Best Muay Thai Gyms in Chiang Mai for 2024

Best Muay Thai Gyms in Chiang Mai for 2024

ByJacob Garner

In the bustling heart of Thailand’s mountainous north lies a city steeped in cultural richness and martial prowess: Chiang Mai. Renowned as the “Rose of the North,” this vibrant city is not only a beacon for travelers seeking serene temples and lush landscapes but also a hub for the ancient art of Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport.

Muay Thai, often referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is more than just a physical discipline; it’s a way of life deeply ingrained in Thailand’s heritage. With its origins dating back centuries, Muay Thai embodies the spirit of resilience, discipline, and respect. Every strike, every block, and every clinch tells a story of tradition passed down through generations, preserving the essence of Thai culture, with many of them vying for the prestigious title of best Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai.

In Chiang Mai, this storied tradition finds a vibrant home. As the second-largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai blends modernity with tradition, amidst the busy streets and bustling markets, one can find many high-quality Muay Thai gyms, each offering a unique blend of training, tradition, and community.

From the tranquil foothills of the Doi Suthep mountain range to the vibrant streets of the Old City, Chiang Mai’s Muay Thai gyms cater to practitioners of all levels, from seasoned fighters to curious beginners the city offers an experience singular to the north of Thailand. This article aims to showcase the best Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai, to explore both the famous and the hidden gems that make Muay Thai in Chiang Mai a truly unforgettable experience. 

Best Muay Thai Gyms in Chiang Mai

Lanna Muay Thai

Lanna Muay Thai

Founded in 1966, Lanna Muay Thai stands as one of Chiang Mai’s oldest and most esteemed training centers, the first ever Muay Thai gym in Thailand established by a foreigner which since his passing has been dutifully cared for by Kru Boon Lanna a former fighter who grew up within the gym

With a legacy spanning decades, Lanna has produced numerous champions who have excelled in both national and international competitions, it has an active young team of Thai fighters. The gym’s team of highly experienced trainers, including former champions themselves, provide expert guidance in traditional Muay Thai techniques, ensuring a thorough and authentic training experience.

A typical group class will be comprised of:

  • Warm Up of 15 minutes skipping followed by 5-10 minutes of shadow boxing. The session will then move to technical sparring and padwork for 20 minutes each finishing with a mixture of 30 minutes clinch work and 20 minutes of conditioning and cool down.

Lanna Muay Thai also offers a “Woman only” training session every Saturday, making Lanna Muay Thai the best Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai for women who may feel uncomfortable or intimidated training alongside the men.

Best for Fighters: Santai Muay Thai

Santai Muay Thai

Established in 2002, Santai Muay Thai offers a unique training experience amidst the tranquil countryside near Chiang Mai. Despite its relatively recent inception, Santai has quickly gained recognition for its focus on mastering the fundamentals of the sport and for producing a number of fighters who have achieved success in various tournaments throughout Thailand, solidifying its reputation as one of the best Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai.

Santai Muay Thai has a plethora of high-quality Muay Thai trainers from the head coach Kru Phon Narupai (former #2 Lumpinee Stadium fighter), Kru Kanongsuk Chuwattana (former 2 weight division Rajadamnern Champion) and Kru Sudsakorn Tded 99 (former Lumpinee and Thailand champion) and Thailand Pinsinchai (former Lumpinee, Rajadamnern and Thailand Champion) as particular standouts with other local champions amongst its impressive roster of coaches.

The gym’s serene setting, located 15km outside of Chiang Mai, coupled with modern facilities, attracts fighters from around the world seeking personalized coaching and a supportive training environment.

*Those attending the gym with the intention of fighting MUST adhere to the timetable outlined by the head coach with a minimum of 5 hours of training a day 6 days a week*

Top Pick for Beginners: Hongthong Muay Thai

Hongthong Muay Thai

Within Chiang Mai’s urban landscape, Hongthong Muay Thai has built a reputation for producing top-tier fighters since its inception with. Founded in the late 1990s by twin brothers Joe and Gen (Hongthong Noi and Hongthong Lek) the gym has a long history of training skilled fighters competing internationally and in both Rajadamnern and Lumpinee stadiums, achieving success in various weight classes.

One of the biggest selling points of Hongthong Muay Thai is the atmosphere and community, with the majority of those who train there, whether seasoned fighters or complete beginners enjoying the regular gym organized extra-curricular activities from embracing the Thai culture during Loy Krathong or Songkran to the regular student-focused barbecues giving Hongthong Muay Thai a claim as one of the best Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai for those looking to experience not only Muay Thai but a sense of community.

With rigorous training programs led by experienced coaches, Hongthong continues to attract aspiring fighters seeking to make their mark in the Chiang Mai Muay Thai scene.

Highest Reviewed: Dang Muay Thai

Dang Muay Thai

The largest Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai with over 9000 square feet of training space, Dang Muay Thai underwent a relocation and refurbishment in 2023, now boasting an impressive array of over 20 Muay Thai bags. The facilities however are just the cherry on top of this particular cake, with the quality of the coaches being Dang Muay Thai’s premium attraction with each and every trainer at the facility having won championships at varying weight classes throughout Thailand.

With over 1000 5 star reviews Dang Muay Thai is the best Muay Thai gym in Chiang Mai for both positive reviews and champion coaches. 

Whether you are a Muay Thai fighter looking to improve your game, a beginner wanting to start your training in earnest, or a traveler looking to try Muay Thai for the first time the location, size of the facility, and number of skilled coaches will be more than adequate.

*Dang Muay Thai offers Ice baths and break work sessions three times a week to their students to aid in recovery*

Best Train and Stay Experience: Gym Bangarang

Gym Bangarang

Established in 2014, Gym Bangarang aims to offer a full service to individuals looking to immerse themselves in their Muay Thai experience. Situated 20 km from Chiang Mai (a 30-minute drive) amidst rice paddy fields in the heart of Mae Rim district, Gym Bangarang offers itself as one of the best Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai for remote train and stay packages.

Bangarang offers two Muay Thai training sessions every day of the week catering to the skill level of every student, its students also get access to their general fitness area and onsite swimming pool, Bangarang may not be best suited for those looking to make a career as a professional Muay Thai fighter, but if looking for a fitness based holiday with airport transfer accommodation, classes and meals all included within a single package, Bangarang will most likely be your best option in and around Chiang Mai.

*The staff at Gym Bangarang also help to arrange Chiang Mai tours for their students on their rest days*

As we conclude our look at Chiang Mai’s Muay Thai scene, it’s clear why the sport’s essence thrives so well in this city. From Lanna Muay Thai’s history to Santai Muay Thai’s setting, each gym offers a unique window into Thai culture and martial arts.

Beyond the rituals and facilities lies a community united by passion and dedication. Whether you’re a seasoned fighter or a curious traveler, Chiang Mai welcomes all to experience Muay Thai.

Strength and conditioning coach, Muay Thai practitioner and sports writer with a passion for all combat sports, from MMA to western boxing specialising in Muay Thai.

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