Hey guys, keen to get some outside perspective on this

I’m 23 and was working full time, but recently accepted another job and resigned from my current one. Long story short, things went south with the new role and I pulled out

So now I’m in a position where I’ll be unemployed

Instead of rushing straight back into work (which I can with my previous employer), I’ve made the decision to go to Phuket for 2 months to train. I’ve been training for about 3.5 years and have been to Thailand a few times already for shorter trips. It’s something I genuinely love, and a part of me feels like if I don’t do this now, I probably never will

I’m really excited about it

The problem is that most of the older people in my life think it’s a bad idea. I’ve been getting reactions like
“what about money?”
“you’re going backwards. how are you going to afford a house?”
“why would you do that”
“good luck but that’s fucked”

It’s starting to get in my head a bit

Just wondering what people here think… Am I being stupid or is this a reasonable thing to do?
Appreciate any replies :)

Hey guys, im 29M

I’m planning to go to Thailand in 1–2 weeks for around 1–2 months of training. After that, I’d like to have my first amateur fight.

I’m not a beginner — I have about 2 years of kickboxing experience, but I haven’t fought yet. I’m looking to fight someone at a similar level, preferably another foreigner (not Thai fighters).

What kind of gym would be best for this? I’m open to any city.

I’ve looked at places like Bangtao and Tiger Muay Thai, but they seem a bit too touristy, and I’m not sure how much attention you get from coaches. At the same time, I still want a place where it’s relatively easy to get a fight.

Ideally, I’m looking for something in between, but preferbly more traditional.

Any recommendations or advice?

I must be missing something…

Many people come to Thailand to train on the ED Muay Thai visa. However, my understanding is that this visa does not allow you to work in Thailand and fighting professionally (which is almost every fight you can find) counts as working.

Am I misunderstanding something? It seems like this visa is just set up for people to commit visa violations. I know most or all people wouldn’t be caught, but it just seems like a strange system.

staying in phuket for maybe 3-5 months are there any good mauy thai gyms near kathu area that are not 7k baht or more, fighting gyms felt cheaper in uk ahah, dont need accommodation just gym

hi, after doing some research on muay thai gyms in chiang mai i’ve narrowed it down to these two

can anyone give their experience on either gym or both if you’ve trained at both? thank you

i will be landing in phuket on 23rd for a "training vacation" means 1x a day for 6x a week.

i will be staying in surin area. i am a 35yo guy i love combat sports and i was always very fascinated about muay thai. did some time learning basics in my country and now i will be spending few weeks or months training in thailand.

now i cannot be a fighter or anything i just learn different combat sports because they are very interesting to me. i guess this post is nothing but my excitement for this lol

TL;DR: Out-of-shape office worker with some old hobbyist experience looking for a beginner-friendly gym in Phuket for a 1-week "trial run" retreat. Need a beginner-friendly gym, patient coaches, a social vibe, accommodation, and walkable access to amazing local food.

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a 1-week trip to Phuket. I’m treating this like an active retreat—my main goals are to train Muay Thai, eat incredible food, and use this to kickstart getting back into shape. If this week goes well, I might come back for a much longer, dedicated camp later down the road.

I’d love your advice on gyms, areas to stay, and pacing myself! I’ve been reading through old Reddit posts to do my homework, but I'm hoping to get some fresh advice for my specific situation!

My Background:

• Experience: Did Karate and BJJ plus a few Muay Thai sessions years ago. I’m essentially a beginner at MT but I really enjoy martial arts.
• Current Fitness: I am currently a Master of the Sitting Arts. I’ve been working an office job for the last 3 years. I stay active and train at the gym often, but I'm not in the best shape and lacking my old flexibility - mostly limited to reaching for the coffee mug.
• Weather Tolerance: I live in the Middle East, so I am very used to intense hot weather (though I know Thai humidity hits differently!).
• Language: Fluent in English, zero Thai.

What I’m Looking For:

• The Vibe & Accommodation: I want a beginner-friendly gym with patient instructors to help rebuild my flexibility. I also enjoy socialising, so a welcoming community where it’s easy to chat with people and probably grab food after class would be a great plus, but not the entire focus.
• The Schedule: My ambitious goal is to train 2 sessions a day (morning and afternoon), but I’m open to reality checks if you think that’s a bad idea for an office worker adjusting to the Thai heat!
• Exploration & Food: I love traveling and trying different cuisines. Between sessions, my ideal downtime is using Google Maps and reviews to walk around the neighbourhood, check out local spots, street food carts, and markets. I'd love an area with a good mix of authentic local life and amazing food.

My Questions:

1. Which gym/area hits that sweet spot of beginner-friendly training, a welcoming community, and walkable local food? - I’ve heard of places like Tiger in Chalong, Bangtao, and Sinbi in Rawai, but I’m not sure which fits best. Also, for getting my own private space, do you recommend staying on-site at the gym or booking a nearby hotel?
2. For those who have done a "trial run" week before committing to a longer camp, any tips on pacing myself?
3. Any specific must-eat spots or night markets near your recommended gym? (Local recommendations are hugely helpful!)

Planning to visit Thailand with my husband and really want to train in a women’s Muay Thai space. Really appreciate any pointers on gyms that either have regular women’s only classes or women’s Muay Thai gyms if they exist! My husband doesn’t train so anything that’s in a good area for him to sightsee or lay on the beach while I’m in the gym. I’m basing our entire trip on the gym so really appreciate any advice or recommendations 🙂 we will also be travelling within the country but most like 2 cities in two weeks. Thanks!!

Hi everyone!

I’m a semi-pro fighter from France looking for some guidance on where to train for about 15 days in October 2026. This trip is specifically to sharpen my skills before my competition season kicks off in November, so I’m looking for a high-intensity environment. Since I mainly compete in Full-contact and Kickboxing, I really want to find a camp that can accommodate a K1-style focus. I’m definitely open to clinching and I see the benefits of traditional Muay Thai, but my priority has to stay on punch/kick volume to match my specific ruleset.

Also, I won't be renting a vehicle while I'm there, so I'd highly prefer a gym with accommodation nearby (or within walking distance). Since I'm on a bit of a budget, I am also looking for options that are relatively budget-friendly."

I’ve been recommended the following gyms :

• Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA (Phuket)
• Superbon Training Camp (Bangkok)
• Venum Training Camp (Pattaya)
• Revolution Muay Thai (Phuket)
• Khongsittha Muay Thai (Bangkok)
• Santai Muay Thai (Chiang Mai)

Which of these would you recommend ?Any other hidden gems I should consider?

Thanks in advance for the help!

I’m a casual muay thai trainee. I take evening classes. It ends at 6 pm. Showering up and meal takes it to 7. After that I do not know what to do. Ive gone around on rides and markets. But i feel jobless after my training. Any activity or interesting i can do post 7 pm? For example I like playing chess (below average 630 elo in 3 min blitz) is there a chess club or something where i can go chill and play with strangers? Or group painting classes and stuff? Or anything that u like doing thats doable post 7 pm please let me know! I’m staying on fight street.

Im going to Chiang Mai this summer and im going to train atleast a week. I would like to acommodate near the gym or in the gyms own accommodation. My options are a week in Sit Thailand or a week in Manop Gym, but im not sure which on would be better. Any tips, suggestions or opinion would be appreciated🙏

I went to Chiang Mai last November alone for some *super casual* training. I had pre paid a whole intensive week of training with accom in a remote gym. Got there, freaked out as reality hit, I was feeling super unwell, I ditched the training camp and stayed in the city centre, and went to just 2 classes. I feel disappointed in myself, I really couldn't handle it at the time. My MH was bad and thailand was overwhelming.

November was good weather for chiang mai. But at the same time there was flooding in Phuket areas and a bit in bangkok.

I'm now planning to go back, I haven't stopped thinking about it. I don't need to have a fight, but want to do more training.

I want to try a different part of Thailand to train - maybe Koh Samui as I know people who've gone there for training. What do you recommend? And what months do you find best weather wise/ business wise in Thailand? How can I prepare better this time around?

I'm looking for a good camp to have some fights and train for a month straight. Silk Muay Thai has a good package including food (which is really important to be included in the package). I'll be going for the first time in June. Anyone know any good packages in any camp?

I’m heading to Phuket alone in early June for a vacation and want to try proper Muay Thai while I’m there. I’m a complete beginner (decently fit, mid-20s male, but zero striking experience besides Kickboxing and Karate). I’ll only have about 5 days, so I don’t want to turn the whole trip into an intense training camp just mix in some good sessions with beach time, food, and relaxation.

TL;DR: Solo vacation in Phuket early June, mid-20s male complete beginner looking for 5 days of Muay Thai training. Need gym recommendations, realistic expectations, and tips to balance training with vacation.

Quick info:

• Complete beginner
• Solo male, mid-20s
• 5 days in early June (hot + start of rainy season)
• Flexible on location (Chalong / Kata / Karon etc)

Questions:

1. Best gyms for short-term beginners who are mainly on vacation? (Tiger Muay Thai, Sinbi, Phuket Fight Club, Sumalee, Yak Yai, etc.)
2. Better to do drop-in classes or a short 5-day package?
3. What should I realistically expect in 5 days as a total newbie? How many sessions per day recommended?
4. Gear — what should I bring vs buy/rent there? Should I get my gloves with me instead(Hayabusa)
5. How does early June weather affect training?
6. Tips for balancing training with vacation (recovery, food, best areas to stay, etc.)?
7. Any gyms to avoid or absolute must-try?

Would really appreciate recent experiences from 2025-2026. Excited to try Muay Thai but want to keep it fun and not get wrecked.

Thanks in advance! 🙏