Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Dragon Muay Thai is the welcoming face of Soi Ta-iad, a long-established gym in the heart of Phuket's fitness district. More affordable than the street's big names, it also welcomes those intimidated by the larger gyms – beginners, holidaymakers, and travelers who want to experience authentic Muay Thai without the intensity of a fight camp. The training is thorough: Thai instructors lead the regular morning and afternoon sessions, which include pad work and technique drills. Classes are small enough to allow for individual adjustments, and those who train for a month leave the gym with a solid foundation.

The central location is another plus, as all the healthy cafes, supplement shops, and affordable guesthouses of Soi Ta-iad are within a five-minute walk. So, you don't need a scooter for a training stay here. Many guests split their time – one training session per day at Dragon, followed by lunch on the beach, just ten minutes away.