From Phuket beach camps to Chiang Mai mountains, Bangkok stadiums and the Samui islands — the complete guide to picking your camp, planning your stay, and what to expect when you land.
Hand-picked, no paid rankings. Updated April 2026.
The most popular region for first-timers. Camps are well-organized, English is widely spoken, and you can train twice a day then recover at the beach. Higher prices than Chiang Mai, but the quality of instruction is consistently strong.
Cooler climate, lower cost of living, and a deep digital-nomad community. Best if you're staying 1+ months and want to balance training with work or travel. Lanna Muay Thai and Hong Thong are the names you'll hear most often.
For serious fighters and short visits. Bangkok hosts Lumpinee and Rajadamnern — the two stadiums where Thai careers are made — and the city's gyms operate at a different intensity. Less of a "training holiday," more of a fight camp.
The slower-paced alternative. Smaller camps, intimate groups, beach training and sunset runs. Easy to combine with island life — ferries between Samui and Phangan run hourly. Less famous than Phuket but increasingly popular with travelers who want quieter training. Fly to Samui (USM) and you're 30 min from most camps; ferry to Phangan adds another hour.
The practical stuff most blogs skip.
Most nationalities get 30–60 days visa-free on arrival. For training stays of 2–3 months, get an ED visa via the camp or a 60-day tourist visa from your home country before flying.
Most camps provide gloves, pads and shorts to borrow. Bring your own hand wraps, mouthguard and shin guards. Lightweight clothes — Thailand is hot year-round.
Budget €700–1,200 all-in for Chiang Mai (training, food, basic accommodation). Phuket runs €1,000–1,800. Bangkok starts at €1,200.
Get travel insurance that covers contact sports. Most camps have first aid; few have medical staff. For serious training, locate the nearest hospital before you start.
Each region has different weather. Use this to plan when to train where.
Quick rule: Mainland Thailand follows a Nov-best, Mar-Apr-worst pattern. Samui & Phangan run on the opposite cycle — their wettest months are Oct-Nov, peaking in November.
From people who've actually done this trip.