Chiang Rai is a quiet city in northern Thailand, in the mountainous province of Chiang Rai. The town is close to the borders of Myanmar and Laos.
Compared to Chiang Mai, it has a chilled and down to earth and relaxed vibe. Chiang Rai is popular amongst tourists visiting the royal temple Wat Phra Kaew and other monuments nearby.
While not a popular Muay Thai destination, Chiang Rai has some great gyms for fighters looking to train on both a drop in and long term basis. Check out below these Chiang Rai Muay Thai Gyms.
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Sri Wai Muay Thai Gym
The Sri Wai Muay Thai Gym is located in the centre of Chiang Rai. The head instructor Ajahn Supalert Tansombat had over 300 fights during his career and was ranked number 1 contender at both Lumpinee and Rajadamnern stadiums.
The gym caters for both hobbyists and serious fighters looking to compete. The cost per session is 250 baht, or weekly training starts at 2200 baht.
Website: https://www.sriwaimuaythai.com/
Underground Muay Thai GYM
The Underground Muay Thai gym opened in 2017 and is located in the centre of Chiang Rai, 10 minutes away from Wat Phra Kaew. The gym is run by Kru Bank, an old school Thai Boxer with multiple fights under his belt.
The gym is unusual for Thailand as the gym is indoors rather than the traditional Thai Muay Thai Gym.
Underground Muay Thai gym feels like it is catered more towards hobbyists, but the instruction is excellent, and the Kru is exceptionally knowledgable.
The cost per session is 250 baht, or it’s 500 baht for both sessions in 1 day.
Telephone: +66 85 154 9569
Email: theunderdogmuaythai@gmail.com
Pound Boxing Gym
Pound Boxing Gym is a new gym located in the centre of Chiang Rai. The gym is run some students of Kru Dim (Chiang Mai) and is a modern and spacious indoor facility.
The gym is aimed more towards hobbyists, but the Kru is knowledgable, and classes are tailored towards your ability. The cost per session is 250 baht, and privates are available on request.
Website: https://pound-boxing-gym.business.site/
Telephone: (+66) 62 325 1465
Where to stay in Chiang Rai
If you are looking for a traditional Muay Thai camp, Sri Wai Muay Thai Gym offers accommodation.
Hotels & hostels are affordable, costing around 15$ per night for a budget room.
If you plan on staying long-term, I recommend trying a few areas where you prefer before you commit to one area.
Transport – How to get to Chiang Rai
Getting to Chiang Rai is easy, buses run regularly from Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station. The bus takes 3.5 hours and costs around 250 Baht. You can pick tickets up via most hotels & shops or online.
The best way to get around Chiang Rai is to hire a scooter! There are plenty of bike rental shops costing around $125 per month. The great thing about having a motorbike is that you are free to explore the Temples and attractions in between training.
While the Muay Thai scene in Chiang Rai doesn’t compare to Chiang Mai or Bangkok, Chiang Rai is still a great place to learn Muay Thai. Surrounded by temples and close to Laos and Myanmar, Chiang Rai offers plenty of activities to do and sites to explore when not training.
Check out some of the gyms discussed in this article on your journey through northern Thailand.
If you’re planning on travelling to the north of Thailand, Check out my article on where to train Muay Thai in Pai.
Leave a comment below and let me know your experience training Muay Thai in Chiang Rai.
