Phuket’s Top 5 Muay Thai Gyms

What is it?

There’s a reason AKA has been voted Thailand’s best Muay Thai gym by the Thai government for four years running. This ultra-slick club operates on serious ambition. Positioning itself as one of the world’s premier Muay Thai gyms, AKA has pulled in celebrity names including Wiz Khalifa, Central Cee and Steve Aoki. Naturally, the place is usually rammed – but it’s still worth going at least once.

Why we love it: 

AKA feels less like a gym and more like a full-scale fight resort built for Muay Thai-curious travellers. Huge training facilities sit alongside a pool, basketball court, ice bath and healthy food options, making it easy to disappear here for an entire day.

Time Out tip:

There’s far more than Muay Thai happening here. Founder Mike Swick is a UFC veteran and the MMA facilities are massive, including the country’s largest indoor MMA and grappling room.

AKA Thailand, 47/31-32 Moo 4 Soi Sermsuk, Wiset Road, Rawai, 83130. Two-hour group sessions from B700. Closed Sundays

What is it?

The gym that helped put Bang Tao on the fight map. Bangtao Muay Thai combines huge polished facilities with high-level coaching, heavy social media presence and enough merch to fill a suitcase. Founded in 2022 by a team previously involved with Fitness Street, it quickly became one of Phuket’s favourite training grounds for professional fighters from around the world.

Why we love it: 

If you want to train alongside a serious international Muay Thai crowd and leave feeling inspired to level up, this is the spot. The atmosphere is intense without tipping into ego territory, and despite the gym’s growing reputation, the vibe stays surprisingly grounded. Also, if you watch enough fights around Phuket, you’ll notice Team Bangtao rarely loses.

Time Out tip:

Grab the B900 day pass and try the other fitness sessions too. Jiu-Jitsu, kettlebells, wrestling and MMA grappling all sit alongside the Muay Thai timetable

Bangtao Muay Thai, 72/46 Moo 3 Cherngtalay, Bang Tao, 83110. Classes from B600. Closed Sundays

What is it?

Ask around and plenty of people will tell you Sinbi is Phuket’s real number one. Opened nearly  20 years ago by former Lumpinee champion Kru Sing, this long-running powerhouse produces serious fighters while somehow keeping the atmosphere warm and welcoming. The gym itself is huge – three rings, 50 punch bags and packed classes – but everyone still gets solid one-on-one attention during pad work and technique drills.

Why we love it: 

The trainers here are genuinely top tier. Most are former or current fighters, several are champions, and unlike some gyms that stretch staff thin, Sinbi puts plenty of coaches on the floor. Stay a while and the training quickly becomes more tailored and personal. 

Time Out tip:

Book a private session with head trainer Kru Fa if you really want to sharpen your technique.

Sinbi Muay Thai, 100/15 Moo 7, Saiyuan Road, Rawai, 83100. Two-hour group sessions from B600. Sessions run daily at 7.30am or 4pm. Closed Sundays

What is it?

Opened for around a decade now, Sutai is another Bang Tao favourite just near Surin Beach. It’s one of the island’s friendliest mid-sized gyms, with trainers who seem to know everyone and a strong family feel running through the place – there’s even a resident dog called Mo. If you’re travelling solo and want to get adopted by a fitness-freak community straight off the bat, this is the gym for you. The facilities are crisp and well kept, as is the long-stay accommodation if you fancy settling in onsite for a while.

Why we love it: 

The group sessions are chaotic in the best way, often kicking off with sports-day-style warm-up games before the gloves even come on. It breaks the ice quickly and makes cardio feel far less painful.

Time Out tip:

Sutai trains both adults and children, so it’s a good option if you’re travelling with family.

Sutai Muay Thai, 110/221 Soi Hat Surin 8, Choeng Thale, 83100. Group sessions from B400. Closed Sundays

What is it?

Tucked down a small alley off of Chalong’s infamous Fitness Street, Rattachai cuts through the noise with a more traditional, no-frills approach. Founded over 10 years ago by three-time Lumpinee champion Kru Nai Rattachai, this mid-sized camp focuses heavily on technique and proper fight preparation, making it especially good for private training sessions.

Why we love it: 

Fitness Street can sometimes feel like a machine, but Rattachai still manages to feel personal. The trainers genuinely invest in people here and the atmosphere leans far more local than performative. 

Time Out tip:

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced fighter, expect technical training over flashy fitness circuits. This is proper Muay Thai, not a HIIT class.

Rattachai Muay Thai Gym, 49/3 Soi Luang Pho Chaem, Chalong, 83000. Two-hour group sessions from B500. Closed Sundays