When you think of what Phuket is famous for, what comes to mind? Beautiful sun-kissed beaches? The vibrant food culture and lush jungle landscapes? Or how about ethical elephant activities? These are all great answers! But over the past decade, Phuket has also quietly built a global reputation as one of the best places in the world for Muay Thai.
At Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, we meet many visitors who are here to challenge themselves physically and mentally through Muay Thai training. So, we thought we would put together this guide to help enthusiasts navigate the Phuket Muay Thai scene a little more easily.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated Muay Thai training camp in Phuket or simply want to try a few classes while on holiday, our island offers something for everyone. Scroll down to get started! And if you think of any questions for our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Why Train Muay Thai in Phuket?
The first thing you need to know about Muay Thai is that it is Thailand’s national sport. The practice is deeply ingrained in Thai culture and history, with origins dating back to ancient Siam. It’s no surprise, then, that training Muay Thai in its homeland is an experience like no other. In Phuket, you’ll find expert Thai trainers, world-class facilities, and a welcoming community of beginners, professionals, and everyone in between.
What sets Phuket apart is the environment. You can train in open-air gyms with views of coconut palms and jungle hillsides, fuel your recovery with healthy local food, and spend your free time swimming, hiking, or relaxing.
For many, Muay Thai is more than just a sport — it becomes a lifestyle. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few months, Muay Thai training in Phuket can be as intense or as flexible as you need it to be.
And why stop at training? Phuket is also a great destination for watching organised Muay Thai events. If you want to soak up the incredible atmosphere of a fight night, don’t miss our blog Where to Go to Watch Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) in Phuket.
Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA: The Best in the Business
If you’re looking for the ultimate Muay Thai camp in Phuket, you won’t find better than Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA. Ranked the number one martial arts gym on our island and the highest-rated in the world on Google, it’s easy to see why it’s the top choice for beginners and professionals alike.
Founded by elite-level coaches Andrew “Woody” Wood, Alex Schild, and brothers George and Frank Hickman, Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA combines world-class coaching with a strong sense of community. Alongside Muay Thai, they offer MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and strength and conditioning. The facilities are modern, spacious, and well-equipped, yet the atmosphere remains approachable and down-to-earth.
And perhaps the ultimate endorsement? The number of famous faces who show up to train or take part in events at the gym. Just some you might recognise include Jon Jones, Michael Bisping, Tyson Fury, Georges St. Pierre, Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira, Anderson Silva, and more!
What’s more, Bangtao is located just minutes from Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, making it easy to break up your training with a relaxing visit to our forest sanctuary and to refuel in the most delicious way at our Ban Chang Restaurant Phuket.
We often welcome guests who have come from Bangtao for a rest day surrounded by nature and rescued elephants — a truly grounding experience after the intensity of the gym.
Other Top Muay Thai Gyms in Phuket
Phuket Fight Club
Located in our island’s southeast, near Pa Lai Beach, Phuket Fight Club is known for producing top-level fighters. It’s ideal for anyone staying in this part of Phuket who wants to train hard and possibly even compete. The coaching is serious, the sessions are high energy, and the fighters here are hungry. That said, the gym also welcomes beginners, offering technical classes and building a strong foundation for those just starting out.
PowerHouse Phuket
Down in Phuket’s far south, PowerHouse Phuket caters to all levels of Muay Thai experience. This includes the elite fighters’ class, which is by invitation only, and a dedicated one-hour beginner’s class most evenings. The coaches have expert knowledge and the patience to break down techniques for all learners. And just as importantly, the facilities are top-notch and well-maintained.
Sinbi Muay Thai
Staying in the quieter southern area of Rawai, Sinbi Muay Thai has long been a favourite for both locals and visitors. The gym’s proximity to Rawai and Niaharn beaches adds to the appeal, especially for those looking to blend training with leisure. Sinbi is in a quiet street and sits in an elevated position, so you can train with a welcome sea breeze as well as ocean and jungle views.
AKA Thailand
A giant in the fight world, AKA Thailand is part of the global AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) brand and attracts elite athletes from around the world. With facilities that rival those in Las Vegas or Dubai, it’s a full-service gym offering Muay Thai, MMA, and strength training. While possibly intimidating to some, this gym in our island’s south is open to all levels and has a team of experienced coaches who guide newcomers with care.
What to Expect from Your Muay Thai Training in Phuket
Most Muay Thai gyms in Phuket run classes twice a day — usually early morning and late afternoon. A typical session includes cardio warm-ups, pad work with trainers, technique drills, and optional sparring. Some camps offer beginner-specific classes, while others blend levels but adjust exercises accordingly.
You don’t need prior experience to start. Many visitors train simply to improve fitness, learn self-defence, or try something new while on holiday. All you need is a willingness to sweat, listen, and stay humble.
Rest and nutrition are also a big part of the experience. Many gyms have on-site cafés or recommended meal plans to help you fuel properly throughout your stay. Planning a long-stay camp? Many of the best Muay Thai training gyms, including Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, offer onsite accommodation as part of a train-and-stay package.
Looking for more ways to stay active while out of the gym? Check out our Guide to Hiking and Trekking Trails in Phuket.
What to Expect from Your Muay Thai Training in Phuket
Most Muay Thai gyms in Phuket run classes twice a day — usually early morning and late afternoon. A typical session includes cardio warm-ups, pad work with trainers, technique drills, and optional sparring. Some camps offer beginner-specific classes, while others blend levels but adjust exercises accordingly.
You don’t need prior experience to start. Many visitors train simply to improve fitness, learn self-defence, or try something new while on holiday. All you need is a willingness to sweat, listen, and stay humble.
Rest and nutrition are also a big part of the experience. Many gyms have on-site cafés or recommended meal plans to help you fuel properly throughout your stay. Planning a long-stay camp? Many of the best Muay Thai training gyms, including Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, offer onsite accommodation as part of a train-and-stay package.
Looking for more ways to stay active while out of the gym? Check out our Guide to Hiking and Trekking Trails in Phuket.
Balance Training with Natural Experiences and Restorative Travel
Muay Thai is a demanding discipline, both physically and mentally. It’s important to give your body time to rest and your mind space to reflect. This is where Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve comes in.
Our sanctuary offers a peaceful escape from the intensity of training. Visitors can spend time with rescued elephants in their natural habitat, enjoy a private guided adventure hike, and connect with a deeper sense of purpose. It’s the kind of restorative, ethical experience that pairs perfectly with active travel.
If you’re training at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, we’re just a short drive away. A morning session at the gym followed by an afternoon surrounded by elephants and tropical greenery makes for a well-rounded, enriching day.
Learn more about our ethical elephant tours in Phuket and start planning your visit!
Final Tips Before You Book Your Phuket Muay Thai Training Camp
- Book ahead, especially during the high season (December to March)
- Buy proper gear when you’re here: gloves, wraps, shorts, and comfortable footwear
- Hydrate constantly — training in tropical heat takes its toll
- Choose accommodation near or at your gym to avoid long commutes
- Listen to your body and schedule rest days to avoid injury
- Combine your training with other mindful experiences, like ethical wildlife encounters or beach walks
Book Your Phuket Elephant Experiences with Us!
Phuket offers more than a beautiful backdrop for your holiday — it provides the perfect environment to learn, grow, and challenge yourself through Muay Thai training. Whether you’re here for a full Muay Thai camp in Phuket or dipping your toes into the sport for the first time, the island’s top gyms offer world-class experiences for every skill level.
To create a trip that nourishes both body and soul, we encourage you to balance your training with time in nature. A visit to Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve is a meaningful way to unwind, reflect, and support ethical tourism on the island.
If you have any questions for us, please just get in touch for the answers you need.
