Watch a Muay Thai fight

The history of Muay Thai can be traced back to the mid 18th Century during battles with the Burmese. It was made famous by a fighter Nai Khanomtom who after being captured by the Burmese was given the opportunity to fight for his freedom. After winning 10 fights in a row, he was freed and returned to Siam where his style of fighting became known as Siamese-style boxing, later to be known as Muay Thai.

Muay Thai is one of Thailands most popular sports. It is characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins. You can regularly see fights being aired on TV.

While Bangkok hosts live Thai boxing fights in their bigger and louder stadiums, the experience in Chiang Mai’s smaller venues is more intimate, giving you the chance to get up close to all the action. Fights happen most nights of the week, but the more significant fights often occur at the weekend and are advertised across the city so keep an eye out for those. If not here’s where you can go to find out more.