Training in Thailand

[StickyHands]

So I'm planning on going to Thailand to train for about 3 months. I probably won't be going until next fall, so in about 6 months or so. However, I know there are a few people on this forum who have trained in Thailand and I'd love to get some insight and feedback from them regarding specific camps.

I originally was planning on going North, to Chiang Mai or Pai and training and Chay Yai or True Bee because I've read many good reviews on these two gyms and the cost of living is much cheaper in the North. However, my instructor's Thai Boxing instructor advised that I go to Sasiprapa gym just outside of Bangkok, which seems like it might be a more reputable gym; however, the cost of training is more expensive and I'm worried the cost of living will also be much more than up North. I was wondering what people might be able to tell me about any of these camps from their own first hand experience.

In addition, I'm wondering about things to do aside from training in the area surrounding each camp. I know Chay Yai is just outside Chiang Mai so there is obviously a lot to do there if I ever decide to take a little time away from training; however, I don't know anything about Pai or the area around Sasiprapa gym.

So again, I think Sasiprapa is the most attractive to me in terms of quality of training and instruction (not to take anything away from the other camps) but I'm worried about the cost of staying there for the entire time. I was thinking I might be able to spend some time at each of these 3 gyms throughout my 3 month stay in Thailand (perhaps 1 month at each). Anyway, this is something I've been thinking about and researching for a while now and although the trip is somewhat far in the future, I would love to hear any feedback from anyone who has any knowledge or information about any of these camps or even other camps they would highly recommend (specifically up North as it tends to be much cheaper there). Thanks a lot in advance for the help!

[george stando]

Hi, I havent been to the camps in the north or havent spent much time in any of them to give you a solid answer. We had a thread a ways back about the northern camps. I have been up there a bit not much enough to help.

I know you put up another answer to this thread that got lost maybe also repost that if you still have it.

[StickyHands]

Thanks for getting back to me george. I can't remember the entire response post I had up here but I can remember the general idea of it.

I asked two questions: the first was about Kiatphontip gym KiatphontipGym Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) Gym :: Home in/near Bangkok. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about it aside from the basic information on the website. It sounds like a reputable gym and from what I've read it sounds very good; also, it's 3,000 baht a month cheaper than Sasiprapa so it would save me some money.

The second question was about how much I might expect to spend in a 3 month period in Thailand not including training and accommodation. I realize this will vary a lot from person to person and is hugely influenced by where in Thailand I decide to stay; however, I was just wondering, since there are people who have lived there on this forum, what I might expect to spend in my day to day living for a 3 month period so I can get a better idea of my budget.

That was pretty much it george. Thanks again for responding and I hope you or anyone else might have some insight into these questions.

[fire cobra]

A student of mine recently spent time at True Bee and loved it so much he is saving to go back,he said it is very technical training and a family type of atmosphere.

I have trained in Chay Yai and loved it,Kru Yoi is a legend,it is quite out of Chiang Mai but they have transport to take you there and back.

Sasiprapa has a good reputation and some good boxers there,they cater for Forigners well.

If you wanted fun in the sun then Pinyo in Koh Samui is very good.

Saengmorakot in Bkk is very good and close to Khaosarn Road where you can meet other forigners etc,personally I love it around Khaosarn but some people are the exact opposite.

Many good camps in Thailand bro all depends what you really want to do.

Hope this helps.

[StickyHands]

Thank you fire cobra, it does indeed help! I'll definitely look into those other camps you mentioned. I'm thinking I may end up at Sasiprapa because my instructors seem to think that is where I should go because it may be affiliated with the TBA (I think). However, I'm just worried that the cost of living in that area of Bangkok, as well as the cost of the camp itsself will limit the amount of time I can spend in Thailand.

Do you know anything about Pai and the area around True Bee? Or anything about Bang Kapi, the area around Sasiprapa? In the meantime, I'll be researching those other camps you posted.

In addition, what would you recommend in terms of length of stay at each camp? Do you think it would benefit a person more to stay the entire 3 months at one camp taking a few days off to check out other camps in the general area? Or do you think it would be best to spend around 1 month at 3 different camps potentially in 3 different areas of the country? My only worry in doing this is that the subtleties of technique taught by each camp would differ and after spending 1 month at a camp and moving to another the new camp might tell me I was doing something wrong that has become habitual. Thanks again and I look forward to hearing more!

[george stando]

Hi stickyhands

Firecobra has alot of good insight and info.

I would personally pick one camp and stay with it then maybe visit others toward the end of your stay because you will have a new inside understanding of the camp and how it works and you can see and pick up things when visiting other camps. I feel you gain alot with sticking with one camp. But I know its also your first trip and you want to see and feel different things.

sangmorekot is a brilliant choice from firecobra. You are close enough to a very vibrant area where you have access to alot of stuff.

You can also check into getting an apartment on your own since you will be there for three months or rent a room near the camp if that is cheaper in the long run. usually the camp owners know people in the nearby neigborhoods and can help you locate something.

[fire cobra]

Thank you fire cobra, it does indeed help! I'll definitely look into those other camps you mentioned. I'm thinking I may end up at Sasiprapa because my instructors seem to think that is where I should go because it may be affiliated with the TBA (I think). However, I'm just worried that the cost of living in that area of Bangkok, as well as the cost of the camp itsself will limit the amount of time I can spend in Thailand.

Do you know anything about Pai and the area around True Bee? Or anything about Bang Kapi, the area around Sasiprapa? In the meantime, I'll be researching those other camps you posted.

In addition, what would you recommend in terms of length of stay at each camp? Do you think it would benefit a person more to stay the entire 3 months at one camp taking a few days off to check out other camps in the general area? Or do you think it would be best to spend around 1 month at 3 different camps potentially in 3 different areas of the country? My only worry in doing this is that the subtleties of technique taught by each camp would differ and after spending 1 month at a camp and moving to another the new camp might tell me I was doing something wrong that has become habitual. Thanks again and I look forward to hearing more!

I think Sasiprapa would be a good choice(not because on the TBA connection though).

I stayed for 6 months in Seyna Nikhom not to far from Sasiprapa and I loved it,you can still eat cheap in those type of areas of BKK.

If I had my youth again I would go with Saengmorakot,a very technical camp.

I only know what my student has told me about Pai,he said it is a lovely area very clean air,great massages and lots of old hippys.

As for the length of stay at one camp I cant add more than what George has written in his excellent post.

[StickyHands]

Wow thank you sir for your insight, it is most definitely appreciated. I agree with george 100% on spending most of my time at one camp and then doing the bulk of my travel (if any) at the end of my stay; I think it is great advice.

[QUOTE]I think Sasiprapa would be a good choice(not because on the TBA connection though)./QUOTE]

Why do you think it would be a good choice then? Just curious as to what you know/think about the camp. Also, it looks like Seyna Nikhom is about a 15-20 minute drive from Sasiprapa on the map, I was thinking of staying in Bang Kapi very close to the gym. It sounds like you have trained at Sasiprapa so I'm assuming you know a little about Bang Kapi. Can you tell me anything about it? (things to do, places to eat, cost, etc.)

Again, thank you fire cobra and george, I really appreciate the help and insight you guys have given me.

[fire cobra]

I havent trained at Sasiprapa but I know quite a few people that have and I never hear a bad word,also they have had some good boxers come out of there over the years and still do.

Bang Kapi is next to Lad Prao which I used to jog to from where I was staying (to train),I dont think there is a lot for the farang in Bang Kapi.so again it depends what yourlooking for bro

[StickyHands]

Yeah I'm looking to be training pretty seriously while there. I'm not trying to go out and party every night like many people do when in Thailand; I was just hoping that there would be some stuff to do aside from training when I have some free time in the area surrounding the gym. From what I've heard/read, there is not much in Bang Kapi aside from a few shopping malls, but I understand it is fairly easy to get into BKK from there so maybe it won't be a problem.

Well thanks a lot for all the help fire cobra and george. If you guys remember something else or find any more information out about any of the gyms I was talking about on here then please feel free to either post on this thread or PM me anytime.

[george stando]

If you are looking to train seriously then you will be occupied with getting to bed on time. Thats something i learned right away. The pace gets grueling also depending on the season you are there that can add to it. Plus some of the fighters in the camp will fight so you will probably go to stadiums with your camp friends. On the weekend, you can go off and do some things that you like, venture around. Its bangkok, so theres always something to see someplace to go. During the week you will be doing the training, taking care of things, then sometimes friends in the camp will take you places or you will meet people to hang with. Its not as isolated as you think but then again i am venturesome : )

But that said being in a good surrounding area helps to break up the day to day. bangkapi/lat prao has the mall areas, movies. You will get used to getting around bangkok and then you can go where you want and it shouldnt be a problem for you. I was in various areas which were basically dead in different parts of thailand but that didnt stop me from jumping in a cab and going somewhere. Find the right camp for you because that is what you are going for to train and learn, everything else will easily fall into place especially in a 3 month gap.

You are doing the right prep work and it will pay off

[fire cobra]

If you are looking to train seriously then you will be occupied with getting to bed on time. Thats something i learned right away. The pace gets grueling also depending on the season you are there that can add to it. Plus some of the fighters in the camp will fight so you will probably go to stadiums with your camp friends. On the weekend, you can go off and do some things that you like, venture around. Its bangkok, so theres always something to see someplace to go. During the week you will be doing the training, taking care of things, then sometimes friends in the camp will take you places or you will meet people to hang with. Its not as isolated as you think but then again i am venturesome : )

But that said being in a good surrounding area helps to break up the day to day. bangkapi/lat prao has the mall areas, movies. You will get used to getting around bangkok and then you can go where you want and it shouldnt be a problem for you. I was in various areas which were basically dead in different parts of thailand but that didnt stop me from jumping in a cab and going somewhere. Find the right camp for you because that is what you are going for to train and learn, everything else will easily fall into place especially in a 3 month gap.

You are doing the right prep work and it will pay off

Nice one George,

Yeah the cinemas and the markets and the malls(sneak a ice cream) are always available and nice places to go when training hard as opposed to bars,as you say you need your sleep for recovery or you will never get through 2 good training sessions a day

[StickyHands]

Hah I hope you guys aren't tired of reading my ''thank you's'' but again, thanks guys. I agree george, getting to sleep at a decent hour is definitely gonna be my top priority each night. As you and fire cobra pointed out though, there are cinemas, markets, and malls in the surrounding area which is really all I'm looking for. Just some places to go at night if I want some food or to go for a walk or something. An occasional night out at a bar or something with some friends would be nice once in a while but I don't care so much about that.

Any ideas what the air quality is like in Bangkapi/ladprao? I've heard the air in BKK is pretty bad but I would imagine Bangkapi/ladprao might be a bit cleaner because they're not too close to the center of the city.

[fire cobra]

The air in BKK isnt great everywhere but you soon get used to it,Running isnt to great amongst the traffic,but the boxers will have a nice route worked out.

You also should be able to find a swimming pool which is always a good way to relax,there will probably be a public pool in Bang Kapi but also unniversities often have them to.

I never get tired of getting thanked bro dont worry lol

[george stando]

excellent point, fire cobra. Really something important, when running out in the street, they will have a route laid out. Be careful the first few times as you break into the routine. The sidewalks, streets, and pavements are generally uneven with some breaks and potholes here and there. You just have to be careful. I mean the fighters will veer around things naturally and point things out, but just a little pointer to remember. I didnt like running in the street, the traffic and all. But i followed what the camp did. Firecobras idea of swimming is great, swimming is just great.

No problem, sticky hands. Just one thing --remember to give us a full report of your experiences and such when you get there or after. We love to hear about that as it helps keep the information and experiences flowing. Soon you will have alot to contribute! it all goes in a circle.