Muay Thai

Muay Thai (Thai boxing), is big in Thailand (it’s the national sport), and the fighters are trained for years. The best way to immerse yourself in the experience, is by watching a fight at at Ratchadamnoen Stadium. Although matches take place at stadiums all over the country, the biggest Thai champions compete here, so expect the real deal. There are a number of rituals performed even before the fight begins—starting out with the Wai Khru, which is a ritual where the fighters pay respect to their trainers, followed by the Ram Muay, where they showcase their skills and fighting techniques (it also serves as a warm up before the fight). One evening here comprises of ten matches, where each fight consists of five rounds, lasting three minutes each. Expect raucous cheering, hypnotic gamelan music and an excitable crowd amidst an incense-heavy atmosphere laden with suspense.