The FAQ of Traveling to Thailand for Muay Thai

No one really quite knows what to expect during their first journey to a foreign country. Even with the thousands of pages of information available online, every person’s experience is unique. There are, however, a list of general questions that virtually everyone is going to have before coming to Thailand. We’ve been asked by customers who are coming to Thailand the gamut of questions that are possible to ask from food, to accommodation, to etiquette, and more. Because of the repetitiveness, we’ve decided, why not address all of these questions in a central FAQ that we update constantly in order to inform everyone? If you want in-depth answers and questions specific to Bangkok, download our eBook “The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Thailand,” otherwise bookmark this page to keep updated. The links in this FAQ will help you find everything you’re looking for regarding Thailand Muay Thai. To search for something specific, CTRL + F on a Windows PC or CMD + F on a mac.

Bangkok

• What Gyms are in Bangkok?

Bangkok is considered by many as the capital of Muay Thai in the world, and is home to hundreds of the best fighters around. If you’re looking for a list of Muay Thai gyms in Bangkok, here’s a great source. You’ll see that the gyms are spread out all over the city, with some reputable gyms such as Khongsittha and Banchamek being located in the Lat Phrao district. 

• What is the price of accommodation in Bangkok?

Price of accommodation in Bangkok can vary drastically, depending on location, quality, and duration. You’ll find many decent hotels in the 650-900 baht per night range while monthly rentals can cost between 6000-10000 baht for a basic condominium. If you’re lucky, accommodation can be found in collaboration with your Muay Thai gym, so make sure if you’re on a budget, find gyms that include accommodation.

• What is there to do in Bangkok? 

Bangkok is the most vibrant, exciting, and buzzing city in Thailand. Trip Advisor ranks the 10 best things you can do while on a trip here. We have a great post on what to do while you’re staying at Khongsittha.

Chiang Mai

• What Gyms are in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai can be considered as the opposite of Bangkok in the sense that it’s located in the mountains and has considerably less people around. Aaron Jahn of Muay Thai Scholar has a list of gyms for your review here. 

• What is the price of accommodation in Chiang Mai? 

Accommodation in Chiang Mai is slightly cheaper than Bangkok and the islands. A condo with air-conditioning and a kitchen will cost you about 5,000 baht per month in the university area. Obviously there are more expensive alternatives, but again, if you’re on a budget, Chiang Mai is one of the best places to train. 

• What is there to do in Chiang Mai? 

Chiang Mai has a more “natural-like” vibe to it than Bangkok and the islands. You’ll find that life is more traditional here; there is less traffic, less people, and the old city located in the middle of Chiang Mai has an authentic feel about it. Bike tours, elephant nature camps, offroad dirtbiking, and cooking classes are some of the great things to do while in Thailand. We recommend checking out The Elephant Nature Park, Corner Bistro for food, and looking at Trip Advisor’s things to do.

• How do I get to Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has a domestic airport that has recently opened up to include international flights from major Southeast Asian airports. You can also take the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai; which can range from 500 to 1000 baht and will take nine or more hours. 

Costs

• What is the cost of a flight to Thailand?

Usually the cost of a flight to Thailand varies on the season in which you would like to travel. The average cost of a roundtrip ticket to Thailand in December is around $950, while traveling during July costs have been as low as $720. Some rules of thumb is to always purchase two to three weeks in advance and to try to purchase and fly out on a Tuesday.

• What is the average cost of food in Thailand? 

The cost of food in Thailand is some of the cheapest and tastiest in the World. Numbeo has the best average price comparison and we highly recommend checking it out.

• How much does gear cost in Thailand?

Gear in Thailand can vary in quality significantly. There are many unknown Thai brands that can be found for cheap, however Fairtex, Yokkao, and other major brands will cost as much as they do in the states. Check out Sherdog’s post on costs of gear. Affordable gloves are around 1200 baht, shorts are around 800 baht, shin guards are around 1800 baht, and wraps should be around 300.

• How much should I budget to go to Thailand? 

Rather than go into the fine details of what to budget depending on what gym you’re staying at and what you would like to do, we’ll keep it simple. For training in Bangkok and the islands, a budget for food, accommodation, and training should be around 40,000 baht. If you’re planning on going out a few times, doing some tourist activities, and shopping, bring 60,000 baht ($1,800). With $1,800 saved up, you can have an incredible time while you’re out here, eat healthy, do tourist activities every weekend, and go out once a week easily. Keep in mind that you still have to factor in the cost of a roundtrip ticket. 

Climate

• What is the weather like in Thailand? 

The weather in Thailand is hot and humid, year around. The coolest part of Thailand is the north in cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. During high season (November-February) it’s still hot during the day but the evening cools down considerably. Bangkok and the islands stay hot year around.

• When is it the hottest in Thailand? 

The hottest time recorded in Thailand on average is April. With no rainfall during this time, temperatures average to about 36 degrees celsius, so make sure to bring your swim trunks to cool off in the pool or ocean.

• When is it the coldest in Thailand?

December and January are the coolest months on average.

• How should I pack to go to Thailand?

You should generally pack light and with the heat in mind. Sandals are an absolute must while in Thailand; they’re easy to pack, and you’ll see everyone wearing them. Make sure to pack shorts, plenty of shirts, and also some casual clothing to go out as well. You’ll never know when you’re invited to special events in the city or bars/restaurants that require shoes and a dress shirt.

Food

• What is the food like in Thailand?

The food in Thailand is amazing. Rice is a common food associated with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Pork, chicken, and fish are very common in Thai diets, and you’ll be able to find these in close proximity to most gyms. Be careful; Thai cuisine is very spicy, salty, sour, and sweet. Cooks usually add sugar to a lot of items on Thai menus, so if you’re looking to cut weight, make sure you ask for no sugar.

• What is the cost of food in Thailand?

The cost of food in Thailand is some of the cheapest and tastiest in the World. Numbeo has the best average price comparison and we highly recommend checking it out.

• What are healthy food options in Thailand?

Healthy food options are plenty in Thailand, if you know where to look. Check out our post on how to stay healthy while in Thailand. 

• What kind of food should I avoid in Thailand?

Our blog post also covers on what food to avoid while training in Thailand. Fried foods, sugary foods, desserts, and fatty meat should be avoided when training Muay Thai. 

Gear 

• Where can I buy Muay Thai gear? 

Most gyms have their own gear that you can purchase. Lumpinee and Rajadamnern have Twins and Top King shops, respectively. There is Action Zone in Bangkok, and a Fairtex shop as well. Here is Muay Thai Citizen’s Guide to buying gear while in Thailand, it’s well worth the read.

• What is the best Muay Thai gear? 

The best gear is usually determined by quality and preference. Muay Thai Pros goes into detail in their post on The Best Muay Thai Gear of 2017.

• Should I bring my Muay Thai gear with me?

This completely depends on if you have specific preferences regarding what type of gear you use and if your gym provides it or not. Gyms in Bangkok like Khongsittha have a huge stockpile of gear that can be used during your duration of training. Ask your gym before heading out on whether or not you need to bring gear, as it takes up a considerable amount of space in your luggage. 

Gyms 

• Is there a list of gyms in Thailand?

While the complete list of gyms in Thailand hasn’t been made and it’s something we’re planning on doing, there are so many reviews done by bloggers of the best gyms to go to that a bit of research can help you find the perfect gym. We recommend checking out Muay Thai Guy for information on gyms in Thailand.

• What kind of gym should I look for? 

Are you a beginner looking to establish good fundamental Muay Thai or are you an aspiring professional fighter? There is no “perfect” gym, nor is there a one size fits all solution.

• What are the qualities of good gyms? 

Good gyms should be rated by the following categories. Facilities quality, cleanliness, cost, location, and trainer quality. There are dozens of gyms in Thailand that focus on perfecting all of these, so go further than looking at images online. Find the reviews, and make an educated decision from there.

• What gyms should I avoid?

Gyms that you should avoid are ones that don’t possess quality trainers and don’t take into consideration standard hygiene. Dirty gyms are some of the worst to train at, and you’ll feel dissatisfied quickly if the mats and equipment are not being cleaned. Gyms that don’t believe in the growth of all members are also ones to avoid. Everyone should be treated the same the moment they step into the gym, regardless of age, experience, and personality.

Holidays 

• What are the holidays in Thailand?

Here’s a list of the public holidays in Thailand.

• Can I train during holidays?

This depends on the gym that you’re training at. Muay Thai gyms are usually opened all year along, even during some holidays. Songkran, also known as The Thai New Year could be the only exception, as this is the opportunity for trainers to go back home and spend time with their family.

• What is Songkran?

A week long water fight filled with booze and and festivities! Here is a detailed overview of what you need to know about the Thai New Year in April, called Songkran.

Language 

• What app should I use for translation ?

Google Translate will be your friend while in Thailand. Make sure you have a good data plan for your phone and make sure to turn your volume up. Google Translate has a great feature that will announce the word it is you’re looking for. 

• How difficult is the Thai language? 

Basic phrases can be learned quite fast, but to master the Thai Language will take years of practice. It’s a tonal language, meaning that the way you pronounce words will change the actual meaning. Think about saying racecar in a high tone, and then saying it in a low tone. In English, it still means the same thing. However, in Thai language, it could mean two completely different words.

• Do people speak English in Thailand? 

Most people in Thailand have a very basic grasp of the English language. Pick up a dictionary and be prepared to use a ton of hand gestures when ordering food and talking with your Muay Thai trainers. 

Phuket 

• What gyms are in Phuket?

Phuket, the infamously beautiful island jewel of Thailand is home to some incredible gyms as well. Phuket Magazine has a list of the top five gyms to train at while on the island. 

• Should I train on the island or on the mainland?

Another very common question, it depends on what you’re interested in seeing while out in Thailand. In terms of training, both have great offerings. It’s what’s available outside of training that really makes Bangkok shine in comparison to Phuket. While you can lay on the beach, drink coconut water, and meditate on the beaches of Phuket, it pales in comparison to Southeast Asia’s top five biggest city. In Bangkok you’re able to eat international cuisine from around the world, shop for souvenirs or luxury goods, visit ancient temples, and experience a vibrant nightlife scene. It’s up to you pending on what your interests are.

Phrases 

• List of top phrases you will need to know while in Thailand? 

Here are the top phrases you should know to get around in Thailand.

Stadiums 

• Where are the Muay Thai stadiums in Thailand?

We’re listing the Top 4 stadiums worth visiting while you’re out here training Muay Thai. Lumpinee, Rajadamnern, Channel 7 Stadium, and Omnoi stadium are all in Bangkok.

• How much is a ticket to Thailand? 

A ringside ticket to a stadium event will see you back 2,000 baht, or around $55 USD. Seats farther away from the ring can range from 250-500 baht, which is about $14. We recommend ringside tickets to experience the most during your trip to the stadium.

• What is the schedule for Muay Thai fights?

Fights at Lumpinee can be found on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Monday, wednesday, and Thursday there are fights at Rajadamnern.

Travel

• What are some top-rated tourist activities to do while in Thailand? 

Here are the latest things to do in the beautiful city of Bangkok, according to Bangkok Magazine’s 2017 Guide on the city. This is as detailed as it gets, and there are some truly unforgettable temples to see  and activities to be done in Bangkok.

• Where can I get Sak Yant?

Sak Yant can be done at many temples and tattoo shops in Thailand. There are two types; one is done by a tattoo gun and the other is a more traditional method done by a bamboo needle or steel rod. Ask your gym owner where you can get Sak Yant. Typically, Khongsittha sends members to a traditional temple in Ayutthaya or Wat Bang Phra in Bangkok. Wat Bang Phra is tourist-centric and can be quite expensive depending on the piece, so consult with someone at your gym who has Sak Yant to get a better idea of actual cost. 

• How does Sak Yant Work?

Schedule your Sak Yant in advance to make sure you don’t travel out to a temple or shop for nothing. Your artist, or monk, will decide what tattoo should be placed on your body (this can be overruled by you, since it’s your body! If you don’t want a particular Sak Yant, just tell them.) The process goes very fast, and some of the larger pieces such as the tiger can be done within 30-45 minutes. As a female, some monks may not touch you. In this case, it would be wiser to schedule a Sak Yant to be done by someone who is able to touch females.

These are answers to the most commonly-asked questions given to us by our customers. We encourage people to do their own review but this is a thorough overview of the questions that possibly arise when coming to Thailand to train Muay Thai. If you have any additional questions or feel that something should be added, please send us an email.

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