Muay Thai has blown up in popularity in recent years, with the UFC and ONE Championship helping to promote it around the world. For people who want to learn the art of eight limbs, it’s best to visit the home of the sport, Thailand.
There are countless Muay Thai gyms across the country, many of which offer month-long stays to people who want to live and breathe the sport. The country is attracting a lot of people with Muay Thai tourism – but is it right for you?
Growing Interest in Muay Thai Training Camps
People who get into Muay Thai through watching it on television can easily find places to train in their home countries. However, nothing quite beats venturing to Thailand to practice the sport in the land of its inception. When you go to a training camp in the country, you get the full Thai experience, including everything from the rigorous training regime to the incredible cuisine that the athletes use to refuel.
The great thing about these camps is that they can be found anywhere in the country. For people who want to live in bustling Bangkok, there are plenty of gyms to choose from. Likewise, there are places in the countrysides of Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai, along with idyllic island gyms on Koh Samui and Phuket.
Most travellers opt for island gyms, as they allow you to live near the ocean and are generally better at catering for foreigners. However, they can be much more expensive than gyms in the countryside.
Thailand is One of the World’s Top Tourism Destinations
When you travel to Thailand to learn Muay Thai, you can still enjoy all the other things that make the country such a major tourist hotspot. That’s especially true if you choose an island gym. Many people choose Thailand for a holiday because they’ve seen entertainment that’s given them a taste of what it has to offer.
For example, the recent third season of The White Lotus was set in Thailand, and every shot showed the lush greenery and relaxing atmosphere. Progressive slot games like Thai Paradise and Thai Flower Megaways also convey the idyllic nature of the Southeast Asian nation, and help to spark an interest in visiting.
What Do You Need to Know Before You Visit?
Going to train Muay Thai in Thailand is no joke, and you need to be prepared for a highly strenuous training regime. Fitness camps typically involve two training sessions per day, consisting of running, pad work, sparring, and strength training.
To be able to cope with this high intensity, it’s beneficial if you already have a high level of fitness. However, most training camps will also take beginners and help you build up your exercise workload gradually over the course of your stay.
If you’re interested in visiting Thailand and want an action-packed experience, training Muay Thai for a month could be the best decision you ever make. Once you’ve got the bug, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.