Should You Book Your Muay Thai Training Before Arriving in Thailand?

If you’ve decided to pack your bags and head to Thailand for some authentic Muay Thai training, congratulations! You’re about to experience one of the most rewarding journeys in martial arts. But before you book a Muay Thai training package at a gym, please consider some of the points in this blog!

One piece of advice you’ll often hear from seasoned fighters and travelers who’ve trained in Thailand is this: Don’t book your training package in advance! While planning ahead may seem like the smart thing to do (even the grown-up and mature adult thing to do) flexibility can be key to a successful trip. But Why?

The Risk of Booking Training in Advance

If you ask anyone who’s trained in Thailand for an extended period, they’ll likely have a story about a disappointing training experience. Muay Thai gyms can look great online on social media and have great Google reviews, but the reality on the ground can be very different.

The best move? Just book short-term accommodation close to the gym you’re interested in and try it first. This way, you’re not locked into a long-term commitment with a gym that might not meet your expectations.

Imagine paying upfront for weeks or months only to find the gym has poor training, is overcrowded, poorly organized, and not quite what you were hoping for. Once you’ve paid for something in Thailand, getting a refund is usually impossible. Trust me, I have met countless people who have turned up at what social media tells them are the top gyms in Thailand only to be immediately disappointed and locked into long training packages.

Try Before You Buy

Instead of rushing to book weeks or months of training, consider just booking short-term accommodation near the gym you’re interested in. This allows you to train at the gym for a day or two to truly understand what it's like.

From the trainer’s teaching style to the class environment and culture of the gym, experiencing these in real life can help you make an informed decision.

You’ll have the flexibility to explore other gyms nearby if the first option doesn’t meet your expectations. And believe us, in places like Phuket or Chiang Mai where gyms are often clustered together, this flexibility is priceless.

That said, some gyms are in more remote locations, so make sure you do your research before making travel plans. If the gym is isolated, visiting might require more effort, but you’ll still benefit from not committing until you’ve experienced the training firsthand.

The Advantage of Staying Flexible

One benefit of training in Thailand is the sheer amount of gyms to choose from. From small local gyms to internationally renowned facilities, there’s something for everyone.

This abundance of gyms works in your favor. Thai gyms will rarely, if ever, impose caps on class sizes. This means you don’t need to worry about missing out because the gym is full. Whether you show up this week or next, there’s almost always space for one more fighter.

For areas with lots of gyms, such as Phuket, staying flexible allows you to try as many different gyms as you have time for.

Which Gym is Right for you?

You can train at a few gyms and see which one you like the most. Whether you’re looking for a competitive atmosphere and a large number of sparring partners or a beginner-friendly gym with much more personal attention, you’ll likely find a gym that suits your needs. Your needs will not always be the same as your friends or a stranger online. So which gym is right for you? It's the gym where you feel you will improve the most as a fighter.

Why Class Sizes Matter

One key factor to consider when choosing a gym is the size of the classes. Some gyms, while highly rated, can be incredibly crowded. Imagine a class with over 120 students at once, I've been in one at one of the most popular gyms in Phuket.

Large class sizes can mean less personal attention from trainers, which probably means you'll improve at a slower rate. By visiting the gym first (or checking out their class sizes on social media), you’ll be able to observe class sizes and decide if it’s the right gym for you.

Smaller gyms often give you more personalized attention, while larger gyms may offer up more sparring partners. Figuring out what works best for you is a vital step toward getting the most out of your training.

What Should You Book in Advance?

While I recommend not to book a long-term training package, there are a few essentials that you should have booked before arriving in Thailand.

Here’s what you need to book in advance:

• Flights: It's usually a good idea to book your flight tickets early for better deals (remember some airports will ask you for a return ticket out of Thailand before letting you board your flight).
• Travel and Health Insurance: Essential for a trip to Thailand, especially if you’ll be training intensively. Make sure your plan covers training martial arts.
• Short-term Accommodation: Find a hotel, a guesthouse, or an Airbnb near the gym you’ve been looking at. Start with just a few nights (if possible) until you’ve confirmed your training plans.
• Visa (if required): Depending on your length of stay and nationality, you might need to apply for a visa before arriving in Thailand.

Try and Stay Flexible for the Best Muay Thai Training Experience

To make the most of your time in Thailand, it’s important to approach your trip with an open mind and a degree of flexibility. I know what it's like to see a special offer online at what looks like a great Muay Thai camp and want to lock in the discounted price but avoid the temptation if you can!

By avoiding the trap of booking an unknown gym or even a famous gym in advance, you’ll have the freedom to find a gym that suits you. Whether it’s the trainers’ expertise, the gym vibe, or even just the location, taking the time to test the waters will pay off.

For Some tips on What you do actually need for your first trip to Thailand check this blog out!