This is our Muay Lao contact in Vientiane. We went to Laos twice, but on our first trip we weren’t able to find a Muay Lao gym. On our second trip, we found a flyer at the Sok Sai Boxing Stadium, so we took a tuk tuk and went straight to the gym.
Kwanjai Sikhot is a very small gym, but they have some top Muay Lao fighters in different weight classes. They train twice a day (6:00 and 15:30), and their coach is very technical. The gym is a very friendly family business, and foreigners are welcome to train there.
First of all, because they are very technical, extremely friendly, and not in the business for big money. Even though the gym is small, they have some really good fighters. I have some of their videos on my YouTube channel (scroll down to the bottom of the page).
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or if you’ve practiced for years—everyone can train. You can also train with them if you just want to get in shape.
They also recorded some Muay Lao instructional videos for flashmavi.com.
The owner understands a little English, but his speaking is not that good. His son knows some English, and the owner has a few friends and students who speak good English. However, they’re not always at the gym.
If they see that you can’t communicate, they will probably call one of their English-speaking friends to help you out on the phone. For training, you don’t need much English anyway. You will learn some Lao while training with them, but if you’re worried about communication, you can bring your own translator.
They don’t offer accommodation, but if you’re looking for something cheap near the gym, I’m sure they can help you find or organize something.
The gym is located in Ban Sikhot, 2 km west of the Vientiane Airport.
If you want to go there on your own, print this page and borrow a bicycle or scooter. Ride down Luangprabang Road and pass the airport. Two kilometers after the airport, the road curves to the right and you’ll see a big old street market.
Stop at the market and ask anyone for “Muay Lao.” They will definitely guide you if you say “Muay Lao” and put your fists up. Most people there will know. The gym is on a mud road behind the market.
You can also print the address and take a tuk tuk, or ask your hotel to call them and set up an appointment.
Get used to running.
Of course, Muay Thai or Muay Lao experience is a plus, but they are used to teaching foreigners, and you can also train there if you are completely new to Muay Lao or just want to get in shape.
Don’t expect a huge gym with a hundred fighters. Sikhot Muay Lao Boxing Gym is a small family business. The gym is actually behind the owner’s house. Most boxing gyms in Laos and Thailand are very small. They are very technical and don’t try to make big money from foreigners like some of the “U.S.-owned” MMA, BJJ, or Muay Thai gyms in Phuket.
A final word: If you want to train Muay Lao with them, I recommend staying near the Vientiane city center or slightly west of the center and renting a moped to visit their gym every day.
The only shoe you’ll ever need. Ideal for wushu and acrobatics on hard ground, and perfect for overall foot health.
#barefootshow
#wideshoebox
