A month of adventure with Muay Thai in Pai

In a small, idyllic town deep in the mountainous regions of Thailand, where the lush green rainforest meets a laid-back hippie lifestyle, Danish brothers Julius and Carl-Emil Hauge Johansen have chosen to spend a month at a Muay Thai camp in Pai. As they prepare for their journey through Asia, they have dedicated this month to immerse themselves in the ancient martial art and the culture behind it. Carl-Emil, 25, completed his bachelor’s degree in biology last summer, while 21-year-old Julius graduated high school in the summer of 2023 and since has taken gap years during which he worked and traveled for six months in South America.

In addition to the mountains of Thailand, they plan to travel for six months through Southeast Asia, visiting countries such as Laos, Vietnam, China, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

A love for Pai

It was Carl-Emil’s friend who first recommended Pai after visiting it during her own travels. She described it as a cozy area with fantastic food and a positive vibe, making it the perfect place to relax and train. Thus, there was no doubt for the brothers when it came to selecting the ideal location for their Muay Thai camp.

In the 5 months leading up to their arrival, they trained twice a week to prepare themselves, ensuring they wouldn’t arrive as total beginners.
“We wanted to feel ready for the challenge and not come in completely unprepared,” Carl-Emil adds. This preparation paid off quickly, as the first few weeks in Pai offered immense growth—not only in their physical fitness but also in their mental strength and technique. “Our learning curve has seen an exponential increase,” Julius notes enthusiastically, reflecting on the rapid progress they made in just a short time.

Daily life at the camp

Days in Pai start early. At 7 AM, the alarm goes off, and training begins at 8. For two hours, they sweat it out, building their skills. Breakfast usually consists of rice with various sides—a simple yet nourishing start. After training, there is a five-hour break for a nap or relaxation by the pool, and they have the option to grab an extra lunch if hunger strikes. “It’s a good balance between hard work and downtime,” The brothers note.

At 3 PM, it’s time for the second training session, again lasting two hours. This is followed by a short mingling session, providing them with the opportunity to share experiences with fellow camp guests. “We always say thank you and shakes everyone’s hand after practice, so it can take some time.”

Then dinner which mirrors breakfast: rice with sides.
“But it is never the same as breakfast,” Carl-Emil says. In the evenings, they unwind by watching series while enjoying sweet treats from the local night market—pancakes, fruits, whatever is available—shared as they reflect on the day’s training.

The training program

The training is intense and structured. Each session begins with 15 minutes of skipping. They then stretch, an important part of the training that prepares them for the demanding exercises ahead. Also they have to do a routine of skipping, 10 push-ups and 20 sit-ups every 5 minutes during their 2 hours training.

There are three different levels at the camp: beginners, intermediate, and advanced, who are fighters. Julius and Carl-Emil are both in the intermediate group, where they learn various combos with a partner, and for about half of the time, they work directly with trainers who help refine their techniques. The trainers include former professional fighters, and their backgrounds provide deeper insights into the sport.

“It’s all about mastering the fundamentals first,” Carl-Emil emphasizes.

Each session ends with body conditioning through strength training and stretching. Alongside the other participants, they share high-fives and build a strong bond. Being part of this community—both on and off the mat—is an unforgettable aspect of the experience.

Adventures outside the camp

On their days off, they go on adventures to explore the surrounding area. They hike to the nearest waterfalls and mountains, soaking in the breathtaking nature and the relaxed atmosphere that Pai is renowned for. Here, they also find time to reflect on how Muay Thai has altered their views on sport and community.

A new understanding of Muay Thai

Initially, Julius had a preconceived notion of Muay Thai, often associated with aggression and violence. However, after their experiences at the camp, they have been able to witness a completely different side of the sport. They have learned that Muay Thai is fundamentally a sport based on respect—for the opponent, the instructors, and themselves.

Julius reflects, “I thought that people who trained Muay Thai were very aggressive, but I now understand that it’s actually a beautiful sport focused on discipline and strategy. You learn to respect both your opponent and yourself.”

Carl-Emil adds, “It’s fascinating how the sport is structured. The techniques are so thought out, and there is a depth in the training that we didn’t expect. It has also been rewarding to train with people from all over the world, who all share the same passion.”

When reflecting on Muay Thai and Thai culture in general, Carl-Emil adds:

“The more I learn, the more I see how deeply Muay Thai integrates with Thai culture. It’s about discipline, honor, and respect for one another.”

Anticipations for the coming months

After a month of intensive training in Pai, new destinations await them on their itinerary. They look forward to traveling to Laos, Vietnam, and the rest of Southeast Asia. “We are excited to meet new people, experience different cultures, and of course, enjoy delicious food,” Julius smiles.

Their journey is not only an opportunity to improve their Muay Thai skills but also a way to create memories for a lifetime. With their time in Pai behind them, they feel ready to embrace the world with open arms.