Chinnarach, Thong Sala

Chinnarach sits on the edge of Thong Sala on Koh Phangan, a few minutes by taxi from the pier: a training camp and a boxing stadium in one. Classes take beginners next to working fighters, and in high season the stadium holds a fight night every week, starting around nine in the evening, with families, dogs, food and a loud crowd. Training there means your trainers and gym-mates may be the ones in the ring that night, so the cheering is personal. Check the current class times and prices at the gym itself; they change with the season. Bring your own wraps, a towel and plenty of water, and expect to sweat more than ever in the island heat.