Training camps

Combining intense cardio and strength training, training camps provide the perfect work-out and opportunity to focus, whether you're preparing to compete in the ring, or are just looking to get in shape.

• Beginners can develop a strong foundation by studying the ancient art of Muay Thai. Over the course, you will master the fundamental techniques of punches, kicks, knees and elbows by working with highly experienced trainers.
• Intermediate students includes anyone with previous experience who is already comfortable with the basics techniques.
• Advanced students already have years of solid training experience and are looking to take their fitness and fight skills to be competition ready.

Classes are generally suitable for all fitness levels, but we recommend participating in cardio fitness activities and giving up smoking before arriving at the camp. Running, cycling or skipping regularly in combination with strength training are all suitable activities.

Our gyms provide all the gear you need to train, and they sometimes have rental options, but if you are more serious about your training, you may prefer to take your own hand wraps and gloves. Some of the gyms have a shop onsite with everything you need including gloves, shin guards, shorts, shirts, and mouthpiece.

Most gyms are well connected to the stadiums and competitions. Once you have trained consistently at their gym, and if you and your trainer agree that you are ready, they may assist you to enter a fight at a local boxing ring. Remember: Thai fighters are usually extremely fit. We recommend training twice a day and running 5-10 km a day to improve your cardio vascular fitness.

All training camp deals include accommodation and this is clearly detailed for each one. The quality of accommodation varies from gym to gym. We hope that the photos on the gym's page will help to give you a clear idea of the room standards.

Meals: Most training camp deals on our site include one or two meals a day. Please check the details to confirm what's included. Even if meals are included as part of your package, you may find that they are not enough to satisfy your significantly increased appetite. No problem, Thailand is blessed with and abundance of food. If the gym doesn't have a kitchen offering Thai or Western fare, then it's usually very easy to find cheap restaurants or street carts selling delicious Thai meals for a couple of dollars (30-60 baht). Fruit sold from a cart costs 10-20 baht. While a main Thai dish in cheaper restaurants and markets costs between 30 and 100 baht, depending on the location and quality. For beers and alcohol, convenience stores like Family Mart or 7-11 make drinking more affordable with a small beer can costing around 50 baht.

Water: Access to quality drinking water options can sometimes (only sometimes) be a challenge in Thailand. If you don't want to contribute to the oceans' plastic pollution, then it becomes even harder. Some, but not many, gyms offer free drinking water from a fountain or water cooler where you can fill up your reusable bottle. Most gyms sell water bottles at the counter. The easiest option may be to buy a large 1.5 or 5-litre bottle from 7-11 to keep in your room. But if you're an eco-warrior and also pinching the pennies (or baht), ask for the nearest water machine on the street. These machines are located all over Thailand and cost just 1 baht per litre to fill your own container.

Laundry: Training camps that provide accommodation often have a laundry service on site available for guests. Laundry services are very affordable and may include pick-up and delivery. A typical guest will spend 80-120 baht per week on laundry. There are usually also several local places to take your laundry for similar prices.

Internet Access

On arrival, Suvarnabhumi, Don Meuang, Chiang Mai and Phuket airports all offer free internet access if you register your passport number and email address. During your stay, free Wi-Fi is never far away. Internet is generally very fast in Thailand and cafés, hotels, restaurants and gyms provide free access to guests and customers.

If your phone is unlocked, you may prefer to purchase a SIM card from one of the main service providers - AIS, DTAC or True - as data is relatively cheap. You can read more about your options here.

Basic budget breakdown

• Meals = 3,000 to 5,000 baht/month (2 to 3 meals per day)
• Renting a motorcycle = 2,500 baht/month
• Extending your visa to stay for another 30 days = 1,800 baht
• Other regular expenses = 9,000 baht/month (E.g. drinks, ad-hoc expenses)

Thailand is a tropical country, so is hot and humid year-round with temperatures in the 28-35°C range (82-95°F). The three main seasons that influence the weather patterns nationwide are detailed below. However, notable differences do exist in the cooler northern mountains and the unique island microclimates also influence localised rainfall. It's therefore best to check the weather forecast for your preferred destination.

Thailand is a sizeable country and each region experiences variations in the seasons. But the general theme is hot and humid all year round, which you'll particularly feel when walking outside under direct sunlight.

• Cool season (still hot) - November to February
• Bangkok - 18°C (65°F) to 32°C (90°F)
• Northern Thailand (mountainous) - 8-20°C (may reach freezing at night)
• Hot season (and dry) - March to June
• Bangkok - 34-40°C (75% humidity)
• Monsoon season - July to October
• Bangkok - 29°C (90% humidity) - characterised by bursts of heavy showers and thunderstorms that help to relieve the heat of the day.

• 13-15 April - Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) - huge water fights erupt in the street of every town. It's every man, woman and child themselves.
• 5 May - Coronation Day celebrates the anniversary of the coronation of King Vajiralongkorn.
• 1 November - Loy Krathong (The Festival of Light)
• Public holidays - Thailand loves its public holidays. Offices close for around 20 days a year as a sign of respect for royal birthdays/anniversaries and Buddhist days in the calendar. Please note, on certain holidays, it may not be possible to purchase alcohol.
• Monthly - Keep an eye on the lunar cycle for Full Moon parties on the islands.

Thailand, and the South East Asia region, has experienced high pollution rates in recent years. Urban areas, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, often suffer from poor air quality and high PM 2.5 counts. This can make training in the south or on an island a more attractive option - particularly during the agriculture burning season from January to April each year. But never assume. Install the Air Visual app on your smart phone for up-to-the-minute air quality records.

Thailand is relatively safe. The people are friendly and crime rates are low. Millions of tourists visit Thailand every year. Most visits are trouble free, but a small number of visitors do encounter problems, such as petty crime, scams, or accident and injury (particularly motorbikes). The UK foreign office website provides excellent advice on these subjects.