Planning your Muay Thai trip to Koh Phangan

Journey Planner

Ready to take your Muay Thai training to the next level in one of Thailand’s most beautiful island destinations? This journey planner is designed to help you travel to Koh Phangan with confidence and ease, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fighter. We’ve gathered all the essential information you need to plan your trip—from all of the best ways to get to the island, visa options, and how to budget for your stay, to information on the Muay Thai gyms, accommodation, and local tips to help you settle in quickly. Koh Phangan is more than just beaches and parties—it’s also home to a thriving Muay Thai community, welcoming practitioners of all levels. Whether you're coming for a short training camp or a long-term stay, this guide will walk you through each step of the journey.

Pick a time of year

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Koh Phangan has high and low seasons, dry and rainy seasons. So, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each time of year when deciding when to come.

High Season (Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr)

Weather:

Dry & sunny (little to no rain).
Temperatures mainly hot.

Crowds:

Busiest (especially around Full Moon Party dates).

Pros:

Busy gyms, lots of sparring partners and new friends.
Great weather. Lots of fight nights.

Cons:

Higher priced accommodation. Less availability.
Some days can be very hot.

Shoulder Season (May, Jun, Sep, Oct)

Weather:

May–Jun: Moderate rain, mostly sunny.
Sep–Oct: More rain, but still plenty of dry days.

Crowds:

Fewer tourists, less busy.

Pros:

Quieter gyms, no problem with availability.
Cheaper accommodation options. Cooler weather.

Cons:

Maybe less sparring partners.
Might be less fight nights.

Low Season (Jul, Aug, Oct, Nov)

Weather:

Jul–Aug: Intermittent rains with mainly dry days.
Oct–Nov: Heavy rains with not many dry days.

Crowds:

Not many tourists, island not all busy.

Pros:

Gyms quite empty, maybe more attention from trainers
Cheapest options for accommodation

Cons:

Fewer activities outside training due to rain.
Might be less fight nights

Choose your gym

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All of the gyms in Koh Phangan cater for beginners, intermediate and fighter-level students. So, choosing where to book very much depends on you, and whether you get the right feeling from the gym. Here we have provided quick-links to all of the gym's information pages, so you can browse, compare and decide.

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CHAYSEE MUAY THAI

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

CHINNARACH MUAY THAI

Located a short walk from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling Twins and gym-branded equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms. The gym is run Chin who is by two-time world feighterweight Muay Thai Champion.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

DARIOS MUAY THAI

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

DIAMOND MUAY THAI

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

EVOLVE HEALTH CLUB

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

SOR SAKTAI MUAY THAI

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

JOMHOD MUAY THAI

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

M19 MUAY THAI

M19 Muay Thai is located in a quiet part of the island, surrounded by nature. It is a medium-sized gym equipped with a small ring, mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. It also has a small strength and conditioning section with free weights and a variety of machines. There is also an onsite shop selling gym-branded equipment and clothing. The gym offers the option of two healthy meals per day after each training session, as well as budget onsite accommodation with about ten small bungalows with fans.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

PHANGAN MUAY THAI

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

RAJANON MUAY THAI

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

RITTISAK MUAY THAI

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

VENOM MUAY THAI

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

WORAWUT MUAY THAI

Located down the road from Thong Sala, Chinnarach Muay Thai is a large, open-air gym with a full-size professional ring, a spacious mat-covered training area with full length mirrors and a wide variety of kick-bags. There is an onsite shop selling equipment and clothing. The gym offers budget onsite accommodation with ten bamboo huts with fans and two basic aircon rooms.

GO TO GYM PAGE>>>

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Where to stay

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If you are looking for the authentic Thai-style training experience, then it does not get more real than staying at the gym. You are surrounded by the sounds and atmosphere of the Muay Thai gym and it is a great way to meet new friends. Having said that, gyms are noisy places! And generally the rooms or huts are just a few meters of the noise of the training, which is loud and can go on all day. There are 7 gyms offering onsite budget accommodation. They are Chinnarach, Darios, Diamond, M19, MAA, Rittisak and Venom.

If you prefer a bit of separation from training, or privacy, and staying at the gym is not for you, then here's a breakdown of budget-friendly accommodation options in Koh Phangan for Muay Thai students, ranging from ultra-cheap to affordable comfort. Price ranges are approximate (2024) and vary by season.

Best for: Solo travelers on a tight budget.
Pros: Cheap, meet other travelers. Plenty of options.
Cons: Shared dorms and bathrooms, limited privacy.
How to find: Search on google maps and platforms like booking.com.

200-500 THB/night

Dorm Beds & Hostels

Best for: Those who want privacy but still save money.
Pros: Private room, often near beaches. Plenty of options.
Cons: No AC, basic amenities (cold water showers).
How to find: Search on google maps and platforms like booking.com.

300–800 THB/night

Basic Fan Bungalows

Best for: Those who struggle with heat or want comfort.
Pros: AC, better sleep for recovery. Plenty of options.
Cons: Slightly pricier.
How to find: Search on google maps and platforms like booking.com.

600-1,200 THB/night

Budget AC Rooms

Best for: Long-term students (negotiate discounts for 1+ month stays).
Pros: Kitchen access, cheaper than nightly rates. Maybe AC.
Cons: May be located in more remote areas, need scooter.
How to find: Search on Koh Phangan facebook groups, maybe gym can recommend.

9,000–18,000 THB/month

Monthly Rentals

Best for: Groups or making friends.
Pros: Split costs, often include WiFi/laundry.
Cons: Less privacy than having own bungalow. Harder to find.
How to find: Search on Koh Phangan facebook groups for houses offering rooms.

5,000–10,000 THB/month per person

Shared Houses

Getting to Koh Phangan

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There are many different ways to get to Koh Phangan. Some cheap, some less cheap. It is an island with no airport. so ultimately your journey will always end with a speedboat or ferry. . Whether you are already in Thailand or flying in from abroad, this simple guide covers everything you need to know about how to get to Koh Phangan.

From Overseas (international)

Option 1: Fly via Koh Samui

International flight to Bangkok (BKK) or Phuket (HKT)
Domestic flight to Koh Samui (USM)
- Flight time: 1 hour
- Airline: Bangkok Airways
- Cost: 2,500-4,000 baht one-way
- Make sure you check to see if baggage allowance is included or if you have to add it to your booking.
Taxi from airport to Bangrak Pier:
- Journey time: 5-10 mins
- Cost: 300-400 baht
Speedboat to Thong Sala Pier (Koh Phangan)
- Journey time: 30 mins
- Ferry company: Lomlahkkhirin
- Cost: 350 baht
- Make sure you book your ferry well in advance. They get busy during high season. Book here https://www.lomlahk.com/.
- When booking your ticket, make sure you select "Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier)".

International flight to Bangkok (BKK)
Domestic flight to Surat Thani (URT)
- Flight time: 1 hour
- Airline: Vietjet Air, AirAsia
- Cost: 1,000-1,500 baht one way
- Make sure you check to see if baggage allowance is included or if you have to add it to your booking.
Minibus from airport to Donsak Pier and then Ferry to Thong Sala Pier (Koh Phangan)
- Journey time: Approx 4 hours
- Company: Lomprayah
- Cost: 950 baht
- Visit https://www.lomprayah.com/ to book your minibus and ferry ticket combo in advance.
- Minibuses depart the airport at 09:30, 11:00 and 12:30 every day.
- If your flight arrives after these times, then you will need to get a taxi to Seatran Ferry at Donsak Pier and buy a ticket with them there,

Option 2: Fly via Surat Thani

From Inside Thailand (domestic)

From Bangkok

Catch a domestic flight to Samui (USM) or Surat Thani (URT)
- Make sure you check to see if baggage allowance is included or if you have to add it to your booking.
See Options 1 and 2 under "From Overseas (international)" section.

Option 1: Fly via Samui or Surat Thani

Option 2: Coach from Bangkok

Coach from Bangkok to Chumphon Pier, Ferry to Thong Sala Pier (Koh Phangan)

Ferry leaves Chumphon Pier around 7am, arrives Koh Phangan at 10:30.
- Journey time: Approx 14 hours
- Company: Lomprayah
- Cost: 1,350-1,650 baht
- Visit https://www.lomprayah.com/ to book your coach and ferry ticket combo in advance.
- Coach leaves from Khaosan Road at 20:30, arrives Chumphon Pier around 5am next day.
- The ferry stops for 30 minutes at Koh Tao, before continuing on to Koh Phangan.

From Chiang Mai, Pai

Catch a domestic flight to Samui (USM) or Surat Thani (URT)
- Make sure you check to see if baggage allowance is included or if you have to add it to your booking.
See Options 1 and 2 under "From Overseas (international)" secction.

Option 1: Fly via Samui or Surat Thani

From Phuket, Krabi

Domestic flight from Phuket (HKT) to Koh Samui (USM)
- Flight time: 1 hour
- Airline: Bangkok Airways
- Cost: 2,500-4,000 baht one-way
- Make sure you check to see if baggage allowance is included or if you have to add it to your booking.
Taxi from airport to Bangrak Pier:
- Journey time: 5-10 mins
- Cost: 300-400 baht
Speedboat to Thong Sala Pier (Koh Phangan)
- Journey time: 30 mins
- Ferry company: Lomlahkkhirin
- Cost: 350 baht
- Book your ferry in advance via https://www.lomlahk.com/. The ferries get very busy during high season so book well in advance.
- When booking your ticket online, make sure you select "Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier)" under FROM.

Option 1: Fly from Phuket via Samui

Minibus from Phuket or Krabi to Donsak Pier (Surat Thani)
- There are various companies offering minibuses to the pier. Most will collect from your resort or hotel.
- Cost: 600-1,200 baht
Ferry from Donsak Pier to Thong Sala Pier (Koh Phangan)
- Journey time: Approx 1.5-3 hours
- Companies: Lomprayah, SeaTran
- Cost: 250-550 baht
- Visit https://www.lomprayah.com/ or https://www.seatrandiscovery.com/ to book your ferry ticket in advance.

Option 2: Minibus via Donsak Pier

Planning your budget

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Koh Phangan is an affordable destination, but costs can add up if you’re not careful. Here’s a realistic budget breakdown for Muay Thai students, covering accommodation, training, food, and extras.

Estimated Monthly Living Costs (THB)

Health insurance

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Although health care in Thailand is free for Thais, it is not free for foreigners. So, if you don't have health insurance and you need to get medical treatment, you will have to pay for it. And it is not cheap! You can get basic medical coverage from all travel insurers in your country before you fly. We strongly advise you to do so. Chances are you won't need it. But why take the risk?

Visa options

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There are a couple of visa options for Muay Thai students visiting Thailand to consider. Which one you choose will depend on the length of your stay and your own personal preferences.

Visa Exemption

Cost: Free
Length of visa: 60 Days, extendable to 90 days
Possible length of stay: 1 year with visa runs (maybe more)
Description: Allows visitors from 93 countries (see below for the list) to enter Thailand without a visa. Travelers from eligible countries don't need to apply for a visa in advance. You must have your return flight booked before entering the country.
Visa extensions: At the end of the 60 days, you can apply for a 30 day extension at the immigration office in Koh Phangan (cost 1,800 baht).
Staying longer: You can stay longer than the 90 days (visa + extension) by doing a border run. A border run is essentially when you briefly leave the country (crossing the border) and then cross back again, giving you another 60 day tourist visa on arrival. This then allows you to do another 30 day extension at the end of the 60 day period.
Land border runs: Companies offer organised land border runs from Koh Phangan to Malaysia. It is an overnight trip and costs XXXX. There is no official limit to how many times you can do this.
Air border runs: This means flying out of the country and flying back again. There is no official limit to how many times you can do this, but there have been reports of immigration officers questioning travelers who have evidence of multiple border runs in their passports.

IMPORTANT: If you are not from a country that has Visa Exempt status, then you must check the list to see whether you can apply for a Visa On Arrival or need to apply for a visa in advance prior to arrival. Please check Summary of Eligible Countries.

DTV Visa - Muay Thai

Cost: 10,000 baht processing fee plus the cost of your training paid in advance.
What is the DTV: The DTV Muay Thai Visa is a new type of tourist visa designed to make it easier for students of Muay Thai to train in Thailand long-term.
Length of visa: 180 days.
Possible length of stay: 5 years
How to apply:
To apply for the DTV Muay Thai Visa, you must be overseas (i.e. outside of Thailand) and you must apply through the Thai E-Visa Official Website (https://www.thaievisa.go.th/).
Before you apply, please read the Thai Government's User Manual on how to use the Thai E-Visa Official Website (https://www.thaievisa.go.th/static/English-Manual.pdf). This will guide you through the application process.
After you have created an account on the Thai E-Visa Official Website, you will need to fill out the online application forms and also submit various documents. These documents include:
- Photo of the biodata page of Passport
- Passport photo of you taken within the last six months
- Proof of your current address
- Proof that you have no less than 500,000 baht (or the equivalent amount in your currency) in your bank account, e.g. pdfs of bank statements
- A receipt from the gym proving that you have booked and paid for your Muay Thai training in advance.
- Letter of invitation from the gym
- Copies of the gym's certificates and licenses
Eligible gyms: The gym must have a commercial license and be certified by the Sports Authority of Thailand if you want to use this visa to train there.
Visa extensions: At the end of the 180-day visa period, you can apply for a 180-day extension at the local immigration office in Koh Phangan. This can be done multiple times until the end of the 5 year period.

Other things to consider

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Scooter hire

A couple of things to consider before you hire a scooter:

Before you get on the scooter, make sure you walk around it and video every part of the bike paying particular attention to any existing damage or scratches. This will protect you against any disputes later when you return the scooter. And make sure you keep the video!
There are rental shops everywhere in Koh Phangan. Most of them do not ask for a driving licence, just a deposit. But you need to know that these scooters are not insured. That means that if you damage the scooter, then you will have to pay cash for the repairs.
Scooters are the main cause of injury in Thailand.

SIM cards

You can pick up a Thai SIM card in the airports when you arrive, or in any convenience store in Koh Phangan.

Buying Muay Thai gear

A lot of the gyms have their own onsite shop where you can buy everything you need (gloves, shin guards, mouth guards, hand wraps, muay thai shorts, t-shirts). Otherwise you can buy online https://www.lazada.co.th/ and have the gear delivered to the gym or your accommodation.

Laundry

There are loads of laundries everywhere in Koh Phangan and are very cheap to use. They weigh your clothes and then charge by the kg. Expect to pay around 400 baht per kg. You can normally collect your laundry the next day.