Muay Thai

As the country’s national sport, your trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without witnessing a traditional Muay Thai boxing match. The fighting style is known as the “art of eight limbs” because it uses a combination of physical techniques involving the fists, elbows, knees and shins to kick, punch, elbow and strike.

Traditionally, Muay Thai was a form of combat used in actual warfare, but today, with its emphasis on physical and mental strength, unique warm up rituals and music Muay Thai matches are popular throughout the country. Stadiums in Chiang Mai will pass out fliers throughout town the day of a match listing who will be fighting and when. Tickets can be purchased at the stadiums, through tourist information shops and, often, even at your guesthouse or hotel. Most fights start later in the evening and offer welcome drinks upon entry. The youngest and most inexperienced fighters have the first matches with the night culminating with the largest match – you usually see a couple female or foreign fighters in the mix as well.
Note: With several stadiums in town, there are matches almost every night of the week. Tha Pae Gate Boxing Stadium (at Tha Pae Gate) and Kalare Boxing Stadium at the Night Bazaar hold regular matches.