While Koh Samui is famed for its beaches and laidback island vibe, it’s also a destination where one can watch and learn Muay Thai, an exciting traditional martial art. Intrigued? Read on to see what it’s all about!
The Art of Eight Limbs
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Muay Thai, it’s a form of martial arts that originated in Thailand and is also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs”; this is due to its focus on using one’s shins, elbows, fists, and knees. It’s the national sport here and is enjoyed throughout the country, even at holiday destinations like Koh Samui; resorts on the island even give guests a chance to experience it too.
Hands-On Training
As mentioned, some accommodation providers like Avani+ Samui Resort offer guests a chance to learn the basics of Muay Thai and its different techniques; suffice it to say, it provides a great workout for all your muscle groups! There are plenty of gyms and training centres on the island some of which will give you a chance to spar with local fighters. Popular gyms include Superpro Samui and Jackie Muay Thai.
Watching Muay Thai
If you’d rather watch the pros in action, there are several places to catch a Muay Thai fight in Koh Samui; witnessing highly skilled fighters amidst a frenzied crowd is an electrifying experience, so be prepared for an adrenaline rush! A popular venue would be Chaweng Stadium which generally hosts fight nights on Tuesday and Friday, while you can also consider going to the Phetch Buncha Boxing Stadium.
Training Camps
Those who get a taste of Muay Thai and want to take it to the next level can consider enrolling in a Muay Thai camp. They offer intensive training programmes that range from a few days to much longer and cater to everyone from beginners to experienced fighters. As you would expect, it will be an intense training regimen and is on offer at places like the Lamai Muay Thai Camp and Tiger Muay Thai.