Without a doubt, Muay Thai (Thai boxing) is the number one national sport in Thailand and part of Thai culture. On your upcoming trip to Chiang Mai, don't miss a chance to see a Thai boxing match. For the most exceptional experience, choose one of the best stadiums to watch Muay Thai fights in Chiang Mai.
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According to historical records, Muay Thai martial arts appeared in the Middle Ages when the fighting had the use of swords, bows, and arrows. In Thailand, this martial art began to be sent to the army to train soldiers on the orders of King Nareusan during 1555-1605. He was one of the bravest warriors of the country at the time and helped Muay Thai to become famous.
An official match of Muay Thai must not exceed 5 rounds, each round up to 3 minutes. Two fighters wear blue or red pants. They are not allowed to wear shoes but have bandages around their feet.
Where to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai
In this article, you will discover the best stadiums to watch Muay Thai fights in Chiang Mai, where you will enjoy a true professional match and understand more about this part of Thai culture during your trip to Thailand.
Things to consider when choosing a Muay Thai stadium
To experience the fight night of Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, you can mainly choose from 5 boxing stadiums:
Kalare Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium
Fairtex Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium (Pavilion Night Bazaar)
Even if the fights here are not as high-level as in Bangkok and stadiums are mainly filled by tourists, Chiang Mai is one of the most affordable touristy destinations for watching Muay Thai fights in Thailand. As the atmosphere at the city’s Muay Thai stadiums is quite different, you need to choose the one that fits your preferences and expectations the best.
The main things to consider when choosing a Muay Thai venue in Chiang Mai for a night out are:
- Fight night schedule
- Location
- Facilities
- Seating
- Ticket price
- Other services
Fight night schedule
As there are even 5 boxing stadiums in Chiang Mai, you can normally choose from 3-4 options on any day of the week, except Sunday, when all the stadiums are closed.
The fight night schedule of Muay Thai stadiums in Chiang Mai:
- Chiangmai Boxing Stadium: Monday to Saturday
- Thaphae Boxing Stadium: Monday to Saturday
- Kalare Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (in some months, they also have fights on Tuesday and Thursday)
- Fairtex Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium (Pavilion Night Bazaar): Tuesday and Thursday (in some months, events are only on Tuesday)
- Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
For all options on specific day of the week, check the Chiang Mai Muay Thai schedule.
In all venues, the fight nights are scheduled to start at 21:00 and last for 2 to 3 hours, but it's not uncommon for the first fight to be delayed or the event to be shorter than expected.
Normally, in the event there are 6-8 fights, starting from young fighter fights, including women's fights, and finishing with men's fights. The fights here are usually not high-class but are good enough if you are looking to get to know Thai boxing as part of the local culture.
If you want to see real fights, your best bet in Chiang Mai is Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium, which is an authentic Muay Thai fighting stadium founded by respected senior fighters and kept far from scams and fake fights. However, even here the level of the fights might not always be that high, as many matches feature pretty young fighters that are just making their way up. The majority of fighters are local Thais. Make sure to go on a weekend to get a livelier audience with more local attendance and higher-up card fighters. Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium is basically the only venue on the list, which is also frequently visited by locals who are going to see the fights mainly on weekends. Don't expect life-or-death fights, but you can see authentic Muay Thai here.
At other Muay Thai stadiums in the city, you can see more tourist-oriented fight events, not only with a higher number of international fighters, who often get to fight with clearly weaker locals, but also with fights of a man against woman or boy against ladyboy. There might still be some really good fights in such events, but they are more suitable for tourists who simply want to experience the national sport of Thailand as part of Thai culture and not for the fans of this sport. Fights also vary in quality depending on the night you go.
Location
Thai boxing stadiums are located in different areas of the city, so you might decide to visit one that is in the most convenient location for you.
Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium is located north of the old city, right in front of Miracle Cabaret, which is the venue presenting one of the top ladyboy shows in Chiang Mai. When staying at Mercure Chiang Mai, you can easily visit both venues and have two nights full of excitement.
Thaphae Boxing Stadium is the only Muay Thai venue located within the moated Chiang Mai Old City, which is the most popular area to stay in the city. The stadium located less than 100 meters away from Tha Phae Gate and the popular Hotel M Chiang Mai.
Other Thai boxing venues are located east of the old city, in the area around the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and the nearby Loi Kroh Road. Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel is the most popular accommodation in the area, and it’s located next to the three Muay Thai stadiums.
Facilities
Facilities at Chiang Mai Muay Thai stadiums vary quite a lot.
Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium is the largest and the only air-conditioned Muay Thai stadium in Chiang Mai. It’s a decent-sized modern venue with good animation and commentary in English.
Thaphae Boxing Stadium is a venue with an ambiance that feels a bit like an underground boxing arena, with a narrow and easy-to-miss entrance next to the ticket booth and exchange booth. The stadium is not very large, so you can enjoy a good view from any point.
Kalare Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium is a Muay Thai venue located right inside the night market of the same name. It’s a relatively small stadium and has nothing fancy like the bigger stadiums, but here you still can enjoy a good atmosphere in a convenient location for shopping and dining.
Fairtex Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium is another Thai boxing venue located in the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar area, which is popular with tourists. The Muay Thai stadium is located inside Pavilion Night Bazaar, where you can also find various shops with local food, clothes, bags, wallets, souvenirs, and various gifts.
Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium is actually not a stadium but a simple boxing ring between the bars in the covered alley, where the audience watches Muay Thai fights by sitting on plastic chairs. Before the start, they put up a barricade to block the view for people who haven't paid. It is removed later in the evening, so visitors of the nearby bars can normally still see some fights for free. Pay attention that the alley itself feels like a red-light district, full of young girls who are very nice to foreign men, so the surroundings might be a bit weird for some people.
Seating
All stadiums in Chiang Mai have standard seat and ringside seat options, while some of them are also offering VIP seats with additional perks that should provide bigger comfort.
Standard seats in Chiang Mai Muay Thai stadiums are either bleacher-style seats on the grandstand or plastic chairs placed a bit farther from the ring. Bleacher bench seats are normally without back support and pretty hard, so they can be uncomfortable enough to spend 2-3 hours on. Standard seats at each of the stadiums:
- Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium – bleacher bench seats on the grandstand that are quite uncomfortable after a longer time.
- Thaphae Boxing Stadium – different kinds of chairs, all at the floor level, and most of them are by a table or counter, so it’s convenient to have a drink or eat.
- Kalare Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium – bleacher-style seats on the grandstand with no backrests.
- Fairtex Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium (Pavilion Night Bazaar) – bleacher-style seats on the grandstand with no backrests.
- Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium – rows of plastic chairs behind the ringside seats.
As the stadiums here are not big, you can normally have a good view from every standard seat. To get a better seat, it’s best to arrive 20 minutes or so earlier.
At all stadiums, the ringside seats are situated closer to the ring, and they normally offer more comfort than the standard ones. You are normally getting a cushioned chair in one of the rows nearest to the ring. At least at some of the stadiums, you are also getting kind of a table to place your food and drinks. No tables are available at the ringside seats of Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium, but they give a coupon for one complimentary drink. The ringside seats are offering a closer and more immersive experience but cost significantly more, and not everyone might find them worth it.
At Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium, you can also choose VIP seats that are comfortable seats raised in front of the ring and come with unlimited drinks during the event.
Thaphae Boxing Stadium is another place that has a VIP seating option, which is enclosed in a Plexiglas box close to the ring, where you can watch fights on a comfortable sofa in an air-conditioned environment. These seats also come with free unlimited drinks. However, the reports online suggest that the drinks are usually not delivered to the seat, so there’s not much sense in this offer.
Ticket price
Ticket prices at all Thai boxing stadiums in Chiang Mai are identical, as the standard seat tickets cost 600 THB, the ringside seats are available at 1,000 THB, while VIP seats at two venues are offered for 1,500 THB.
Compared to other popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Muay Thai tickets in Chiang Mai are really affordable, as boxing stadiums at beach destinations usually charge from 1,500 THB for the basic seats.
It is advisable to book tickets online in advance to ensure your admission. Seat availability can be checked, and tickets can be booked via the forms provided below.
Other services
Inside these Muay Thai stadiums, you can have drinks and some snacks.
Snacks and drinks are cheap at Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium. Here you can buy a small beer for 40-50 THB, a soft drink for 20-30 THB, and water for 10 THB.
Not only drinks and snacks but also hot food is served inside Thaphae Boxing Stadium.
At Kalare Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium, they are selling beer and other beverages at reasonable prices, and the venue seems to be relaxed about people taking food and drinks inside from the surrounding market or 7/11 just outside.
Bars surrounding the ring of Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium offer drinks and a basic food menu for spectators. However, drinks and foods here are expensive, compared to other venues.
At some of the boxing stadiums, betting is also taking place. The only place where you can watch local men betting on fights is Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium. Tourists might also be invited to make a bet at a few other venues, but the chances of getting scammed are way too high, so it’s definitely not recommended.
More detailed information about each Muay Thai stadium in Chiang Mai can be found below.
Muay Thai stadiums in Chiang Mai
Discover the most important information about each of 5 Thai boxing stadiums in Chiang Mai and choose the one to experience the Thai national sport while on holiday in the largest city of Northern Thailand.
1. Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium
Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium is the city’s largest Muay Thai stadium, which is air-conditioned and equipped with full lighting and sound systems, creating an electrifying ambiance. Open Monday to Saturday, this Thai boxing venue offers 6-7 matches in each event. They present themselves as a platform that nurtures boxers from Chiang Mai to the professional stage in Bangkok, meaning that you can mainly see younger local fighters competing. At Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium, you can expect a thrilling experience with real fights to ensure an unforgettable night of excitement and culture.
Schedule:
Every Monday to Saturday, from 21:00 to 23:00 (closed on Sunday)
Ticket prices:
600 THB for Grandstand Seat
1,000 THB for Ringside Seat (with a coupon for one complimentary drink)
1,500 THB for VIP Seat (with unlimited drinks and snacks)
Book tickets here: Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium
Find discounted tickets here: Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium Muay Thai Ticket
Address: Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium, 177 Changphuak Soi 4, Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
2. Thapae Boxing Stadium
Thapae Boxing Stadium in Chiang Mai is one of Thailand's oldest Muay Thai venues. It offers exciting matches between champions and seasoned fighters. Here you can cheer on as the day begins with lower-skill fighters and feel the tension rise in the ring as fights become more ferocious and intense. There are normally 7 fights in an event. In addition to Thai boxing, some entertainment with “sword fighting” and “blindfolded boxing” is also taking place. However, the quality of fights here might not be as high as you can experience at the top Muay Thai stadiums in Bangkok.
Thapae Boxing Stadium is located near Tha Phae Gate, on the east side of the old city. The stadium is set inside a large shed with open seating. Seats at the stadium are non-tiered, but the view is generally good as the stadium is quite small. Even if the audience attracted is mainly foreigners, the stadium has some authenticity as the band is playing live the traditional music played during the fight, and there are gamblers yelling in the background.
Schedule:
Every Monday to Saturday, from 21:00 to 23:30
Ticket prices:
600 THB for Standard Seat
1,000 THB for Ringside Seat
1,500 THB for VIP Seat
Book tickets here: Chiang Mai Thaphae Boxing Stadium Muay Thai
Find discounted tickets here: Muay Thai Match at Thapae Boxing Stadium
Address: Thapae Boxing Stadium, 1 Mun Mueang Rd, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
3. Kalare Muay Thai Boxing Stadium in Chiang Mai
Kalare Boxing Stadium is located in the area of Kalare Night Bazaar, which is located between Chiang Mai Old City and the Mae Ping River. This Chiang Mai Muay Thai stadium is located just a 5-minute walk from the old city, and you can easily combine watching an exciting Muay Thai fight with some shopping and dining at the nearby night market.
Normally there are 6-7 fights on the event, with some of them being international fights. The audience at the stadium is mainly tourists.
Schedule:
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 21:00 to midnight
In some months, they also have fights on Tuesday and Thursday.
Ticket prices:
600 THB for Standard Seat
1,000 THB for Ringside Seat
Book tickets here: Kalare Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium Muay Thai
Find discounted tickets here: Muay Thai Match at Kalare Boxing Stadium
Address: Kalare Boxing Stadium, 46 Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
4. The Pavilion Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium
The Pavilion Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium is a popular place to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai for Muay Thai fans and tourists alike. Located in the city's Night Bazaar area, the stadium offers a convenient location and an exciting atmosphere. This Chiang Mai boxing stadium hosts regular Muay Thai fights featuring skilled local and international fighters, providing an authentic and thrilling experience for spectators.
Schedule:
Every Tuesday and Thursday, from 21:00 to 23:00
In some months, the fight events here are held only on Tuesday.
Ticket prices:
600 THB for Standard Seat
1,000 THB for Ringside Seat
Book tickets here: Fairtex Boxing Stadium at Pavilion Night Bazaar
Find discounted tickets here: Muay Thai Match at The Pavilion Boxing Stadium
Address: The Pavilion Night Bazaar, Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
5. Loi Kroh Muay Thai Boxing Stadium in Chiang Mai
Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium is a Muay Thai venue on Loi Kroh Road, in the center of downtown Chiang Mai. Here you get to see male and female Thai boxers battle it out using their feet, elbows, and knees in this intense combat sport. There are normally 6-7 fights at an event at this Muay Thai stadium in Chiang Mai.
Schedule:
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 21:00 to midnight
Ticket prices:
600 THB for Standard Seat
1,000 THB for VIP Ringside Seat
Book tickets here: Loi Kroh Muay Thai Boxing Stadium
Find discounted tickets here: Muay Thai Match at Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium
Address: Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium, 96 98 Loi Kroh Rd Lane 3, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Where to learn Muay Thai in Chiang Mai
You can learn the basics of Muay Thai, Thailand’s traditional combat sport, while in Chiang Mai. This is an experience not to be missed. These classes are suitable for both beginner and intermediate participants, with an option for a private class available:
Muay Thai Class by Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym
Muay Thai Class by Hong Tong Muay Thai Gym
Muay Thai Class by Sting Club Muay Thai Gym
For a wider selection of Thai boxing classes in Northern Thailand, check the best Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai.
Muay Thai in Thailand
If during your Thailand trip you will spend some time in Bangkok, consider also watching Muay Thai in Bangkok, as the oldest and largest Thai boxing venues are found in the capital city.
Planning to travel in Southern Thailand? To experience the fights of Muay Thai in Phuket is also a good idea, as many fighters are training on the largest island of Thailand. The nearby Phang-nga province also has a few venues to watch Muay Thai in Khao Lak. Several Thai boxing stadiums are located in Ao Nang and Koh Lanta, providing plenty of options to see Muay Thai in Krabi as well. On another coast, you can choose to watch Muay Thai in Koh Samui.
Experiencing Muay Thai in Pattaya is also an option, even if Thai boxing venues in Pattaya are mainly focused on serving tour groups. If you are planning to travel further east from there, you can enjoy watching Muay Thai in Koh Chang.
The royal resort city of Hua Hin is popular for training Thai boxing, and you can also watch fights of Muay Thai in Hua Hin.
For more details about the best places to watch Thai boxing fights in different regions of Thailand, check Muay Thai in Thailand.
Tips
For the most convenient stay in Chiang Mai, consider choosing one of the hotels in Chiang Mai Old City, as it will make it easy to reach not only Chiang Mai Muay Thai stadiums but also other attractions in the city.
