Welcome to the enchanting city of Chiang Mai, nestled in the lush mountains of northern Thailand. This vibrant city pulsates with rich culture, ancient temples, and bustling markets. As the sun sets, Chiang Mai transforms into a hub of excitement, especially for lovers of Muay Thai, the traditional Thai martial art.
Chiang Mai boasts several iconic Muay Thai stadiums where locals and visitors alike gather to witness thrilling matches that showcase agility, strength, and skill. Among these stadiums, the historic
Watching Muay Thai live with its atmosphere charged with the anticipation of fierce competition is truly an amazing experience.. The rhythmic sounds of traditional Thai music accompany the electrifying bouts, captivating spectators with every kick and punch.
Muay Thai Standard in Chiang Mai
The standard of fights in Chiang Mai varies greatly across its six stadiums, with some hosting up to five shows a week. Consequently, it's unrealistic to expect top-notch quality at every event. Promotions range from high-caliber showcases featuring gyms from across northern Thailand vying for the prestigious northern title to debut fighters as a main event.
Yes there are occasions where the main event might feature a foreigner in their debut fight, accompanied by a line-up of unmotivated Thai fighters. While on the right night, the value for money can be exceptional, it's important to note that stadiums often charge a standard rate for every promotion. Thus, paying 600 baht to watch Mick from Australia in his first fight might seem excessive at times. A reliable indicator of a high-end show is to research the participating gyms; if renowned gyms are traveling from cities like Lampang or Chiang Rai, it's likely to elevate the overall standard of the event.
While not consistently reaching the super high-end standards of Bangkok, the quality of Muay Thai fights in Chiang Mai can indeed soar on the right night.
Is it fake?
Whilst I'm not saying it never happened, in general, the fights are not rigged. While Thai fighters may occasionally lack motivation, and some bouts may not hold much significance, I have not personally witnessed fake or predetermined fights in this city for a long time. Additionally, in Chiang Mai, there isn't a prevalent ringside gambling scene, aside from occasional betting. This absence of full-scale professional, shady bookmakers reduces the likelihood of fighters taking a dive for cash.
Occasionally both fighters will have hand shake agreement not to use elbow strikes. This is not uncommon in all city's and these fights should not be considered fake or fixed match. While the fights may not always be pretty, they are genuine and not fabricated.
Muay Thai Stadiums
Galore / Fairtex Stadium: Situated in the heart of The Night Bazar, Galore Stadium, also known as Fairtex Stadium, offers an exhilarating Muay Thai show Galore, at the time of writing (March 2023), seems to be serving up the highest standard of Mauy Thai.
Thapae Stadium: I used to do tourist show fights here in the 90's when it was called The Bar Beer Centre. We nick named it the Cathedral of Despair due to the numerous occasions we had drama with drunken customers. Since then it has been taken over and is now a dedicated Muay Thai Stadium holding shows 4 or 5 times a week. The audience is almost exclusively tourist and the stadium puts on a good music and lights show. there is an aircon room ringside offering an escape from the heat which can be intense inside the venue. The most extreme dual pricing is seen here, non Thais 600 baht, Thais free. I even had to pay to get in when I was helping my coach corner 4 fighters!
Loi Kroh Stadium: Nestled along the bustling Loi Kroh Road, Loi Kroh Stadium offers a unique Muay Thai experience infused with local charm. This intimate venue provides spectators with up-close views of the action-packed bouts. The booxing stadium is kind of temporary, the ring is in the middle of a courtyard surrounded by bars and on fight night they curtain it of to create a stadium. Loi Kroh is the area where you find all the girly bars, massage shops and places of ill repute.
Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium: Is a relatively new venue but it has been custom built to hold Muay Thai and boxing shows. It is a in the Chang Puak area, by no means out of town but a short distance away from the tourist hub. It is by far the best designed and nicest stadium in the city with a beautiful lights canopy over the ring. They are striving for high quality fight events but still don't get much of a crowd at times.
Gawila Stadium: The Gawila stadium used to be the number one standard in Chiang Mai. It is the stadium where I had about 10 of my early career fights. Run by the army it used to be the place that all the high end fighters in the north of Thailand locked horns but there was a fire there and it has not regained its glory days since the re build. It is probably the biggest stadium in the city though. I understand there are no regular shows here at the moment just one offs from time to time.
Pavilion Boxing Stadium: The Pavilion Stadium is also in The Night Bazar, close to McDonalds, like Loi Kroh and Thapae it has nights of quality but more often than not its mediocre standard here.
Temporary Muay Thai Venues
You can also catch Muay Thai at temple fairs and Government events. We highly recommend temple fair Muay Thai or Muay Wat as it is known.
A temple fair is a once a year event held by a temple. They have lots of entertainment and activity's and often tucked away in the corner is a boxing ring which holds a fight show. The standard varies from drunk locals settling a beef to top class fighters having a run out. Temple fairs are a cultural experience that is yet to be polluted by tourism.
I could write a book about the fun things that have happened to me whilst fighting at temple fairs.
There also occasions where big fight promotions such as Thai Fight or Isuzu tournaments will host in Chiang Mai. they can pop up anywhere but Central Airport shopping centre car park is the common venue these days.
For those seeking a deeper immersion into the world of Muay Thai, Muay Thai Fever Gym beckons with its renowned training programs. Nestled amidst the vibrant city and the fresh mountains, this gym pulsates with energy as dedicated trainers guide enthusiasts of all levels through rigorous workouts and technical drills. Whether you're a seasoned fighter or a curious beginner, Muay Thai Fever Gym offers an authentic experience, fostering a sense of discipline, respect, and camaraderie among its members.
In Chiang Mai, Muay Thai isn't just a sport—it's a way of life. As the city comes alive with the passion and spirit of this ancient martial art, visitors can't help but be drawn into the excitement, making memories that will last a lifetime.