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Bet With the Locals at a Traditional Muay Thai Boxing Match in Chiang Mai
Published on January 16, 2012 by Lydia Schrandt
Country: Thailand 
The Experience
The Thai people are known for their big smiles and kind spirits, and the denizens of the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai are no exception. If you want to get a taste of traditional Thai culture and make some friends while you're at it, head to a traditional Muay Thai kickboxing match and place some bets with the locals. While Chiang Mai has plenty of Muay Thai arenas that stage fights specifically for tourists, ask your guesthouse or tuk tuk driver where the real fights happen, and they'll be more than happy to take you.
Muay Thai in Thailand is a combat sport, combining punching, kicking, striking and clinching techniques for an edge-of-your-seat experience. The word "Muay" means "the art or science of eight limbs" because unlike American boxing where the combatants only use their two fists as points of attack, Muay Thai kickboxing utilizes the fists, feet, elbows and knees to strike at the opponent.
After dozing through the hot Thai afternoon, fuel up on some fried noodles and head out into the night. There'll be a local fight happening at Kawila boxing stadium, so head straight there. A typical night of Muay Thai in Thailand consists of several matches, beginning with the youngest and least experienced combatants before moving on to the pros and local heroes. Plastic tables are set out around the ring, but the real action happens in among the crowds of locals surrounding the two fighters' corners. The minutes before each fight go by in a flurry of waving bills and shouted bets, and many of the local spectators encourage foreign tourists to join in.
Place your bets and the fighters enter the ring, where they each perform a Wai-Khru, or ritualistic dance to the Thai king, the tournament officiator, and the master who taught them. The first Muay Thai fight quickly gets underway, and soon the two young fighters are locked in battle, kneeing each other in the stomach and trying to land a punch or kick. The local crowd cheers boisterously for their favoured combatant in hopes of winning bragging rights and a bit of cash. The fight ends, the winner's arm is raised by the official in victory, and earnings are exchanged. The whole thing begins again for the next fight. As a foreigner, a helpful local will usually offer advice on who to bet on for the first round or two, but after that, you’re on my own. As a newbie, you’ll probably lose more than you win, but the authentic cultural exchange will be worth more than the sum of all your bets.
Muay Thai in Thailand is a combat sport, combining punching, kicking, striking and clinching techniques for an edge-of-your-seat experience. The word "Muay" means "the art or science of eight limbs" because unlike American boxing where the combatants only use their two fists as points of attack, Muay Thai kickboxing utilizes the fists, feet, elbows and knees to strike at the opponent.
After dozing through the hot Thai afternoon, fuel up on some fried noodles and head out into the night. There'll be a local fight happening at Kawila boxing stadium, so head straight there. A typical night of Muay Thai in Thailand consists of several matches, beginning with the youngest and least experienced combatants before moving on to the pros and local heroes. Plastic tables are set out around the ring, but the real action happens in among the crowds of locals surrounding the two fighters' corners. The minutes before each fight go by in a flurry of waving bills and shouted bets, and many of the local spectators encourage foreign tourists to join in.
Place your bets and the fighters enter the ring, where they each perform a Wai-Khru, or ritualistic dance to the Thai king, the tournament officiator, and the master who taught them. The first Muay Thai fight quickly gets underway, and soon the two young fighters are locked in battle, kneeing each other in the stomach and trying to land a punch or kick. The local crowd cheers boisterously for their favoured combatant in hopes of winning bragging rights and a bit of cash. The fight ends, the winner's arm is raised by the official in victory, and earnings are exchanged. The whole thing begins again for the next fight. As a foreigner, a helpful local will usually offer advice on who to bet on for the first round or two, but after that, you’re on my own. As a newbie, you’ll probably lose more than you win, but the authentic cultural exchange will be worth more than the sum of all your bets.
When to Go to Muay Thai Boxing
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October and February. The summer monsoons come to a close in late fall, so you won't have to deal with the torrential downpours. The winter weather is pleasant, not too cold and not too hot. March and April are dry but very hot.
If you want to attend some local festivals in addition to your muay Thai matches, try visiting during the Flower Festival in February or the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in November.
If you want to attend some local festivals in addition to your muay Thai matches, try visiting during the Flower Festival in February or the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in November.
Odds n' Ends
Muay Thai kickboxing Bets can be as low as 100 baht, and prices tend to go up as the fights get more intense. Occasionally an enterprising local will place a few low bets with you early on where he'll put money on the loser to get your confidence up, but don't be surprised if your luck suddenly turns as the bet amount gets higher.
The safest way to approach betting is to bring a Thai friend who can warn you if you're being cheated. If that's not an option, keep your bets low and have fun with it.
The safest way to approach betting is to bring a Thai friend who can warn you if you're being cheated. If that's not an option, keep your bets low and have fun with it.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Julie Guesthouse
- It's the most relaxed hostel with chill-out garden, various clean and cozy rooms and an Adventure-Tour specialized travel agency in the heart of Chiang Mai's historic old city.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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IngNatee Resort is set amidst lush tropical gardens and ponds surrounding by 11 tropical Thai's style villas that are fully equipped with international standard facilities. ... 2 miles away
$4138 THB+
The Bangkok Golf Spa Resort is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Bangkok.This 3-star property offers travelers a choice of 78 pleasant ... 4 miles away
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- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- It's quite possible that the saying shop till you drop originated from the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok. Sprawling over 35 acres and comprised of an estimated 5,000 - 9,000 vendors, Chatuchak is a bargain hunters dream come true. If you’re not entirely accustomed to bartering, Chatuchak is the perfect environment to develop your skills. The best method is a respectful and pleasant demeanor, with a hint of unworried confidence. Any and everything you can imagine for sale can be found here. Plants, apparel, furniture, art, food, jewelry, pets, crafts and the list goes on and on. Over 400,000 people ...15 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Khao Yai National Park lies about 108 miles (175 kilometers) northeast of Bangkok and is Thailand's most visited reserve for good reason. Covering 1,347 square ...21.52 miles away via Bangkok.
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Books and DVDs
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
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Thai
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