Top 5 Muay Thai Gyms in Phuket for Beginners: Where to Train in Paradise (2026)
Phuket is not just about beautiful beaches and nightlife; it is arguably the Muay Thai capital of the world for international travelers.
Imagine waking up, running 5km past palm trees, training with world-class champions, and then recovering with a fresh coconut on the beach. This is the daily routine for thousands of people who flock to Phuket every year.
But with over 100 gyms on the island, where should you go?
If you are a beginner, walking into a hardcore fighter’s gym can be intimidating. You need a place that is friendly, speaks English, and focuses on teaching you technique, not just beating you up.
Here is my honest guide to the Top 5 Muay Thai Gyms in Phuket for Beginners in 2026.
The Location Guide: Chalong vs. Bang Tao
Before picking a gym, you need to pick a neighborhood.
-
Soi Ta-iad (Chalong Area): Known as “The Fight Street.” It is a 1.5km road packed with gyms, healthy cafes, supplement shops, and massage parlors. If you want the full fitness community vibe, stay here.
-
Bang Tao / Kamala: The “Luxury” side. It’s closer to the beach, quieter, and has higher-end gyms. Perfect if you have a higher budget.
1. Tiger Muay Thai & MMA (Chalong)
The Giant. You can’t talk about Phuket without mentioning Tiger. It is massive—like a university campus for fighting. They have separate areas for beginners, intermediates, and pros.
-
Best For: Social butterflies and people who want variety (Muay Thai, Yoga, CrossFit, MMA).
-
Coach’s Note: It is very busy. Classes can have 40-50 people. If you want 1-on-1 attention, this might not be the best place. But if you want to make friends and party, it’s #1.
-
Approx. Price: ~5,000 THB / Week (All Access)
2. Rattachai Muay Thai (Chalong)
The Hidden Gem. Located right on the same street as Tiger, but the vibe is completely different. Run by Kru Nai Rattachai (a legend), this gym feels like a family.
-
Best For: Serious beginners who want to learn proper technique.
-
Coach’s Note: The class sizes are smaller here. The trainers actually correct your form instead of just holding pads. The atmosphere is super friendly and welcoming to newbies.
-
Approx. Price: ~3,500 THB / Week
3. Sinbi Muay Thai (Rawai/Nai Harn)
The Traditional Choice. Located closer to Nai Harn Beach (one of the best beaches), Sinbi is an open-air gym with a huge ring area. It attracts a lot of high-level fighters but is very organized for beginners.
-
Best For: People who want to be closer to the beach but still get top-tier training.
-
Coach’s Note: Sinbi has excellent facilities and maintains a very high standard of trainers. It’s less “commercial” than Tiger but more modern than a local gym.
-
Approx. Price: ~4,000 THB / Week
4. Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA (Bang Tao)
The Premium Experience. Founded by the Hickman brothers and Coach George Hickman, this is currently the hottest gym in Asia for MMA and striking. The facility is brand new and clean.
-
Best For: High-budget travelers, MMA fans, and those staying in luxury resorts.
-
Coach’s Note: If money isn’t an issue and you want clean showers, good coffee, and high-level coaching away from the chaos of Chalong, come here.
-
Approx. Price: ~5,500 THB / Week
5. Revolution Muay Thai (Thalang)
The Fighter Factory. Don’t let the nickname scare you. While they produce champions, they are incredibly good at building beginners from the ground up.
-
Best For: Beginners who might want to try sparring or fighting eventually.
-
Coach’s Note: Located in a quieter area. Great focus on clinching and authentic Thai style scoring.
-
Approx. Price: ~3,500 THB / Week
Essential Travel Tips for Phuket
Where to Stay?
-
On “The Street” (Chalong): There are dozens of budget hotels on Soi Ta-iad. You can walk to the gym.
-
By the Beach: Rent a scooter (approx. 250-300 THB/day) and ride to the gym (10-15 mins).
What Gear to Bring?
Buying gear in Phuket can be expensive due to “tourist prices.” I recommend buying your gloves and shin guards before you fly.
-
Check out our guide: Best Muay Thai Gloves for Beginners 2026
Do I Need a Visa?
Most tourists get a 60-day visa exemption on arrival (check your country’s rules). If you plan to stay longer (3-6 months) to train, you can apply for an Education Visa (Ed Visa) through some of the larger gyms like Tiger.
Conclusion
Phuket is a paradise for Muay Thai. Whether you choose the mega-gym vibe of Tiger or the family feel of Rattachai, you are going to leave stronger, fitter, and with memories for a lifetime.
Pack your shorts, book your flight, and I’ll see you on the mats.
About The Author
