Lanna Muay Thai
Chiang Mai, Old City | Muay Thai
Quick Facts
Overview
Founded in 1966, Lanna Muay Thai is one of Chiang Mai's oldest and most historic training centers. Originally established as the first Muay Thai gym in Thailand founded by a foreigner, it's now run by Kru Boon Lanna, a former fighter who grew up in the gym. Located away from the noise of the old city but still easily accessible, Lanna offers authentic Thai training at highly affordable prices, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers and digital nomads seeking traditional Muay Thai instruction.
What Makes Lanna Muay Thai Special
- ✓Oldest gym in Chiang Mai with nearly 60 years of history
- ✓Extremely affordable monthly rates (6,000-8,800 THB)
- ✓Traditional Thai training environment with cultural authenticity
- ✓Fight-friendly gym with regular opportunities at local stadiums
- ✓Perfect balance of tradition and foreigner-friendly atmosphere
History: Established in 1966 by a foreign founder, Lanna Muay Thai became a pioneer in making traditional Muay Thai accessible to international students. After the founder's passing, the gym was taken over by Kru Boon Lanna, who grew up training there and maintains the gym's authentic approach while welcoming foreign students. The gym has produced numerous fighters and maintains strong connections to Chiang Mai's Muay Thai community.
Who Trains Here: Mix of budget travelers, digital nomads, serious long-term students, and fighters preparing for bouts. The gym attracts those seeking authentic Thai training without tourist gym prices. Less touristy atmosphere than some newer gyms, with a focus on genuine martial arts development rather than fitness tourism.
Head Trainer & Credentials ⭐
Kru Boon Lanna
Credentials: Former professional fighter, grew up training at Lanna gym
Fight Record: Extensive fight record in Chiang Mai stadiums
Specialties:
Notable Students: Multiple local stadium fighters, International amateur competitors
Senior Trainers
Kru Den
Lead trainer, professional fight experience
Specialties: Pad work, Technical corrections, Beginner instruction
Veteran Thai trainers
Former fighters with decades of experience
Specialties: Traditional training methods, Conditioning, Fight preparation
Training Programs & Schedule ⭐
Daily Schedule
Morning: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Conditioning, pad work, technique training
Afternoon: Break (afternoon heat)
Evening: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Technique, sparring, clinch work
Program Types
Beginner Program
Fundamentals program teaching proper stance, basic strikes, and defensive techniques. Trainers adapt instruction to individual skill levels within group classes. Beginner-friendly environment with patient instruction.
Intermediate Program
Integration into regular training with emphasis on combination work, clinch development, and controlled sparring. More intensive conditioning and technique refinement.
Pro Fighter Program
Fight preparation program with opportunities at local Chiang Mai stadiums. Regular sparring, intensive pad work, and fight arranging services. Known as one of the most "fight-friendly" gyms in Chiang Mai.
Class Structure: Traditional Thai training format with group classes where trainers provide individual attention. Classes include warming up, shadow boxing, pad work with trainers (rotating), bag work, clinch practice, and conditioning. Smaller class sizes ensure personalized instruction despite group format.
Private Training: Available. 800-1,200 THB per hour for one-on-one training
Special Programs: Fight arrangement at local stadiums, Long-term training packages, Cultural immersion in traditional Muay Thai
Price Breakdown ⭐
Drop-in
400 THB
Weekly
2,500 THB
Monthly
6,000-8,800 THB (depending on source)
3-Month Package
18,000 THB
6-Month Package
32,000 THB
What's Included
- ✓Group training sessions twice daily
- ✓Pad work with trainers
- ✓Use of bags and equipment
- ✓Fight opportunities (if qualified)
What Costs Extra
- +Gloves and shin guards (available for rent ~50 THB/day)
- +Private training
- +Accommodation
- +Fight registration fees
- +Massage and recovery services
Accommodation & Living Options ⭐
Nearby Accommodation
Located near the Old City with abundant budget accommodation within walking distance. Many guesthouses, hostels, and apartments cater to long-term students and digital nomads. Gym can provide recommendations.
Price Range: 4,000-10,000 THB/month for basic rooms, 10,000-20,000 THB for better apartments with AC and amenities
Food & Dining Quality ⭐
Nearby Dining
Excellent local Thai food options throughout Old City and surrounding areas. Abundant street food, local restaurants, and markets. Chiang Mai is known for affordable, high-quality Thai cuisine. Night markets offer variety at budget prices.
Price Range: 40-100 THB per meal at local spots, 100-200 THB for nicer restaurants
Healthy Options: Yes, widely available
Location & Nightlife Access
Address: Old City area, Chiang Mai (away from main tourist areas but accessible)
Nightlife
10-15 minutes walk to main nightlife in Old City
Restaurants
Walking distance to hundreds of restaurants and street food
Transportation
Area Vibe
Authentic Chiang Mai atmosphere with local character. Away from the busiest tourist areas but still accessible. Quieter location allows focus on training while remaining convenient to city amenities. Very digital nomad friendly with many cafes and coworking spaces nearby.
What Reddit Says 💬
Most Mentioned Pros
- ✓Extremely affordable rates - best value for budget travelers
- ✓Authentic traditional Thai training environment
- ✓Fight-friendly gym with regular bout opportunities
- ✓Nearly 60 years of history and cultural authenticity
- ✓Good for long-term training without breaking the bank
- ✓Friendly trainers who are professional and polite
Most Mentioned Cons
- −Quality can be inconsistent - some trainers more engaged than others
- −Negative reports of students being ignored or getting minimal attention
- −Some students placed in fights before being truly ready
- −Older trainers may lack motivation with beginners
- −Facilities more basic compared to modern gyms
- −Can feel overlooked if you're not a serious fighter
Common Themes
- • Great value for money if you get a good trainer
- • Experience varies significantly based on which trainer you work with
- • Better for self-motivated students who don't need hand-holding
- • Strong for fight preparation but less focused on technique development
- • Authentic experience but not as polished as tourist-focused gyms
- • Best for students staying long-term who can build relationships
Direct Quotes
"Trained there for two weeks over 10 years ago and never got on the pads with any trainer - just ignored."
"The trainers are great, teaching techniques very well and making it fun. Den is both polite and professional."
"Got a terrible session with an old trainer who could not be bothered, was basically ignored."
"Most fight-friendly gym in Chiang Mai - if you want to fight, they'll get you fights."
"For the price, you can't beat it. Just know it's old-school Thai style, not a hand-holding tourist gym."
⚠️ Red Flags Mentioned
- • Inconsistent trainer attention - some students report being ignored
- • Reports of students put in fights before being adequately prepared
- • Quality of instruction varies significantly by trainer
- • Less structured than modern commercial gyms
⭐ Standout Praise
- • Unbeatable prices for authentic training
- • True cultural immersion in traditional Thai Muay Thai
- • Fight opportunities readily available
- • Historic significance as one of Thailand's first foreigner-friendly gyms
Last Updated: November 2025
Sources: r/MuayThai, r/Thailand, r/digitalnomad
Best For & Bottom Line
✓ Perfect For
- • Budget-conscious travelers wanting authentic training
- • Digital nomads staying long-term in Chiang Mai
- • Self-motivated students who don't need constant attention
- • Fighters seeking bout opportunities at local stadiums
- • Those valuing cultural authenticity over modern amenities
- • Students who can build relationships with trainers over time
- • People wanting traditional Thai training methods
✗ Not Ideal For
- • Complete beginners needing structured hand-holding
- • Students wanting consistently high attention from trainers
- • Those expecting modern facilities and equipment
- • People who need organized class structures
- • Students uncomfortable with variable quality experiences
- • Those wanting guaranteed excellent instruction every session
- • Travelers expecting Western customer service standards
Overall Value Assessment
Exceptional value for money at 6,000-8,800 THB/month - among the most affordable quality training in Thailand. For budget-conscious students, digital nomads, and long-term travelers, this represents tremendous value. Combined with cheap Chiang Mai living costs (total ~15,000-25,000 THB/month including accommodation and food), you can train Muay Thai for months on a tight budget. The trade-off is inconsistent quality and less polished experience. Best for self-motivated students who understand they're getting authentic Thai gym experience, not a tourist service. If you connect with good trainers and stay long-term, the value becomes extraordinary. Not for everyone, but for the right student, this is one of Thailand's best budget training opportunities.
Contact & Booking
Website: https://www.lanna-muaythai.com
Phone: +66 (contact via website/social media)