Gym/muay Thai Lessons/few Other Random Questions About Bk

[nomoretuktuk]

Hey All,

Just recently got back from my first trip to thailand and wow what a country.

Stayed in phuket, bangkok and pattaya and now looking to go back for 3 months at the end of this year (November-February).

Looking to rent a condo in Bangkok for the 3months around a particular region i liked while i was staying in Bangkok, which was called "Pin-klao" i think? Is anyone familiar with this area? It has a California gym and Power Leader Fitness gym close by and a fairly big shopping centre and markets also near by (all walking distance). I was wondering if anyone could tell me an aproximate price i should be paying (in BAHT) for 3months membership at either of these gyms? And/or if there are any other gyms around that area which might be more appropriately priced (these ones seemed pretty flash so i assume they are more expensive).

Also, I was looking to start up Muay Thai as something to do while i'm there for 3months and maybe continue it when i get back to Australia, is there any muay thai gyms or camps close to the area i mentioned above that anyone can recommend? If i had a better idea of the regions of Bangkok etc i would be able to find for myself but i wouldn't have a clue!!!!!

Another thing i realised when i was in Bangkok (actually most of the places i went in Thailand lol) i never saw a grocery store/supermarket, only little 7/11's everywhere. Are there many in bangkok at all? Because i'm going to be a on a bit of a tight food budget so i want to buy most my food needs in bulk and cook most of my meals myself in the condo etc. Are the grocery stores cheaper than 7/11? (Not that 7/11 is expensive lol especially compared to australia!)

Any help would be much appreciated cheers guys!

Any help at all would be much appreciated!

[Longbow212]

2 Muay Thai gyms in the area are 1. Kaewsamrit or 2. Sorvorapin. There are others but these are foreigner friendly.

There is a tops supermarket that sells groceries etc in the basement of central pinklao. But TBH, its probably cheaper, more convenient and cheaper to eat out and saves you heaps of time.

Rent... how long is a piece of string? All depends upon what you want. You may get something very basic for 3-5K a month, something pretty decent for 10-12K.

If I may offer a personal opinion, I would recommend living on the BTS or MRT route. That way you have access to most things of interest in Bangkok without having to deal with the traffic.

[Longbow212]

The california 3 month membership, you should be able to get that for around 3K if you are patient, polite and prepared to walk away. I have friends that got the membership for 5K a year and that uses 5 gyms. I paid 12K for the lifetime membership using any bkk gym.

[HarryLL76]

I hope to arrive in Bangkok this year and I plan to join one of the major gyms. Several of you have provided great information on the cost of memberships. Does anyone know the cost of personal trainers? I have not been able to find any information on personal trainers.

Harry

[nomoretuktuk]

thanks for your reply, alot of help!!! champion!! Now i'm just curious with renting a condo, how does it work since I want to organise it while i'm in Australia?

[Longbow212]

I would strongly recommend you get a cheap GH down Banglamphu for a few days/weeks. Renting from Australia is one hel_l of a gamble.

The best way to find places to live in bkk is footwork. Walk around the area you plan to live in asking if they have a room available for the length of time you will stay. Meet the management/owners and get an opinion of them. You also want to what kind of people live in the apartment block. Some leave trash out in the hallways and have kids running around screaming all day.

[Longbow212]

I hope to arrive in Bangkok this year and I plan to join one of the major gyms. Several of you have provided great information on the cost of memberships. Does anyone know the cost of personal trainers? I have not been able to find any information on personal trainers.

Harry

Something like a thousand baht a session. I must also add (as someone who knows what they are talking about in this area) that I have not seen any decent personal trainers in the major gym chains. They just go through a pre-made workout with out any understanding of the underlying physiological processes they are activating through the exercise stimulus. Aim to get PT western trained, someone who know what they are doing or educate yourself on the matter.