Santai Muay Thai
Chiang Mai, San Kamphaeng | Muay Thai
Quick Facts
Overview
Santai Muay Thai is Chiang Mai's premier high-end training facility, featuring trainers from the legendary Pinsinchai gym in Bangkok. The coaching staff includes former Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium champions, some of whom were ranked #1 during the golden age of Muay Thai. Located in San Kamphaeng about 20 minutes east of central Chiang Mai, Santai offers world-class instruction, modern facilities including a swimming pool, and comprehensive on-site accommodation. While pricier than budget Chiang Mai options, Santai provides Bangkok-quality training at Chiang Mai prices, making it the top choice for serious students who want elite instruction with resort-style amenities.
What Makes Santai Muay Thai Special
- ✓Trainers from legendary Pinsinchai gym with Lumpinee/Rajadamnern titles
- ✓Multiple trainers were #1 ranked at major Bangkok stadiums
- ✓Modern facilities with swimming pool and quality accommodation
- ✓Strong fight development program with proven track record
- ✓Professional operation with Western organizational standards
- ✓All-inclusive packages available (training + accommodation)
- ✓Resort-style environment focused on training
History: Santai was established to bring Bangkok-level Muay Thai instruction to Chiang Mai. The gym recruited trainers from Pinsinchai gym, one of Bangkok's most respected camps. Trainers like Phon Narupai and Vanlop Pinsinchai were legends during Muay Thai's golden age, consistently ranked in the top 5 at Lumpinee and Rajadamnern. Manasak Pinsinchai was #1 at Lumpinee in 2015. The gym has built a reputation for developing fighters, with success stories of students going from beginners to world champions in just over a year. Santai represents the best of traditional Thai training combined with modern camp management.
Who Trains Here: Mix of serious international students, professional fighters, dedicated amateurs preparing for competition, and intermediate to advanced practitioners. While officially accepting all levels, the gym is known for prioritizing fighters and serious students. Less casual tourist atmosphere, more focused training environment. Many students stay long-term (3-6+ months) for intensive development.
Head Trainer & Credentials ⭐
Kru Lop (Lop Narupai) & Senior Pinsinchai Trainers
Credentials: Former Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium fighters, top 5 rankings during golden age
Fight Record: Multiple trainers with 100+ professional fights at elite stadiums
Specialties:
Notable Students: Student went from orthodox beginner to world title holder in just over a year, Multiple ONE Championship competitors, Professional fighters across weight classes
Senior Trainers
Phon Narupai
Legend of the golden age, top 5 Lumpinee/Rajadamnern
Specialties: Technical mastery, Traditional methods, Elite pad work
Vanlop Pinsinchai
Golden age legend, top 5 stadium rankings
Specialties: Power striking, Ring generalship, Fighter IQ
Manasak Pinsinchai
#1 Lumpinee 2015, Rajadamnern champion, WMC belts
Specialties: Modern technique, Competition strategy, High-level sparring
Poye W. Santai
Currently ranked #4 Lumpinee, #5 Rajadamnern
Specialties: Active fighter insights, Contemporary techniques, Competition preparation
Training Programs & Schedule ⭐
Daily Schedule
Morning: 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Conditioning, pad work, technical training, swimming recovery
Afternoon: 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Advanced techniques, sparring, clinch work, strength training
Program Types
Beginner Program
Structured fundamentals program teaching proper basics from day one. Despite reputation for focusing on fighters, beginners are officially accepted and taught by world-class instructors. However, experiences vary - some beginners report feeling overlooked in favor of fighters.
Intermediate Program
Intensive development program with emphasis on competition-level skills. Integration into serious training environment pushes students to higher levels. Regular sparring and technique refinement.
Pro Fighter Program
Elite fighter development program with two-a-day training, extensive sparring, professional pad work with champions, strength & conditioning, and fight arranging services. Proven track record of taking students to world championship level.
Class Structure: Highly structured training sessions with professional organization. Group training with individual attention from multiple elite trainers. Typically 10-15 students per session but multiple trainers ensure everyone gets quality pad time. Mix of pad work, bag work, clinch training, sparring, and conditioning.
Private Training: Available. 1,500-2,500 THB per hour depending on trainer (elite trainers command premium rates)
Special Programs: Fighter development program with sponsorship opportunities, Women-only sessions, Long-term training camps (3-12 months), All-inclusive training & accommodation packages
Price Breakdown ⭐
Drop-in
700 THB
Weekly
4,000-5,000 THB
Monthly
11,000 THB (training only)
3-Month Package
30,000 THB
6-Month Package
55,000 THB
What's Included
- ✓Training sessions twice daily
- ✓Pad work with elite trainers
- ✓Swimming pool access
- ✓All equipment use
- ✓Professional coaching
What Costs Extra
- +Accommodation (4,500+ THB/week for various options)
- +Gloves and shin guards (available for rent/purchase)
- +Private training
- +Massage and physiotherapy
- +Fight registration fees
Accommodation & Living Options ⭐
On-Site Accommodation
Room Types: Fighter rooms, Standard rooms, Bungalows, Pool villas
Pricing: 4,500-10,000+ THB/week depending on room type (Baan Nak Muay from 4,500 THB/week, Penprapa Place from 5,000 THB/week)
Amenities:
Nearby Accommodation
San Kamphaeng area has various accommodation options, though most students stay on-site for convenience. Some apartments and guesthouses available within 5-10 minute motorbike ride.
Price Range: 6,000-15,000 THB/month for off-site accommodation
Food & Dining Quality ⭐
On-Site Dining
Quality: Good quality Thai food designed for fighters
Menu Highlights: High-protein meals, Fresh vegetables, Traditional Thai dishes, Fighter-focused nutrition
Pricing: 80-150 THB per meal
Nearby Dining
San Kamphaeng town has local markets and restaurants within 5-10 minute ride. Less variety than central Chiang Mai but adequate for students staying on-site. Shopping centers 15-20 minutes away.
Price Range: 40-100 THB for local meals, 100-200 THB for restaurants
Healthy Options: Yes, widely available
Location & Nightlife Access
Address: San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai (approximately 20 minutes east of Maya Mall/central Chiang Mai)
Nightlife
20-30 minutes to central Chiang Mai nightlife
Restaurants
On-site dining available, local town 5-10 minutes, central Chiang Mai 20-30 minutes
Transportation
Area Vibe
Secluded training camp environment away from city distractions. Resort-style setting focused on training and recovery. Swimming pool and accommodation on-site create self-contained community. Less convenient for nightlife and city exploration but ideal for focused training camps. Popular with students doing intensive 1-3 month training blocks who want minimal distractions.
What Reddit Says 💬
Most Mentioned Pros
- ✓World-class trainers with Lumpinee/Rajadamnern championships
- ✓Proven track record developing fighters to championship level
- ✓Modern facilities with swimming pool
- ✓Comprehensive accommodation options on-site
- ✓Professional operation with Western standards
- ✓Elite-level technical instruction
- ✓All-inclusive packages convenient for international students
- ✓Strong fight arranging services
Most Mentioned Cons
- −Higher prices than budget Chiang Mai gyms
- −Can feel overlooked if you're a beginner (fighters get priority)
- −Location far from central Chiang Mai nightlife
- −Less social atmosphere than some gyms
- −Accommodation costs extra (not included in training fee)
- −May be intimidating for casual students
- −Some beginners report being "dismissed and overlooked"
Common Themes
- • Absolutely elite-level instruction from legendary trainers
- • Best in Chiang Mai for serious fighter development
- • Significant variation in experience based on skill level
- • Fighters and serious students get much more attention
- • World-class facilities and organization
- • Ideal for intensive training camps (1-3+ months)
- • Not ideal for casual tourists or complete beginners
- • Student success stories are legitimate and impressive
Direct Quotes
"Took me from an orthodox beginner with ten fights to a sponsored southpaw fighter holding two world titles in just over a year. The trainers at Santai are both highly skilled and excellent teachers."
"If you are a beginner looking to learn Muay Thai skills and discipline, you'll simply be dismissed and overlooked at Santai as they only really care about professional fighters."
"First rate training. The trainers are world class and got me fights both in Thailand and America."
"Messaged them about fighting and got honest reply: 'Sure, if you are good enough.' That's the vibe - serious fighters only."
"Best overall Muay Thai experience in Chiang Mai. The Pinsinchai trainers are incredible."
"Highly structured training with trainers who competed at the highest levels. Worth the higher price for the quality."
⚠️ Red Flags Mentioned
- • Beginners may feel ignored or get minimal attention
- • Clear priority given to fighters over hobbyists
- • Higher costs compared to other Chiang Mai options
- • Not a "fun" tourist gym - very serious training focus
⭐ Standout Praise
- • Trainers from Pinsinchai gym are genuine legends
- • Proven track record taking students to world championship level
- • Professional operation with quality facilities
- • Best fighter development program in Chiang Mai
Last Updated: November 2025
Sources: r/MuayThai, r/Thailand, r/digitalnomad
Best For & Bottom Line
✓ Perfect For
- • Serious fighters preparing for professional competition
- • Intermediate to advanced students wanting elite instruction
- • Students doing intensive 1-3+ month training camps
- • Those who can afford higher prices for better quality
- • People wanting comprehensive facilities (pool, accommodation)
- • Students seeking proven fighter development program
- • Those willing to sacrifice convenience for training quality
- • Dedicated martial artists who train twice daily consistently
✗ Not Ideal For
- • Complete beginners (though officially accepted)
- • Casual tourists wanting fun social gym experience
- • Students on very tight budgets
- • Those wanting to be in central Chiang Mai near nightlife
- • Hobbyists training just a few times per week
- • People needing lots of attention and hand-holding
- • Students uncomfortable with intense competitive atmosphere
- • Those prioritizing social scene over training quality
Overall Value Assessment
Excellent value for what you receive, though pricier than budget Chiang Mai options. At 11,000 THB/month training plus 4,500-10,000+ THB/week accommodation, you're paying 25,000-50,000 THB/month total depending on lodging choice. This is 2-3x budget gyms like Lanna, but you're learning from genuine Lumpinee/Rajadamnern champions with proven fighter development track records. Comparable instruction in Bangkok would cost 30,000-50,000 THB/month for training alone. The facilities, swimming pool, and professional organization add significant value. For serious students and fighters, this represents Bangkok quality at Chiang Mai prices - excellent value. For casual students or beginners, the premium price may not be worth it given the fighter-priority culture. Best value proposition in Chiang Mai for dedicated students willing to pay more for significantly better instruction and facilities.