Pros & Cons Of Muay Thai Vacation To Thailand

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Have you been to Thailand? Got any other pros/cons to add to my list? Comment below and help others decide if a muay thai vacation is the right trip for them.

[@The_Reality_Filter]

Lumpini Stadium is the most atmospheric arena that I've ever watched a fight in, the old Lumpini Stadium had a corrugated iron roof and used to get so hot!!

[@kevinjung6130]

Went to Thailand when I was younger and the food was amazing. That having been said, it'd be amazing to train in Canada with you Gabe!

[@huwhitecavebeast1972]

Yup. In my experience there aren't many cons to training in Thailand unless you catch malaria or get a heat stroke. Or fall afoul of some government functionary. I guess the heat is a negative, I sweat so much it was ridiculous. Like we had to move because the floor was so wet until someone wiped it up. I consider all the rest some sort of positive. I trained there in 2013 & 2014, so some things have for sure changed since my experience as well.

[@M-a-k-o]

I haven't, but being a kickboxer I'd rather train with you Gabriel🏆 If you ever come to Germany I'd be the first to join and shake your hand, champ🙏

[@outerlast]

Don't forget sun blocker if you have preferences. Some people may be okay with the heat, but the sun can still damage their skin bad

[@NelsonAirikr]

From my experience, as a beginner/medium level fighter, if you come to Thailand and want to participate in a fight at one of the stadiums and inform the trainers that you want to fight when you sign up for the gym, they will provide you with some additional training. They will ensure that you have the opportunity to train with various instructors, but one will serve as “your” trainer and take care of you. I recall that my trainer even invited me to his home to share meals with his family. We engaged in technical training at a leisurely pace in the evening when the gym was closed. He gave me alot, both technically and mental preparations. Though I was only there for three months, during that brief period, I felt like a professional fighter. It's an experience I'll likely never have again, and one that I wouldn't have been able to encounter back in Europe.

[@NobleVagabond2552]

At what age did you do this? Just curious

[@NobleVagabond2552]

Also how did your fight go?/ how many did you do?

[@Asiatraveladvice]

which gym did you go to?

[@jotunngigantopithacus]

@@Asiatraveladvice also would like to know

[@acme-1889]

Please tell more

[@briane9238]

Back from 3 months in Thailand. Some other comments: Negative: I got sick a few a times (gut) and so did most of the guys. Positive: If you stay at a camp with kids that live there, it’s pretty awesome to be a part of that. They are also laughing, smiling, playing…and makes the training easier. I think they have generally upgraded the A/C units since you have been there. Also, they hospitals are quite good and not expensive. I went to Chulabhorn in Bangkok a few times and it was very good.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I avoided the stomach issues but got an eye infection from clinching with someone. I had to go to the optometrist and drops and the examination where so inexpensive

[@briane9238]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial By the way, the #1 positive for me is the community aspect. It’s truly incredible. While I also do MMA and BJJ in the US, there is no comparison. Every citizen in Thailand knows of Muay Thai and they respect and like the foreigners that practice MT. And if you go to a family style camp, the do treat you like family. That was by far the best thing about my experience.

[@jkow814]

I am currently in Chiang mai training 1 time a day, I do love it, and it was hard to find protein at first. I did get H.pylori, when I was here back in December of 2022 and have gone through 2 rounds of antibiotics and still have to test for it. Doctors visits are very cheap, cheaper than what I pay in USA with health insurance. Your legs are soar every

[@violentchapter504]

87iyap6cg32455

[@squadabingo9113]

Did you get sick from the local food?

[@danielaraujo1238]

I am planning on studying abroad my winter semester in Thailand, it’s meant for my academics (and it is) but I’m doing it for my training 🙏🏽💪🏽

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

2 birds with 1 stone. Smart.

[@WeareIF]

I went in 2004 and never left.

[@henrydworkin7676]

what'd you do for work

[@Cryttanz]

Man, I love Thailand so there's really no cons for me. But one of the biggest pros for me that you didn't mention is the pople you meet when you travel to Thailand to train. Almost every gym i've been to and seen has had a majority of foreigners that traveled to thailand to train and maybe have their first fight. In my experience the professional thais kind of train in their own isolated groups. But i've met friends for life every time i've gone. People I talk to daily even tho we live all across the world.

[@suhribzevolution645]

Thank ผมอยากให้คุณมาเที่ยวไทยหรือฝึกมวยไทยอีก

[@jscarpa2002]

This was cool. You should do another episode on the "Pros & Cons Of kickboxing Vacation To the Netherlands". And also countries that are good to train in.

[@TW7S95]

Agreed. I'm going to the Netherlands soon and was wondering if I should try and find a gym to train at whilst I'm there.

[@tarnsebastiandodd8970]

@@TW7S95 hemmers gym

[@huwhitecavebeast1972]

In my experience there aren't many cons to training in Thailand unless you catch malaria or get a heat stroke. Or fall afoul of some government functionary. Remember, when you are in Thailand if you are farang or any kind of foreigner, it's ALWAYS your fault! You are automatically assumed to be wrong in any conflict with a Thai. I personally loved all my time there and the food is amazing.

[@zexten856]

How do you not catch malaria ? 😂

[@huwhitecavebeast1972]

@@zexten856 Spray.

[@LiveET]

I absolutely loved training in Thailand and nowadays it’s far different then it was 12 years ago. The fight camps are filled with higher level fighters like ufc and one fighters. I did a few months there up until two days ago and will for sure be going back. Great video and super accurate! I’d 100% recommend Bangtao the only con is there isn’t much around it compared to some others available in Phuket.

[@schoschta4813]

It's a farang gym. Try to get to one where almost only Thais train. It may be harder training but it pays off if you want to learn the real Muay Thai style

[@theindestructible.]

​@@schoschta4813you know any of those gyms?

[@M5MOAV1NA]

@@schoschta4813 What gym would you recommend?

[@xxgunslingerxx]

I trained for the first time in Thailand this year and the heat was a killer (they also had a record high hot season) 42 degrees in the morning at 33ish at night. I was only able to go to the morning sessions

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Whewwww. Sleeping at those temperatures would be rough for me.

[@sjay7292]

Absolutely loved it. Fighter life without the pressure. Agree with everything and would add definitely skip the group sessions (except for making friends) and pay for privates. Get four times as much out of it. Re: running phuket Buddha run was savage but grest to messure where your cardio is. Buy a bicycle too to tour the island. Highly recommend it

[@glong2720]

Been contemplating going to Thailand, but many have discourage me. Thank you for shring your experiences.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I still may go back at some point. The pros are very tempting

[@huwhitecavebeast1972]

I think everyone should go for the cultural experience at the very least.

[@johno5605]

Questions for you Mr Varga. 1. Cost? 2. Recommendations (banchemak?) 3. Risk of disease or harm due to being a foreigner. Thank you very much.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

When I was there it was around $800 per month. I'm guessing it's a lot more now. Buakaw's gym could be good but I'm honestly not sure. You'd have to do some research I don't think disease is a massive concern. On my doctor's recommendation I got a couple shots before leaving but no other worries. And as a foreigner just be smart. I avoided night life because that's probably where most problems arise.

[@johno5605]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial fair enough，where did you go and was it exclusively for professional fighters like yourself?

[@London2ATL]

It was an amazing experience for me. I sparred khalil Rountree, Fizez (sp) was the K1 boxing coach, Valentina was there training on the same mat, so many other fighters that are in the UFC/PFL/Bellator. I leveled up like crazy. The Hickman brothers and their team are also friends. I can't wait to go back. The gyms are expensive in Phuket though. Really expensive.

[@xhersh4897]

if i have a month to spend do i go to tiger or bang tao i cant make up my mind

[@joefosdike3273]

I had my first fight in Thailand it was a great experience hoping to fight again soon

[@KevinLeeVlog]

I love my trainings in Thailand and obviously I love the food and the beach! The only thing I would complain…is the heat. I was there during “winter” time and it’s still hot. 🤣🤣

[@Nostrada-mus]

Some of the cons are actually pros. The heat: your body adapts and you become more efficient at dissipating heat. Also helps learning how to breath and improves cardio. Eating: There are huge benefits in intermittent fasting or time restricting feeding from a health and longevity perspective. The demand on the body is high but you also improve your digestion. Its definitely a plus. I agree with everything else, especially the running.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I loved the heat. Most gyms had a bucket of ice water to toss on your head between rounds. That kept me cool enough.

[@elserpientethechamp2122]

Such an amazing topic about Thailand Gabriel, it sounds tempting, but I will probably be wanting to train with you further down the line at the start of my pro career!

[@lionellionel7788]

Great vidéo 👍🏻👏🏻 Starter at 38 ,im 41 and going to pattaya next month to train👍🏻💪🏻

[@zxzxddxxdgrddgtrdew1784]

Even when it comes to improving on kicking ability that also comes down to choosing the right gym. Repeating kicks over and over is standard practice in Thailand but you''re only likely to improve if you're being corrected and trained properly. Seen lots of Westerners spend 2 plus years in Thailand and they come home but their kicks are still terrible. Not saying this is the case for everyone but for a lot it is

[@SergiVenteo]

Their approach to boxing is changing. Several gyms are doing "only boxing" padwork and sparring as a part of their training schedule. You can see that in many ONE fights, where punches and elbows are predominantly used.

[@JeffInThailand65021]

I’m actually on my 3rd visit to Thailand now and I could totally verify everything you’re saying, except I’m at a Muay Mat gym 😅

[@oneinchpunched3661]

I was in Thailand (however only for 2 weeks) and from my limited experience at two gyms, only students who lived at the gyms accommodation or were there training for a fight did run before class. Everyone else arrived in time for class and only had the jumprope+shadow+stretch for warm up.

[@noelfrancisnunez5729]

Come here in The Philippines and train with Kru Zai he is the best we speak english very well Kru Zai will teach u real muay thai

[@Sticksforstones]

I've been training in Thailand 7 months. I'm getting so much out of it.

[@tolethalgaming1633]

What visas do you need to stay in Thailand for that long bro ?

[@AndonisG2G]

@@tolethalgaming1633 You need to get an ED visa (1 year) through a language school that gives the visa to u. However every 3 months you need to report to immigration and letting them know about the langauge school and things that ur doing while staying there.

[@richarde3378]

Great training and travel advice, Gab! Thanks!

[@The_Reality_Filter]

Something everyone should try to do is learn some basic Thai or Thinglish as it's called. 555

[@4znwarrior10]

It'd be cool to see you film training vlogs

[@erickmendez2002]

Thank you coach señor coach !

[@TW7S95]

This was a really insightful video - thanks, Gabriel!

[@SirBastianPatrick]

Everyone knows Buakaw and Saenchai and want to train where they train, quite understandable ofcourse. Probably when i am back in Thailand again, i would prefer to train under a muay thai golden era fighter like Samart Payakaroon. And his gym is near the end station Khu Khot of the sukhumvit line bts sky train in Sai Mai district the northern part of BKK. He has also a yt page and focus on basics and technique.

[@SubaruWRC1996]

I've just started Muay thai but would be amazing to travel to where someone Is skilled like yourself. Would definitely need to put some money to the side for travel though since I'm in the Uk

[@CreedConstantine]

When will you have your own fight camps? And how much? Does it include food and accommodation?

[@stevenshar1233]

About the pad holders. I think it's also about paying them for sessions will help. If you're willing to pay $50 to $100, I bet you, you can get really high quality pad holders.

[@StarkPierrot]

I've been getting nervous that my cardio isn't gonna cut it there. I've been running 5k sessions which usually takes me about 30 minutes and I'm dying at the end of it lol.

[@viviantriana5146]

Lol, agreed. I have hated running my whole life and can barely run 5K (feeling like I am dying the whole time). A bit concerned about my upcoming vacation/training there

[@StarkPierrot]

@@viviantriana5146 I'm wishing you the best. I've got a couple months to improve still so hopefully you're in the same position lol.

[@MarianaReinders]

Do you mean training 2 times a day, 1 cardio and 1 Technical training?

[@NoodleArmsFitness]

I would recommend trying a class out to see if you like a gym first before committing. I wasnt made to do much running at all at the 6 gyms i visited across the country ( i wasnt preparing for a fight) I like mixing in privates sometimes as they are great value for money compared to in western countries. The style of the group sessions is directed as in the west. My favourite all rounder was eagle in phuket had the family feel but also had thai fighters who were competing on top events.

[@NoodleArmsFitness]

Staph infections are common out there and it would auck to buy a month and not be able to use most of it.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

Good call. I ended up at a gym in Bangkok. I only stayed 3-4 days because the training wasn't serious enough.

[@Dahni555]

Pros everything. Cons gas tank diminished in mega heat.

[@0ogab0oga150]

All of the running would definitely be a con for me. Overuse injuries over the years makes it hard for me to run consistently.

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

It is a LOT. I don't like running more than 5km a day. Over there it could be up to 15km Although something like 11km was normal.

[@0ogab0oga150]

I'm the same. Anything over 5km and my knees start aching. 😩

[@LiamTaylor-n8u]

Hey guys. I tore my right meniscus in the Army at age 22 and my left at age 27 in October 2022. I am now running 7 minute miles consistently and 8 mins weighted. Proper care, muscle strengthening, and diet/supplements can help your joint pain. I’ll be making a video in the coming months however I recommend strengthening your calf muscles and learning to run on the balls of your feet. This minimizes the impact on your knees while running and enhancing your speed and foot work in the ring. Increase turmeric in your diet as well as bovine collagen to assist with inflammation. Fish oil also to keep them joints lubricated.

[@organicpom4543]

Great vid Gabriel, can you do a video on shin splints?

[@JeffJacob-t6i]

Slightly off-topic question. Does anyone know if someone can get an education visa to learn STANDARD boxing in Thailand? Not Muay Thai but western style boxing. I know there's a lot of these clubs out there now, just curious if the education visa can be gotten for one of these places.

[@THEYDONTKNOWMESON111]

Great video :)

[@Pedrosamigo2]

Thanks Gabriell! What was the name of your fourth recommended gym? Greetings from Hungary! Come to visit your ancestor's land once!

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I've actually fought in Hungary. I was in Budapest. The 4th gym was Pro Pramuk but I just went because Buakaw was training there. Now he has his own gym

[@KS-ur8nj]

⁠@@GabrielVargaOfficial *Por Pramuk

[@TolisDokianos]

Good tips thanks 🙏

[@DK-lk6ek]

Mate how much just basically eat - train - sleep - repeat would cost ?

[@tholemagubane7536]

What other countries are good options for training abroad?

[@icarusnicholas2852]

@GabrielVargaOfficial is there any real advantage to train Muay Thai if I do kickboxing and MMA? Should I stick to traditional kickboxing in America?

[@ahmedhamid2000422]

I’m about to make debut as a fighter and you can really get sucked into the traps from the devil because you naturally want to have a fun time which takes away from your training

[@antant06]

Pizza, donuts, ice cream, fried chicken, chips with extra gravy = the devil 😈😈😈

[@vinobonito]

Wow, the most spesific question I had, ofc its answeree by the legend, Jibril (angel in islam) Varga🤣❤️

[@valentinchapon3191]

Wich gym is recommanded for clinching deep progress ? Thanks

[@Eivor2023]

I am 80 kgs now with a big belly and I got belly fats. So if I go to Muay Thai camp in Thailand then will I be able to reduce my belly fats and get a fat belly ?

[@constantintummescheit4314]

Was it expensive? I wanna do it next year so I wanna know how much money I should save and if you can recommend any gyms there

[@horror_fam0847]

I would love to travel to Thailand and train at tiger Muay Thai or AKA Thailand just to get the experience

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

I'll have to find out more about those gyms. My favourites where the smaller ones where foreigners didn't go. That's where I got to train with the high level Thais

[@Mani-qz8yc]

@@GabrielVargaOfficial Which ones? I'm going to Thailand this winter and would love suggestions

[@bwar9027]

@@GabrielVargaOfficialthat‘s exactly what i‘m looking for.. can you give us some options around phuket or kho pan gang?

[@corychartier7961]

I live in India and would love to do it. But I am 50 so don't know if I can hang.

[@Knx3k]

I'm thinking of going I wonder if you can get good weed out there for after the evening sessions

[@tarkovRatter]

If I am paying an instructor to teach me and they tell me to go for a run during class that is seriously bad value for money

[@C23-n5c]

Have you trained in Holland?

[@GabrielVargaOfficial]

No. I haven't been there. They spar really hard and I know being a North American who is a GLORY champion I'd have a target on my back. I don't get paid to spar and am not interested in crazy hard rounds anymore.

[@huwhitecavebeast1972]

Ooh that would be cool. I've been there but never trained there. I love the Dutch low kick!

[@gingerbeard2121]

​@@GabrielVargaOfficial I've trained in different gyms here in the Netherlands, you find both styles actually. Light/medium sparring is also on the rise in popularity it seems

[@robertosodini4789]

england is the best

[@antoniofranco2322]

Hey Gabriel I have a question ur feet always look discolored in your videos. Wondering if that is a lighting issue, blood flow restriction or possibly medical condition

[@John.Flower.Productions]

It has to be a circulation issue. This is the first video that I have watched and it only took a few seconds before I noticed. I am quite surprised that you are the only person to have asked that question.

[@oneohone267]

It's called a vignette

[@boomkingg]

2008 bro that was 15 years ago🤣 you need to go back

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

The running is bs, even Buakaw found ways to avoid it 🤣 It’s just for fitness

[@jamiemoll4128]

European Americans can't run like that. We're conditioned for strength.

[@TylerMiami]

Anyone have any feedback on Bangtao or AKA? Bangtao looks a bit over commercialized for me, but curious about feedback. Cheers!

[@mmaguy]

For more information please come to MMAGUY in Phuket. We are happy to help. 🙏🌞💨

[@owainkanaway8345]

There is no point in going to Thailand to learn Muay Thai, when all the kickboxing classes in the United States are Muay Thai. You would only travel to learn a kickboxing style/martial art if you can't find those gyms in the US or Canada. For example it's very difficult to find a Sambo gym in the US, you would have to go to Russia and probably learn Russian to learn Sambo. Same thing with Savate, I think there is only 2-3 Savate gyms in the US. It would be better to go to France or Montreal Canada to learn Savate.

[@DaveJay9000]

Have you been to Thailand to train?

[@owainkanaway8345]

@@DaveJay9000 No but is there suppose to be a huge difference? You are missing the point. I would love to learn Bajiquan, but there are no Bajiquan schools in the United States. To learn Bajiquan you have to travel to China and learn Chinese since most Bajiquan instructors don't speak English. Kyokushin karate is not around my area in SoCal, there are 12-16 legitimate Kyokushin gyms in the United States, the closest one where I have to travel is in Texas. Do you understand what I am saying asshole? Muay Thai is everywhere in the United States. Every kickboxing gym is a Muay Thai gym, there are some that even claim to be authentic Muay Thai.