3 Action-Packed Sports for Exploring Thailand's Culture and Nature

The recent increase in sport tourism corresponds with a growing interest in health and fitness. Indeed, combining travel with athletics is a fantastic way to broaden your horizons while staying physically fit.

Sport tourism can take many forms in Thailand, from Muay Thai boxing, which showcases the country’s traditional martial art, to surfing and running marathons, which take participants on a voyage through Thailand’s beautiful forests and coastlines.

Ride the Waves: Top 3 Surfing Spots in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand

Long shorelines, consistent peeling waves, and beautiful beaches make a number of Thailand’s beaches suitable for surfing. We recommend three locations that are popular among both professional and amateur surfers because they are both enjoyable and challenging. These beaches are Memories Beach in the province of Phang-Nga, Ao Yai on Koh Phayam in the province of Ranong, and Khao Takiab beach in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Memories Beach, Phang-Nga province

Memories Beach – a hidden beach turned surfers’ paradise – is a hub for water sports like surfing and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). The waves here originate from oceanic surges that, at times, are as powerful as those in Bali, Indonesia.

Surfing season: May-October

How To Get There:

Take a flight from Don Mueang International Airport to Phuket International Airport. Then drive or take public transport to Memories Beach in Khao Lak, Takua Pa District, Phang-Nga province. The road trip takes no more than two hours.

Ao Yai, Koh Phayam, Ranong province

Koh Phayam is a serene and pristine island blessed with small and medium-sized waves suitable for surfers of all levels. Depending on your luck, you might come across local islanders called the Moken whose surfing skills are next to none. For those who are brand new to surfing, there are surf schools and surf shops which can provide you with the necessities to help you ride your first wave.

Surfing season: April-May and October-December

How To Get There:

Take a flight from Don Mueang International Airport to Ranong Airport. Then take public transport to Ranong Pier (to Koh Chang and Koh Phayam) in Mueang District, Ranong province. The boat ride to Koh Phayam takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive or take public transport from Phuket to Ranong which takes about five hours.

Khao Takiab Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan province

Khao Takiab Beach is a popular surfing destination near Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand. Typically, surfers gather here during Thailand’s harsher season. Khao Takiab’s long coastline and clear water make it suitable for surfers of all skill levels, but beginners will likely appreciate the smaller, more predictable waves compared to other surf destinations. We advise rising early to capture morning waves when the beach is peaceful and quiet.

Surfing season: November-February

How To Get There:

From Bangkok, drive or take public transport to Khao Takiab Beach in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The road trip takes about three hours. On the way to surfing, you can stop at Hua Hin Beach and other tourist attractions in the province.

Watch Live Muay Thai Fights at Two Legendary Fighting Stadiums

Upon your arrival in Thailand, you will be able to view traditional Thai battles in numerous locations. Nonetheless, two historic boxing stadiums host the country’s largest and most prestigious combat events. This includes both the Rajadamnern Stadium and the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

Rajadamnern Stadium

Rajadamnern Stadium is the first boxing venue in Thailand to meet international standards. Numerous Thai and international boxers have entered the ring here. Whoever wins a championship at Rajadamnern is regarded as Thailand’s champion. In addition, the stadium’s 80-year-old building is praised for its striking architecture, which retains elements of the previous era.

Weekly schedule: Fights are held 4 days per week on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 18.30 – 22.30. For more information on entrance fees and booking details, please contact their Facebook page

How to Get There

Rajadamnern Stadium is located on Rajadamnern Nok Road in Pomprapsattruphai District, Bangkok. This is an area near the Grand Palace and many historical temples. You can take a taxi or public transport from the Grand Palace to the stadium, which takes about seven minutes.

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium

Built in 1956, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is another prestigious boxing venue in Thailand that hosts both traditional Muay Thai and Western boxing matches. It is customary for the champions of Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium to compete for the ultimate title in their respective weight classes.

Weekly schedule: fights are held three days per week on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, 18.00-23.00. For more information on entrance fees and booking details, please contact their Facebook page https://web.facebook.com/Lumpineeboxingstaduim/

How to Get There:

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is located in Royal Thai Army Sports Center on Ram Inthra Road, Bang Khen, Bangkok. You can take a taxi or public transport from Chatuchak Market to Lumpinee Stadium, which takes no more than 20 minutes.

Put on Muay Thai Shorts and Learn how to Box like a Thai

If you have seen live Muay Thai fights and are eager to learn this traditional martial art, Thailand has a variety of Muay Thai gyms where you can learn self-defense while improving your fitness. Here are our recommendations:

FitFac Muay Thai:

This is a boxing gym that aims to teach fundamentals to beginners while improving the skills and techniques of professional boxers. Boxing classes include Muay Thai for Self-Defense, Western Boxing, and Boxing for Children, among others. FitFac Muay Thai has eleven locations across Bangkok.

For more information, please visit https://www.fitfacmuaythai.com/en/

Khongsittha Muay Thai:

This renowned boxing facility focuses on traditional Muay Thai techniques and offers students the opportunity to train alongside professional Muay Thai boxers. It is also an excellent opportunity to observe how boxing professionals prepare for upcoming matches.

For more information, please visit http://www.kstmuaythai.com/

MTM Muaythai Fitness:

The Muay Thai classes at MTM Muaythai Fitness are structured according to sports science. You can practice boxing while simultaneously learning how to improve your overall fitness thanks to the gym’s real-time assessments. Their list of classes includes Traditional Muay Thai and Personality Development, as examples.

For more information, please visit https://www.mtmmuaythaifitness.com/

Run the 2 Most Exhilarating Marathons in Thailand

Due to its varied terrains and cultures, Thailand is host to numerous running competitions. Some courses are designed for runners to explore gorgeous nature trails, while others take place in historic and culturally rich urban areas. We recommend Bangkok Marathon and Phuket Marathon

Bangkok Marathon

The Bangkok Marathon is a yearly marathon held in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s been around since 1988 and It has been set for the 3rd Sunday of November each year.

The race usually includes several categories: the full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.1 km), and a 10 km run, and 5 km run, catering to a wide range of runners from elite athletes to amateur enthusiasts.

Starting and finishing near the Grand Palace on Sanam Chai Road, the course takes runners past significant sites like the Rama VIII Bridge, Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Victory Monument, and Democracy Monument. Known for its flat terrain, the marathon is accessible for all levels but challenging due to Bangkok’s hot and humid tropical climate. The event is well-supported by local spectators and enriched with cultural festivities, making it both a physical and cultural highlight for participants.

Phuket Marathon

The Laguna Phuket Marathon is an unforgettable event! As the largest sporting event in Phuket, Thailand, it attracts participants from around the globe. It features various race categories, including a full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.1 km), 10 km run, and shorter fun runs, catering to runners of all levels.

The marathon has been certified by the IAAF AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) since its inception. This prestigious recognition qualifies it as a pathway to the illustrious Boston Marathon, drawing both professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world.

The scenic course takes participants through lush tropical landscapes, along stunning coastline views, and past local villages, providing a diverse and beautiful backdrop. Known for its challenging hills and warm, humid climate, the marathon offers a unique and memorable experience.