Where to Watch Muay Thai Fights in Bangkok Posted on November 3, 2024November 30, 2024 By Angela Chang If you’re visiting Bangkok and want to experience Muay Thai, you’re in luck! Bangkok is the heart of Muay Thai and has countless venues where you can watch high-energy, authentic fights. This guide will help you find the best places to watch Muay Thai in Bangkok, whether you’re looking for a free show or want the full stadium experience. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your Muay Thai night out.What is Muay Thai?Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is an ancient martial art and Thailand’s national sport. Known as “The Art of Eight Limbs,” it’s distinguished by its use of punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, making it one of the most dynamic martial arts in the world. Bangkok is the best place to witness live Muay Thai fights and understand the history, passion, and athleticism behind this powerful sport.Top Venues to Watch Muay Thai in BangkokBangkok is where Muay Thai lives and breathes, with venues for every type of fan—from free local shows to high-energy professional events. The city is home to the world’s most prestigious stadiums (namely Lumpinee and Rajadamnern) and renowned training camps, making it a magnet for fighters aiming to achieve excellence and gain national recognition.The city’s role extends beyond these famed stadiums. Bangkok features influential training camps, which have long served as launchpads for fighters who eventually make their way to these esteemed arenas. Together, these gyms and stadiums contribute to Bangkok’s reputation as the epicenter of Muay Thai, where fighters come to measure their skills, gain experience, and potentially earn significant purses from their performances.Here’s a look at the key places to watch Muay Thai in Bangkok:(This information is subject to change over time.)Lumpinee Boxing StadiumLumpinee Boxing Stadium is one of the most famous Muay Thai venues in Thailand. Known as the “New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium” since it moved locations, this stadium is legendary among Muay Thai fans and fighters alike. The stadium is a little out of the way, so plan for travel time, but it’s worth it for a weekend full of high-energy fights and a lively atmosphere.The stadium no longer does traditional Muay Thai fights with gamblers present, so all promotions that host at the stadium are under the entertainment Muay Thai rulesets. View this post on InstagramA post shared by ONE Championship Thailand (@onechampth) Location: Close to Don Muang Airport, outside the city centerEvents:LWC SUPER CHAMP on Saturday nightsFairtex Fight on Saturday morningsONE Lumpinee on Friday nights (organized by ONE Championship)ONE Championship on select Saturday morningsTicket Prices: Prices vary depending on the event and seating classWhere to Buy: At the stadium (but for high-profile events, it’s best to purchase online to avoid missing out!)Style: Current promotions are under entertainment Muay ThaiLevel of Fights: Low-medium (Fairtex Fight), medium-high (LWC Super Champ, ONE Lumpinee), and high (ONE Championship)Please support the continuation of content on Muay Ying via PatreonRajadamnern Boxing StadiumRajadamnern Stadium holds the title of the oldest Muay Thai stadium in the world and is well-known for hosting prestigious fights. Established in 1945, this stadium offers a fantastic, classic Muay Thai experience. Rajadamnern Stadium is easy to get to if you’re in central Bangkok and makes for a convenient weekday visit. Its reputation, historic atmosphere, and range of fighters make it a must-see for any Muay Thai enthusiast. View this post on InstagramA post shared by LUI Muay Thai (@luimuaythai) Location: Near the old city, Khao San Road, and Chao Phraya RiverEvents:Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) on Saturday nightsRajadamnern Knockout (RKO) on select weeknights (currently Monday, Tuesday, Friday)Palangmai on Wednesday nightsTicket Prices: Varies by seating choiceWhere to Buy: At the stadium or onlineStyle: Rajadamnern hosts a mix of traditional Muay Thai (Palangmai) and entertainment Muay Thai (RKO and RWS), depending on the promotion.Level of Fights: Low (RKO), medium-high (Palangmai), and varies-by-matchup to high-level (RWS)Channel 7 Boxing StadiumFor a free Muay Thai experience, Channel 7 Boxing Stadium is the place to go. This TV studio turns into a fight venue on Sundays, broadcasting live on Thailand’s Channel 7. Channel 7 Stadium is known for its enthusiastic fans and an electric atmosphere. You will get to sit right up against the hardcore local fans and gamblers. Plus, it’s conveniently located near popular spots like the Chatuchak Market, so you can plan a full day of sightseeing. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Joan Ftg (@joan.ftg) Location: Near Bangkok Northern Bus Station and Chatuchak Weekend MarketEvents:Channel 7 Muay Thai on Sundays (live on TV at around 2 p.m.)Ticket Prices: Free standing entry; ~300 THB for a seatWhere to Buy: At the stadiumDress Code: Dress modestly to respect local customs (bottoms covering the knee and shirts with sleeves)Style: Traditional Muay Thai rules with gamblers presentLevel of Fights: Begins and ends with low-level fighters, medium-high and high-level fighters in the middle of the cardRangsit Boxing StadiumLocated just north of Bangkok, Rangsit Boxing Stadium is popular with local fans and known for its intense, high-level fights. It’s a bit of a drive from central Bangkok, but you’ll find serious Muay Thai action here featuring up-and-coming fighters and established stadium superstars. Note that not many foreigners come to this stadium.Location: Pathum Thani province, near Rangsit UniversityEvents:Muayman on Tuesday and Friday nights (televised live on True4U Channel)Ticket Prices: 1,500 THB for foreign visitorsWhere to Buy: At the stadiumStyle: Traditional Muay Thai rules with gamblers presentLevel of Fights: Begins and ends with low-level fighters, medium-high fighters in the middle of the cardJitmuangnon StadiumEdit: As of October 2024, Jitmuangnon Stadium is no longer hosing Suekjitmuangnon events. Instead, the promotion has moved to Omnoi Stadium (see below) on the same days.Jitmuangnon Stadium (YOKKAO Jitmuangnon Stadium) is one of the more recent additions to Thailand’s Muay Thai stadium circuit, located in Nonthaburi, just north of Bangkok. Originally known as Aor Tor Gor Stadium, it was renamed following a partnership with YOKKAO and the renowned Jitmuangnon gym, famous for champion fighters like Rodtang Jitmuangnon. This partnership has elevated the stadium’s profile, making it a key venue for high-caliber Muay Thai events every weekend.Location: Nonthaburi (just north of Bangkok)Events:Suekjitmuangnon on Saturday and Sunday afternoonsTicket Prices: There are listed ticket prices (priced around 1,000 THB) but people can usually just walk in to watch fightsWhere to Buy: At the stadiumStyle: Traditional Muay Thai rules with gamblers presentLevel of Fights: Low, medium, and medium-highOmnoi StadiumWhile not technically in Bangkok, many Bangkok-based fighters come to this stadium to fight on highly-regarded promotions. Located about 30 kilometers from central Bangkok in Samut Sakhon province, Omnoi Stadium, also known as Siam Boxing Stadium, offers a unique traditional Muay Thai experience. Established in 1984 by a group of businesspeople and later rebuilt to accommodate its growing audience, Omnoi Stadium has become a vital venue for Muay Thai on the weekends, known for high-level competition and an exciting atmosphere. Unlike other Bangkok stadiums, Omnoi hosts matches broadcast on Channel 3 and has a reputation for showcasing both local and international fighters, making it an accessible venue for fans of all backgrounds. Most people in attendance are locals (supporting members from the fighters’ gyms and gamblers).One of Omnoi’s highlights is the prestigious annual ISUZU Cup tournament, where many top-tier fighters in Thailand compete, including champions like Buakaw Por Pramuk. Omnoi often features live Saturday matches, starting mid-morning, where audiences can enjoy high-energy bouts and competitive matchups.Photo by Angela ChangLocation: Samut Sakhon (just west of Bangkok)Events:SuekJaoMuayThai on Saturday afternoons (starting at 12:15 p.m.)Muay Thai Kiatpetch SKS Super Fight on Saturday afternoons (starting at 2:30 p.m.)Ticket Prices: More affordable than other major venues, with ticket prices generally between 200 and 600 bahtWhere to Buy: At the stadiumStyle: Traditional Muay Thai rules with gamblers presentLevel of Fights: Medium, medium-high, and highTemple and Other Local FightsOver certain holidays such as Songkran, Father’s Day, and Loy Krathong, special events are held in name of the holiday. At some temples and schools, fights are part of the festivities, featuring local low-level fighters. Keep your eyes peeled for big posters outside of temples and schools! Admission is usually free.Style: Usually Traditional Muay Thai rules with gamblers presentLevel of Fights: LowTicket Information and Tips for Attending Muay Thai FightsChoosing Your SeatsVIP Tickets: Ringside seats and VIP boxes get you close to the action, and sometimes come with food and drinks.General Admission: General seating (sometimes referred to as second- and third-tier seating) is usually less expensive but is further away from the ring.Note that GA is sometimes the only option at certain stadiums, such as Omnoi.During the FightEnjoy the Rituals: Watch for the Wai Kru (pre-fight ritual) and listen to the traditional Thai music that accompanies each round. (Note that for some shows, like Fairtex Fight, there is no Wai Kru)Dress Comfortably: Wear casual and comfortable clothes. Note that some stadiums, such as Lumpinee, crank the airconditioning high so bring a light jacket if you get cold easily!Traffic Considerations: Bangkok traffic is horrendous, so plan your travel carefully, alotting at least one hour to travel, especially if you’re headed to stadiums like Lumpinee or Rangsit.FAQs About Muay ThaiWhat Is the Best Stadium for Watching Muay Thai in Bangkok?Best is subjective! It really boils down to what type of Muay Thai you are a fan of.Are Muay Thai Fights Expensive?It depends. Prices vary by stadium, with tickets ranging from free to about 1,500-2,000 THB for some events.How Do I Go About Planning for a Training Trip in Thailand?If you’re interested in learning Muay Thai while you’re here, I’ve written a book that covers everything you need to know about planning your training trip in Thailand! Check it out for tips on finding gyms, arranging accommodations, and preparing for an incredible Muay Thai experience.Can Women Fight in Muay Thai Stadiums?Yes, but there are some restrictions. Women have recently been allowed to fight at Lumpinee and Rajadamnern, but are not present on every single event.There’s nothing quite like watching Muay Thai live in Bangkok, the heart of high-level Muay Thai action. Whether you’re cheering from the free seats at Channel 7 or indulging in VIP luxury at Lumpinee, it’ll be an unforgettable experience of tradition and action.Become a Patron!If you want an in-depth guide to training in Thailand, I’ve got just the thing. Muay Thai Thailand muay thai in thailand
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