30-Day Muay Thai & Wellness Escape in Thailand's Historic Heartland

JP Boxing Gym is a family-run operation in Phitsanulok, a city that once served as the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom and is honored as the land of King Naresuan the Great, a warrior king known for his use of Muay Thai in defense of the kingdom. This long-stay retreat is designed around the idea of sustainable training: sessions twice a day, six days a week, in Muay Thai, Western boxing, or functional fitness, with plenty of time set aside for recovery and exploration. Complete beginners are welcome—coaches adapt everything to your level, and the emphasis is on technique, conditioning, and confidence, not aggression.

What sets this apart from a standard training camp is the cultural grounding. You'll learn the Wai Kru / Ram Muay ceremonial dance, practice traditional Muay Thai Boran techniques, and even get an introduction to Thai sword training. Runs take you along the river and up to a historic palace site, and the Friday Pagoda Mountain Challenge combines a hike to a temple with traditional training, echoing how warriors once conditioned. Weekly, you can join the family in offering alms to monks at the 700-year-old Wat Yai temple or head to the night markets with the group.

The coaching team is led by Kru Jay, who learned the art from the legendary Samart Payakaroon, a four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion often called the greatest Muay Thai fighter ever. Jay's background spans teaching Muay Thai for free on the streets of Bangkok to working with professional and Olympic-level fighters, so the instruction is both authentic and accessible. Yoga is taught by Munta Preedasitthichok, certified in Hatha Yoga from Rishikesh and trained in Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization from the Prague School, offering classes focused on functional movement and injury prevention.

Recovery is treated as seriously as training. The gym includes a sauna and ice bath, both available unlimited and at no extra cost, which after double sessions makes a real difference in how your body feels. Two meals a day—breakfast and dinner—are included and prepared fresh, with a protein smoothie every morning to support your training. The atmosphere is friendly and personal; guests are welcomed into the JP family, and many end up staying longer than planned or returning for another stint.

What's included

- 29 nights accommodation in an air-conditioned private room with en-suite bathroom - Daily breakfast and dinner (freshly prepared Thai cuisine) - Free protein smoothie every morning - 2 training sessions per day, 6 days a week (Muay Thai, Western Boxing, or CrossFit) - Unlimited sauna and ice bath access - Airport pickup and drop-off at Phitsanulok local airport, bus station, or train station - Transportation to and from the gym (if staying at partner hotels) - Weekly night market tour with the group - Sunday cultural excursions (e.g., Sukhothai Historical Park, Wat Pha Sorn Kaew) - Pagoda Mountain Challenge (Friday) - Tuesday River Run & Palace Training - Cultural offerings: Wai Kru / Ram Muay class, Thai sword demonstration, temple visits - Free hand wraps - Free WiFi throughout

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Lunches (not included in the meal plan) - Thai massage and yoga classes (available at extra cost) - Personal expenses (snacks, shopping, etc.) - Transfers from Bangkok airports (available for $200 per car each way)