Muay Thai Camp Wasn't What I Expected—It Was Better

After spending a month at a Muay Thai camp, I can confidently say that it wasn’t what I expected—it was better. Sure, I knew I’d gain more confidence, strength, and stamina—but other benefits caught me by surprise in the best way possible.

An incredibly relaxing spot—swinging in a hammock to the sounds of birds, near my room at Battle Conquer Muay Thai camp.

I first signed up for 21 days at Battle Conquer Muay Thai Gym, but within my first week, I knew I had to extend my stay to 28 days. And I wasn’t alone—many people here have stayed longer than planned, each finding something they needed through this experience.

Battle Conquer isn’t just a Muay Thai gym; it’s a retreat, with a packed schedule that includes yoga, pilates, CrossFit, cooking classes, nature excursions, temple visits, and more. But what really sets it apart is the sense of community—a group energy that keeps everyone moving at their own pace, whether they’re training hard or enjoying a wellness escape.

Here are some of the most unexpected (and welcome) benefits I’ve experienced at Battle Conquer Muay Thai camp in Phetchabun, rural Thailand.

1. Loving Mornings & Building Routine

I am not, by any definition, a morning person. Sunrise yoga at 6 AM? Absolutely not. But to my own shock, I found a routine I loved in 7 AM Muay Thai group classes. Eventually, that meant waking up at 6:15 AM, stretching out whatever muscles were sore (there’s always something!), then hitting Muay Thai from 7-9 AM, followed by a hearty breakfast at Noi’s Cafe.

At 10:30 AM, I’d join gentle yoga, then work midday or lounge by the pool before tackling the 3 PM Ab Attack session (a short but brutal 20 minutes). People who aren’t working use the time in between to train more, socialize, or explore the nearby town. Every other day (since I can’t handle Muay Thai daily), I’d swap my morning session for a nature walk, excursion, or yoga.

Next thing you know, something magical happened—my body actually started waking up before my alarm. It craved movement. I, a certified night owl for my 35 years on this planet, began to embrace mornings.

“ The feeling of having accomplished something before breakfast? Incomparable. It’s a rhythm I hope to carry with me long after I leave.”

And since Battle Conquer’s schedule is so varied, there’s something for everyone, which means you can also find a morning routine that works for you, whether you’re looking to go hard or ease into movement. Each morning, there is Muay Thai, yoga, and a nature excursion on offer simultaneously—so no excuses not to get moving, even if it’s a gentle countryside walk.

Muay Thai warmups consisted of 30-minutes of running and conditioning exercises. Here, a trainer does a handstand while we hold plank between runs.

2. Meeting Unexpected Characters

I won’t say this is entirely surprising, but considering how remote this camp is, the variety of people you meet is pretty amazing. Yes, there are, of course, gym bros, but I also met people from all walks of life, each with their reasons for being here.

In group training, there were people as young as 7 (there are a few Thai kids who train here after school!) and as old as 64. While most were foreigners ages 25-50 from Europe (especially the Netherlands and the UK), the USA, Canada, and Australia, there were exceptions, with new cohorts changing the demographics every week.

Some were trying Muay Thai for the first time, others refining their skills after years of kickboxing or other fitness activities. Some are here to lose weight or get strong, others are just looking for a change after a major life shift. I met people who had just quit their jobs or been fired, people with awesome seasonal jobs enjoying their months off, people overcoming addiction, people figuring out life after a breakup or divorce, people who never work out and wanted to kick their butts into gear, and people who return here every year.

It’s hard to imagine where in the world we would have crossed paths if not for this camp. So interesting the characters you meet!

I became friends with a ragtag group of misfits—a quick-witted 50-year-old British man, a rugged mid-30s woman who lives in Alaska, and an American-Aussie couple. The couple met at another Muay Thai/Jiu Jitsu camp in Thailand and now work seasonally on yachts, spending the rest of the year traveling and training—not a bad way to live!

My lodge neighbor—a fast-talking British dog trainer—and I shared nightly chats, recapping our days and laughing (sometimes arguing, haha) about how different we were. And, of course, I made a Canadian friend—a hardworking nurse from Ontario who had recently come from an Ayurvedic retreat in India.

“There’s a unique bond that comes from showing up at a rural martial arts camp in Thailand and pushing through tough sessions together—somehow, even an Ab Attack class turns into a good time.”

I think having a camp so far from popular touristic attractions attracts a certain type of adventurous, open-minded person. The mix of personalities, backgrounds, and goals made for some of the most unexpected and enjoyable conversations I’ve had in a long time.

Then again, even when conversations weren’t the most enjoyable, they gave me a chance to reflect on what I value and how I engage with different perspectives. With people from all walks of life, political beliefs, and backgrounds, it’s an opportunity to expand your worldview—whether you agree with them or not. We can only gain from learning about other viewpoints.

3. Pushing Your Boundaries… or Not

Muay Thai can be tough on the body—aches, pains, and even injuries are part of the journey. As you go through the motions, especially the repetitive ones, you’ll likely feel new sensations (particularly in your shoulders and hips!). Everyone here is navigating their balance—figuring out how many sessions to attend, which cross-training to add in, how hard to push in each session, and whether to opt for 1-on-1 training (spoiler: it’s worth it!).

When you’ve paid a lot and used your holiday time to be here, the first instinct for most seems to be to go all-in right away. But if you're sticking around longer than a week, that approach can quickly become unsustainable—or worse, lead to injuries that sideline you.

“The real lesson here is learning to recognize the difference between your comfort zone and your ability zone. It’s not easy, but it’s one of the most valuable things you’ll take away from the experience—whether it’s learning the hard way that you pushed too far, or finally tuning in and respecting what your body is telling you.”

On Saturdays, Muay Thai group classes were usually different and fun — including obstacle races and games.

If you do get injured, the mental challenge is respecting your body’s need for rest. I learned this the hard way when I injured my left hip and then tried to run during CrossFit the next day—it only set me back more. Pushing yourself isn’t always the answer. Consistency is key, but sometimes that means swapping out Muay Thai for a walk or an acupuncture session.

4. Taking a Makeup Break

Wearing makeup at a Muay Thai camp? Not practical. Between the sweat from training, the pool, and the constant 30-40°C heat, my makeup bag stayed packed for the entire month at Battle Conquer—and I didn’t miss it. I stuck to a simple skincare routine: washing, moisturizing, and a gentle scrub a few times a week. And, of course, some sunscreen for nature walks.

It was liberating to leave the makeup behind. I don’t want to think about my mascara running in the heat. I’m here to focus on how I feel—strong, refreshed, and naturally glowing (or pummeled, haha).

“In a place where everyone’s focused on their fitness and well-being journey, no one cares about your makeup. Maybe they don’t really care in the real world, either. And maybe I don’t need to care so much anymore.”

Catching the sunset in the ultra-calm countryside was always a treat. This is the view from a cafe a 20-minute walk from camp.

I’ve never worn a ton of makeup, but I have felt the need to wear some to feel good and appear energized enough when I’m with others. Now, I’m looking forward to wearing makeup less often and enjoying the natural glow gained from consistent sweat sessions. I’ll still wear makeup sometimes because it can be a fun accessory, but certainly not daily.

5. Finding Peace & Stress Relief

It could be because I’m at an exciting crossroads in my life, but my month at Battle Conquer gave me a unique opportunity to slow down, recharge, and connect with a more peaceful version of myself. In this rural setting, the biggest distractions are the chirping birds and the occasional café chat with interesting people.

Enjoying a peaceful nature walk in a mango grove during one of my mornings off Muay Thai.

It’s funny to refer to it as slowing down because I was also doing more than I’ve ever done in terms of fitness, spending 2-3 hours doing exercise almost every day. Here, the slowing down was about what I wasn’t doing — doomscrolling, worrying, and overworking. I took the first week off work completely, then eased in with 2-4 hours a day. I didn’t post on social media at all for the first two weeks, just letting myself soak in the experience without thinking about what I would write or document.

“It’s a DIY pace—there’s no pressure, but there’s tons of motivation and support. You can go full throttle or take it easy and enjoy the tranquility. Every day can be the same or different. You can find the rhythm you need to feel a sense of routine, confidence, and energy.”

The downtime here is where the magic happens—whether you're lounging in hammocks at Camp 1 or soaking in the views by the pool at Camp 2. It’s a chance to integrate everything you’re learning and, more importantly, just to “be” without the usual daily chaos and notifications. Plus, many people hit the hay early to feel refreshed for the next day’s grind, so evenings aren’t too distracting either (although there are exceptions to that, too!).

6. Appreciating Fleeting Friendships

You’ll meet a lot of people at Battle Conquer—I mean, 87 people checked in during my month-long stay alone!

Everyone is on their own timeline, some staying for five days, others for three months, and everything in between. It’s a constant cycle of hellos and goodbyes. I could barely keep up with the farewell messages in the group chat—half the time, I wasn’t even sure who was leaving.

Out for a countryside walk and coffee with my Muay Thai camp neighbour.

I love meeting new people, but at this pace, it can be overwhelming. About a week in, I found ‘my people’—the ones I naturally clicked with, especially those staying for a similar length of time—and focused more of my energy on them. Still, I made an effort to be friendly, open, and present, leaving space for conversations with others at the camp. Time and time again, people surprised me, proving that my first impressions are often wrong.

For some—especially newer travelers—the hardest part is realizing that you can’t keep up with everyone as closely as you’d like. You have to get comfortable with forming meaningful connections that may only last a few days or weeks. It’s a strange feeling to build such fun, deep friendships and then watch people disappear into the next leg of their journey.

“But fleeting friendships don’t have to be any less meaningful. Some people leave a lasting impact through a shared experience, a passing piece of advice, or just the way they showed up in the moment. And in a place like this, where everyone is pushing themselves physically and mentally, those moments tend to happen pretty often.”

It would be fun to reconnect with some of these people during a trip or maybe next year at Battle Conquer again, but I know I won’t see most of them again, and that’s okay. They still played a part in this unforgettable experience. I’ve learned to appreciate these connections for what they are—brief but valuable.

7. Meeting Single People

Whether or not you find love at Battle Conquer or another Muay Thai gym doesn’t really matter—but it is refreshing to meet loads of interesting, single people living their best lives. It’s a great reminder that there are plenty of eligible people out there who care about their health and well-being and are making good choices during their holidays. And it’s not just the guys—there are plenty of strong, single women here too, each on their own journey, which is just as encouraging to see.

While I haven’t found my match, I can see how this could be an ideal setting to meet someone you click with. In fact, the couple I mentioned earlier met at a camp just like this.

Meanwhile, you can enjoy some innocent flirting, or maybe even something more, because let’s be honest—the menu here is quite appetizing, and some did couple-up or enjoy a fling here. It felt a bit like Love Island, minus the drama and forced couplings (okay, there’s been a little bit of drama, but just enough to keep things interesting). Just a bunch of sweaty, endorphin-filled people in a Thai countryside setting, working on themselves and looking good doing it. And there’s something undeniably fun about that!

Muay Thai group class photo after a 7 AM sweat session at Battle Conquer Muay Thai gym in rural Thailand.

Enjoy Muay Thai Camp!

Battle Conquer Muay Thai is right up my alley—a mix of healthy lifestyle and local culture makes it a top-notch adventure travel experience. The rooms here are comfortable, clean, and safe, and the natural environment is ideal for an active life reset. You’ll have hiccups along the way—maybe people you don’t get along with, food you aren’t used to, or aches and pains from training- but it’s all part of the experience,

I’ve done so much here in just 28 days—learning Muay Thai, visiting temples, taking ice baths, practicing yoga, working on my business, and more. But I’ve also learned to embrace mornings, push my boundaries, respect my limits, and expand my perspectives through new fleeting connections. I saw myself in others whom I grew to respect, and I was able to put a lot of thought into my values and what I want in the coming year.

Being in this environment was both challenging and empowering, making it easier to embrace lifestyle changes. It’s not just about Muay Thai—it’s about finding balance, community, and a rhythm that fits your goals, whatever they may be

What started as a fitness challenge turned into something so much more—an experience that was both rewarding and well-rounded. If you're up for pushing your limits and having an unforgettable adventure, I can't recommend a Muay Thai camp enough—especially Battle Conquer.

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HEADS UP: I was a paying guest at Battle Conquer. No gifts or discounts were offered to me in exchange for this article.

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