Few national sports are more highly revered than Muay Thai, and no other type of martial arts is as entertaining and thrilling to watch in person. Visitors to Bangkok who have an interest in Muay Thai and want to learn more about the sport can get as close to the action as they choose at either of the city’s large stadiums. There are numerous stadiums all over the country, but the biggest fights where the Thai champions compete are held in the Lumpinee and Rajadamnern stadiums in Bangkok. Matches are held in the evening hours in order to avoid the sweltering heat of the day and to allow the largest spectrum of spectators to attend.
Customer feedback – “Watching a Muay Thai fight is a must-do for every sports fan looking for a real Thai experience.”
Muay Thai is a boxing sports form that originated from traditional Thai Martial Arts (Muay Boran – ‘ancient boxing’ and ‘the art of eight limbs’). The sport gets its unique name because Muay Thai fighters make use of their shins, elbows, knees and fists during each Muay Thai match. Muay Thai is considered part of the heritage of Thai culture and the sport is closely connected to the history and the people of Thailand.
An evening of Muay Thai contests usually begins with the youngest and most inexperienced boxers competing in matches, followed by bouts between stronger and more experienced boxers until, finally, the main event brings the two headlining fighters together in a ‘best of the best’ bout. A full evening of matches can consist of anywhere between ten and twelve bouts, each of which can last for up to five, three-minute rounds. If you are only interested to see the headlining fighters you can choose to show up at the stadium much later in the evening.
Customer feedback – “We decided to pay for the most expensive ringside tickets and our private tour guide helped ensure that besides getting ringside seats, we got put right up front in the first row, so we were really up close and personal with the action.”
At the beginning of each and every match the excitement level of the spectators and the adrenaline rush of the competitors are brought to a boil as the fighters enter the ring to perform Wai Khru and Ram Muay amid a frantic ensemble of drums, flutes, and crashing cymbals. During the fight the hypnotic music, played on Thai classical instruments, keeps playing as the crowd whistles and shouts, continuously urging on their favorite fighter.
The Wai Khru is the fighters’ way of paying respect to their trainers. The Ram Muay is a chance to show off to the crowd; to display how agile and gifted they are. It’s also a warm up period, so that the fighters are completely ready for action when the fight starts. Traditional armbands and headbands (called Mongkhon) are worn by the fighters during the Wai Khru and Ram Muay. The pre-match ceremonies of Wai Khru and Ram Muay are believed to bring good luck, protection, respect, and a fair and honorable fight to the boxers.
Customer feedback – “We were treated like a VIP as we are picked up by private, air-conditioned vehicle and transferred from our hotel directly to the stadium. We take a ringside seat in the Muay Thai arena and our knowledgable private tour guide explained so much about what we were seeing. It is boxing but so much more!”
Once the Wai Khru and Ram Muay have been completed by both fighters they will retreat to their respective corners to remove their Mongkhon headband before the fight begins. And when the fight begins be prepared to be overwhelmed by the roar of the crowd, the rhythmic music, and the raw spectacle that makes Muay Thai so thrilling to witness in person.
Admission Price: Ringside seats are reserved for tourists. They allow the best view of every match and ringside seat ticket holders have the chance to take a photograph with the winner of the main fight.
Lumpinee Thai Boxing Stadium is open on Tuesday and Friday from 6:30pm to 11:00pm and Saturday from 4pm to 8pm and from 8:15pm to midnight. There are many ticket touts outside the front entrance of the Lumpinee stadium. You should never buy tickets from the touts; it is advised that you purchase tickets from a reputable source (Tour guide/Hotel/Booking agency, etc.,)
Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium is open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, with most fight schedules starting at around 6:30pm. There are many ticket touts outside the front entrance of the Rajadamnern stadium. You should never buy tickets from the touts; it is advised that you purchase tickets from a reputable source (Tour guide/Hotel/Booking agency, etc.,)
- Contact us to book an evening of Muay Thai and your private tour guide will verify date, time, and prices for the Muay Thai experience that best suits your specific needs.
- Please note that the tour duration may vary, depending on how long each fight takes.
- Spectators under 18 years of age are not permitted.
