Phuket has always been known as a bucket list destination for people all over the world. Its stunning beaches, rich local culture, and delicious food make it an ideal vacation spot. Even today, it remains Thailand’s most visited island and has attracted a diverse mix of locals, long-term expats, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and young families over the years. It is also an ideal place for training Muay Thai, a sport deeply rooted in Thai culture and history.
Prior to being a tourist hotspot, the island had its own local Muay Thai scene, complete with grassroots gyms and fights at temple fairs. As tourism started to take off, so did Muay Thai. Gyms began popping up all over the island, as did local stadiums. It’s the perfect mix of convenience and authenticity.
Phuket offers unparalleled access to Muay Thai training. With four fully-equipped stadiums hosting shows multiple times a week, you’re practically guaranteed the opportunity to step into the ring during your stay. These stadiums cater to everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros. And once your career takes off, a quick flight to Bangkok opens the door to Thailand’s most elite Muay Thai competitions. Plus, you can unwind on the beach after your fight – no need to book a separate vacation.
With Muay Thai being a major economy on the island, it also attracts some of the country’s best trainers. At Bangtao, the legendary Ajarn Wat is leading the Muay Thai program. He’s got decades of experience as both a trainer and fighter. Living legends Sam-A and Lerdsila are also teaching as well. Together with Bangtao’s ever-growing team of Thai trainers, the amount of knowledge and personal growth one can experience is incomparable, inspiring and motivating you to push your limits.
World-class trainers not only attract world-class training partners but also create a community of like-minded individuals. As the saying goes – iron sharpens iron. The more bodies you have to train with, the better your training camp will go. This abundance of trainers and training partners creates a supportive environment where you never need to worry about someone falling ill or needing time off because there will always be someone there for you to work with. This is precisely the type of environment where fighters thrive.
There are also the obvious reasons, such as affordability and weather. Phuket has a tropical climate and is hot all year round, and while the monsoons might put a damper on your afternoon run, you can be sure the sun will return in no time. As for general living expenses, Phuket is more affordable than many Western cities, which can help offset the impact of inflation. With some hard work and money management skills, funding a Muay Thai trip is manageable, even for your average Joe.
So, as you plan your next training pilgrimage in Thailand, you can be sure that Phuket has everything you need to reach your goals in Muay Thai.
And if you’re still deciding where to go…
Bangtao is a world-class training facility, and we offer a lot more than just classic Muay Thai. We’ve watched firsthand as the sport took off to worldwide recognition. So, with more practitioners, your training and recovery techniques will have to evolve. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements. In addition to classic Muay Thai, you can do strength & conditioning here too, and a variety of other classes and combat sports, depending on your goals. Our trainers are also up to date on proper weight-cut procedures and injury prevention. With bigger paydays come more dynamic fight camps. We’ve got the know-how, the facilities, and the atmosphere to bring out your best, ensuring you feel confident in your training’s effectiveness and relevance. If you’re ready, you can book your training here, we look forward to welcoming you to the Bangtao family.
