Where to catch the action

There are quite a few boxing stadiums in Bangkok. The biggest and most popular ones are Lumpini Boxing Stadium and Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium. Remember that when you go, ignore street touts, and make sure you get tickets from authorised sellers in the ticket booths at the stadium. Ticket prices usually vary depending on the seating, though they may be slightly higher on big event nights.

Lumpini Boxing Stadium
Open: Tue, Fri 18:30 - 23:00, Sat 16:30 - 18:00, 20:00 - 24:00
Location: Rama IV Road
Contact: +66 (0)2 252 8765
Subway: Lumpini
Admission: 220, 440 and 1,000 baht (ringside)

Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium
Open: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sun 14:00 (practice bouts), 18:30 onwards
Location: Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
Contact: +66 (0)2 281 4205
Admission: 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 baht (ringside)

Channel 7 Stadium
Open: Sun 13:45, third Wed of each month 12:00 onwards
Location: Opposite Chatuchak Park
Contact: +66 (0)2 272 0201
Skytrain: Mo Chit
Admission: Free

Rangsit Stadium
Open: Wed, Thurs 20:30 onwards
Location: 336/932 Prachathipat, Rangsit
Contact: +66 (0)2 992 0099
Admission: 110 baht (women), 220 baht (men)

Samrong Stadium
Open: Fri, Sun 20:30 onwards
Location: Samrong, Samutprakarn
Contact: +66 (0)2 393 3592
Skytrain: On Nut
Admission: 100 baht (women), 200 baht (men)

Omnoy Stadium
Open: Sat 11:45 onwards
Location: Omnoy, Krathumbaen, Samutprakarn
Contact: +66 (0)2 420 4317
Skytrain: On Nut
Admission: 200 baht

Although Muay Thai seems like a violent sport, learning it properly can be a fun and worthwhile experience. Many people, regardless of age and sex, turn to Muay Thai for self-defence and several martial art schools in Europe, America and Asia have added it to their courses. If you're in or planning to be in Thailand, why not take lessons in Muay Thai's homeland itself? The best place to go is probably the Muay Thai Institute, which is located in Rangsit, just north of Bangkok International Airport. The institute was established to preserve and promote the art of Muay Thai and it offers accredited training courses for boxers, instructors and referees. Rest assured that you'll be learning from the best as all of the instructors are former champions who hold at least a bachelor's degree in physical education and speak good English. Graduates will receive a certificate recognised by the Thai Ministry of Education and the World Muay Thai Council - a very unique souvenir to take home!