Lanna Muay Thai Camp

[Screamtruth]

Gents, and Ladies,
I'm currently planning a trip to Lanna sometime this fall. Any helpful hints would be appreciated. I've only been training for about 1 year, but I feel this trip would be very helpful in providing insight to the Thai culture and their fighting art.

[OctaviousBP]

What time of year are you planning on going? What are your goals in muay thai, ie: do you plan on fighting, fitness, etc.?

Lanna can be a fantastic camp, but it isn't for everyone.

[Screamtruth]

I do want to fight, but this trip will not be more than 6 or 7 days long. I have the basics down, it's just the years of repitition that I need. As far as ring experience, I have none. I do have time to spar a lot, but it is in a controlled environment.

[OctaviousBP]

If you are only going for a week, you'll have to got with pretty low expectations. It can be quite busy around this time of year. Chiang Mai is the most popular destination during Songkran, so many tourist pick this time to visit Lanna for a few days as well. You may very well fall through the cracks if you don't make a polite effort to get some attention from the trainers. Truth is though, they focus on the established fighters there, and may not give you as much time as you'd like. However, that being said, the people are great and it can be a blast as long as you're not expecting too much.

[TheDeadlySquid]

A Little Background

If you are only going for a week, you'll have to got with pretty low expectations. It can be quite busy around this time of year. Chiang Mai is the most popular destination during Songkran, so many tourist pick this time to visit Lanna for a few days as well. You may very well fall through the cracks if you don't make a polite effort to get some attention from the trainers. Truth is though, they focus on the established fighters there, and may not give you as much time as you'd like. However, that being said, the people are great and it can be a blast as long as you're not expecting too much.

I'm thinking of a trip to Thailand sometime down the road. I was wondering if I could get a little background on this area since I've never heard of it (Chiang Mai) and what is Songkran? Thanks!

TheDeadlySquid

[Screamtruth]

Yeah, I kind of figured that this would be the case, so I am preparing to take in as much as possible, and dedicate those few days for training. Also, just to see how the Thai's train and their mindset will be treat in it's self. Have you been, and what did you think?

[OctaviousBP]

Screamtruth:

I have been to Lanna, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience, but a different one than the one you are preparing for. Somewhere in this forum's archives should be my thread about it... I think it is called "Life in Thailand", if you are interested.

I was at Lanna for about 6 months, I fought and had a wonderful time. Lanna is an interesting mix of people, varying from dedicated fighters to curious tourists. I miss Chiang Mai more than any other city I've stayed in Asia. I still interact with the community we made there, and have made lifelong friends. Every Friday we would roll out to Gawilla stadium together, or some fair in Mae Hong Song or such, and it would be a blast. Sometimes you'd fight, sometimes you'd bet, sometimes you'd drink, sometimes you'd corner, and sometimes you did everything.

I found my return to North America to be actually quite a bit more alienating than living in Asia, kind of a reverse "Lost in Translation", if you would. But I digress... Andy is a fantastic man who can teach you a lot about muay thai, and even more about life. Den is a fantastic coach and I so wish I could have him here training me now.

I would also recommend checking out Pedro Villalobos while you're there. He is a fantastic teacher, and can show you a few things about traditional muay thai if you are interested. (www.ancientmuaythai.com)

Squid:

Songkran is Thai New Year, which is brought in by the copious soaking of unsuspecting victims. Last year an insane amount of people died in Songkran related activities in the three day span. It is surely something to witness maybe once in your life, but my personal preference having already seen it, would be to hide in my bedroom until it is over. That's just me.

[Jeremy]

sawasdii krup,

I've seen a camp in Chiang Mai before. I think it is the one your talking about. My friends pointed out to me saying it was famous for training a katoey (ladyboy) kickboxer.

[KrabiKrabong]

Just wanted to add i was looking to train next summer in Lanna muay thai camp!

Have heard good reports plus its located in the North of Thailand!