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 Koh Samui, don't miss a chance to see a Thai boxing match. For the most exceptional experience, choose one of the best places to watch Muay Thai fights in Koh Samui.
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Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
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. They are not allowed to wear shoes but have bandages around their feet.
Best places to watch Muay Thai in Koh Samui
In this article, you will discover the best places to see Muay Thai fights in Koh Samui, 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 Thai boxing on the island of Koh Samui, you need to choose between Samui International Muay Thai Stadium and Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium. Both of them have their own special spirit, so you need to choose the one that fits your preferences the best.
The main things to consider when choosing a Muay Thai venue in Koh Samui for a night out are:
- Fight night schedule
- Location
- Facilities
- Seating
- Ticket price
- Other services
Fight night schedule
In case you want to see Thai boxing fights on the specific day of the week, you will only have one option, as the two Koh Samui Muay Thai stadiums open their doors on alternate days:
Monday (in high season), Wednesday, and Saturday at Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium
Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday at Samui International Muay Thai Stadium
Both stadiums are closed on Thursday.
In both venues, the fight nights are scheduled to start at 21:00 and last up to 3 hours, but don't expect them to stick to the schedule too strictly, as it's not uncommon for the first fight to be delayed.
The level of fighters and the quality of fights at Koh Samui boxing stadiums tend to be similar and might depend on the specific fight night. Normally, there are 6 fights every night, and at least some of them are really good.
Location
Both Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium and Samui International Muay Thai Stadium are located in Chaweng, not too far from Chaweng Beach. Actually, they are only 400 meters apart, so getting there is equally convenient.
If you choose to stay at one of the popular beachfront resorts, such as OZO Chaweng Samui, Banana Fan Sea Resort, or Centara Reserve Samui, you will be an easy walk away from both stadiums.
Facilities
Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium is well equipped and larger, offering more comfort. The pitches are spaced far enough apart to avoid having the impression of being crowded.
Samui International Muay Thai Stadium is slightly smaller and a little too crammed in terms of sitting space, but it brings everybody closer to the ring to enjoy the experience.
The key difference between the Muay Thai stadiums in Koh Samui is the presence of air conditioning.
Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium is air-conditioned and ventilated. The air conditioner is cool, and all the stadium has strong fans over the crowd. If you're not a fan of cool weather, you might wish to take your jacket with you.
Conversely, Samui International Muay Thai Stadium can get really hot, as there's no air conditioning. There are lots of fans, so it's not intolerable, unless you can't stand the heat.
Seating
Both stadiums have standard seat and ringside seat options, while Samui International Muay Thai Stadium is also offering VIP seats on a comfortable sofa.
Standard seats are hard and uncomfortable at both venues. At Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium, they are bleacher bench seats with no back support, while at the other venue you sit on concrete steps. As the fight night takes about 2-3 hours, it's better to bring a seat cushion.
You can normally have a good view from every standard seat on the grandstand at Samui International Muay Thai Stadium. However, at Phetchbuncha, there are 4 advertising cubes on the corners of the ring, and they block some of the view of the fight for some visitors. To avoid that, take a seat in front of the stage and not diagonally. Arrive 20 minutes or so earlier to get a better seat.
At both stadiums, the ringside seats are much comfier than the standard ones and are closer to the ring. Another bonus is that you don't need to arrive earlier to get a good seat because all of them offer similar views. Just make sure to book your ringside seats in advance, as they often sell out.
At Samui International Muay Thai Stadium, you can also choose a VIP seat, which is a comfortable sofa. These seats usually come with some gifts, such as a free drink or Muay Thai t-shirt.
Ticket price
Ticket prices at both Thai boxing stadiums in Koh Samui are identical, as the standard seat tickets cost 1,500 THB, while ringside seats are offered for 2,000 THB.
In addition to the standard and ringside seats, at Samui International Muay Thai Stadium you can also buy more expensive tickets for VIP seats that will let you enjoy the fights from a comfortable sofa.
It is advisable to book tickets online in advance, as sold-outs happen. Ringside tickets are recommended, as sometimes they oversell standard seat tickets, meaning that there is no space to sit down. Seat availability can be checked, and tickets can be booked via the forms provided below.
If Muay Thai ticket prices in Koh Samui seem too high and your trip plan includes other destinations in Thailand, you can find more affordable options to watch Muay Thai in Chiang Mai or Muay Thai in Bangkok.
Other services
Inside both Koh Samui Muay Thai stadiums, you can have drinks and some snacks. Drinks are ordered directly from a runner and delivered quickly. Drink prices are similar and tend to be on the higher side, like around 140 THB for a small beer.
More detailed information about each Muay Thai stadium in Koh Samui can be found below.
Muay Thai stadiums in Koh Samui
There are actually 3 Thai boxing stadiums in Koh Samui. However, the Chaweng Stadium is currently closed, so you can experience the Thai national sport on the island by watching Muay Thai fights at Samui International Muay Thai Stadium or Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium.
1. Samui International Muay Thai Stadium
Samui International Muay Thai Stadium is located in the heart of the island, the Chaweng Beach area. Samui Thai Boxing Fight Nights are held twice a week and feature the best local and international fighters who come to the island to showcase their talents. The atmosphere in Samui International Muay Thai Stadium is electric and accompanied by an English-speaking commentator.
Stadium seating is a two-level arena setting, and good views can be seen from all angles. Guests can choose from standard stadium seats set on tiers, ringside seats placed on the stadium floor and right on top of the action, and VIP seats that are comfortable sofas.
Schedule:
Every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday from 21:00 to 23:50
Ticket prices:
1,500 THB for Standard Seat
2,000 THB for Ringside Seat
2,500 THB for VIP Seat (Sofa)
3,000 THB for VIP Premium Seat (Sofa)
Book tickets here: Samui International Muay Thai Stadium Ticket.
Find discounted tickets here: Muay Thai Match at Samui International Muay Thai Stadium
Address: Samui International Muay Thai Stadium, 3 4 2 Leam-din Rd Bo Put, Amphoe Koh Samui, Surat Thani
2. Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium
Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium is the place where you can watch authentic Muay Thai boxing fights in Koh Samui. See fighters from all over the world fight against each other every Wednesday and Saturday night. The fights start at 21:00 and usually last for 3 hours. The main fight with the best Thai boxers is at the end of the evening. You will see both foreign and Thai fighters, and the atmosphere in the arena is great. Live commentary and Thai music accompany the fighters every night.
Schedule:
Every Wednesday and Saturday, from 21:00 to 23:50
During high season, there are also fights at the same time on Mondays.
Ticket prices:
1,500 THB for Standard Seat
2,000 THB for Ringside Seat
Book tickets here: Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium Muay Thai Ticket.
Find discounted tickets here: Muay Thai Match at Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium
Address: Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium, 21/17 Moo 3 Chaweng-Choeng-Mon Road, Amphoe Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Where to learn Muay Thai in Koh Samui
You can learn the basics of Muay Thai, Thailand’s traditional combat sport, while in Koh Samui. 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.
Join Muay Thai session at Jackie Muay Thai Gym in Koh Samui and learn a variety of techniques suitable for every newbie or experienced alike and the instructors will help you get an idea of how to get started in the sport and improve your skills.
Muay Thai in Thailand
If during your Thailand trip you will spend some time in Bangkok, consider also watching Muay Thai in Bangkok as oldest and largest Thai boxing venues are found in the capital city.
Planning to travel on the Andaman Coast of 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. Several Thai boxing stadiums are located in Ao Nang and Koh Lanta, providing plenty of options to see Muay Thai in Krabi as well.
You can also watch Muay Thai fights in Chiang Mai, where entrance tickets cost much less even if the quality of the fights might be lower.
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.
For more details about the best places to watch Thai boxing fights in different regions of Thailand, check Muay Thai in Thailand.
