Electric, rowdy and action-packed there is nothing quite as exciting as watching live Muay Thai fights in Bangkok. These legally sanctioned fights will give you an adrenaline rush and a wild, hair-raising experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
While Muay Thai is a popular sport, it is also rooted in Thailand’s history and an essential part of the country’s culture. In our previous guide to watching Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, we covered some of the local gyms as well as some wild areas to explore. This time we’d like to check out some of the stadium venues in the Thai capital and how you can watch Muay Thai like a local.
Many tourists who come to Thailand make it a point to catch a Muay Thai match, and while every province is full of Muay Thai stadiums, Bangkok is still THE place for both locals and tourists. Most venues allow gambling, despite the very stringent gambling laws. This is why you’ll see many locals sitting a few rows back from the ring, where all the betting action takes place, with tourists preferring ringside seats to be closer to the action.
However, if you want to soak up the local gambling culture, sit a few decks back and learn the hand signals used for betting. Alternatively, if you are looking to join in with the local Muay Thai experience there are many tips for betting online. One important tip is to study the sport you are betting on. In this case, research the fighters who will be fighting and look at their fight record to see how they have faired in recent years.
The following stadiums are our favourite places to watch Muay Thai in Bangkok. They regularly feature Thailand’s top fighters.
Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium
One of the most popular venues in the capital to catch Muay Thai matches is Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium. As Bangkok’s oldest stadium, it originally hosted its first matches in 1945 and offers an authentic atmosphere. The stadium is central and is located right in the heart of the capital, making it a popular choice for tourists. Match days are Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, with fights starting at 6 pm. Ringside seats go for around 2,000 THB, but if you want a better view buy one level up for only 1,500 THB.
Address:
Rajadamnern Stadium
Rajadamnern Nok Rd.
Pompab Satroo pai
Bangkok
New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium
One of the most well-known Muay Thai stadiums in the capital is also brand new and very modern, having been moved from its original location at Rama IV Road near Lumphini Park. Operated by the Thai Army, it’s now located just outside the city centre and close to Don Muang Airport. Lumpinee fighters are the biggest names in the sport, as the stadium has become one of the top places to watch Thailand’s most incredible and famous fighters. Match days happen on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with the elite fighters featured on Tuesdays. Expect to pay around 2,000 THB for ringside seats.
Address:
New Lumpinee Stadium
No.6 Ram Intra Rd.
Khwaeng Anusawari
Khet Bang Khen
Bangkok
Channel 7 Stadium
As the name implies, the stadium is a TV studio, with a boxing ring planted in the middle. It’s considered one of Thailand’s most important Muay Thai venues, third only to Lumpinee and Rajadamnern. Fights are broadcast live on… you guessed it, Channel 7, and the studio is located in Chatuchak near the Northern Bus Station (Mochit). Originally somewhat of a local secret, it now attracts many tourists and foreigners. Fights air on Sundays starting at 2:30 pm and the admission is 300 BHT for ringside seats, with standing room free.
Address:
Channel 7 Stadium
998/1 Phahon Yothin road
Soi 18/1
Jomphol Jaktujak
Bangkok
Leave a Reply