Muay Thai: The Best Venues to Watch Thai Boxing in Thailand

Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, is extremely popular throughout Thailand and is considered to be the national sport. The popularity of Muay Thai has now spread worldwide, and attracts a mass of visitors and tourists who visit to watch live bouts.

Although every town or city in Thailand has Muay Thai stadiums and arenas, the best and largest Muay Thai venues can be found in Bangkok. Bangkok is home to the Lumpinee, Rajadamnern and Channel 7 Stadiums.

Thailand is the birthplace of Muay Thai. If you want to experience an authentic fight, we suggest that you visit one of the three stadiums listed below.

Lumpinee Stadium

Lumpinee Stadium is located at Lumpini Park. This stadium is one of the most well known of all the Muay Thai stadiums in Bangkok. Due to its popularity, this stadium can get very busy and very loud. But it’s all part of the atmosphere.

If you are looking to watch a bout in this stadium, tickets will cost between 200 and 2,000 baht. The highest priced tickets will secure you ringside seats.

Fight nights take place on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.30p.m., on Saturday afternoons between 5 and 8p.m., and Saturday nights from 8.30p.m. onward.

Rajadamnern Stadium

Rajadamnern Stadium is the second largest Muay Thai stadium in Bangkok. Fights here are well attended and often crowded. Gambling is legal here and can be located on the second level.

Tickets here are a little more expensive than Lumpinee Stadium and range from 500 to 2,000 baht for ringside seats. They also offer discounted Sunday tickets. If you are going to watch a major event, buy your tickets in advance, as they are known to sell out quickly.

Fights take place more frequently at Rajadamnern Stadium. You can watch bouts on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 6:30p.m.

Channel 7 Stadium

Next to the Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadiums is the smaller stadium Channel 7, owned and operated by the channel. The fights here are broadcast live weekly. There is normally a good atmosphere at this venue.

You’ll be happy to hear that admission to the Channel 7 Stadium is completely free. Bouts take place every Sunday and third Wednesday of the month. On Sundays, the fights begin at 1:45 PM, and on Wednesdays, the fights begin at 12:00 PM.

These are the most popular stadiums, but as Muay Thai is such a big part of Thailand’s culture, you will no doubt come across a kickboxing match at a local temple or fair. If you are staying in the area for a while, ask at your hotel to see if there are any local matches or events you can attend. These events will have a nominal entrance fee or will be free.

If you get hooked on Muay Thai, it has been known for tourists to stay in Thailand and learn the skills from a master. There are a number of gyms that are open to training foreigners, and it’s a great way to qualify for a resident visa given Thailand’s more strict rules as of late.