Hongthong Muay Thai
Chiang Mai, Santitham/Tasala | Muay Thai
Quick Facts
Overview
Hongthong Muay Thai is run by legendary twin brothers Kru Joe (Hongthongnoi) and Kru Gen (Hongthonglek), who have over 700 combined professional fights and multiple stadium championships between them. Gen was a former Thailand national title holder. The gym offers expert-level instruction in a small, intimate setting where students receive personalized attention from world-class fighters. Located in the Tasala area near Promenade Shopping Center, Hongthong provides high-quality technical training at affordable Chiang Mai prices, making it ideal for students serious about developing proper Muay Thai technique.
What Makes Hongthong Muay Thai Special
- ✓Twin brother owners with 700+ combined professional fights
- ✓Former Thailand national champion (Kru Gen) teaches regularly
- ✓Small class sizes ensure individual attention
- ✓One-on-one training available and tailored to student level
- ✓Strong focus on proper technique from the fundamentals up
- ✓On-site accommodation available for convenience
History: Founded by twin brothers who were elite Thai fighters, Hongthong Muay Thai was established to share high-level Muay Thai knowledge with serious students. The brothers fought throughout Thailand at major stadiums and now dedicate themselves to teaching. The gym relocated from Han Dong to Tasala near Promenade Shopping Center to provide better accessibility and facilities. Their combined fight experience and teaching expertise make this a technical powerhouse.
Who Trains Here: Mix of serious international students, intermediate to advanced practitioners, and beginners seeking high-quality instruction. Less touristy than some Chiang Mai gyms, attracting students who prioritize learning from elite fighters over social atmosphere. Many students stay long-term to develop deep technical skills.
Head Trainer & Credentials ⭐
Kru Joe (Hongthongnoi) & Kru Gen (Hongthonglek)
Credentials: Twin brothers, 700+ combined professional fights, Kru Gen former Thailand national champion
Fight Record: Both fought at major stadiums throughout Thailand including Lumpinee and Rajadamnern
Specialties:
Notable Students: Multiple successful amateur fighters, Students who went on to compete internationally
Senior Trainers
Guest trainers
Experienced fighters brought in for specialized instruction
Specialties: Various aspects of Muay Thai, Competition preparation
Training Programs & Schedule ⭐
Daily Schedule
Morning: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Technical work, pad work, conditioning
Afternoon: Break during hottest part of day
Evening: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Technique, sparring, clinch work
Program Types
Beginner Program
Foundation program emphasizing proper fundamentals from day one. One-on-one attention ensures correct technique development. Trainers excel at breaking down complex movements for newcomers and building solid base skills.
Intermediate Program
Advanced technique development with emphasis on combinations, timing, and strategy. More intensive pad work and sparring. Trainers adapt instruction to push students to next level.
Pro Fighter Program
Competition preparation with intensive training, regular sparring, and fight arrangement services. Learn from trainers who fought at the highest levels. Path to stadium fights for qualified students.
Class Structure: Small group training with maximum individual attention. Typically 5-10 students per session ensuring everyone gets quality pad time with trainers. Mix of group work and individualized instruction. Very personalized compared to larger gyms.
Private Training: Available. 1,000 THB per hour for private one-on-one training with Kru Joe or Kru Gen
Special Programs: Fight preparation and arrangement, Long-term technical development programs, Beginner bootcamps, Airport pickup service available
Price Breakdown ⭐
Drop-in
400-500 THB
Weekly
3,000-3,500 THB
Monthly
8,000-12,000 THB
3-Month Package
22,000-30,000 THB
6-Month Package
40,000-55,000 THB
What's Included
- ✓Group training sessions
- ✓Pad work with elite trainers
- ✓Access to all equipment
- ✓Training at both morning and evening sessions
What Costs Extra
- +Gloves and shin guards (available for rent or purchase)
- +Private training
- +Accommodation (though available on-site)
- +Massage and recovery services
- +Airport pickup
Accommodation & Living Options ⭐
On-Site Accommodation
Room Types: Private rooms, Shared rooms
Pricing: 5,000-8,000 THB/month for basic rooms near gym
Amenities:
Nearby Accommodation
Located near Promenade Shopping Center with many accommodation options nearby. Santitham/Tasala area has good selection of apartments and guesthouses for students. Close to airport making arrival convenient.
Price Range: 6,000-15,000 THB/month for apartments and guesthouses in the area
Food & Dining Quality ⭐
Nearby Dining
Near Promenade Shopping Center with food courts, restaurants, and supermarkets. Tasala area has good local Thai food options. More developed area than some gym locations with variety of dining choices.
Price Range: 40-120 THB for local meals, 150-300 THB for shopping center restaurants
Healthy Options: Yes, widely available
Location & Nightlife Access
Address: 129/4 Village No. 5, Chiang Mai-San Kamphaeng Road, Soi Rungroj, Tasala, Muang, Chiang Mai (near Promenade Shopping Center)
Nightlife
10-15 minutes by motorbike to main nightlife areas
Restaurants
Promenade Shopping Center within 5 minutes, local restaurants walking distance
Transportation
Area Vibe
Modern developing area near shopping center. More suburban feel than Old City but good infrastructure. Close to airport (convenient for arrivals). Quieter than tourist areas allowing focus on training. Good for students wanting local Thai living with modern conveniences.
What Reddit Says 💬
Most Mentioned Pros
- ✓Exceptional technical instruction from elite fighters
- ✓Small class sizes mean lots of individual attention
- ✓Brothers are patient and excellent teachers
- ✓Great for students wanting to develop proper technique
- ✓Reasonable prices for world-class instruction
- ✓Trainers tailor instruction to individual student level
- ✓Good atmosphere without tourist gym crowds
Most Mentioned Cons
- −Location less convenient than Old City gyms
- −Smaller facility with more limited equipment
- −Can be quieter/less social than larger gyms
- −Need transportation to reach nightlife and some restaurants
- −Gym relocated so some older information outdated
- −Less known than established gyms like Lanna or Santai
Common Themes
- • Consistently high-quality instruction from the brothers
- • Best for students prioritizing technique over social experience
- • Great teacher-to-student ratio ensures everyone improves
- • Brothers genuinely care about student development
- • More intimate training environment than big commercial gyms
- • Often compared favorably to Santai for personalized attention
Direct Quotes
"Trained with the brothers for two months - their technical knowledge is incredible. You're learning from guys who fought at the highest level."
"Small classes mean you actually get quality pad time every session, not rushed through in 5 minutes."
"Kru Joe and Kru Gen are patient teachers who really break down the techniques. Best instruction I've had in Thailand."
"If you want elite-level technical training without Bangkok prices, this is it."
"Not a party gym, but if you're serious about learning Muay Thai properly, there are few better options in Chiang Mai."
⭐ Standout Praise
- • World-class technical instruction from elite fighters
- • Personalized attention in small classes
- • Patient teaching style that builds proper fundamentals
- • Excellent value for the quality of instruction
Last Updated: November 2025
Sources: r/MuayThai, r/Thailand, r/digitalnomad
Best For & Bottom Line
✓ Perfect For
- • Students wanting high-level technical instruction
- • Intermediate practitioners looking to refine technique
- • Those who value personalized attention over large group energy
- • Serious martial artists willing to prioritize training over location
- • Students wanting to learn from elite fighters
- • People seeking authentic training without tourist crowds
- • Those who appreciate detailed technical breakdowns
✗ Not Ideal For
- • Students wanting party atmosphere or heavy social scene
- • Those needing to be in the heart of Old City
- • People wanting brand-name gym recognition
- • Students preferring large group energy
- • Those needing extensive facilities and equipment variety
- • Complete beginners uncomfortable with small intimate settings
- • Students wanting convenient walk to nightlife
Overall Value Assessment
Outstanding value for quality of instruction. At 8,000-12,000 THB/month, you're learning from fighters with 700+ combined professional fights including national championship level. The small class sizes and personalized attention would cost significantly more at Bangkok gyms. For students serious about developing proper Muay Thai technique, this represents exceptional value. Combined with affordable Chiang Mai living (total ~18,000-30,000 THB/month including decent accommodation), you can receive elite-level instruction for months without breaking the bank. The less convenient location is a minor trade-off for the quality of teaching. Best value in Chiang Mai for technique-focused students who prioritize instruction quality over location and social factors.
Contact & Booking
Website: http://muaythaigymhongthong.com/
Phone: +66 84 428 0595, +66 89 275 3188
Email: [email protected]