I am already back to being a beast in Hua Hin, but I still want to write a piece about 301 gym Sam Roi Yod, which must be one of the coolest Muay Thai camps in Thailand.

Sam Roi Yod is situated in one of the most beautiful bays on the Gulf coast. A long, completely empty beach with stunning sunsets over the nearby monkey island and a backdrop of coconut trees in front of mountains. The close-by national park is probably the most beautiful area I ever rode a bike through, simply stunning, loads of birds to see. I had a really special moment with a swarm of majestic storks flying overhead here. It’s super chilled, away from mainstream tourism, this region has so far kept the authentic, friendly original Thai style.

The camp has beautiful modern, clean rooms (with USB plugs… in a Muay Thai camp… very fancy) and a large pool which also helps with recovery. There’s a ring, there are bags and mats and that’s all I ever need from a gym. You can train with weights and machines here too, but you won’t really need to, not after a session with head coach Kru Hin, a true Nak Muay and veteran of Lumpini and Raja. Hin is running a tight show here. Also, mark the name of the young local pro, “Fame”, he is exactly half my weight and gave me a real challenge sparring and clinching, but always playful and in good fun.

The training is well above average in terms of energy level, with pushups between the rounds. That means often enough, you don’t really have a break. Hin really pushed me to my limit and that’s the type of training I love. Also, he mixes it up super well so it never gets boring, cannot recommend the training more here, it’s tough, it’s painful, but hey – Muay Thai strong!

By Michael Bergmann