When we were planning our trip around South-East Asia, I had pictured beaches, temples, street food. I hadn’t predicted that I would spend any time throwing punches! In fact, this was likely something I’d wanted to avoid. I could not have imagined myself training in Muay Thai, let alone living at a camp and training every day – and absolutely loving it!
So, how was it for a fairly unfit first-timer female who has never done any martial arts in her life? Keep reading and I’ll give an in-depth review of our time at camp. However, to summarise: my partner and I initially booked for two weeks and extended to three. We would definitely go back.
What is Muay Thai?
Muay Thai is a full contact combat sport sometimes called traditional Thai boxing or ‘the art of the eight limbs’. This is due to the use of punches, kicks, knees and elbows. A fight normally consists of 5 x 3 minute bouts, but before beginning, fighters must first do a traditional dance in the ring. We didn’t train for fighting and we didn’t partake in any actual fights, but this can be arranged if you wish. In fact, during our first week we were lucky enough to join an excursion from camp to see two campers fighting after months of training.
The atmosphere was electric as both of our fighters won! Fighting aside, Muay Thai is a fantastic fitness training regimen.
Muay Thai is heavily ingrained in Thai culture and fighters train from a young age. Indeed, at camp there were several local kids who trained at the gym, one minute dancing to Baby Shark, the next throwing harder punches than I can!
What is the Muay Thai training like?
Unlike those kids, neither myself nor Adam had any prior experience of Muay Thai, but we didn’t need it. The camp happily welcomes complete beginners. In the first session we joined, a trainer took us aside for an introductory lesson, taking us both through the basic moves. In the subsequent sessions, we were able to join the basic skills group to practice other moves. Adam had a few one-to-one sessions which enhanced his confidence and ability so much he joined the high technique group soon after. If I had to name any regret about my time at camp, it’s that I didn’t do a one-to-one myself.
The Schedule
There are Muay Thai gyms and camps throughout Thailand. Some are very intense – waking up at 5am to run 5km before a two-hour training session, then sparring, then more training. We signed up to a Wellness Package (more on that below) and had the option to join as many of the two-hour group sessions as we liked. These were twice a day, every morning and afternoon, 7 days a week. There was an ab attack class before the afternoon session if we were looking for some extra sweat! There was also optional sparring on Saturday, which the instructors videoed.
We could use the gym, bags and weight room when we liked also. And of course, for an extra fee (or included, depending on the package) we could book private sessions with a skilled trainer.
The Group Sessions
Each group session followed a similar plan, sometimes adjusted based on how many people were there. There were anything between 6 and 30 campers at classes. First, a trainer would lead us in a quick stretch before changing into an intense warm-up – usually running interspersed with different movements like squats or push-ups – before going back to running.
When we were all warm (read: hot and sweaty), we’d put hand wraps on (trainers help with this) and split into groups (first timers, basic, high technique) to do some shadow boxing or drills or practise specific skills. Then it would be gloves on and either the punching bag, or pads with a trainer.
After that, gloves and wraps come off for a quick cool-down stretch before lining up for a traditional expression of gratitude for each of the trainers. This would consist of a group clapping thing (hard to explain here but easy to pick up, I promise) and then each trainer walks the line for you to say your thanks.
Even though I was always sweating and tired out by end of the class, I also felt invigorated and proud that I’d learned something new or improved on the previous session. I think saying thanks to the amazing trainers is the least we can do. The trainers were all very good – obviously skilled at Muay Thai and eager to teach, but all friendly and fun too, playing music and ready to have a laugh.
What equipment do I need for a Muay Thai camp?
Muay Thai is done barefoot and just in shorts (plus a sports bra for the girls). You need hand wraps and boxing gloves. You might use shin and mouth guards while sparring but as a beginner I didn’t go near them this time. For training I generally just wore shorts and a high-impact sports bra, sometimes with a sports top chucked over it.
I wish I’d brought more work-out clothing because it was what we wore and sweated in constantly. Thankfully though I’d bought some extra bits in Bangkok before the camp. We could have laundry done daily for a small fee.
Now, obviously while on a long-term backpacking trip, we didn’t just happen to have hand wraps or boxing gloves stashed away in our bags. We were able to buy wraps and rent gloves at camp. Easy. But, of course, you can bring your own.
Other things I’d recommend for attending a Muay Thai camp:
- A refillable water bottle, a sweat towel or two and electrolytes. (We found small towels and electrolytes cheaply just in the local 7/11.)
- Ibuprofen is a restricted substance in Thailand ie, you’re meant to get it by prescription. I suggest that you might want to stock up on some cheaply and easily at home if you know you might be prone to some aches, pains, inflammation…
- And gals, you might not think of this one when packing for Muay Thai but it’s also worth noting that in Thailand (and SE Asia in general) period products like applicator tampons can be harder to find. Stock up on your usual go-to before heading out there.
- Don’t forget to bring your usual holiday things also… bikini & SPF for the pool, trainers & flip flops for when not doing Muay Thai. Some non-workout clothes for other activities are useful because the camp is so much more than fight training….Keep reading and see!
More than Muay Thai: the Battle Conquer Camp
After a bit of research, we booked our stay at Battle Conquer – a camp in rural Thailand about 3 hours north of Bangkok. When I say rural, I mean the camp is surrounded by rice paddies and the campers are pretty much the only foreigners in the area. Indeed, the camp is owned by a local whose family has lived there for generations and work those rice paddies. It was a really nice experience getting to know the area and some of the locals.
Accommodation and Food at Battle Conquer
Accommodation and food were included. They were basic, but perfectly acceptable. Most Muay Thai gyms and camps we researched did not include room and board, and you have to sort this yourself. Our room had air con, a double bed and en suite, a desk and some storage. Outside was a shared fridge, water cooler and drying racks. It was cleaned daily and laundry done by a lady we affectionately referred to as Grandma.
The food was cooked and served by local women. It was often a variation of rice, chicken and egg, but occasionally curry, noodles, pasta, prawns, beef, etc made it into the menu. There was also an option to eat a raw vegan diet. There were some small, local cafes and shops close by for any other cravings we had.
Battle Conquer: a Muay Thai wellness retreat
The Battle Conquer Muay Thai Camp offers different packages depending on what you’re looking for. There’s a package for those focussing solely on Muay Thai, or the package we chose: a wellness package. This offers a packed timetable of Muay Thai, yoga and other activities like excursions to local sights, as well as massages.
In our time there we tried almost everything. One morning you might have found me dangling from the ceiling in my attempt at aerial yoga, and then in the afternoon hopping on a truck with a group of campers to hike through the jungle and swim in a waterfall.
The next morning I might have even been pushing that truck during a pre-breakfast Crossfit session, then joining the Muay Thai class in the afternoon, before hopping in an ice bath (very ungracefully!).
It was easy to be drawn in by all the activities and we launched ourselves right in. However, we also had to remind each other to pace ourselves and build in recovery time. There was always the option to relax in a hammock, chill by the pool, book a massage or a nail appointment. There was even an option to get a new tattoo!
Activities at Battle Conquer in addition to Muay Thai
Yoga
We particularly enjoyed the range of yoga sessions in the beautiful outdoor shala, or in the studio with equally beautiful air con! The yoga teachers were all lovely and very skilled in a variety of practices. Two of them double as camp managers, while others are there on work exchange. The gentle yoga sessions were great for relaxing and recovering after Muay Thai sessions. They were also useful for building hip strength and flexibility, which in turn improves Muay Thai skill. Vinyasa and hatha sessions built up a sweat and were a fun challenge in their own right.
I didn’t think I would be so enthusiastic to be regularly getting up before sunrise while I was supposedly on holiday, but both Adam and I joined sunrise yoga most mornings. We then had the Muay Thai session – all before breakfast! A word of advice – if you get hangry like me on an empty stomach, stock up on electrolyte sachets (5TB in 7/11 thankfully).
Excursions
As you can see in the timetable, alongside the training itinerary there were also camp outings. These included trips to nearby temples, jungle hikes and a waterfall swim, a lake trip, feeding monkeys and fish, and the night market.
The Buddha run was a particularly fun trip in which we’d be taken by truck to a local shrine. This was conveniently located in a small cave at the top of several hundred stairs. The goal was to climb the stairs as many times as you could in 40 minutes. It got sweaty!
We mostly hopped aboard the camp’s trucks when venturing around or outside of camp, but local tuk tuks are available too. We could also hire scooters from the camp if we were going further afield, to town, the karaoke bar or the 7/11, for example.
The camp also had several push bikes available for free. We used these mostly used to get between different areas of camp, or perhaps a local café. These bicycles varied massively and contributed to some particularly funny moments. Some were in perfect working order, while some lacked brakes, or had seats which would slowly lower you mid-ride until your knees were practically by your ears. All part of the experience!
Rest and recovery
Not necessarily the first words you might think to describe a fitness camp, but as a wellness retreat, it was the perfect opportunity to take a break from the ‘real world’ in a productive way. For example, Adam actually took to leaving his phone in our room during the day in order to take more of a conscious break from the screen. Some campers were there specifically trying to take a break from drinking, or to re-evaluate their life after a break up.
Furthermore, it’s no surprise that Muay Thai and constant exercise can be hard on the body. But this place had us covered – massages, ice baths, gentle yoga, salt water swimming pool… the perfect recipe for recovery.
Massage
Our package included three massages a week, usually with a healthy dose of Tiger Balm rubbed into our tired muscles. But at 200TB a pop, we did treat ourselves to more than that. Four hands for two hours, anyone? There are three lovely masseuses on site and we’d simply write our name on the white board or message them to sign up to a spot.
Ice bath
I can’t say I got used to the ice bath, but it did contribute to muscle recovery – and brought lots of laughs also!
The ice bath was right next to the beautiful swimming pool which was deep and refreshing. This quickly became one of my favourite places to spend some down time with a book and protein shake, or to just chat with other campers.
And….
The facilities at camp don’t stop there … There’s a nail salon on site. And a tattoo parlour! One of the trainers is a talented, if unconventional, tattoo artist. He uses the traditional Thai bamboo stick and poke technique. He even keeps a guitar in the shop which he happily let us borrow to play by the pool. I’m not sure what could have made Adam happier!
The Community at Battle Conquer Muay Thai Camp
It was the community of people who really made our time at camp special. The campers, the trainers, yogis, camp staff, even kittens all contributed to our amazing experience.
Visitors were all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, all there for different reasons, but most on a journey of self-improvement. There were, of course, people there training hard in preparation for upcoming fights. But there were also people there who just viewed the training as a way to get fit in a fun and purposeful way. There was a mother and son there for six weeks, trying to get healthy together and cut themselves off from alcohol and drugs. There was a man from Hawaii on a journey to lose weight and write a novel over the course of his three month stay. One man had been there for several months to restart his life after a big break up. He fell in love, converted to Buddhism and actually got married while there!
There were also several solo travellers and couples just passing through as part of a bigger backpacking trip – like us.
We bonded and sweated together. We shared many laughs and stories, venting, giving advice, sharing a coffee or beer, enjoying games of Monopoly Deal after dinner. There were birthday parties and leaving parties at the local bar or karaoke spot. And sometimes, we just played the guitiar by the pool.
I don’t think every Muay Thai camp is quite like this!
Muay Thai Camp: a lasting impact
At the end of our time at Battle Conquer, we made sure we had the socials of all our new friends and signed our names on the wall. I wrote: it’s like summer camp but with more kicking.
Obviously, my body went through some changes even in that short time… I lost some weight, gained muscle and skills I didn’t have before. I had expected this. Adam lost even more weight than me, and all the yoga means he can now reach his toes!
But what we didn’t expect was how much the impact went beyond the physical. We were so inspired by other people and it was so refreshing to try something so outside of our comfort zone. We’ve now been recommending it to everyone we’ve spoken to since!
Muay Thai, Chaiyo!
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I have always made a point of never accepting guest posts on AbFabTravels, but I have just made an exception! My daughter Beth is currently on a sabbatical and travelling the world. She has agreed to contribute a few articles, giving a young person’s perspective and insights into a different way of travelling. She is a fantastic writer so please check out her posts.
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