Muay Thai Training in Thailand: 10 Best Camps for Beginners to Fighters (2026)

You do not need to be a fighter. You do not need to be fit. You do not even need to know what a roundhouse kick looks like. Every year, thousands of backpackers walk into Muay Thai camps across Thailand having never thrown a punch in their lives. They come out drenched in sweat, covered in bruises they are weirdly proud of, and hooked on the best workout they have ever done.

Muay Thai is Thailand's national sport — the "Art of Eight Limbs" that uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Training it where it was born is a bucket-list experience, and it is absurdly cheap. A full week of twice-daily sessions with professional trainers costs less than a single drop-in class at most Western boxing gyms. Whether you want a week of intense training, a month-long fitness camp, or just a single session to try something new, Thailand has a camp for you.

This guide covers everything: what to expect as a total beginner, what it costs, and the 10 best camps across four cities — compared side by side so you can pick the right one for your goals, budget, and travel plans.

What to Expect as a Complete Beginner

If the idea of walking into a Muay Thai gym makes you nervous, relax. Camps in Thailand are built for beginners. Trainers have taught thousands of people who have never fought before, and they are incredibly patient. Here is what a typical day looks like.

A Typical Training Session (2 Hours)

Most camps run two sessions per day: morning (7:00-9:00 AM) and afternoon (3:30-5:30 PM). You can do one or both. Here is what a single session looks like:

Warm-Up (20-30 minutes): Running, jump rope, shadow boxing, stretching. This alone will gas you out on day one. Do not worry about it.

Technique (20-30 minutes): Your trainer (called a kru) demonstrates strikes and combinations, then you drill them in the air or with a partner. You will learn the basics fast: jab, cross, hook, uppercut, roundhouse kick, knee strikes, teep (push kick), and simple combinations.

Pad Work (20-30 minutes): The highlight. Your trainer holds Thai pads while you throw combinations at full power. They call out combos, correct your form, and push your pace. This is where you feel like a fighter, even on day one.

Bag Work (15-20 minutes): Heavy bag rounds to practice what you learned. Hit the bag at your own pace and work on technique.

Clinch and Sparring (15-20 minutes, optional): Clinching is the close-range grappling unique to Muay Thai — knees and elbows from close distance. Sparring is always optional for beginners. No camp will force you to fight someone. If you want to try light sparring after a few days, just ask your trainer.

Cool-Down (10 minutes): Stretching, core work, and collapsing on the mat questioning your life choices. In the best way possible.

What You Will Learn in Your First Week

By the end of your first week (10 sessions), most beginners can throw a solid jab-cross combination, a respectable roundhouse kick, a basic teep, and a few three-to-four-strike combinations. You will not look like a fighter, but you will feel like one. More importantly, you will understand why people get addicted to this.

Fitness Level Needed: Any

There is no minimum fitness level. Seriously. Your first session will destroy you regardless of whether you run marathons or have not exercised in three years. The difference is that the marathon runner will recover faster. By day three, your body starts adapting. By week two, you feel like a different person.

Trainers adjust intensity based on your level. If you need a break, take a break. Nobody judges you. Everyone remembers their first session.

Cost Breakdown (2026 Prices)

Training Muay Thai in Thailand is one of the best fitness deals on earth. Here is what you will pay:

| Package | Price (THB) | Price (USD) | |---------|-------------|-------------| | Single drop-in session | 300-500 | $9-15 | | Weekly package (10 sessions) | 2,000-5,000 | $58-145 | | Monthly package (40+ sessions) | 6,000-15,000 | $170-430 | | Monthly + on-site accommodation | 10,000-25,000 | $285-715 | | Private 1-on-1 session | 800-1,500 | $23-43 |

For context: a single drop-in class at a Muay Thai gym in London, Sydney, or New York costs $20-40. A monthly membership runs $150-300 — and that is for maybe three sessions per week with no personal attention. In Thailand, a monthly package gets you two coached sessions per day, six days a week, often with 1-on-1 pad rounds included. It is 10 to 20 times cheaper for dramatically better training.

Budget tip: Monthly packages with accommodation are the best value. At 15,000 THB ($430) per month for training plus a private room, your daily cost for housing and world-class fitness training is about $14. That is less than a gym day pass in most Western cities.

Camp Comparison: 10 Best Muay Thai Camps in Thailand

Here is the overview. Scroll down for detailed breakdowns of each camp by city.

| Camp | City | Price/Week (THB) | Accommodation | Intensity | Group Size | Foreigner-Friendly | Best For | |------|------|-------------------|---------------|-----------|------------|--------------------|---------| | Lanna Muay Thai | Chiang Mai | 3,500 | Yes (on-site) | Beginner-Intermediate | 10-20 | 9/10 | All-round beginner experience | | Chiangmai Muay Thai (CMT) | Chiang Mai | 3,000 | Yes (nearby) | Intermediate-Advanced | 8-15 | 8/10 | Serious progression | | Santai Muay Thai | Chiang Mai | 4,000 | Yes (boutique) | Beginner-Intermediate | 5-10 | 10/10 | Women and smaller groups | | Yokkao Training Center | Bangkok | 5,000 | No | Intermediate-Advanced | 15-25 | 8/10 | Premium city training | | Elite Fight Club | Bangkok | 3,500 | No | Beginner-Intermediate | 10-20 | 9/10 | Beginners in Bangkok | | 13 Coins Muay Thai Gym | Bangkok | 2,000 | Yes (basic) | All levels | 5-15 | 6/10 | Budget authentic experience | | Tiger Muay Thai | Phuket | 4,000 | Yes (on-site) | All levels | 20-40 | 10/10 | Biggest variety, resort feel | | Rawai Muay Thai | Phuket | 3,500 | Yes (on-site) | Beginner-Intermediate | 8-15 | 9/10 | Personal attention, beach | | Sinbi Muay Thai | Phuket | 3,500 | Yes (on-site) | Intermediate-Fighter | 10-20 | 7/10 | Serious fighters | | Diamond Muay Thai | Koh Phangan | 3,500 | Yes (nearby) | Beginner-Intermediate | 5-12 | 9/10 | Island training vacation |

Chiang Mai Camps

Chiang Mai is the best city for backpackers who want to train Muay Thai. The cost of living is the lowest in Thailand, the food scene is incredible, and the vibe between sessions is relaxed. You can train hard in the morning, eat a 50-Baht khao soi for lunch, work from a cafe in the afternoon, and train again before dinner. The digital nomad scene also means you will meet other long-term travelers doing the same thing.

Lanna Muay Thai

The all-rounder. Lanna is the camp most backpackers end up at, and for good reason. It sits in a quiet area outside the Old City, has on-site accommodation (basic but clean fan rooms and air-con rooms), and trainers who genuinely enjoy teaching beginners. The facility has multiple rings, heavy bags, and a small weight area.

• Price: 3,500 THB/week, 10,000-12,000 THB/month
• Accommodation: Fan room from 4,000 THB/month, A/C from 6,000 THB/month
• Sessions: 2x daily (Mon-Sat), Sunday rest
• Group size: 10-20 per session
• Vibe: Welcoming, social, mixed levels
• Best for: First-timers who want a complete experience — training, accommodation, and a community of fellow travelers

Chiangmai Muay Thai Gym (CMT)

For those who want to progress. CMT attracts a slightly more serious crowd. The trainers push harder, the technique instruction goes deeper, and there is more emphasis on sparring and fight preparation. It is still beginner-friendly, but if you are planning to train for a month or more and want to see real improvement, CMT is a strong choice.

• Price: 3,000 THB/week, 8,000-10,000 THB/month
• Accommodation: Nearby guesthouses from 3,500 THB/month (camp can arrange)
• Sessions: 2x daily (Mon-Sat)
• Group size: 8-15 per session
• Vibe: Focused, disciplined, respectful
• Best for: Intermediate or committed beginners who want structured progression

Santai Muay Thai

The boutique option. Santai sits in a beautiful mountain-edge setting outside the city. It deliberately keeps groups small (5-10 people), which means more personal attention from trainers. It has become particularly popular with women and solo travelers who want a less intimidating environment. The facilities are newer and well-maintained, with a small pool and good accommodation.

• Price: 4,000 THB/week, 12,000-14,000 THB/month
• Accommodation: On-site bungalows from 5,000 THB/month
• Sessions: 2x daily (Mon-Sat)
• Group size: 5-10 per session
• Vibe: Intimate, supportive, scenic
• Best for: Women, solo travelers, anyone who prefers smaller groups and personal attention

Why Train in Chiang Mai

• Cheapest option overall: Lowest camp prices, cheapest food and accommodation in Thailand
• Best food in Thailand: Khao soi, sai oua, countless night markets — all under 60 THB per meal
• Relaxed between sessions: Temples, cafes, markets, and the Old City to explore on rest days
• Digital nomad scene: Great Wi-Fi, co-working spaces if you are working remotely while training
• Cool(er) season: November to February is genuinely pleasant (20-30 degrees Celsius), making outdoor training more bearable than Bangkok or Phuket

Bangkok Camps

Bangkok is where Muay Thai lives. The city has the biggest fight stadiums (Lumpinee and Rajadamnern), the deepest talent pool of trainers, and the most authentic training culture. If you are serious about the sport or want to experience the real fight scene — attending live bouts at Lumpinee is a must — Bangkok delivers. The tradeoff is heat, traffic, and higher accommodation costs outside the camps.

Yokkao Training Center

Premium training in the city. Yokkao is one of the most well-known Muay Thai brands globally, and their Bangkok training center lives up to the reputation. The facility is modern and air-conditioned (a big deal when it is 35 degrees outside), trainers include former stadium champions, and the equipment is top-tier. It is more expensive than most camps, but the quality shows.

• Price: 5,000 THB/week, 14,000-16,000 THB/month
• Accommodation: Not included (hostels and apartments nearby from 5,000 THB/month)
• Sessions: 2x daily plus additional classes (strength, conditioning, yoga)
• Group size: 15-25 per session
• Vibe: Professional, high-energy, brand-conscious
• Best for: Intermediate students wanting world-class instruction, or anyone willing to pay more for premium facilities

Elite Fight Club

Beginner-friendly in central Bangkok. If you are staying in Bangkok for a few days and want to try Muay Thai without committing to a residential camp, Elite Fight Club is an excellent choice. It is centrally located, trainers speak good English, and the atmosphere is designed to make newcomers feel comfortable. Drop-in sessions are easy to arrange.

• Price: 3,500 THB/week, 10,000-12,000 THB/month
• Accommodation: Not included (Khao San Road hostels 10 minutes away)
• Sessions: 2x daily plus evening classes
• Group size: 10-20 per session
• Vibe: Friendly, accessible, mixed nationalities
• Best for: Beginners in Bangkok who want a welcoming introduction without leaving the city center

13 Coins Muay Thai Gym

Budget and authentic. This is as close to a traditional Thai gym as you will get while still being open to foreigners. The facilities are basic — concrete floor, tin roof, old bags — but the training is excellent and the price is unbeatable. You train alongside Thai fighters preparing for actual bouts. It is not polished, and the English is limited, but if you want the raw experience, this is it.

• Price: 2,000 THB/week, 6,000-7,000 THB/month
• Accommodation: Basic rooms available from 3,000 THB/month
• Sessions: 2x daily (Mon-Sat)
• Group size: 5-15 per session (varies widely)
• Vibe: No-frills, authentic, Thai fighters training next to you
• Best for: Budget travelers who want the real deal and do not mind basic facilities

Why Train in Bangkok

• Most authentic fight culture: Attend live fights at Lumpinee or Rajadamnern Stadium (tickets 1,000-2,000 THB)
• Legendary trainers: Many camp trainers are retired stadium champions
• Train-and-travel friendly: Drop-in sessions work well if you are just passing through
• Nightlife and food: Bangkok never sleeps, and the food options are endless
• Drawbacks: Brutal heat (35+ degrees year-round), traffic makes getting to camps a mission, and accommodation near camps can be pricier than Chiang Mai

Phuket Camps

Phuket has become the global hub for Muay Thai training, attracting fighters and fitness tourists from around the world. The camps here are the largest, the facilities the most modern, and the variety of training options the broadest. The bonus is obvious: you train in the morning and lie on the beach in the afternoon.

Tiger Muay Thai

The most famous camp in Thailand. Tiger Muay Thai in Chalong is the biggest and most well-known Muay Thai camp in the world. The facility is enormous: multiple rings, rows of heavy bags, a full strength and conditioning gym, a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and accommodation ranging from dorm rooms to private villas. They run 10 or more classes per day across Muay Thai, MMA, BJJ, boxing, CrossFit, and yoga.

• Price: 4,000 THB/week, 12,000-14,000 THB/month
• Accommodation: Dorms from 6,000 THB/month, private rooms from 10,000 THB/month (on-site)
• Sessions: 10+ classes daily across disciplines
• Group size: 20-40 per Muay Thai session (split by level)
• Vibe: International, high-energy, fitness-resort atmosphere
• Best for: Beginners who want the full experience — huge variety, social scene, resort-like amenities, and the confidence that comes with training at the most recognized name in the game

Tiger's size is both its strength and weakness. You get incredible facilities and variety, but individual attention can be limited in large group classes. Book a private session (1,000 THB) if you want focused coaching.

Rawai Muay Thai

Smaller, personal, and near the beach. Located in the quieter Rawai area at Phuket's southern tip, this camp offers a more intimate alternative to Tiger. Groups are smaller, trainers know your name by day two, and the beach is a five-minute motorbike ride away. The accommodation is clean and comfortable with a communal atmosphere that feels like a backpacker lodge.

• Price: 3,500 THB/week, 10,000-12,000 THB/month
• Accommodation: On-site rooms from 7,000 THB/month
• Sessions: 2x daily (Mon-Sat), plus optional clinch class
• Group size: 8-15 per session
• Vibe: Community-focused, personal, beachy
• Best for: Anyone who wants personal attention without the mega-camp experience, and easy beach access between sessions

Sinbi Muay Thai

For serious fighters. Sinbi is where you go if you want to compete. The camp has produced professional fighters and the training reflects that — harder sessions, more sparring, higher expectations. Beginners are welcome but should understand this is not a fitness holiday camp. If you are training for a fight or want to push yourself to a competitive level, Sinbi will get you there.

• Price: 3,500 THB/week, 10,000-12,000 THB/month
• Accommodation: On-site rooms from 6,000 THB/month
• Sessions: 2x daily (Mon-Sat), fight preparation available
• Group size: 10-20 per session
• Vibe: Serious, fight-focused, high standards
• Best for: Intermediate to advanced students, anyone training for a fight

Why Train in Phuket

• Beach recovery: Train in the morning, swim in the afternoon — Phuket has some of Thailand's best beaches
• Largest facilities: Tiger alone has more equipment than most gyms in any Western city
• Most variety: MMA, BJJ, CrossFit, yoga — often included in your Muay Thai package
• International community: Meet training partners from 50+ countries
• Drawbacks: More expensive than Chiang Mai or Bangkok (food, accommodation, transport), and the tourist-heavy atmosphere can feel less authentic

Koh Phangan

Diamond Muay Thai

Island training at its finest. If your vision of Muay Thai training includes palm trees, ocean breezes, and a beach five minutes from the gym, Diamond on Koh Phangan delivers exactly that. This is not a hardcore fighter camp — it is a training vacation. Sessions are quality but relaxed, the island setting is stunning, and you can combine morning training with afternoon beach time, yoga, and the island's famous party scene (or avoid it entirely — Koh Phangan has a quiet side too).

• Price: 3,500 THB/week, 10,000-12,000 THB/month
• Accommodation: Nearby bungalows from 5,000 THB/month (camp can arrange)
• Sessions: 2x daily (Mon-Sat)
• Group size: 5-12 per session
• Vibe: Laid-back, island vibes, social
• Best for: Travelers who want to combine training with island life, not commit to hardcore camp culture

Why Train on Koh Phangan

• Island paradise setting: Train surrounded by jungle and ocean
• Small groups: More personal attention than Phuket mega-camps
• Combine with travel: Easy to island-hop to Koh Tao (diving) or Koh Samui after
• Full Moon Party: If your timing lines up, the world-famous beach party is right there
• Drawbacks: Fewer camp options than other cities, more isolated, limited nightlife outside party nights

How to Choose the Right Camp

With 10 camps to pick from, here is a quick decision guide based on what you actually want:

"I have never trained before and want a fun, supportive introduction" Go to Tiger Muay Thai (Phuket) or Lanna Muay Thai (Chiang Mai). Both are built for beginners, have strong international communities, and make the first week as welcoming as possible. Tiger has bigger facilities; Lanna is cheaper and more intimate.

"I want serious training on a budget" Go to Chiang Mai — specifically CMT or Lanna. The lowest camp fees, cheapest cost of living, and excellent trainers. A full month of training plus accommodation plus food can come in under $600.

"I want to actually fight" Go to Sinbi Muay Thai (Phuket) or train in Bangkok at a camp connected to the stadium fight scene. These places take competition seriously and can arrange fights for you after adequate preparation.

"I am a woman and want a comfortable environment" Go to Santai Muay Thai (Chiang Mai). Every camp on this list welcomes women — Muay Thai in Thailand has no gender gatekeeping — but Santai deliberately creates a more female-friendly atmosphere with smaller groups and a boutique feel. Tiger Muay Thai also has a large female training community.

"I want to combine training with beach/island travel" Go to Koh Phangan (Diamond) or Phuket (Rawai). Train in the morning, beach in the afternoon. Koh Phangan is more relaxed; Phuket has more options.

"I only have a few days in Bangkok" Go to Elite Fight Club for a welcoming drop-in experience, or 13 Coins if you want the raw authentic vibe and do not mind basic facilities.

What to Pack for Muay Thai Training

Good news: you need almost nothing, and whatever you do need is cheaper to buy in Thailand.

Bring from Home

• Shorts and t-shirts: Any athletic wear works for your first sessions. You do not need Muay Thai shorts on day one.
• Hand wraps: You can buy these in Thailand for 150-200 THB, but if you already own a pair, bring them. Your hands will thank you.
• Mouth guard: Buy your own fitted mouth guard before you go if you think you might spar. Thai ones are generic and uncomfortable. A boil-and-bite guard from home costs $10-15 and fits properly.
• Flip-flops/sandals: For walking to and from the gym. You train barefoot.

Buy in Thailand

• Muay Thai shorts: 200-400 THB ($6-12) at markets and shops near any camp. They are cheaper, more authentic, and come in better designs than anything online.
• Boxing gloves: Rent from the camp first (50-100 THB/day) to try different sizes. If you are staying more than two weeks, buy a pair — 800-2,000 THB for Fairtex or Twins brand, which are high-quality Thai-made gloves that cost double or triple overseas.
• Shin guards: 500-1,000 THB if you plan to spar. Not needed for beginners in the first week.
• Tiger Balm/liniment oil: 50-100 THB at any 7-Eleven. You will need it after day one. Your shins will hate you.

Skip Entirely

• Heavy boxing gloves from home: They take up half your backpack and Thai gloves are better and cheaper
• Fancy gym gear: Nobody cares what you wear. Sweaty t-shirts and cheap shorts are the uniform.
• Pre-workout supplements: Thai iced coffee from a street stall (25 THB) works just as well

Cultural Notes: Respect the Art

Muay Thai is not just a sport in Thailand — it is a deep cultural tradition with centuries of history. Training at a Thai camp comes with a few unwritten rules:

Wai when entering and leaving the ring. The wai is the traditional Thai greeting — palms pressed together, slight bow. Do it every time you step into and out of the ring. It shows respect for the ring, the sport, and your trainers.

Listen to your kru. Your trainer (kru) knows more than you. If they correct your technique, do not argue or explain — just adjust. Thai trainers often teach through demonstration rather than lengthy verbal instruction. Watch, copy, repeat.

Do not point your feet at people. Feet are considered the lowest, dirtiest part of the body in Thai culture. Do not point them at your trainer, do not step over equipment or people sitting on the floor, and do not put your feet up on the ring ropes.

Tip your trainer. If a trainer gave you personal attention during a group class or held pads for you one-on-one, a tip of 200-500 THB is appreciated and appropriate. This is not mandatory, but trainers are often paid modest wages and tips make a real difference. At the end of a week or month of training, a larger tip (500-1,000 THB) for your primary trainer is a kind gesture.

Do not touch anyone's head. The head is the highest and most sacred part of the body. Even in a training context, do not casually touch or pat someone on the head.

Show up on time. Sessions start at a set time. Showing up late disrupts the warm-up and disrespects the trainer's schedule. Be five minutes early.

Final Thoughts: Just Go Do It

The biggest mistake people make with Muay Thai in Thailand is overthinking it. They spend weeks researching camps, reading reviews, worrying about their fitness level, wondering if they are "the type" of person who does martial arts. Then they never go.

Here is the truth: every single person in that gym — every tattooed fighter, every toned regular, every intimidating-looking Thai trainer — started exactly where you are. Unfit. Uncertain. Unable to throw a proper kick. They showed up anyway. That is the only thing that matters.

Pick a camp. Book a week. Show up on day one, survive the warm-up, throw some terrible punches, get corrected, throw slightly less terrible punches, and collapse afterward with a huge grin on your face. By day three you will wonder why you waited so long. By the end of the week you will be extending your stay.

Muay Thai training in Thailand is not just a workout. It is one of the most memorable things you will do in this country — and in a country full of incredible experiences, that is saying something.

Related Guides

• Thailand Budget Breakdown: Daily Costs for Backpackers — Factor Muay Thai into your daily budget
• What to Wear in Thailand: Complete Packing Guide — Packing advice including gym gear