Bangkok is one of the best places in the world to learn Muay Thai kickboxing. The best fighters, the most experienced trainers and the most intense camps can be found here. Learning down in Phuket or Samui indeed has the advantages of beaches and nature, but if you are set on getting the best coaching then Bangkok is the place to be.

Some people want to learn Muay Thai in Bangkok to gain fitness, while others come here with years of fighting experience and are looking to hone their kicking and grappling skills. The iconic ‘Art of Eight Limbs' is brutal but extremely rewarding – not to mention it's just about the best cardio exercise you can do for trimming down and getting in shape. There are so many Muay Thai fight camps in Bangkok, it can be difficult to find the right one for you so we have compiled some of the best gyms in the city so you can do just that.

  • 1

    Luktupfah Muay Thai Camp

    On Nut (Lower Sukhumvit)

    Luktupfah Muay Thai Camp
    • Adventure

    Luktupfah Muay Thai Camp is quite far from Bangkok city center, but this has the added benefit of keeping temptation at arm's length so you can focus on training. The trainers and staff are among the friendliest in Bangkok and with many live-in students, the vibe is communal and fun. In the past, Luktupfah Muay Thai has welcomed Lebanese Special Forces, the Vietnamese National Boxing Team, and many government-sponsored groups. Several of the trainers were national Muay Thai champions. They speak basic English as well.

    Location: 15 On Nut 65 Alley, Lane 8, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 6.30 am to 7.30 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +66 (0)86 101 4701

    Map
  • 2

    Jitti Gym

    Ratchada

    Jitti Gym
    • Adventure

    Jitti Gym has ex-stadium fighters and champions providing quality training for beginners and professionals. It was founded in 1991, with many expats and long-term visitors training at Jitti thanks to its location in a residential area of Bangkok and excellent track record of champion kickboxers. The Muay Thai gym is next to the Ratchadaphisek MRT Underground Station.

    Location: 5 Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit 16, Ratchadaphisek, Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 9 pm, Sunday from 2 pm to 9 pm

    Phone: +66 (0)95 534 5980

    Map
  • 3

    Master Toddy’s Muay Thai Academy

    Bearing - Sukhumvit

    Master Toddy’s Muay Thai Academy
    • Adventure

    Master Toddy’s Muay Thai Academy has earned many distinctions, which separates it from many fight camps in Bangkok. It's most famous thanks to the legendary status of Grand Master Toddy himself (Thohsaphon Sitiwatjana), who has been labeled ‘The Father of Muay Thai’ in England. He’s also renowned among the MMA community for training legends of the sport, including Randy Couture, Bob Sapp and Tito Ortiz.

    Location: 55/103-109 Sukhumvit 107, Soi Bearing 22, Bearing, Bangkok 10270, Thailand

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 7.30 am to 9.30 am and from 4 pm to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +66 (0)2 743 3372

    Map
  • 4

    Meenayothin Muay Thai Gym

    Pahon Yothin (North Bangkok)

    Meenayothin Muay Thai Gym
    • Adventure

    Meenayothin Gym has several prominent Thai champions training and living in the gym. Located inside the grounds of Kasetsart University, this camp is in the far north of Bangkok, near Don Mueang Domestic Airport. The large space allows for plenty of kick bags and a sparring ring, though the real reason to come here is the high-level coaching you’ll receive from English-speaking motorcoach bus, Yod, and his team of professionals, one of whom coached the Thailand Olympic western boxing team.

    Location: Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

    Open: Daily from 6.30 am to 9 am and from 3 pm to 7 pm

    Phone: +66 (0)99 883 3257

    Map
  • 5

    Legend Thai Boxing

    Silom

    Legend Thai Boxing
    • Adventure

    Legend Thai Boxing is a fancy Muay Thai kickboxing gym in Silom, with sessions designed for those interested in learning about the sport and staying in shape rather than getting ready for a serious fight in the ring. Gym sessions are fun, but you will no doubt be left sweating and panting for breath after being put through your paces by the experienced Thai instructors.

    Location: 66 Soi Sathon 6, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

    Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 10 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 8.30 pm

    Phone: +66 (0)2 632 1881

    Map
  • 6

    Bangkok Fight Lab

    Prakanong (Lower Sukhumvit)

    • Adventure

    Bangkok Fight Lab is a multi-disciplinary martial arts gym about 550 meters southwest of the On Nut BTS Station. With a boxing ring and an MMA cage, it offers courses on Muay Thai, boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and wrestling. Trainers are of varied nationalities and are highly specialized in their particular martial art. Sessions focus on a lot of ring time for attaining correct technique. Children’s group sessions are available. There’s also a vegan café on the top floor, where you can enjoy a wide range of meatless meals with views of the gym below.

    Location: 137 Soi Sukhumvit 50, Prakanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

    Open: Monday–Friday from 7 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +66 (0)2 013 1087

    Map
  • 7

    RSM Academy

    Sukhumvit

    • Adventure

    RSM Academy is a Muay Thai gym that caters to middle-class professionals looking to keep fit. It also offers classes for beginners who want step-by-step instructions on stretching, warming up, and basic techniques. The crowd here is very mixed, with Thais and foreigners, males and females, experienced Muay Thai fighters and novices. RSM Academy is on the 2nd floor of Jasmine City Building, about 250 meters southeast of the Asok BTS Skytrain Station.

    Location: 2nd Floor, Jasmine City, Sukhumvit 23, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +66 (0)2 661 6292

    Map
Paul Smith | Compulsive Traveler