Best Muay Thai Gyms in Chiang Mai

Experience fitness training like you've never done it before at one of the many great Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai

Fitness enthusiasts are constantly looking for the optimal training program. One that offers a balance of strength and conditioning. But what if you get bored with the same old machines at your local gym? You need a change - and this can be perfectly combined with your well-deserved trip to the distant paradise of Thailand. We're talking about a Muay Thai vacation in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. Muay Thai is one of the toughest and most effective martial arts in the world due to the use of knees and elbows. The training also allows you to keep your entire body strong and fit. In this blog post, you'll learn everything you need to know to set off for new training experiences.

In our previous blog posts, we have already introduced you to the best Muay Thai gyms in Krabi and Bangkok. However, in addition to these and other Thai tourist hotspots such as Phuket and Pattaya, one region is often underestimated: It is Northern Thailand, also known as Lanna. The economic and cultural center of the region is the city of Chiang Mai. Here, valuable cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes come together.

On our booking platform we offer Muay Thai training in five gyms in Chiang Mai. They are located throughout the city and offer a wide range of training optionsfor both beginners and professionals. So let's get started, but first, we'll look at a few crucial factors when choosing a gym.

Important factors to consider when choosing a Muay Thai gym

• Choose a gym that is conveniently located and easily accessible - in Chiang Mai you can easily get around using public transportation, cabs or motorcycles.
• Look for gyms that have a solid track record and positive reviews from past and current students. The most reliable and easiest way to read online ratings is on Google Maps and Facebook.
• Choose a gym that offers a variety of programs that align with your goals and skill level.
• Check if the gym has a well-equipped training area, clean changing rooms, and proper safety measures in place.

Now that you know what to look for in a Muay Thai gym, let's explore the top gyms in Chiang Mai where you can unleash your potential!

In a Muay Thai gym you learn to surpass yourself. Pad work with a competent partner is a good exercise to strengthen your confidence

Top Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai

On our booking platform you can book Muay Thai classes in five world-class Martial Arts training gyms in Chiang Mai. They are all just a few minutes away from the local sights, such as the temples in the historic Old Town district or the viewpoints on the neighboring mountain range.

Lanna Muay Thai

Our first gym is located in Saraphi District, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic mountain views. The gym’s owner is Master Boon. As a child, he already trained at Lanna Muay Thai Gym in Chiang Mai before moving to China. In his almost two decades there, he opened two gyms. Upon his return to Northern Thailand, he took over Lanna Muay Thai to offer world-class training and share his experience. Among Muay Thai enthusiasts, he is particularly known for his great willpower. He teaches the principle that you should never give up, even in hopeless situations.

Explore Muay Thai training classes at Boon Lanna Muay Thai Lanna Muay Thai

Age does not play a role in Muay Thai training. You can start at any point in your life as long as you have commitment and discipline.

He himself was trained by Andy Thomson. This legendary Canadian fighter was introduced to the world of martial arts by Dan Inosanto, one of Bruce Lee's best friends and training partners. Thompson recognized Master Boon's fighting skills at the age of 10 and trained him to become a professional. You see, even in MMA the world is small. Global relationships are valuable because they produce professional athletes. One of them now runs a top-class Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai.

The Lanna Muay Thai gym is away from the busy and noisy old town, but still easily accessible by motorcycle or taxi. The surrounding remote area is perfect for exploring by motorcycle. There you will find many beautiful farms, small restaurants and pretty temples. Most of these small businesses offer cooking courses and workshops. This way you can fully immerse yourself in the food culture and learn how to prepare delicious and healthy meals. Afterwards, you can buy fresh products and cooking ingredients at the Nam Thong Fresh Market, 7 km away.

If you want to enjoy passionate regional cuisine instead, visit Ginger Farm, ca. 4 km away. It is a family-friendly open-air restaurant that also houses a small children’s zoo and walkways through authentic crop fields. The historical sight Wiang Kum Kam, located ca. 7 km away, are idyllically situated ruins of an ancient city with temples and guided tours.

• 10.6 km from Chiang Mai Railway Station
• 13.3 km from Chiang Mai international airport
• 11.4 km from Central Chiang Mai
• 16.7 Km from Tha Phae Gate

Extensive stretching exercises are also important during Muay Thai training

The other Instructors, among them Kru Teddy, Kru Chang, Kru Lee, are also all well experienced and always eager to pass their martial arts knowledge to new students. They will offer you the opportunity to train alongside professional Chiang Mai mountain fighters, holding unique Muay Thai techniques and disciplines.

Both the instructors and the scholars regularly fight at official Muay Thai events. At the end of 2023, Jarernsuk fought at RISE, a major Japanese kickboxing promoter. More recently, in March 2024, Dok Bua Ngam fought at Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium. Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu started her year-long Muay Thai journey through Thailand in 2012 at the Lanna Gym in Chiang Mai. The American fighter is considered the westerner with the most fights in Thailand. She completed a total of 80 fights within 2 years as a member of the gym also known as Kiat Busaba.

The facility offers group classes and personal trainers, and caters to all skill levels from beginners to experts. You can get basic equipment such as gloves, head guard and sparring protection. With the weekly or monthly packages, you can choose between Muay Thai training once or twice a day. There is also a branch of the gym in the rural mountain village of Mae Hong Son. It is exclusively for the children of the Chiang Mai Hill Tribes and thus preserves the traditional Muay Thai techniques for future generations of fighters. Another partner facility was recently opened in China.

Opening Hours and class schedule:

• Monday - Saturday: 8 am - 6 pm
• Sunday: closed
• Morning group training session: 8 -10 am
• Afternoon group training session: 4 - 6 pm
• Professional fighters begin one hour earlier to go for a run
• Private sessions: 60 minutes, during 10am - 3pm.

Prices: You can book a group session for 400 THB and an individual session for 700 THB. For 2000 THB you get the opportunity to train privately 1 vs 1 with Master Boon.

Book a Muay Thai class now at Lanna Muay Thai

The Camp Muay Thai Resort and Academy

The Camp Muay Thai gym is located in the southwest of Chiang Mai at Ratchapruek Road in the Hang Dong district. It is an official, licensed establishment endorsed by the Royal Thai Government. Additionally, it is the largest Fairtex shop in Chiang Mai, where you can get state-of-the-art Muay Thai equipment. The approach of the gym is to break away from generic one-size-fits-all training schedules. Instead the aim is to offer every apprentice a customized program, taking in regard individual skill levels and objectives. For this matter they typically offer 1-on-1 or 1-on-2 coaching. The gym is run by women and always warmly welcomes female students. In fact, they consider themselves to be the most female-friendly Muay Thai gym on the planet.

Experience Muay Thai and the largest Fairtex shop in Chiang Mai at The Camp Muay Thai Resort and Academy

The spacious halls of our great Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai, as seen here at The Camp, offer enough space to realize your training plans

The village surroundings of The Camp are particularly suitable for cycling tours. Visit Royal Park Rajapruek, just 1.2 km away, for a relaxing stay in a Thai park with Buddhist temples. Mountain bike enthusiasts can also explore the neighboring hilly landscapes, including the landmark or Chiang Mai, the temple Wat Phra That Doi Kham. Situated on a mountain, it offers a spectacular view over Thailand's second largest city. The Grand Canyon Water Park, 10 km away, is an adventure pool with an inflatable obstacle course, slides and wakeboarding. On nearby Chonprathan Road you will find a variety of authentic restaurants where you can sample Chiang Mai's special cuisine after training.

• 8.3 km from Chiang Mai international airport
• 8.0 km from Central Chiang Mai
• 11.0 Km from Tha Phae Gate
• 16.1 km from Chiang Mai Railway Station

During a Muay Thai training vacation you will meet many like-minded people from all over the world. At the same time, you'll be practicing one of the most effective martial arts, so what are you waiting for?

During training sessions you will be provided with most of the needed equipment and services, such as professional fitness devices, sparring protection, personal lockers and free drinking water. The Camp also offers a wide range of local activities and experiences that can be booked as a gym member, such as yoga, spa, wellness and cooking schools.

Opening Hours and class schedule:

• Monday - Saturday: 8 am - 7 pm
• Sunday: closed
• Group training sessions: 90 minutes, starts at 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm
• Kids class: 60 minutes, start at 3:30 pm

Prices: The gym offers class sessions starting at 700 THB, aimed at beginners and advanced fighters.

Book your Muay Thai training now at The Camp Muay Thai Resort and Academy

Hongthong Muay Thai Gym

The Hongthong gym lies east of the Old City, at Chiangmai-Sankampang Road in the Tha Sala subdistrict. The founder and owner Kru Joe is a Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok veteran, owning experiences from more than 250 fights. He speaks fluent English and is therefore an excellent advisor during your Muay Thai journey. He and the other instructors, such as Kru Win and Kru Big, are experts in the Muay Femur fighting style. This tricky and intelligent technique is particularly demanding in terms of tactical combat understanding. In Melbourne, Australia there is a second location of the gym, founded and managed by former Thai champion Kru Gen.

Experience Muay Thai with veteran fighters at Chiang Mai Hongthong Muay Thai Gym

Battle rope training is an effective full-body workout that is practiced in many Muay Thai gyms. It strengthens the upper torso and improves your posture.

In the area surrounding the Hongthong gym are many quiet green spaces and small pieces of woodland. You can discover many beautiful photo opportunities while exploring the authentic neighborhood. In addition to small temples and cozy restaurants, the larger supermarkets are also not far away. Just 1.6 km away is the Art in Paradise art museum, which exhibits interactive and fascinating optical illusions. The Chamcha market takes place on the weekends. It is held in a jungle setting and offers a relaxing shopping trip. There are a variety of small hotels and guesthouses to choose from for your stay. The good connection to the main roads allows for longer road trips.

• Local supermarket 2.3 km
• Chiang Mai train station 2.9 km
• Local hospital 4.0 km
• Central Chiang Mai 6.7 km
• Central Chiang Mai Airport 8.9 km

The Hongthong Gym's fighters are also successful nationwide. Just recently, in February 2024, Petbuncha won at Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok. However, the members also regularly take part in the numerous fighting events in Chiang Mai.

Reaction speed is crucial in Muay Thai, not only when attacking but also when defending

One year ago, the Hongthong Muay Thai Gym was sponsored by Primo Fightwear with new, high-quality equipment. The gym will provide you with a wide variety of fitness and strength machines, such as treadmills, rowing machines and dip bars. Boxing and sparring equipment will also be available. You can use lockers as well as free drinking water. The gym offers accommodation for you during your stay.

Opening hours and class schedule:

• Monday - Saturday: 9 am - 6 pm
• Sunday: closed
• Morning group training: 9 - 11 am
• Afternoon group training: 4 - 6 pm

Prices: A single group session is available for 300 THB for beginners and advanced fighters alike. If you want to combine it with a stay in an idyllic accommodation, it's 700 THB. A single session costs 800 THB. With the larger packages, you can choose between one or two training sessions per day.

Check out Muay Thai training now at Hongthong Muay Thai Gym

The Bear Fight Club Chiang Mai

The Bear Fight Club is located in the historic Old City district. Kru Bank, who is the owner of the gym, and Kru Sunny are both officially certified Muay Thai instructors. Together they have experience from over 350 Muay Thai fights. They are also well versed in other martial arts, such as kickboxing.

Experience Muay Thai in the Old City of Chiang Mai at The Bear Fight Club Chiang Mai

There are countless options for effective fitness training in a Muay Thai gym

The Bear Fight Club lies in the square city center called Old City, which is surrounded by the ancient remains of largely intact city walls and an old moat. There is plenty to discover as you explore the narrow but lively alleyways. Of the more than 300 temples in the region, almost half are located in Chiang Mai's old town. Don't miss a visit to the ornate Wat Phra Singh with its gold statues and murals. Also recommended is the historically significant Wat Chedi Luang. Tha Phae Gate is one of the most iconic spots in the city and the venue for various events. The popular Thapae Boxing Stadium is also located there.

If you're looking for a cozy café to linger in, you'll find it on every turn here. Roughly 1 km north of the Old City, you can watch exciting fights with Muay Thai professionals from the local gyms in the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium. If you want to clear your head while relaxing in the greenery, visit the Nong Buak Haad Public Park in the southwest corner of Chiang Mai Old City. It is definitely a good idea to spend your vacation in northern Thailand in one of the countless authentic guesthouses.

The central location is also convenient if you want to explore the "Rose of the North", as Chiang Mai is often called. Many cheap buses and shared cabs connect the city center with the outer districts, including the airport.

• Local clinic 0.2 km
• 7-Eleven 0.6 km
• Chiang Mai train station 4.0 km
• Central Chiang Mai Airport & Airport 2.1 km
• Over 20 Hotels and restaurants in 1 km radius

The combat experienced Muay Thai trainers in our gyms ensure that you train at the highest professional level

The members of the Bear Fight Club also regularly take part in regional fighting events, such as at the Loikroh Boxing Stadium Chiang Mai. Even if the Muay Thai stadiums are not as large and the events are not as important as those in Bangkok, the martial art is still a crowd puller in Chiang Mai. Moreover, the atmosphere remains more traditional with some of the venues being in lively night markets.

Opening hours and class schedule:

• Thursday - Sunday: 8:30 am - 6 pm
• Monday: closed
• Morning group session: 8:30 - 10:30 am
• Afternoon group session: 4 - 6 pm
• Private session: 10:50 am and 1 pm
• Lunch break: 12 - 1 pm

Prices: A group Muay Thai class starts at 300 THB. A private session is 60 minutes and starts at 800 THB. The price depends on which trainer you choose and whether you prefer an outdoor session. You can take part both as a newcomer and as a martial arts specialist.

Start your Muay Thai journey now at The Bear Fight Club Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai JR Muaythai

Our last but definitely not least gym is located quite centrally in the city center on Chiang Mai Lampang Road. The gym is owned by Kru JR. He started in Muay Thai at the age of 12 and now has over 25 years experience in the art of the eight limbs. He has competed in hundreds of fights and achieved many victories. As a professional instructor in the martial art for 15 years, he always finds a good balance between enjoyable and challenging training sessions. He has also taught in China for more than 10 years and speaks English and Chinese.

Practice Muay Thai with one of our most experienced verteran fighters at Chiang Mai JR Muaythai

Many Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai also offer training courses for children. It is a good way for them to get rid of excess energy and simultaneously gain their first insights into self-defense techniques.

The JR Muay Thai gym is just a little northwest of the old town. The trendy Nimmanhaemin Road and the MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center are both within a radius of 1 km. If you want to enjoy high-quality, regionally grown Italian cuisine after training, we recommend the ITALICS restaurant, which is just 2 km to the south. About 1 kilometer southwest towards the Old City you can watch professional Muay Thai fights at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium. Fighters from the local gyms regularly compete against each other here.

If you decide to explore a few kilometers to the north, you will be able to enjoy the most beautiful parks in Chiang Mai. In Rama IX Lanna Park there are training trails and many beautiful shady places to relax. Adjacent to the park is The Highland People Discovery Museum, which documents the cultural history of the northern Thai hill tribes. In the Chiang Mai Chaloem Phrakiat Park, you can take a stroll among elaborately decorated trees. A little further on is the 700th Anniversary Stadium, which is perfect for running. As an insider tip, we can recommend a visit to the Khuang Sing Chinese Cemetery to all friends of traditional Chinese culture.

• 5.2 Km from Tha Phae Gate
• 5.9 km from Central Chiang Mai
• 6.7 km from Chiang Mai international airport
• 8.5 km from Chiang Mai Railway Station

The senior trainers of the JR Muay Thai gym als amassed many years of experience under their belts. Kru Ta is a patient and attentive instructor, while Kru Big is witty and humorous. The latter one is also an expert in the art of using elbow strikes, a challenging but powerful and sneaky skill in Muay Thai. A precise elbow strike can become completely unpredictable for many enemies.

Nonetheless, the young trainers Kru Sumay and Kru First are also passionate and enthusiastic about their responsibilities. Being both just 18 years old, they have a great future ahead and are eager to share their ever growing knowledge.

Muay Thai is all about the right punching technique. You can learn this and much more in a training session at a gym in Chiang Mai

Opening hours and class schedule:

• Monday - Sunday: 7:30 am - 6:30 pm
• Group training: Monday - Saturday, 8:30 - 10 am and 5 - 6:30 pm
• Private training: 60 minutes, multiple times daily
• Kids training: Saturday, 10 - 11:30 am

Prices: You can get 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 classes with either Kru JR, a senior trainer or a young trainer, starting at 400 THB per session. One class session, which is open to both inexperienced and seasoned gym goers, costs 350 THB, and for children (6-12 years) 300 THB. One whole month of training can be booked for 5.000 THB.

Learn everything about Muay Thai at Chiang Mai JR Muaythai

Explore other attractions and activities in Chiang Mai

After a sweat-inducing workout, there is plenty to discover in Chiang Mai. We have already mentioned some if they are particularly easy to reach from the Muay Thai gyms. From leisure and sightseeing to completely unique activities - here are some more of our top recommendations:

• For a special accommodation concept, book a vacation in a homestay. Experience a direct insight into the life of the locals and their language, way of life and eating habits. You can check Andaman Discoveries, Ban Na Ta Pho Community Center, Ban Muang Pon and Koh Yao Homestay.
• Watch professional Muay Thai fights at Chiangmai Boxing Stadium (1 km north from Old City), Thapae Boxing Stadium (nearby Tha Phae Gate), Kalare Boxing Stadium and Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium (both nearby Kalare Night Bazaar)
• Get a Massage by a Prison Inmate at Chiang Mai Women's Prison Massage Centre. If you prefer it in a more traditional way, you can also get one in some of the over 300 buddhist temples in Chiang Mai.
• Learn how to give Thai massage yourself at Jera Traditional Thai Massage School
• In addition to fitness training, a healthy lifestyle also includes a conscious diet. Visit one of the many cooking schools in Chiang Mai to discover traditional cuisine. Particularly popular with participants are the Smile Organic Farm Cooking School and Mama Noi Thai Cookery School.
• Go shopping in Central Chiang Mai or MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center.
• Embark on a hiking tour or an exciting motorcycle ride through the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park and visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The striking Buddhist temple offers the best view of the surrounding landscape due to its hilltop position.
• Bhubing Palace is just a few kilometers away. It is a royal residence built on stilts with a noble rose garden. The royal family is in residence here at the beginning of the year, during which time it is closed.
• Visit a museum to learn about local folklore and view beautiful exhibits. The most popular ones include the Chiang Mai National Museum and the Lanna Folklife Museum.
• If you're looking for a family-friendly activity, spend a few hours at the open-air restaurant Ginger Farm in the Saraphi district. Children love to play in the surrounding green spaces.
• Discover the fauna of Thailand on a Chiang Mai Night Safari or in the fascinating Siam Insect Zoo.
• Explore the floral diversity of Southeast Asia on a walk through colorful flower gardens such as the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Aunty Nok Aeang Flower Farm or the Bai Orchid & Butterfly Farm.
• Are you looking for an adrenaline rush? At the X-Centre you can enjoy extreme activities such as bungee jumping, ATV rides and paintball fights.

The beautiful Old City of Chiang Mai invites you to explore the many temples and winding alleyways

Take a day trip to the surrounding towns and national parks. Since you're already in northern Thailand, it's worth exploring some of the other beautiful places in the region.

• Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost city. You can take a bus tour from Chiang Mai to the three iconic White, Black and Blue temples.
• From Chiang Rai, you can travel further north to the infamous Golden Triangle. Located at the border triangle of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, it used to be a major hub for drug traffickers, but is now a picturesque tourist destination.
• Doi Inthanon National Park is known for its idyllic pagodas and waterfalls. Doi Inthanon is the highest summit in Thailand and a popular spot in the park for its great view.
• Pai is a small town that has been spared from mass tourism. It is known for its gorges, hot springs, waterfalls and traditional Chinese villages.
• Cave temples are an interesting way to explore massive underground complexes. They combine spiritual significance and natural beauty. Recommended are Wat Tham Chiang Dao and Wat Tham Muang On.
• Walk with elephants at an ethically run sanctuary. Do your own research to see which sanctuary is ethical regarding animal rights. We recommend Happy Elephant Home, Elephant Nature Park and Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary.
  
  

Now

A fitness vacation is always a good idea - both for recovery and for health purposes. A Muay Thai course is the measure of all things, because in addition to strength and endurance, it also improves discipline, self-confidence and self-defense skills. In a Muay Thai gym in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, you will experience the traditional training of the art of eight limbs and get to know many like-minded people. This often overlooked region offers a completely different experience to the bustling capital Bangkok or the beach paradise of Krabi. We are sure you will quickly feel at home here. Visit our booking platform now and start your life-changing Muay Thai journey.

Discover Muay Thai in Chiang Mai at Now Muay Thai