Packing for a Muay Thai camp is not packing for a holiday. You are going to sweat 4 to 6 hours a day, live in a tropical climate, and use gear that needs to dry between two sessions. Here is the checklist you can print and tick off before closing your bag.
1. Muay Thai gear: the essentials
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to buy everything before leaving. Gloves, protective gear and shorts are cheaper and of better quality in Thailand. But for the first few days, you need to arrive with a minimal kit.
- Boxing gloves (10 or 12 oz). Essential from day one. Over there, a good Top King or Fairtex pair goes for €40-60.
- Hand wraps (4 m minimum, 2 pairs). They need washing often, bring several spare pairs.
- Shin guards. Mandatory for sparring. You can buy them there on day two if you prefer to travel light.
- Mouthguard. Non-negotiable. Bring one you already know.
- Groin guard. Essential for sparring.
- Skipping rope. Some coaches provide them, but with your own rope you save 2 minutes per session.
To buy in Thailand rather than back home: shin guards, Muay Thai shorts, technical t-shirts (much cheaper in Bangkok or Hua Hin).
2. Training clothes
You will soak through at least 3 outfits a day. Pack generously:
- 5 to 7 pairs of sports shorts (including 2-3 traditional Muay Thai shorts)
- 7 to 10 breathable technical t-shirts
- 5 to 7 pairs of sports socks
- A pair of running shoes (for the morning runs)
- Flip-flops (essential, you walk barefoot on the mats and need something to get back to the dorms)
- A light sweatshirt for tuk-tuk rides / air-conditioned flights
3. Casual and downtime clothes
- 3 to 4 light casual outfits (shorts, t-shirts)
- 1 pair of long breathable trousers (for temples, covered knees are required)
- 1 slightly dressy shirt or t-shirt (dinners, evenings out)
- Swimwear (Thailand is also about the beach)
- Cap or bucket hat (the sun is strong)
- Polarised sunglasses
4. First-aid and body care: the "camp" kit
The health kit is the part beginners underestimate the most. Here is the bare minimum:
- Red tiger balm (buy it there, it is the country of origin, 10x cheaper).
- Anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen 200 mg or equivalent).
- Paracetamol.
- Healing cream (Biafine or similar) and Compeed plasters for blisters / wounds on the shins.
- Rigid strapping tape (pack of 2). You will go through it.
- Electrolyte powder (ORS, Hydralyte). Dehydration is trap number one.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen.
- Mosquito repellent (the camp is in a tropical climate, even in the dry season).
- Probiotics / anti-diarrhoea medication (Smecta, Imodium) for the first days of adjusting to Thai food.
- Saline solution to clean cuts.
5. Toiletries
- Large microfibre towel (dries fast)
- Shower gel + shampoo in travel size (you restock over there)
- Deodorant (impossible to find in a "non-whitening" version in Thailand)
- Toothpaste + toothbrush
- Nail clippers (you will genuinely need them, to avoid injuries in sparring)
- Razor
6. Electronics
- Plug adapter (Thai sockets are compatible with European type C plugs, but some camps have type A sockets: bring a universal adapter)
- Phone charger + spare cable
- Power bank (10,000 mAh recommended)
- Earphones (the 8:10 run is easier with music)
- Optionally a GoPro or equivalent to film your sessions, coaches are cool with it
7. Documents and money
- Passport valid for 6 months after your return
- Photocopy of your passport (2 copies, in different bags)
- Printed plane ticket (some airlines require the return ticket at boarding)
- Travel / repatriation insurance certificate (MANDATORY for Muay Thai)
- A few euros in cash to exchange on arrival (the airport rate is decent)
- 2 bank cards (one Visa, one other, just in case)
- Printed accommodation booking (for immigration)
8. What NOT to bring
- Too many Muay Thai shorts: you will cave and buy some there. They are gorgeous and cost €8 to €15.
- Large quantities of medication. Most common medicines are available in Thai pharmacies without a prescription and for less money.
- Too many "city" clothes. You will spend 90% of your time in training gear.
- Dress shoes / loafers. Pointless here, flip-flops are enough.
Bonus: the gym bag rule
Keep a small compressible gym bag in your main suitcase. You will use it every day to go to the camp (water bottle, wraps, protective gear, towel, tape, dorm key…). It is the item you will use the most during your entire stay, and it is often the one people forget.
