Without a doubt, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is the number one national sport in Thailand and part of Thai culture. On your upcoming trip to Chiang Mai, don't miss a chance of seeing a Thai boxing match. For the most exceptional experience, choose one of the best places to watch Muay Thai fights in Chiang Mai.
According to historical records, Muay Thai martial arts appeared in the Middle Ages when the fighting had the use of swords, bows and arrows. In Thailand, this martial art began to be sent to the army to train soldiers on the orders of King Nareusan during 1555-1605. He was one of the bravest warriors of the country at the time and helped Muay Thai to become famous.
An official match of Muay Thai must not exceed 5 rounds, each round up to 3 minutes. Two fighters wear blue or red pants. They are not allowed to wear shoes but have bandages around their feet.
Best places to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai
In this article, you will discover the best places to see Muay Thai fights in Chiang Mai, where you will enjoy a true professional match and understand more about this part of Thai culture during your trip to Thailand.
1. Thapae Boxing Stadium
Thapae Boxing Stadium is one of Thailand's oldest Muay Thai venues. It offers exciting matches between champions and seasoned fighters. Here you can cheer on as the day begins with lower-skill fighters and feel the tension rises in the ring as fights become more ferocious and intense. There are normally 7 fights on an event. In addition to Thai boxing, some entertainment with “sword fighting” and “blindfolded boxing” is also taking place. However, the quality of fights here might be not as high as you can experience at the top Muay Thai stadiums in Bangkok.
Thapae Boxing Stadium is located near Tha Phae Gate, on the east side of the old city. The stadium is set inside a large shed with open seating. Seats at the stadium are non-tiered but the view is generally good as the stadium is quite small. Even if the audience attracted is mainly foreigners, the stadium has some authenticity as the band is playing live the traditional music played during the fight and there are gamblers yelling in the background.
Schedule:
Every Monday to Saturday, from 21:15 to 23:30
Ticket prices:
600 THB for Standard Seat
1,000 THB for Ringside Seat
1,500 THB for VIP Seat
Find discounted tickets here: Muay Thai Match at Thapae Boxing Stadium
Address: Thapae Boxing Stadium, 1 Mun Mueang Rd, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
2. Kalare Boxing Stadium
Kalare Boxing Stadium is located in the area of Kalare Night Bazaar, which is located between Chiang Mai Old City and the Mae Ping River. The stadium is located just a 5-minute walk from the old city and you can easily combine watching an exciting Muay Thai fight with some shopping and dining at the nearby night market.
Normally there are 6-7 fights on the event, with some of them being international fights. The audience at the stadium is mainly tourists.
Schedule:
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 21:00 to midnight
Ticket prices:
600 THB for Standard Seat
1,000 THB for Ringside Seat
Find discounted tickets here: Muay Thai Match at Kalare Boxing Stadium
Address: Kalare Boxing Stadium, 46 Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
3. The Pavilion Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium
The Pavilion Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium is a popular place to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai for Muay Thai fans and tourists alike. Located in the city's Night Bazaar area, the stadium offers a convenient location and an exciting atmosphere. The Pavilion Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium hosts regular Muay Thai fights featuring skilled local and international fighters, providing an authentic and thrilling experience for spectators.
Schedule:
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 21:00 to 23:00
Ticket prices:
600 THB for Standard Seat
1,000 THB for Ringside Seat
Find discounted tickets here: Muay Thai Match at The Pavilion Boxing Stadium
Address: The Pavilion Night Bazaar, Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
4. Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium
Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium is a Muay Thai venue on Loi Kroh Road, in the center of Chiang Mai downtown. Here you get to see male and female Thai boxers battle it out using their feet, elbows and knees in this intense combat sports. There are normally 6-7 fights at an event.
Schedule:
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 21:00 to midnight
Ticket prices:
600 THB for Standard Seat
1,000 THB for VIP Ringside Seat
Find discounted tickets here: Muay Thai Match at Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium
Address: Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium, 96 98 Loi Kroh Rd Lane 3, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Where to learn Muay Thai in Chiang Mai
You can learn the basics of Muay Thai, Thailand’s traditional combat sport, while in Chiang Mai. This is an experience not to be missed. These classes are suitable for both beginner and intermediate participants, with an option for a private class available:
Muay Thai Class by Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym
Muay Thai Class by Hong Tong Muay Thai Gym
Muay Thai in Thailand
If during your Thailand trip you will spend some time in Bangkok, consider also watching Muay Thai in Bangkok as oldest and largest Thai boxing venues are found in the capital city.
Planning to travel in the Southern Thailand? To experience the fights of Muay Thai in Phuket is also a good idea as many fighters are training on the largest island of Thailand. Several Thai boxing stadiums are located in Ao Nang and Koh Lanta, providing plenty of options to see Muay Thai in Krabi as well. On another coast you can choose to watch Muay Thai in Koh Samui.
Experiencing Muay Thai in Pattaya is also an option, even if Thai boxing venues in Pattaya are mainly focused on serving tour groups.