The crisp, cool air is a drastic difference to Phuket’s humidity or Bangkok’s pollution. Situated in a mountainous range just 40 minutes south of Hua Hin, this is Sam Roi Yot. Literally translating as ‘300 peaks’, Sam Roi Yot is a sleepy little beach town complete with everything from camping at Monkey Island national park, intense hikes, gourmet coffee, to a fully functioning MMA and Muay Thai Gym.

Recently, I saw on Facebook that one of my friends from Isaan had moved there. Abbie, originally from Scotland, had been living in Sisaket for the last 7 years, but when her husband was offered a job at the gym, she decided it was best for her family and packed up.

“We were having troubles at our gym in Isaan. The kids were so lazy and unappreciative. We had visited Sam Roi Yot with my sister and it was amazing. When the job came up we took it. It’s a much better environment to raise our kids in; Isaan is plagued with drug and gang problems and the education is terrible. My daughter is starting school next year, the school here is much better.”

301 Gym was opened in April 2010 by Yoann Gouaida. Originally from France, Yoann has been living in Thailand since he was a teenager. It was in his early twenties that he decided to permanently migrate to Thailand, thus began the search to find a place to call his own. As like many who visit Sam Roi Yot, he fell in love.

A father of two, Yoann is still an active fighter.

In his career Yoann held many accolades, racking up over 60 professional fights in both MMA and Muay Thai; he is a two time WPMF World Champion.

The gym is complete with both a MMA cage and a Muay Thai ring for pad work and clinching. There are two stable Thai trainers, both of whom originally hail from Isaan and have a combined total of over 500 fights as well as years of experience training both Thai and foreign fighters.

There is a lot of opportunity to fight in the area. Hua Hin has two Muay Thai stadiums that together host four promotions a week. In addition, there are the festival and temple fights that happen regularly throughout the year. If this is not enough for you, Bangkok is only a four hour drive away.

301 Gym Training Packages and Costs

The gym offers all inclusive training packages that include accommodation, twice daily training sessions, as well as breakfast and dinner. Food is served buffet style, offering both Thai and Western cuisine and perfectly adapted for athletes.

Ten Days – 11,000 THB Accommodation in a Shared Room

Ten Days – 17,000 THB Accommodation in a Private Room

One Month – 26,000 THB Accommodation in a Shared Room

One Month – 38,000 THB Accommodation in a Private Room

If you are interested in training Muay Thai or MMA at 301 Gym, please message *Abbie Simpson* for a 10% discount valid until January 2016!

Check out their website for more training information.

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After receiving a Muay Thai scholarship to train at a prominent gym in Northern Thailand, Watthanaya packed her bags at 19 leaving home with a one way ticket. She ended up however at a Bangkok street gym affiliated with Sor. Thanikul and married one of the fighters. They took off for Khorat and Watthanaya fought her way through Issan. Now, with a degree in tote, a four year old daughter, and a passion to fight again, she is back. Connect with Frances Watthanaya on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.