The Real Cost of Living and Training Muay Thai in Thailand

Date: Friday, September 13, 2024
Categories: Khao Lak, Muay Thai, Training

If you’ve ever dreamed of living and training in Thailand as a Muay Thai fighter, one question inevitably comes up: How do you manage the costs of staying for months at a time, training daily, and maybe even earning a little on the side from fighting? The good news is that living in Thailand, especially in places like Khao Lak, is much more affordable than you might think. Imagine training at a world-class Muay Thai gym, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, all on a budget.

That’s exactly what you can experience in Khao Lak, Thailand—a hidden gem for Muay Thai enthusiasts.

Khao Lak isn’t just a place to train; it’s a place to live, breathe, and fully embrace the Muay Thai lifestyle. Long-term accommodation options here are incredibly affordable, especially when compared to the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. While the exact rates can vary and are often not advertised online, reaching out directly to us at Khao Lak Muay Thai (KLMT), will get you the best deals.

To help you plan your budget, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of costs and how to make the most of your experience without breaking the bank.

Setting a Realistic Budget

As of 2024, a rough monthly budget for a non-Thai Muay Thai fighter or someone aspiring to be one in Thailand starts at 33,000-35,000 THB (approximately $1,000). This doesn’t cover extras like flights, visas, or health insurance, but it includes the essentials: accommodation, training, food, and basic expenses. That’s about 8,500 THB per week, give or take.

Now, let’s dive into the major costs you’ll need to consider:

1. Accommodation: Stay Close to the Gym

The biggest tip to save money and avoid unnecessary hassles is simple: live at or near the camp. It’s a common mistake to book accommodation too far from the gym, thinking you’ll save money. In reality, a long commute costs time, energy, and money you could be using for training and recovery. If you live close, you can get away without renting a scooter as well.

Khao Lak Muay Thai has teamed up with resorts in the area and can offer the best deals. Standard rooms with a long-term contract start from 6,000 to 7,000 THB per month, which include air conditioning, a private bathroom, hot water, a fridge, and bedding. Be mindful that water and electricity are often extra, but if you’re conservative with your AC usage (turning it on only when you’re in the room), your bills should be between 1,000 and 1500 THB per month. All in all, you’ll likely spend around 8,000 THB on accommodation each month—a small price to pay for the comfort and convenience of living near the gym.

2. Training Expenses: High Value, Low Cost

Training in Thailand is incredibly affordable, especially for the quality you receive. At Khao Lak Muay Thai, you’ll pay just 10,000 THB per month for twice-daily training sessions, unlimited use of the weight room, and specialized fight training. That’s an all-inclusive package that covers everything you need to improve your skills, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced fighter. Plus, you’re getting world-class coaching at a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere.

Across Thailand, training costs vary depending on the gym, location, and reputation. But in Khao Lak, you get incredible value for your money, making it one of the best places to train without straining your budget.

3. Food & Drink: Eat Well, Spend Little

Thai food is not only delicious but also incredibly cheap. Living on a budget in Khao Lak doesn’t mean skimping on meals. Local restaurants and food stalls offer meals like fried rice with chicken or the famous Pad Kra Pao (basil stir-fry) starting as low as 60 THB. A 3-egg omelet will set you back only 30 THB, snacks in 7/11, the Thai convenience shop, are starting from 10 THB, and a bottle of water from 15 THB. If you want to treat yourself after a hard week of training, a beer will cost around 80 THB at the local bars.

To keep your energy levels high and your belly full, budgeting around 15,000 THB per month for food is a good estimate. Of course, if you prefer Western-style meals or like to eat out at more expensive restaurants, you’ll need to budget a bit more. However, with so many affordable, tasty local options, you’ll find that food costs in Khao Lak are very manageable.

4. Leisure Time Affordably

Your time in Thailand shouldn’t be all work and no play. Luckily, leisure activities in Khao Lak are much cheaper than you’d find back home.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore local markets, or go on a snorkeling trip, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself without spending a fortune.

Budgeting around 2,000 THB per month for leisure activities is more than enough to cover the occasional night out or fun weekend excursion. If you happen to fight during your stay, you might even earn some extra cash to treat yourself to a bigger splurge!

Additional Costs to Consider

While living and training in Khao Lak is quite affordable, there are a few additional costs to keep in mind. Here’s a breakdown of what you might need to budget for:

Scooter Rental: If you plan on exploring Khao Lak and its surroundings, renting a scooter is a convenient option. Long-term rentals can be as low as 3,000 baht per month. A scooter allows you to easily get around town, hit the beach, or go on short day trips. Gas is also cheap, but be sure to fill up at official gas stations rather than buying from roadside bottles, which can be overpriced.
Visa Fees: Depending on the type of visa you choose, there will be varying costs. A Muay Thai visa, , Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), Education visa, or Tourist visa are common options. Note that there may be extra costs involved, such as border runs every three months for Tourist visas. The Muay Thai visa, DTV and Education visa may offer more stability but come with their own application fees.
Flights: Don’t forget to factor in the cost of your flights to Thailand. Depending on where you’re coming from, this can vary widely, so it’s worth booking in advance to get the best rates. Trp.com and Skyscanner tend to have the best prices.
Health Insurance: Stay Safe, Stay Insured. Accidents can happen, especially when you’re training hard, so it’s essential to plan for medical expenses. Thailand’s healthcare is high-quality and affordable, but you’ll still want to ensure you have proper health insurance. Should you need to see a doctor for something minor, like muscle strains or cuts, it won’t cost much. However, in the event of a more serious injury or illness, insurance is crucial to avoid hefty medical bills. Before arriving in Thailand, make sure your health insurance is up-to-date and covers any potential issues you may face while training.
Muay Thai equipment: gloves, shin guards, hand wraps, and so on. If you don’t bring your own gear, you can buy it in the gym’s on-site shop

Fighting for Income

For those who are considering fighting to supplement their income, there are opportunities available, although the pay can vary. Local stadiums often offer lower pay rates, ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 baht per fight. However, for more experienced fighters competing in tourist stadiums, earnings can be between 6,000 and 10,000 baht per fight. It’s a great way to not only challenge yourself but also earn a bit of extra cash while living the Muay Thai dream.

Wrapping It Up: Living Your Muay Thai Dream in Khao Lak

Training Muay Thai in Thailand is a dream for many, and Khao Lak Muay Thai is one of the best places to make it a reality. With affordable living costs, world-class training, and a supportive community, you can fully immerse yourself in the Muay Thai lifestyle without stretching your budget too thin. For around 35,000 THB per month, you can comfortably cover your accommodation, training, food, and a bit of fun on the side.

By following this budget guide, you’ll be able to enjoy your time in Khao Lak to the fullest—focusing on your training, fighting, and soaking up everything this amazing part of Thailand has to offer. So, why wait? Join us at Khao Lak Muay Thai and start your next adventure!

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