Price: Ticket prices vary (1000 baht – 2000 baht)
If you’re looking to catch some Thai boxing, then Bangkok is the perfect place to visit. Thai Boxing is a western term for the Thai contact sport known as ‘Muay Thai’ or, ‘the art of eight limbs’. It’s called that because participants use their shins, elbows, knees and fists. Once part of the Thai military training regime, Muay Thai has become a popular sport throughout Thailand. Pretty much every town and city has its own Muay Thai stadium but two of the largest and oldest Muay Thai stadiums are in Bangkok.
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is also a very cultural Thai martial art. Its origins date back several hundred years. It’s said there once was a king who loved boxing so much that whenever he heard there would be a fight, he would disguise himself and join in.
Opened in 1945, Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium is one of the two Muay Thai stadiums in Bangkok. Rajadamnern Stadium operates every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday when doors open from 6pm. The seating is divided into three classes, ringside, second class and third class. Snaring some ringside seats will give you the extreme experience of sitting as close to the fighters as you can get. You’ll be right in the middle of all the action and maybe even end up next to the fighter’s teams and their supporters. Second and third class are still impressive! Sitting in among the locals who are betting on the fighters and getting more and more excited as the night progresses is a truly authentic way to experience a Muay Thai stadium.
Another part of going to either of the Bangkok stadiums is that you’ll be treated to a display of pre-fight rituals. There’s the ‘Wai Khru’ ritual, the fighters’ way of paying respect to their trainers, while ‘Ram Muay’ is the fighters’ chance to show off their agility and talent to the crowd. It’s also how the fighters warm up to be ready for action. Traditional armbands and headbands worn by the fighters during this part of the evening are called ‘mongkhon’.
Rajadamnern Stadium, as opposed to Lumpinee Stadium, is closer to central Bangkok and cheap to reach in a taxi but the downside is there are more tickets touts waiting for you outside Rajadamnern Stadium. Make sure to take a guide with you so you only have to worry about having fun and enjoying the spectacle.
One thing worth noting when you are buying tickets is that the cheapest ones for 500 baht are for an area that’s quite a way back from the ring and behind some netting. It’s unlikely that you will get the best view of the action from this area. The seats closest to the action are obviously those at ringside which, much like at Lumpinee Stadium, are usually taken up by tourists.
An evening at Rajadamnern Stadium usually consists of nine fights and the seventh fight is normally the feature bout. It’s a good idea to check the fight schedule before you visit as some nights feature junior fights that aren’t as exciting or have the same atmosphere as championship fight nights. If you want to experience authentic Muay Thai in Bangkok then don’t miss a championship night at Rajadamnern Stadium. The roar of the crowd and the thumping music compete to drown each other out throughout the night, creating an electric atmosphere.
Things to remember on your visit to Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium
- The cheapest tickets are for an area that is some distance from the ring and behind netting. It’s unlikely you’ll get a great view from here. The seats closest to the action are the ringside seats and, much like Lumpinee Stadium, are often filled with other tourists.
- The stadium has staff on hand to bring food and drinks to your seat at excellent prices.
- It’s best to buy tickets through your hotel, online or inside the stadium itself. Arrange your visit with Your Thai Guide and they’ll help you get the best prices on the best seats in the house.
- Fans of Muay Thai might also like to visit Lumpinee Stadium which is a little further out of central Bangkok but very modern.
Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium is situated at 1 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd, Pom Prap, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
Rajadamnern Stadium isn’t far from central Bangkok so after a night at the stadium you can continue shopping, eating, drinking and partying well into the night on Khao San Road or Soi Rambuttri. Ask Your Thai Guide how we can fit everything in to your personalised tour.
