Every March, the historic town of Ayutthaya comes alive as Thai kickboxing enthusiasts and fighters from around the world gather for the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony.
Scheduled for March 16–17, this annual event is more than just a display of combat. It offers a deep dive into the roots of Thailand’s national martial art—a sport rich in history, ritual, and tradition. At the heart of the festival lies the revered Wai Kru ceremony, where fighters honor their masters and the generations of Muay Thai warriors who came before them. This sacred ritual is a profound display of respect and discipline, embodying the very soul of Muay Thai. For most practitioners, experiencing this tradition in its historic homeland is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—one that solidifies the festival’s reputation as a must-attend spectacle for passionate fans and dedicated fighters alike.
Alongside the ceremonial rites, visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural performances and traditional Muay Thai practices, such as demonstrations of lethal techniques and combat strategies. Boxers showcase various traditional Muay Thai styles, including Muay Chaiya, Muay Korat, Muay Tha Sao, and Muay Lopburi—each with its own distinctive techniques and philosophies.
Photo: Muay Thai training camps from all over Thailand invite enthusiasts to experience hands-on lessons.//Photo: TAT
Training camps from across Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, set up temporary dojos, allowing visitors to engage in hands-on lessons and experience the intensity of Muay Thai training firsthand. For decades, the appeal of Muay Thai has spread far beyond Thailand’s borders, attracting a global following due to its effectiveness in mixed martial arts (MMA), visibility in international competitions, and representation in films. Foreign practitioners flock to Thailand to train in authentic camps, with facilities catering to all levels—from beginners to professional fighters.
For many Muay Thai enthusiasts, combining their passion with travel is a key draw, as top training facilities are located in popular tourist destinations. Chiang Mai offers serene, traditional-style gyms, while Bangkok is home to elite training hubs. Phuket attracts international fight camps, featuring beachside conditioning amidst its tropical paradise. This fusion of training and tourism highlights Muay Thai’s role in Thailand’s sports tourism industry and underscores the significance of the Ayutthaya festival in preserving the sport’s heritage.
Beyond the boxing rings, Ayutthaya offers a deeper connection to Thai culture. Visitors can explore various boxing camps, each showcasing their training programs and services, and dive into the rich history of Muay Thai’s battlefield origins through self-defense demonstrations. In the past, Thai boxing trainers practiced kicks using banana trunks cut to head height—an ancient tradition rooted in Muay Thai’s history. At the Muay Thai festival in Ayutthaya, attendees can test their skills in the legendary Banana Trunk Kicking Challenge. Can you chop through the banana trunk with three effortless kicks, just like Muay Thai icon Buakaw Banchamek?
Photo: Sak Yant tattooing is available at Muay Thai festival for those who want to leave a spiritual mark on their skin.//Photo: TAT
The festival also celebrates other Thai traditions. Visitors can witness the sacred practice of Sak Yant tattooing, which is believed to offer spiritual protection, and observe the forging of Aranyik swords—blades once wielded by Siamese warriors. For food lovers, local vendors serve Ayutthaya’s signature dishes, such as Roti Sai Mai (delicate spun sugar), slow-cooked curries, and wok-fried Pad Thai. As the sun sets, the festival transforms into a cultural celebration, with performances blending classical Thai music and contemporary storytelling.
The grand highlight of the festival occurs on March 17, when hundreds of fighters, adorned in traditional Mongkhon headbands, perform synchronized movements in homage to Muay Thai. This awe-inspiring spectacle of discipline, unity, and devotion leaves attendees with a lasting impression of Muay Thai’s enduring spirit and Ayutthaya’s timeless charm.
If You Go…
Traveling from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is both easy and affordable. Trains depart regularly from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bang Sue Grand Station) and take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, with tickets ranging from THB 15 to 300, depending on the class. Buses leave from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) with similar travel times, with fares between THB 50 and 100. Minivans from Victory Monument cost between THB 70 and 100, with frequent departures.
Beyond the Muay Thai Festival, Ayutthaya boasts an array of historical and cultural attractions. The UNESCO-listed historical park, ancient temple ruins, bustling riverside markets, and renowned local cuisine make it an essential stop for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Once the capital of Siam, Ayutthaya offers a rich cultural experience that is perfect for a week-long visit—especially during the Muay Thai Festival, which captures the town’s unique blend of ancient history and modern excitement.
