KUPASONLINE.COM — If you are planning a trip to the birthplace of Muay Thai, you must know the best time to fly to Thailand.
You don’t want to find yourself in the middle of hot weather or a flooded road, while struggling to get the most out of your training session while you’re there. So, before you order your ticket, it would be very good if you get to know more about the weather in this country.
Thailand has three seasons: hot, rainy and cold. Each season has its advantages and disadvantages if you want to train in Thailand then let’s take a closer look.
Hottest Season: March-May
Summer in Thailand is no joke. The temperature ranges from 34 degrees Celsius, where the peaks can reach even hotter temperatures. However, it is the humidity there that you should really pay attention to. These temperatures reach their peak in April, right around the celebration of the Thai New Year.
While waking up at 6am might not be the idea of a vacation, there’s another reason why Thai athletes love to train in the morning – the heat.
The morning session usually starts at 6 to 10, while the afternoon session starts at 4 and continues until 7 pm. In the summer, some gyms shift their schedule by moving their afternoon run after their practice.
If you miss your run in the morning, don’t beat yourself up and wait until late at night before you do.
You need to have extraordinary tenacity to train in Bangkok during the summer. These urban areas absorb most of the sun’s heat and slowly release it through the pores of the pavement.
It comes as no surprise that the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion is Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon. He trains in the Thai capital and is so used to the heat that, when it came to defending his belt, he did very well under the lights inside the Circle.
Dehydration, fatigue and heat stroke are very common for visitors and this can ruin your vacation. It is important to go into the exercise lightly until you get used to the heat. The Thai athletes have been doing this since childhood, where they have become very used to very hot temperatures.
To avoid all of the above, make sure you stay hydrated. Grab a few bottles of electrolyte solution at a local pharmacy, mix it with your drinking water, then sip it throughout the day.
During this period, all over Thailand – but especially in Isaan – there will be opportunities to watch small Muay Thai competitions at temples or festivals.
March and April are the months when public schools in Thailand take their summer break, so this is the best time for young nak muay to get the much-needed experience before they can enter Bangkok’s elite string of stadiums.
During the Songkran festival, gyms will remain open, but they will significantly reduce intensity. While Thai New Year takes place from April 13 to 15, the festivities usually continue for an entire week, especially in areas such as Chiang Mai.
If you don’t have a problem with hot weather and want to enjoy the traditional Muay Thai scene, now is the best time to plan a vacation while training in Thailand.
Rainy Season: June-September
In Thailand, the rainy season can be an extraordinary experience for visitors who are setting foot there for the first time. Temperatures hover around 29 degrees, where wind and rain can cause flash floods. While that’s still pretty safe, the rain will make it difficult for you to run outside or travel.
If you are in Thailand during this period, it is very important to choose a gym that is protected from all of the above elements. Most gyms in Thailand still have an outdoor training area, which is only protected by a roof. So, don’t be surprised if you have to practice on a wet ring canvas.
ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy trains in Petchyindee, on the eastern side of Bangkok. The gym is one of the newest indoor Muay Thai facilities in Thailand, meaning the athletes will be protected from the rain.
For gyms that are not protected from the rainy season in Thailand, they sometimes skip the afternoon run and instruct the athletes to jump rope. If this happens, rain and wind will not interfere with your practice.
Traveling by motorbike can also be a challenge because of the rain. If you plan to use the motor dal
