Bangkok's first luxury, professionally equipped Muay Thai gym, complete with full sized ring and Pro-Thai Olympic Muay Thai trainer Kru Yim

12 July 2017: A 4,000 year old martial art, Muay Thai originated in Thailand as a form of close-combat that utilises the entire body as a weapon. Bangkok's iconic urban riverside resort, The Siam, which boasts the first luxury Muay Thai gym in Bangkok, has launched a five-day Muay Thai course complete with recognised certification. 

Referred to as 'The Art of Eight Limbs', fighters use eight points of contact on the body to mimic weapons of war. Derived from Sanskrit, the word 'Muay' means to 'bind together' referring to the eight limbs that work in synergy to hook, jab, punch and kick.

Muay Thai has progressed significantly over the past 100 years, garnering international recognition and exposure as one of the most popular forms of sport in Thailand for wellness.  As well as increasing stamina and boosting the body's metabolism to burn unwanted fats and gain muscle, regular practice improves flexibility and conditioning to tone the body; increases strength and agility; improves muscle tone and enhances mind and body coordination. The Siam's Olympic Muay Thai trainer Kru Yim will tailor the experience to suit any skill level.  

Sessions at the state-of-the-art workout space take a holistic approach to fitness, focussing on well-being and cultural immersion. Because the courses are built around individual needs, guests can sign up for any duration, whether they have a spare afternoon and would like to learn some basic Muay Thai skills, or want to immerse themselves for a week.  One-to-one coaching will teach techniques such as stepping, punching, blocking, the kicks, wrestling techniques and more.  In tandem, guests will learn about the sport's traditions and modern practice by visiting Muay Thai training centre Wat Wimud. This local temple has dedicated an area to a training camp to teach underprivileged youngsters to train in Muay Thai, giving them a focus and activity for life. The course also includes opportunities to watch a live Muay Thai fight in the ring at Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium.  

To accompany the programme, The Siam's Executive Chef has devised a healthy menu to fuel the training sessions and ensure guests stay in peak condition to achieve their wellness goals. The dishes are low in fat and sugar and high in protein, and could include Norwegian Salmon with Shimeji mushroom and cauliflower purée (GF); Ginger Miso pan-seared sun fish with snow peas; Siam Chopped Salad with 18 different ingredients and truffle vinaigrette and a Jasmine scented Passion Fruit Panna Cotta.

This immersive retreat perfectly complements The Siam Bangkok's tranquil setting in the Dusit quarter, an area which showcases an altogether gentler side of Bangkok. Recalling a bygone era in the city's history, it is a far cry from the towering skyscrapers and 21st century neon culture now associated with the city. The hotel's Opium spa offers a further haven with an exclusive, private ambience, steeping guests in a 360-degree regenerating experience which endeavours to re-establish optimal health, both mentally and physically.

The Siam Bangkok (www.thesiamhotel.com; T. +66 (0)2 206 6999)

Guests can sign up for an introductory hour or a 3 hour 'trainers' work out. Private Classes with your personal trainer start at 2,500++Baht per hour.

The five-day course costs THB 38,000++ per one person / THB 68,000++ for couples, which includes a total of 10 hours' practical  teaching,  lunch on three days,  two excursions, a private screening and a 90 minute massage per person

Rooms at The Siam start at approx. £464 (THB 20,667) per night based on two people sharing a Siam Suite on B&B basis, excluding VAT and service charge.

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About The Siam

Set on three acres of verdant frontage along the Chao Phraya River, The Siam is a private 39-room luxury retreat located in Bangkok's royal Dusit district. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, the Art Deco inspired, Thai antique infused masterpiece is the kingdom's premier urban resort. Guests have an array of superlative amenities at their fingertips: restaurants, cooking school, bar, café, spa, gym, yoga terrace, Muay Thai boxing ring, beauty salon, library / cinema, infinity pool, gift / antiques gallery, conservatory and traditional Thai houses. For an unforgettably unique experience, relish the exclusivity of staying in one of the Orient's most distinctive destinations. The Siam is a Sukosol Hotel, member of Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts and Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

For more information or to discuss feature ideas and press trips please contact:

Sarah Harvey (sarah@bacall.net) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@bacall.net) at Bacall Associates Ltd.

Tel: +44 (0) 8704 288 401