The Yod Khao Retreat is the beginner-friendly option. The gym sits in the hills of Koh Phangan and has a friendly atmosphere, experienced trainers, comfortable bungalows, an ice bath and a healthy café. It suits anyone who wants to learn Muay Thai from the basics while still having a tropical island holiday. Accommodation is in Yod Khao Bungalows: each has a private bathroom, air conditioning, a balcony and views of the surrounding hills.

Sor Saktai Fight Camp is the serious option. You train, eat and live alongside Thai and international fighters, with personalised development, structured fight preparation and a strong focus on mindset. It is built for experienced students and fighters, and for athletes with previous combat sports experience. Training runs twice a day here. Reviewers describe the coaching attention as the thing that separates it from other gyms in Thailand.

Zero To Hero at M19 is the four-week package for beginners and less experienced students who want to fight. It takes you through a professionally structured training programme and ends with your first real Muay Thai fight. The coaching team, led by Jojo, covers physical, mental and technical preparation. Rooms are private, with double beds, ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, a front porch and a fridge.

Accommodation across the camps ranges from hillside bungalows to a sea-view house shared with other fighters, 5 km from the gym, and a hotel 100 m from Baan Tai Beach with a saltwater pool, garden and restaurant. Some camps add meals, scooter rental and laundry to the package.

Koh Phangan itself is the reason many people choose this over a Bangkok gym. You can watch live Muay Thai, swim, walk to waterfalls and eat well between sessions. If you are planning a longer stay, some gyms offer programmes that qualify for DTV or ED visas for Muay Thai.

What's included

- Muay Thai training at your chosen Koh Phangan gym - Accommodation arranged as part of the package - Access to professional Thai trainers, world champions and active fighters - Option to add private sessions with trainers - Extras at selected camps such as meals, scooter rental and laundry - Help arranging a fight matchup for those who want to compete

What's not included

- Flights and travel to Thailand - Airport transfers (not stated as included) - Travel insurance - Visas and visa fees - Meals unless your chosen camp includes them - Scooter rental and laundry unless your chosen camp includes them - Massages, sauna and other recovery treatments - Private training sessions