Gyms in Bangkok

[RichardN7]

Hello all,

I've been planning a trip to Thailand for training for over two years now, and it hasn't come to fruition for one reason or another. However, this summer I might finally get the chance. Since I'm on a limited budget and the flights to Bangkok are cheapest from here in Europe, I'll stay there. Also, I hear the best training is in the capital.
My question is; where do I train?
Bangkok is literally flooded by world-class gyms, and each has a bunch of world-renowned trainers/fighters in it. I've sort of narrowed it down to:

-Sitsongpeenong
-Yokkao Training Center
-Banchamek Gym
-Petchyindee Academy
-Sitmonchai Gym

I've looked at Sitsongpeenong, which is probably enjoying a boom with westerners, due to Sittichai's successes in Glory. I hear the training is serious and intense, the facilities are clean and staff are foreigner-friendly - all pluses in my book. Also, it offers on-site accommodation, which is great for me.

I've seen some great vids of training in Yokkao Training Center. Facilities look great, great stable of fighers/instructors and it seems to have an abundance of both foreigners (so it must be farang-friendly) and Thais (so training must be serious). Thing is, I haven't been able to find info on it (rates, accommodation, etc.)

I'm interested in Banchamek Gym. Buakaw is a legend, so a gym founded by him can't NOT be good. I don't know much about it, if you have any experience there - share it.

Another gym I don't know much about - Petchyindee Academy. If you have any experience/knowledge, let us know what you think.

Another name which you hear thrown about a lot - Sitmonchai Gym. I know it's just outside Bangkok. I wonder what it's like. Advice?


These are my options guys. Let me know what you think.

 

[RichardN7]

Bump

 

[Kanka]

Not sure about current prices but last time i checked all those gyms that you mentioned had very high prices.

Why don't you look into some cheaper alternatives? I'm sure gyms like F.A group, Kiatphontip (anoraks gym), Lookprabat, Keatkhamkorn, Chuwattana gym etc are better bang for the buck. If you can get an apartment and only go to the gym for training there are more options like Saengmorakot, 96 penang. Probably better bang/training for the buck.

 

[RichardN7]

Not sure about current prices but last time i checked all those gyms that you mentioned had very high prices.

Why don't you look into some cheaper alternatives? I'm sure gyms like F.A group, Kiatphontip (anoraks gym), Lookprabat, Keatkhamkorn, Chuwattana gym etc are better bang for the buck. If you can get an apartment and only go to the gym for training there are more options like Saengmorakot, 96 penang. Probably better bang/training for the buck.

I feel these gyms cater to mostly Thais (not saying it's a bad thing. Don't want all the guys I train with to be farangs) and there would be a communication barrier when I'm dealing with trainers, partners, etc. Also, I think most of the gyms you mentioned don't have on-site accommodation, which I'd prefer, as it'll keep me a lot more focused on training.
Also, aside from the price, is there anything wrong with the gyms I've listed?

 

[Kanka]

I feel these gyms cater to mostly Thais (not saying it's a bad thing. Don't want all the guys I train with to be farangs) and there would be a communication barrier when I'm dealing with trainers, partners, etc. Also, I think most of the gyms you mentioned don't have on-site accommodation, which I'd prefer, as it'll keep me a lot more focused on training.
Also, aside from the price, is there anything wrong with the gyms I've listed?

Most of the gyms i mentioned have on-site acommodation and i've heard good things about most. Not really but Yokkao is a tourist gym. They have Saenchai, Singdam (and i think Rungnarai & Naruto) for marketing reasons but that doesn't necessarily mean the training will be better, just more expensive. Same thing with Banchamek gym. Petchyindee is an excellent gym but their website is down i can't see the price, I think it's pretty expensive and i think they don't have on-site accomodation. I wouldn't go to Sitmonchai simply because of the fact that the way they train causes their fighters to get knocked out frequently. So yeah if you have the money, go to Sitsongpeenong, Yokkao och Banchamek gym i guess, but just be aware that there are cheaper alternatives.

 

[DastardlyMass]

petchyindee has really nice rooms you can rent on site. i believe their old gym did not have any but when they built the new place they put in the nicest guest rooms you will ever see in a gym. Boat and his sister both speak english and can help with any translation issues in the gym.

Like kanka said you could go to kiaphontip and rob can help translate. plus it is outskirts of bangkok so you can just focus on training and not have distractions

 

[Snubnoze707]

Kiatphontip also provides on-site Ladyboys so it truely is an all inclusive experience.

 

[anorak]

Kiatphontip also provides on-site Ladyboys so it truely is an all inclusive experience.

It's the first thing you look for in a gym right?!?

 

[Snubnoze707]

It's the first thing you look for in a gym right?!?

When picking a Muay Thai gym I must first confirm they have produced fighters that have successfully made the transition into Kickboxing and a stable of S&C/movement coaches on hand at all times. If I show up and their aren't oxygen deprivation masks and battle ropes, all the ladyboys in the world won't keep me there.

 

[RichardN7]

Most of the gyms i mentioned have on-site acommodation and i've heard good things about most. Not really but Yokkao is a tourist gym. They have Saenchai, Singdam (and i think Rungnarai & Naruto) for marketing reasons but that doesn't necessarily mean the training will be better, just more expensive. Same thing with Banchamek gym. Petchyindee is an excellent gym but their website is down i can't see the price, I think it's pretty expensive and i think they don't have on-site accomodation. I wouldn't go to Sitmonchai simply because of the fact that the way they train causes their fighters to get knocked out frequently. So yeah if you have the money, go to Sitsongpeenong, Yokkao och Banchamek gym i guess, but just be aware that there are cheaper alternatives.

What is the way they train like over in Sitmonchai? Why do they get KOd? I was actually leaning towards them, as the style of training (emphasis on hands, low kicks) suits me.

 

[Kanka]

What is the way they train like over in Sitmonchai? Why do they get KOd? I was actually leaning towards them, as the style of training (emphasis on hands, low kicks) suits me.

You can't fight like Pornsanae if you don't have a chin like pornsanae had. Other gyms are more technical and versatile.

 

[RichardN7]

You can't fight like Pornsanae if you don't have a chin like pornsanae had. Other gyms are more technical and versatile.

I read an article they clinch very little and only look to disengage if they find themselves in it? Any truth to this?

 

[Snubnoze707]

It just doesn't make sense to go to Thailand and train a hand combination low kick game. You can get that style of training anywhere, and arguably better.

To me it makes more sense to go there and focus on the tools which you can't learn at a high level elsewhere, specifically clinching techniques.

 

[RichardN7]

It just doesn't make sense to go to Thailand and train a hand combination low kick game. You can get that style of training anywhere, and arguably better.

To me it makes more sense to go there and focus on the tools which you can't learn at a high level elsewhere, specifically clinching techniques.

I doubt you can reduce the Sitmonchai to simply 'combo and low kicks'?
Still, I see where you're coming from... which gym would you consider?

 

[Mongoosemk12]

A little off topic, but you should know Sitmonchai is more than just a little outside Bangkok. That's not necessarily a bad thing by any means, but it's a couple hours a way by bus. I just don't want you thinking you can just dip into BKK like grabbing a taxi. A bus ride will take you an afternoon basically. Kanchanaburi is beautiful though and if you are looking to get away a bit, it isn't a bad choice. I did one private lesson at Sitsongpeenong while on vacation/holiday (random trip, but prior to this I had lived in BKK). Trainer was 15 min late, had me skip rope for 10 min, then did pads for the last half hour. I still got charged for a full hour session. Seemed good though if you are going to stick around for awhile (tons of foreigners there staying short term), but super expensive imo. If you stay on site good luck with taxis. I caught one while walking back from my session, but it is kind of out in the sticks of BKK.

 

[RichardN7]

A little off topic, but you should know Sitmonchai is more than just a little outside Bangkok. That's not necessarily a bad thing by any means, but it's a couple hours a way by bus. I just don't want you thinking you can just dip into BKK like grabbing a taxi. A bus ride will take you an afternoon basically. Kanchanaburi is beautiful though and if you are looking to get away a bit, it isn't a bad choice. I did one private lesson at Sitsongpeenong while on vacation/holiday (random trip, but prior to this I had lived in BKK). Trainer was 15 min late, had me skip rope for 10 min, then did pads for the last half hour. I still got charged for a full hour session. Seemed good though if you are going to stick around for awhile (tons of foreigners there staying short term), but super expensive imo. If you stay on site good luck with taxis. I caught one while walking back from my session, but it is kind of out in the sticks of BKK.

That appeals to me about Sitmonchai. Iirc it's a 3-4 hour ride in the train (for like 600 baht)? Sounds fun tbh, and I'd slightly prefer a country feel to a smoky city like BKK.
I'm leaning more and more towards Sitmonchai.

 

[Kanka]

That appeals to me about Sitmonchai. Iirc it's a 3-4 hour ride in the train (for like 600 baht)? Sounds fun tbh, and I'd slightly prefer a country feel to a smoky city like BKK.
I'm leaning more and more towards Sitmonchai.

I'm sure you will have a great time but it's just not optimal for training. I suggest you look up Sitjaopho gym if you don't want to be in Bangkok

 

[SrangPaap]

Look, there will be a communication barrier (ref. Your follow up post) regardless of the gym you choose. At best, they'll have one person that can speak RUDIMENTARY English.

If you want cheap accommodation, and good training go to Sasiprapa at the outskirts of BKK: housing is a few hundred baht a day across the street from the gym, cheaper still by the month, and for a longer stay the training cost is negotiable.

Since you mention Yokkao: I was there this week and it was fun to see Saenchai play around like he does: hold pads (at a real steep cost) and sparr with the farangs. It was also extremely crowded: I came in a farung nr 30 on the list for THAT ONE SESSION, and I overheard the manager saying we were over 40 students: that was at 3:15pm -15 minutes into the afternoon gig, and people just kept coming. Mind you this is during LOW SEASON! You pay 500 baht for the drop in class at Yokkao, that gets you a 1-2 hour class, but only 3 rounds with a pad holder. Yokkao does have an awesome location though - walkable from Asoke BTS station (central Sukhumvit).

Hello all,

I've been planning a trip to Thailand for training for over two years now, and it hasn't come to fruition for one reason or another. However, this summer I might finally get the chance. Since I'm on a limited budget and the flights to Bangkok are cheapest from here in Europe, I'll stay there. Also, I hear the best training is in the capital.
My question is; where do I train?
Bangkok is literally flooded by world-class gyms, and each has a bunch of world-renowned trainers/fighters in it. I've sort of narrowed it down to:

-Sitsongpeenong
-Yokkao Training Center
-Banchamek Gym
-Petchyindee Academy
-Sitmonchai Gym

I've looked at Sitsongpeenong, which is probably enjoying a boom with westerners, due to Sittichai's successes in Glory. I hear the training is serious and intense, the facilities are clean and staff are foreigner-friendly - all pluses in my book. Also, it offers on-site accommodation, which is great for me.

I've seen some great vids of training in Yokkao Training Center. Facilities look great, great stable of fighers/instructors and it seems to have an abundance of both foreigners (so it must be farang-friendly) and Thais (so training must be serious). Thing is, I haven't been able to find info on it (rates, accommodation, etc.)

I'm interested in Banchamek Gym. Buakaw is a legend, so a gym founded by him can't NOT be good. I don't know much about it, if you have any experience there - share it.

Another gym I don't know much about - Petchyindee Academy. If you have any experience/knowledge, let us know what you think.

Another name which you hear thrown about a lot - Sitmonchai Gym. I know it's just outside Bangkok. I wonder what it's like. Advice?


These are my options guys. Let me know what you think.

 

[RichardN7]

From what I've heard/seen/read so far, I am leaning towards Sitmonchai (due to atmosphere and overwhelmingly positive reviews) and Sitsongpeenong. Also heard about Namsaknoi Muay Thai, but I'm worried it might be a bit too touristy... Just can't find enough info on it. If anyone has experience there, go ahead and share it! Namsaknoi's cerebral style looks very interesting.

 

[teeep]

all of those gyms have heaps of foreigners.

don't worry so much about which gym. go to a bunch and pick your favorite. theres no shortage of good gyms in bangkok

trainers and fighters are always changing as well.