Every March, the historic town of Ayutthaya comes alive as Thai kickboxing enthusiasts and boxers from around the world gather for the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony.
Scheduled for March 16–17, this annual event is more than a display of combat—it’s a deep dive into the roots of Thailand’s national martial art, a sport steeped in history, ritual, and tradition.
At the heart of the festival lies the sacred Wai Kru ceremony, a revered tradition where boxers honor their masters and the generations of Muay Thai warriors who came before them.
Photo: Muay Thai enthusiasts and boxers from around the globe come together at the historic Ayutthaya site for the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony.//Photo: TAT
This profound display of respect and discipline embodies the very soul of Muay Thai. For most practitioners, experiencing this ritual in its historic homeland is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—one that solidifies the festival’s reputation as an unmissable spectacle for dedicated fighters and passionate fans alike.
Besides ceremonial rites, visitors will enjoy a series of cultural shows and traditional Muay Thai practices – such as Muay Thai lethal moves and techniques.
Boxers demonstrate traditional Muay Thai styles—Muay Chaiya, Muay Korat, Muay Tha Sao, and Muay Lopburi—each with its own distinctive techniques and strategies.
Training camps from across Thailand, including those from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, set up temporary dojos, allowing visitors to engage in hands-on lessons.
Photo: Muay Thai training camps from all over Thailand invite enthusiasts to experience hands-on lessons.//Photo: TAT
For decades, Muay Thai’s appeal has extended far beyond its place of origin, drawing a growing global following. The sport’s popularity is fueled by its effectiveness in mixed martial arts (MMA), exposure in international competitions, and its cinematic representation in films.
Foreign practitioners flock to Thailand to experience authentic training, with facilities catering to all levels, from beginners to professional fighters.
Muay Thai enthusiasts can seamlessly blend training with their travels, as many 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, too, is a major attraction for international fight camps featuring beachside conditioning.
This fusion of training and tourism underscores Muay Thai’s role in Thailand’s sports tourism industry and highlights the importance of the Ayutthaya festival in preserving the sport’s heritage.
Muay Thai enthusiasts can explore various boxing camps, each showcasing their training programs and services.
The event in Ayutthaya goes beyond the ring, offering a deeper connection to Thai culture.
In the past, Thai boxing trainers practiced kicks without sandbags. Instead, they relied on banana trunks cut to head height. This traditional method is deeply rooted in Muay Thai’s history.
At the Muay Thai festival in Ayutthaya, visitors and martial arts enthusiasts can put their skills to the test in the legendary Banana Trunk Kicking Challenge. Muay Thai icon Buakaw Banchamek once sliced through a banana trunk with just three kicks—effortlessly, of course.
Now, it’s your turn to throw your kicks. How many times do you need to chop it down like a pro?
Visitors can also observe Sak Yant tattooing, a sacred tradition believed to provide spiritual protection, alongside traditional yantra inscription and the forging of Aranyik swords—blades historically wielded by Siamese warriors.
Photo: Sak Yant tattooing is available at Muay Thai festival for those who want to leave a spiritual mark on their skin.//Photo: TAT
Self-defense demonstrations showcase Muay Thai’s battlefield origins, while local food vendors serve Ayutthaya’s signature dishes, from Roti Sai Mai, a delicate spun sugar treat, to fragrant, slow-cooked curries and wok-fried Pad Thai.
As night falls, the festival transforms into a vibrant cultural showcase with performances blending classical Thai music and contemporary storytelling.
The highlight comes on March 17 with the grand Wai Kru ceremony, where hundreds of fighters clad in traditional Mongkhon headbands perform synchronized movements in homage to the sport.
Photo: Muay Thai enthusiasts eagerly line up to receive Mongkhon headbands from the masters during the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony.//Photo: TAT
It is a spectacle of discipline, unity, and devotion, leaving 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 convenient and budget-friendly. Trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bang Sue Grand Station), taking 1.5 to 2 hours, with ticket prices ranging from THB 15–300, depending on the class.
Buses leave from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) and take a similar time, with fares between THB 50–100. Minivans, departing from Victory Monument, cost THB 70–100 and run frequently.
Beyond the Muay Thai Festival, Ayutthaya offers a wealth 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 is worth visiting for a week—especially during the Muay Thai Festival.
