Muay Thai in Chiang Mai

Seeing an authentic Muay Thai fight is usually on the bucket list of everyone who comes to Thailand. Seeing one in Bangkok is expensive and, if you're the betting type, you might lose a finger if things go south.  

But don't you worry! If you're way up north in Chiang Mai - which is on the well-trodden tourist circuit - there are three distinct venues to encounter this gruesomely awesome Thai sport. Most tourists staying in the Old City on Moon Muang Soi 1-7 will find posters pointing them towards the two most convenient stadiums. However, both of these places have a district tourist feel and the fights might be less 'authentic.' The third place is a stadium where locals go to see the fights.

First off, the cheapest fight in town is in Chiang Mai's red-light district. The fight is hosted in the Loi Kroh Entertainment Complex. Here you can sit at any of the bars and enjoy the fights.

Now, the fights here are usually just training sessions between rival schools. With that said, it can still get pretty intense. The Loi Kroh Boxing Arena is by far the cheapest, costing at most 100 baht ($3). But with that said, you also get what you pay for.

Another venue that is quite convenient for most tourists - especially those staying in the heart of the old city -  is at the Thapae Boxing Stadium behind the Thapae Gate. Because of its central location, fights are often fought before a crowd of mostly foreign tourists. Admission is 400 baht ($13).
The celebratory atmosphere of so many expats experiencing their first fights makes this a very exciting venue and a good night out. It's also unique because the betting is fun and doesn't get out of hand. But be warned, sometimes very young children fight - so if you're against that kind of thing, stay away.

For those that want to find the most authentic fighting venue, it’s necessary to hop in a cab or tuk-tuk and go across the river to Kawila Boxing Stadium. This place gets less press, is less convenient, and the fighting events are longer. The price is also 400 baht per person. Fights in Kawila Boxing Stadium feel much more Thai than at the other two locations. But it's also quite a bit grittier.