Some people like to go on holiday to relax or explore and discover a new place. Others prefer more purpose-orientated holidays: volunteering or perhaps improving a skill such as cooking or writing. One skill that can be honed while holidaying is Thailand is muay Thai – to seriously train for the sport in its land of origin or perhaps to get fit in a focused, supportive environment. Heading to Ko Samui, where there are training facilities with accommodation, is one option in the kingdom.

I'm not going to tell them that little girls skip rope!

Rooms provided are usually simple and it’s possible to join the training without accommodation should you prefer something more upmarket. The idea behind staying with like-minded people all on the same mission is that you have their support. When you don’t have the energy to get up for an early morning beach training session, or have no willpower when it comes to that extra butter croissant from the French Bakery, then you have the support of your muay Thai training mates to edge you on.

Simple bungalow accommodation at Jungle Gym Samui.

These training centres are often frequented by some rather famous fighters, both traditional Western boxing as well as martial artists who come to learn what they can from Samui’s muay Thai trainers. The intensive fitness routines have a reputation for sculpting the right muscles, losing body fat and strengthening both mind and body. Novices and professionals alike attend training camps so you may end up rubbing shoulders or spar with one of your heroes who are training incognito.

Muay Thai training centres offer various packages and will tailor make programmes to suit your needs, including nutrition when required. Packages included fitness training, self-defense, boot camp, muay Thai, weight loss, strength and cardio. Group training sessions include skipping, floor exercises, stretching and sparring and usually last two hours.

Sparring with coach Leslie at Jungle Gym. Not much of a match is it?

A typical day would be an early morning training session, followed by relaxation on the beach or a bit of exploring and possibly another evening training session for those taking it more seriously. Bonus? You’ll come back from your Southeast Asia adventure looking great and toned, rather than haggard from too much partying and too many buckets.

Dedication -- even the tattoo is muay Thai.

Here are some training centres on Samui — click through for their details:

Lamai Muay Thai Camp

Superpro Samui, Chaweng

Jun Muay Thai, Lamai

Jungle Gym Samui, Choeng Mon

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Tags: muay Thai