Their veins bulged, popping to the deep, guttural beat of the kicks and punches pounding against their flesh, their bodies beaten like drums. The last fighter’s purple swollen eye looked permanently seared together—sweat, blood, tears, spit pouring out in a puddle the color of watered down Kool Aid. This was my first time watching Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, and the fights were 100%, painfully real.
Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand, is a significant part of Thai culture. And Chiang Mai has some of the best Muay Thai camps in Thailand, with many notable fighters from the famed Lumpinee Stadium and Pinsinchai Gym in Bangkok coming to work as trainers. Thus, experiencing a live Chiang Mai Muay Thai fight is an essential part of Thailand nightlife you shouldn’t miss.
That’s why we’ve included watching Muay Thai in our Chiang Mai Itinerary (be sure to check out the full itinerary—it’s a banger).
We also highly recommend you refer to our free Chiang Mai travel guide before you visit—it has literally everything you need to know to visit this northern Thai city.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Muay Thai boxing.
The combat sport of Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is distinct from boxing. In fact, we’ll compare Muay Thai vs boxing in this post, as well as Muay Thai vs kickboxing, and Muay Thai gloves vs boxing gloves.
We will also go into where to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai: the top Muay Thai stadiums in Chiang Mai to get up close and personal with a live fight.
And finally, we’ll list the best Muay Thai camps in Chiang Mai so that you, too, can learn the art of 8 limbs for yourself.
Before You Go
- Arrange pickup from Chiang Mai Airport
- Read our guide on how to score the cheapest flights
- Book your train or flight to Chiang Mai
- Search for discounted hotel stay or vacation rental
- Protect your travel plans with trip insurance
- Check phone plan for international data or get a SIM card for Thailand
- Consider renting a car in Chiang Mai
- Review our carry-on packing list
- Learn everything you need to know about traveling through airport security
- Pack the right travel cameras and comfortable travel clothes
Contents
- Muay Thai Boxing
- Muay Thai Written in Thai
- Muay Thai vs. Boxing
- Muay Thai vs. Kick Boxing
- Muay Thai in Chiang Mai
- Where to Watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai
- Where to Learn Muay Thai in Chiang Mai
- Plan Your Thailand Trip
- Like this post?
- You Might Also Appreciate…
- Which Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai would you train at?
Muay Thai Boxing
Muay Thai boxing is a traditional Thai martial art often considered the “art of eight limbs,” as it weaves together a blended use of every part of the body, including fists, limbs, elbows, knees, and even shins.
The national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai dates at least as far back to the 16th century, when it was used both in practical fighting for warfare and in sport for entertainment.
In fact, there’s an interesting tale that marks this moment in history for Muay Thai.
As the story goes, Nai Khanomtom, one of the best Muay Thai fighters in the world, was captured by soldiers of the Non Baung dynasty in the 16th century. He could be released, the soldiers said, but on one condition: he had to free himself relying solely on his mastery of Muay Thai.
With unbelievable strength and skill, Nai Khanomtom blew away the soldiers with his fighting. The fighter secured his spot in the books as a hero and famous Muay Thai fighter, and Muay Thai would continue to play an important role in Thailand’s cultural core ever since.
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Muay Thai Written in Thai
It can be helpful to know how to write Muay Thai in Thai in case you need to show it to a local to help you arrive at your stadium or Muay Thai camp in Chiang Mai.
Muay Thai written in Thai is มวยไทย
A Muay Thai fighter is called nak muay, or นักมวย
📱Hot Tip: take a screen cap of the Thai names on your phone so you can show locals for help finding stadiums or camps
Later in our Chiang Mai Muay Thai Stadium section we’ve also made sure to include each stadium name in Thai writing as well, so you can show them to your local driver if you need.
Clinch work in Muay Thai
Muay Thai vs. Boxing
What is the difference between Muay Thai and boxing?
Whether you’re talking about Muay Thai or boxing, both offer intensive cardiovascular and endurance exercise. There’s no doubt about that. And while boxing reigns supreme in popularity across the world, Muay Thai takes the cake when it comes to versatility.
While boxing only uses fists, Muay Thai incorporates so much more of the body—fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
Another important distinction between Muay Thai and boxing is the use of clinch work, a method in which you hold your opponent while attacking, which is frowned upon in boxing.
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Muay Thai vs. Kick Boxing
What is the difference between Muay Thai and kick boxing?
Since both of these martial art forms incorporate kicks, Muay Thai and kick boxing have more in common than Muay Thai and boxing. There are definitely elements of kick boxing in Muay Thai. In fact, you could include Muay Thai under the umbrella term of “kickboxing.” However, there are still important distinctions.
When comparing Muay Thai vs. kick boxing, the main distinction we’ll go into is their different striking systems.
Muay Thai uses an 8-point striking system which incorporates kicks, punches, as well as knees, elbows, and upper body grappling.
On the other hand, kickboxing is a 4-point striking system that only uses kicks and punches.
Watching a Muay Thai fight is a different experience than watching a standard kickboxing fight. You’ll notice far more circling and weaving in boxing than in Muay Thai, as Muay Thai training is based more on a philosophy of patience and waiting for an opportunity to attack your opponent. If you get the chance to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, notice how counterattacks play an important role in a Muay Thai fight.
Muay Thai Gloves vs. Boxing Gloves
Did you know that Muay Thai fighters used to wrap hemp ropes around their hands and forearms?
And before that, they were bare fisted! Pretty gnarly, right?! Interestingly, boxing gloves weren’t introduced into Muay Thai until the 1920s, but are now universally adapted as part of Thai boxing.
Still, the gloves used in Muay Thai are different than traditional boxing gloves. As we continue distinguishing between the Thai martial art of Muay Thai and the more familiar western styles, let’s take a look at the difference between Muay Thai gloves vs boxing gloves.
🥊 While the differences between Muay Thai gloves vs boxing gloves might not be noticeable to the casual observer, there are two main differences: the padding and the palm design.
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Different Padding
The first main difference when comparing Muay Thai gloves vs boxing gloves is the padding.
Muay Thai gloves have padding evenly distributed throughout the glove, whereas traditional boxing globes concentrate their padding around the knuckles. This has to do with the different rules regarding the different fighting styles.
Since boxing only allows punches, it makes sense that the majority of the padding would be concentrated in the knuckle areas.
Conversely, the Thai martial art of Muay Thai includes a bevy of motions of all kinds that require blocking using various parts of the hand. Therefore padding is needed across the glove.
Different Palm Design
The second difference when comparing Muay Thai gloves vs boxing gloves is the palm design—that is, the structure of the glove itself.
As you might suspect, traditional boxing gloves are more rigid and designed to easily keep the hand in a tightly closed fist.
Alternatively, the more dynamic moves permitted in Muay Thai require a more flexible glove. As we’ve gone over earlier, the clinch work frowned upon in traditional boxing is fair game in Muay Thai, begging for a glove that has more flexibility and grip strength to be able to catch and hold kicks.
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Muay Thai Boxing Shorts
Muay Thai boxing shorts are cut for kicking and fighting and can be readily found around tourist markets in Chiang Mai, such as the Night Bazaar.
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Muay Thai in Chiang Mai
Now that we respect and are educated on the martial art of Muay Thai, let’s delve into:
- where you can watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai,
- and where you can train to learn Muay Thai in Chiang Mai for yourself.
Muay Thai fight at Thaphae Boxing Stadium
Where to Watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai
A Chiang Mai Muay Thai fight is an integral part of Thailand nightlife that you shouldn’t miss out on. After all, Muay Thai is one of the things Thailand is famous for!
If you’re looking to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai for yourself, here are the stadiums you can choose from:
- Thaphae Boxing Stadium
- Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium
- Anusarn Boxing Stadium
- and Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium
Thapae Boxing Stadium
Conveniently located near one of the most well-known landmarks of Chiang Mai, the Thapae Gate, this stadium is one of the most popular to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
You can catch Muay Thai fights here every day except Sunday, from 9 PM to 12 AM.
A show will typically include 6 or so matches, starting with beginners and evolving more into the heavier weight fights.
Ticket Costs
You can buy tickets at the door or online for a discount.
If you purchase at the stadium, prices are:
- Standard 500 baht (Approx. USD $16.13)
- Ringside 800 baht (Approx. USD $21.87)
- VIP 1500 baht, with unlimited drinks inside private access AC room (Approx. USD $41.01)
If you purchase online at the discounted rate, prices are:
- Grandstand 377 baht (Approx. USD $10.30)
- Ringside 589 baht (Approx. USD $16.10)
- VIP Seat 1,207 baht (Approx. USD $33)
Location
Easily accessible from Old City and the Thapae Gate, the Thapae Boxing Stadium is popular with farangs, or foreigners. Still, you’ll find tons of Thai people in the audience as well. Be sure to book your ticket ahead of time to save money.
Address
Thapae Boxing Stadium สนามมวยท่าแพ
1 Mun Mueang Rd,
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium
The Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium is the first and only fully-indoor Muay Thai stadium in Chiang Mai, with Muay Thai fights every day (except Sunday), from 9 PM to 12 AM.
The Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium is newer and more geared for professional fighting that the other stadiums on this list. You can sometimes see some of the best Muay Thai fighters in the world here, with fighters coming from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, the most prominent Muay Thai stadium in the world.
A show here will typically be defined by 6 bouts of matches, starting with beginner fighters and developing into the heavier weights.
Ticket Costs
You can purchase tickets at the door or online for a discounted rate.
If you purchase at the stadium, prices are:
- Grandstand (standard) 600 baht (Approx. USD $16.40)
- Ringside 1000 baht (Approx. USD $27.34)
- VIP 1500 baht, with unlimited drinks, free snacks, and photo op with the boxers inside the ring (Approx. USD $41.01)
If you purchase online at the discounted rate, prices are:
- Grandstand 590 baht (Approx. USD $16.13)
- Ringside 990 baht (Approx. USD $27.07)
- VIP Seat 1,290 baht (Approx. USD $35.27)
Location
You’ll find the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium in the Santitham area, only 1km to the north of the Chiang Mai Old City’s Chang Phueak Gate.
Address
Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium สนามมวยเชียงใหม่
177 Chang Phueak Rd.,
Sri-Phum, Mueang, Chiang Mai, 50200
Anusarn Boxing Stadium
You’ll find the Anusarn Boxing Stadium inside the Anusarn Night Market at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, in the midst of bars, restaurants and vendors, and very close to the Chiang Mai Cabaret.
Fights are on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from 9PM to 12AM, and Friday from 8PM to 12am.
With its location so close to the Night Bazaar, Anusarn is a poppin’ spot for Thailand nightlife. You can easily grabs some drinks and street food, then head to the outdoor stadium to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai.
This open-air mini arena is an intimate spot to catch a Muay Thai fight while sitting on one of the plastic chairs framing the ring.
Ticket Costs
Tickets cost 500 baht (Approx. USD $13.67).
There is only one ticket class, as this is a very small venue for watching Muay Thai in Chiang Mai.
Location
You’ll find the Anusarn Boxing Stadium in the Anusarn Night Market right off the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Address
Anusarn Boxing Stadium สนามมวยอนุสรณ์
Changklan Rd,
Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
Tel. 091-075 0564
Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium
Flanked by bars and in a bustling area for Thailand nightlife, this stadium carries more of a bar-like atmosphere than the other stadiums to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai.
Shows are irregular, but take place Tuesday to Saturday, 8:45PM to 12AM.
The Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium is also a Chiang Mai Muay Thai camp to learn Muay Thai in Thailand. In the next section, we’ll introduce you to more Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai where you can learn Muay Thai boxing for self-defense.
Ticket Costs
You can buy tickets at the door.
Prices are:
- Standard 400 baht (Approx. USD $10.94)
- VIP 600 baht (Approx. USD $16.40)
Location
You’ll find Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium in Chiang Mai’s red-light district on Loi Kroh Road near the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Address
Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium สนามมวยลอยเคราะห์
96 98 Loi Kroh Rd Lane 3,
Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
Where to Learn Muay Thai in Chiang Mai
Whether you want to learn Muay Thai boxing for self-defense or for building strength and working on your health, these are some of the best Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai to become a master of the martial art.
Keep in mind there are hundreds of places to learn Muay Thai in Thailand, so we’ve worked to keep our list narrowed down to not overload you. Essentially, this is what we look for in a Chiang Mai Muay Thai camp: quality training, professional, and a good reputation.
I’m sure you could find a high-quality Chiang Mai Muay Thai gym not on this list, but these are the stand out Muay Thai camps in Chiang Mai that have maintained consistent reputations.
If you’re all fired up from watching Muay Thai in Chiang Mai and want to learn Muay Thai in Thailand for yourself, here’s our list for the best Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai!
Best Muay Thai Camps in Chiang Mai
Train at a Chiang Mai Muay Thai gym on this list to become a practitioner of this Thai martial art yourself.
Santai Muay Thai
Santai Muay Thai has a reputation as the best Chiang Mai Muay Thai gym in its professionalism and the quality of its training, which has led several fighters to win championships.
Cost: 300 baht/session, 3000 baht/week, 10,000 baht/month
Telephone: +66 82 528 6059
Email: info@santaimuaythai.com
Team Quest Thailand
Team Quest Thailands offers a breadth of training, including Muay Thai, as well as MMA and Grappling.
https://teamquestthailand.com/
Cost: 300 baht/session
Telephone: +66 86 091 1536
Email: teamquestthailand@gmail.com
Lanna Muay Thai Gym (Kiatbusaba)
Once a home to some of the best Muay Thai fighters in the world, such as JR and Kunlun, the Lanna Muay Thai Gym is one of the foundational gyms for Muay Thai in Chiang Mai.
We love how Lanna Muay Thai Gym has a women-only class on Saturdays!
Cost: 350 baht/session, 500 baht/2 sessions a day, 8,800 baht/month for two-time training
Telephone: +66 65 218 2255
Email: boonlannamuaythai@gmail.com
Hong Thong Muay Thai
Started by twin brothers, this Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai combines the brothers’ fighting experience with their education in Sports Science and Physical Education. You’ll find it in Tasala near the Promenade Shopping Center.
https://www.facebook.com/muaythaigymhongthong/
Cost: They offer programs for once a day training or twice a day training. For once a day, prices range from 300 baht/day to 6,000 baht/month. For twice a day, prices range from 500 baht/day to 9,000 baht/month.
Telephone: +66 89 275 3188
Email: info@muaythaigymhongthong.com
SKP Muay Thai Gym
Focused on clinch training, this Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai is supervised by some of the best Muay Thai fighters in the world who fought in the famous Lumpinee Stadium. Trainers come from some of the most prominent Muay Thai camps in Thailand, such as Pinsinchai Gym in Bangkok.
Good for experienced fighters and beginners equally.
Cost: 9000 baht/month
Telephone: +66 91 481 2468
Email: skpmuaythai@gmail.com
Chiangmai Muay Thai Gym
This Muay Thai boxing gym is close to Chiang Mai’s Old City, and therefore attracts many foreigners. It’s great for beginners.
Check their Facebook (linked below) for schedule.
https://www.facebook.com/Chiangmai.Muay.Thai.Gym/
Cost: 400 baht/day for beginners class or 1000/day for private training.
Telephone: +66 95 915 7488
Email: s.thitithan@gmail.com
Plan Your Thailand Trip
Now that you’re an expert on Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, refer to our other valuable travel guides to help you plan the rest of your Thailand trip.
Expert Chiang Mai Travel Guide, Thailand
A city guide for Chiang Mai that outlines everything you need to know for visiting this northern Thailand city.
ULTIMATE 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary
A jam-packed Chiang Mai itinerary implementing all the top sights I’ve experienced from my many months spent living in and traveling around Chiang Mai.
Caring for the Elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Read our experience at the best ethical, non-riding Chiang Mai elephant experience in Thailand.
Luxury Hill-Tribe Eco-Lodge in Chiang Mai: A Review
Learn about our experience at the Lisu Lodge, an affordable luxury lodge run by members of the Lisu hill tribe.
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