Activities
The 4 Best Muay Thai Stadiums in Bangkok
As the name suggests, Thailand is the origin of Muay Thai (Thai-Boxing), a martial arts combat sport, that is well known around the world. It's a national sport and moreover, it's part of Thailand's culture and history. The best fighters of the nation compete against each other at 4 prestigeous Muay Thai stadiums in Bangkok.
The history of Muay Thai can be traced to the Sukhothai era in the 12th century. It was a time when many wars were fought between neighbouring tribes and kingdoms, such that defending the capital city and homeland was top priority. The Siamese army was created to protect the kingdom. Besides the usage of weapons, soldiers were also taught close hand-to-hand combat, which was the beginning of Muay Thai.
Click to EnlargePhoto: Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is deep rooted in Thai history and cultureLater, when the famous fighter Nai Khanomtom was captured in the year 1767 during the Burmese occupation, he was given an opportunity to fight for his freedom by the Burmese captors. He won the match and was freed by his captors who allowed to return to Siam. Shortly after, word spread and he became an idol, and his fighting style became known as Siamese-Style boxing, later to be known as Muay Thai.
Rather than being a means to protect the nation, Muay Thai is a national sport today. It's popular, especially among the people from Thailand's provinces and Bangkok's working class .
The best fighters of the nation compete against each other at 4 prestigeous Muay Thai stadiums in Bangkok that differ in terms of pricing, style and ambiance.
Click to EnlargePhoto: The beginnings of Muay Thai
Rajadamnern Stadium
Built in 1945, the Rajadamnern Statium is the oldest Thai boxing stadium still in use. It's located in the old city, 500m north of The Golden Mount (Wat Saket). Being a place of the old Muay Thai tradition and its history, this place has a special ambiente. However, the ticket prices are quite high for Thai standards.
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday | 6 PM – 11 PM
Price Range: 1000-1500 THB
Location: 1, Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd.,Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok
Omnoi Stadium
The Omnoi Stadium which is also known as Siam Boxing Stadium, opened its doors the first time in 1984. Due to its popularity it reached its visitor capacity quite soon, such that it was relocated to its current location in Samut Sakhorn, which is a suburb of Bangkok.
The Omnoi Stadium is ranking 4th among Bangkok's boxing stadiums in terms of prestige and is quite far from the downtown area. However, regarding the tickets, it has moderate pricing compared to some other stadiums.
Opening Hours: Sunday | 12:15 PM – 2 PM
Price Range: 500 THB
Location: 74 Moo 12, Soi Phet Kasem 87 , Om Noi , 74130 Krathum Baen , Samut Sakhorn
New Lumphini Stadium
The new Lumpini Stadium is one of the most prestigieous Muay Thai fighting arenas in town.
First built in 1956 it hosted hundreds of Muay Thai events over the decades and became known for its legendary charm. However, it has been relocated from its former central location near Lumphini Park to a new location further at the outskirts of the city. Unfortunately, the new venue doesn't carry the old charm and nostalgy anymore.
Like the old Lumpini Stadium, the new stadium is known as the most prestigious Muay Thai arena in Thailand. The very best fighters face each other in this venue on certain days of the week.
Opening Hours: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday | 6:15 PM – 11 PM
Price Range: 1000 - 2000 THB
Location: Anusawari, Bang Khen, Bangkok 10220 (near Don Muang Airport)
Channel 7 Stadium
The Channel 7 Stadium is ranking 3rd in the list of the most prestigious venues for Muay Thai in Thailand.
Not only the high skill level of the Muay Thai fighters competing in this stadium make people visit the Channel 7 Stadium. Also, it's the aspects like its central location near BTS and the MRT public train systems as well as the free entry, that take make Channel 7 an excellent stadium to visit.
The stadium has it's name due to the fact that Channel 7 is broadcasting the fight on TV.
Visitors should know that due to the free entry, the stadium reaches its capacity early prior to the main fights. Thus, it is advised to arrive at least 40-50 minutes before the event starts.
Opening Hours: Sunday | 12:45 PM – 2 PM
Price Range: Free Entry
Location: 998/1, 998/1 วิภาวดีรังสิต Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok (5 minutes walk from BTS Mochit / MRT Chatuchak)
