym, patient coaches, a social vibe, accommodation, and walkable access to amazing local food.

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a 1-week trip to Phuket. I’m treating this like an active retreat—my main goals are to train Muay Thai, eat incredible food, and use this to kickstart getting back into shape. If this week goes well, I might come back for a much longer, dedicated camp later down the road.

I’d love your advice on gyms, areas to stay, and pacing myself! I’ve been reading through old Reddit posts to do my homework, but I'm hoping to get some fresh advice for my specific situation!

My Background:

• Experience: Did Karate and BJJ plus a few Muay Thai sessions years ago. I’m essentially a beginner at MT but I really enjoy martial arts.
• Current Fitness: I am currently a Master of the Sitting Arts. I’ve been working an office job for the last 3 years. I stay active and train at the gym often, but I'm not in the best shape and lacking my old flexibility - mostly limited to reaching for the coffee mug.
• Weather Tolerance: I live in the Middle East, so I am very used to intense hot weather (though I know Thai humidity hits differently!).
• Language: Fluent in English, zero Thai.

What I’m Looking For:

• The Vibe & Accommodation: I want a beginner-friendly gym with patient instructors to help rebuild my flexibility. I also enjoy socialising, so a welcoming community where it’s easy to chat with people and probably grab food after class would be a great plus, but not the entire focus.
• The Schedule: My ambitious goal is to train 2 sessions a day (morning and afternoon), but I’m open to reality checks if you think that’s a bad idea for an office worker adjusting to the Thai heat!
• Exploration & Food: I love traveling and trying different cuisines. Between sessions, my ideal downtime is using Google Maps and reviews to walk around the neighbourhood, check out local spots, street food carts, and markets. I'd love an area with a good mix of authentic local life and amazing food.

My Questions:

1. Which gym/area hits that sweet spot of beginner-friendly training, a welcoming community, and walkable local food? - I’ve heard of places like Tiger in Chalong, Bangtao, and Sinbi in Rawai, but I’m not sure which fits best. Also, for getting my own private space, do you recommend staying on-site at the gym or booking a nearby hotel?
2. For those who have done a "trial run" week before committing to a longer camp, any tips on pacing myself?
3. Any specific must-eat spots or night markets near your recommended gym? (Local recommendations are hugely helpful!)

I must be missing something…

Many people come to Thailand to train on the ED Muay Thai visa. However, my understanding is that this visa does not allow you to work in Thailand and fighting professionally (which is almost every fight you can find) counts as working.

Am I misunderstanding something? It seems like this visa is just set up for people to commit visa violations. I know most or all people wouldn’t be caught, but it just seems like a strange system.

i will be landing in phuket on 23rd for a "training vacation" means 1x a day for 6x a week.

i will be staying in surin area. i am a 35yo guy i love combat sports and i was always very fascinated about muay thai. did some time learning basics in my country and now i will be spending few weeks or months training in thailand.

now i cannot be a fighter or anything i just learn different combat sports because they are very interesting to me. i guess this post is nothing but my excitement for this lol

staying in phuket for maybe 3-5 months are there any good mauy thai gyms near kathu area that are not 7k baht or more, fighting gyms felt cheaper in uk ahah, dont need accommodation just gym

I’m heading to Phuket alone in early June for a vacation and want to try proper Muay Thai while I’m there. I’m a complete beginner (decently fit, mid-20s male, but zero striking experience besides Kickboxing and Karate). I’ll only have about 5 days, so I don’t want to turn the whole trip into an intense training camp just mix in some good sessions with beach time, food, and relaxation.

TL;DR: Solo vacation in Phuket early June, mid-20s male complete beginner looking for 5 days of Muay Thai training. Need gym recommendations, realistic expectations, and tips to balance training with vacation.

Quick info:

• Complete beginner
• Solo male, mid-20s
• 5 days in early June (hot + start of rainy season)
• Flexible on location (Chalong / Kata / Karon etc)

Questions:

1. Best gyms for short-term beginners who are mainly on vacation? (Tiger Muay Thai, Sinbi, Phuket Fight Club, Sumalee, Yak Yai, etc.)
2. Better to do drop-in classes or a short 5-day package?
3. What should I realistically expect in 5 days as a total newbie? How many sessions per day recommended?
4. Gear — what should I bring vs buy/rent there? Should I get my gloves with me instead(Hayabusa)
5. How does early June weather affect training?
6. Tips for balancing training with vacation (recovery, food, best areas to stay, etc.)?
7. Any gyms to avoid or absolute must-try?

Would really appreciate recent experiences from 2025-2026. Excited to try Muay Thai but want to keep it fun and not get wrecked.

Thanks in advance! 🙏

I’m a casual muay thai trainee. I take evening classes. It ends at 6 pm. Showering up and meal takes it to 7. After that I do not know what to do. Ive gone around on rides and markets. But i feel jobless after my training. Any activity or interesting i can do post 7 pm? For example I like playing chess (below average 630 elo in 3 min blitz) is there a chess club or something where i can go chill and play with strangers? Or group painting classes and stuff? Or anything that u like doing thats doable post 7 pm please let me know! I’m staying on fight street.

I went to Chiang Mai last November alone for some *super casual* training. I had pre paid a whole intensive week of training with accom in a remote gym. Got there, freaked out as reality hit, I was feeling super unwell, I ditched the training camp and stayed in the city centre, and went to just 2 classes. I feel disappointed in myself, I really couldn't handle it at the time. My MH was bad and thailand was overwhelming.

November was good weather for chiang mai. But at the same time there was flooding in Phuket areas and a bit in bangkok.

I'm now planning to go back, I haven't stopped thinking about it. I don't need to have a fight, but want to do more training.

I want to try a different part of Thailand to train - maybe Koh Samui as I know people who've gone there for training. What do you recommend? And what months do you find best weather wise/ business wise in Thailand? How can I prepare better this time around?

I'm looking for a good camp to have some fights and train for a month straight. Silk Muay Thai has a good package including food (which is really important to be included in the package). I'll be going for the first time in June. Anyone know any good packages in any camp?