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The Best Gym In Bangkok [For 40 Baht A Year!]

I have been in Bangkok near on five years now, and pretty much tried every gym there is worth trying. From California Wow to True Fitness, to small condo gyms and back alley spit n' dust Rocky Balboa esque' gyms, I have been there and worn the t-shirt, as they say.

For the past five months I have been using my condo gym, which is okay, but lacks big free weights and a variety of machines. There's a pool, too, but I don't swim in the sun so I rarely use it.

Anyway, it was time to search out a new gym, somewhere with more variety and space; some bags to hit, some proper benches, some ol' skool leg machines that take plates, an area to skip and do circuits…but where!

My actor-model-ex-marine mate Tom was looking for somewhere too. As luck would have it a new place had opened just around the corner from my condo. It's attached to the Amanta Suites hotel.

We went in for a look. It wasn't huge but had very new equipment, great showers, an awesome selection of weights and TVs, etc. It is by all accounts a modern gym. The nice lady showed us the pricing and said she'd waive the 1,500 Baht signing on fee, “Errr, cheers, does it cost that much to scan a passport and laminate a card these days? Man, I need to get out more”.

Cut a long story short, I now know why the gym is empty and 10 personal trainers were sitting in the back room watching Thai soap operas. It costs 5,000 Baht a month! “Shieeet”! I said, in my best Clay Davis (The Wire) accent. Man, that certainly will keep the riff raff out.

Forget it. True Fitness is only 1,500 a month, and as Tom pointed out, Bannatyne's in the UK is only 60 nicker a month on Gold Membership, and you get a free haircut thrown in every month.

Three days later Tom calls me like an excited kid. “Mate, all these stunt actors are telling me to go to the Thai-Japan, Ding Deng. It's 40 Baht a year and they have everything”! “There's no way it will be that for farang”, I said, disbelievingly.

Thai-Japan Youth Centre Bangkok

And so today we went down there. Unreal. We showed our passports, filled in the form, took a picture and collected our membership cards.

The gym is a tad old school, but it's big and has everything you need. They have a full size boxing/MMA ring. Lots of bags, lots of space to skip, run, jump and whatever else you like doing.

They have two floors of equipment; the first proper 80's bodybuilder style; solid plate weights and machines for every part of the body, and then an upstairs which is more leisure-centre like. There's a nice ab section upstairs too.

It doesn't stop there, either. They have…

– A full size running track (stadium)

– A full size football pitch with beautiful grass

– An Olympic -sized swimming pool (you need a health certificate from the doctor to use this. Very clean.)

– Squash courts

– Outdoor park-style gym

– Onsite shop (x2)

ALL FOR 40 BAHT A YEAR!

thai japan centre din deng

Why So Cheap?

This place isn't in it for the cash, obviously. Apparently, the Thai-Japan youth centre is an initiative between Thailand and Japan to provide training facilities for one and all; anyone living in Thailand, rich or poor.

From taxi drivers to executives, it's open to all. Of course a number of sporting and social events are held here too.

I like to workout, and I like my sport. If this place was just a crummy little gym I wouldn't have joined just because it was cheap. I'd prefer to pay 2,000 Baht a month and have access to what I need. But honestly, this is certainly the best gym in Bangkok when you consider the overall amenities. The grounds also provide a lovely place to chill out.

Perhaps I'd feel bad about using the place if I was just on holiday, but I have been in Thailand 5 years and figure I am entitled to occasionally take advantage of government amenities.

Where Is The Thai-Japan Youth Centre?

Address:  2, Mit Mitri Rd, Din Daeng, Din Daeng, Bangkok, 10400

Area: Ratchadapisek / Zone: Vibhavadi / Metro: BTS Sukhumvit Line – Sanam Pao (1,155m)

Hour: Tue-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun 13:00-21:00 / Close on: Mon, Nat'l.holiday

 

thai japan gym din deng

All the info you need to get there is on this page. And don't forget to take your passport with you!

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  2. Steve says

    I rode my bicycle over there yesterday after reading your article. It's a very pleasant place and not very crowded, at least on Sunday. I imagine it's quite busy with government workers during the week. Great place to augment your workouts. The gym is a little short on equipment. But the atmosphere is great and the price is really unbelievable.
    Reply

  6. Georgy says

    This is one of those cool places that stays cool until someone posts about it on the Internet and the places gets overrun by foreigners. Word of mouth is great but putting it viral if u still use this gym is just thick
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Well I doubt my post has gone viral. And I very much doubt many people will bother with this gym as it is not within walking distance of a BTS or MRT station. Most people want to go to a commercial gym for the vibe, women/men, personal trainers, nice locker room and shower, etc. It really isn't everyone's cup of tea.I am also doing the place a favour by encouraging people to go there, as they will then secure more funding, and the local shop on site will do more trade, they may even have to employ more people. The point of my blog is to help other expats, of all budgets, get the most out of their life in Thailand. Why would I just keep this to myself?
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Depending on where you are in Sathorn, the easiest way is probably to walk to Silom MRT line. You then have 2 options: get off at either Pharam 9 station or Thailand Cultural Station and take a taxi or motorbike taxi. This takes about 5 mins. It isn't really walkable.
      Reply

  10. Enzo says

    Update December 2016 : still 40 bath and it takes 5 minutes to get in ! Amazing ! More efficient than in Europe. The Crossfit boxes in BKK charge 700bath for drop-in, fcuk em all, no way ! I can't believe being able to do my snatch pulls and co here ? PS : there is a "ghetto" gym at the entrance of the stadium, they are very welcome but the barbells and plates may be older than our parents eheh
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I used to use the running track 3x a week with a training partner. We never had any problems or anyone telling us we could not use it. Sure, if there's an event you won't be able to use it, but if you go to the gym in the morning and fancy a run on the track too, it's no problem.
      Reply

  13. Jie says

    Hi, I came across your site when searching gymnastic courses for my 2 kids. Do you know if they have a website with their course information? A phone number would help too! I'm bringing my two kids with me to Bangkok for 3 months. Need to keep them fit/busy and also have fun. Also any recommendation for English speaking music/art schools preferably near Chulalongkorn University? Thanks in advance!
    Reply

  14. Pablo says

    Hi my friend,I have a question. My fiance and I are traveling to Bangkok this summer for 1 to 2 weeks and we are looking for places to train there. We specifically are into Weightlifting and Powerlifting, and I saw that they have a pretty big heavyweights room in there. However, we probably going to stay in a central place in order to visit touristic places etc, etc. How far is it from the touristic places like hostels? (I know there may be several touristic locations but the main ones)Thanks in advance.
    Reply

  15. micke says

    So I decided to ask this question from all of you who can answer me. Is the track (stadium) open for public use. Meaning if I want to go sprinting to the track I can do it? Is the stadium closed sometimes and if it is why?I appriciate all answers!Thank you, Micke
    Reply

      • micke says

        Do they play often? I' asking these questions because I'm planning to come bangkok for a leisure/sport trip and I cant believe that this sport complex is real!? It would be a bummer if I come there and can't train on the track (I'm a 100m sprinter).Thank you very much for this information, you made my day! And greetings from slushy Finland :D
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          They usually play on a Saturday in the late afternoon, but like most football teams they play away too, so it's not every weekend. I have been there many times before 1pm in the daytime and I have been the only one on the track. Enjoy the Christmas cold in Finland!
          Reply

          • Micke says

            This might be late but better late than never don't you think! I just wanted to thank you for the information you provided for me, I had a great holiday and had great training sessions at thai japan last year. It really was real complex! 40baht (20 for me, under 25) and accses to a rocky style gym with good enough plates and barbells to perform oly lifts (if the athmosphere doesn't get you pumped up, just give up and start yoga) and a running track (it was my private running track in downtown Bangkok as nobody was never there but me, just be aware of the heat though :D ).THANK YOU
            Reply

  16. Tim says

    Mid-Nov, 2015: I got a membership card using only a passport. They take your photo for the card. There is a form to fill in - name, address, phone number, passport number. 40 baht fee.My original plan was to run on a treadmill in the a/c, since it's hot outdoors even during the evenings. Went upstairs and found a non-a/c room with multigym equipment. The door to the a/c room is kept closed and not obvious (at the back of the first non-a/c room). Inside the a/c is multigym equipment too, but no treadmill, unfortunately!There is a (sort of) perimeter road around the outside of the stadium where most people were running, so I ran there (hot). It was mostly well lit enough, in the evening. You only seem to need the membership card for the building with the gym. The track and perimeter road are accessible by just wandering in.The card also gets you into the 1F locker room (bring your own padlock) and showers (bring your own towel and watch out for the big hole in the floor outside the locker room!).Bring your own water too. The shop next to the small amphitheatre selling drinks and snacks was closed by 8:30 or 9pm when I finished running.Much of the equipment needs maintenance (new cushions) but it's not bad for the money ;-)
    Reply

  17. Zar Ni says

    Hi,,,, I wanna go there.But I want to know one thing..Is the Place welcome all citizen . I'm worry I'm a migrant worker here...I'm holding Migrant Worker Passport that is agreement between Thai and Myanmar... Can I get a membership .. Thanks...
    Reply

  21. lynia says

    Hello everyone am heading to Bangkok Sat 12 Sept, trying to find & sign to a proper boot camp with full schedule of a month or more or even weeks. I took some time off and am making life changing for now for a month and half. I have visited online many Gyms but didn't see a place where they have a dedicated boot camp program. I booked my ticket to Bangkok for a start but willing to move where the suited place am looking for is,if any thoughts appreciated,thanks a lot
    Reply

  24. brody says

    Does anyone know if I need a medical certificate and to produce my work permit or proof of residence etc before I can join. I live a few minutes down the road, dying for some decent equipment and good prices. Thank you.
    Reply

  25. Arlo says

    HiI am not fit but I am planning to come to Thailand for a month to get into all sort of activities and lose weight and get fitter.I was looking into Muaythai traing for a month such as luktupfah or tiger phuket but it seemed expensive and then i fumbled on this forum and it got me really interested and i would like to know moreA] Is there any personal training involved / trainer available B] I am single is it easy to find a badminton partner if so how? C] Is it easy to find an accommodation nearby? if so any help or website? D] I still would like to get into muaythai & yoga is there any places close by?I am aware i have lot of questions but I dont have valuable experiences as the people so kindly provide some adviceI would appreciate itLooking forward for few response
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Ario, this is just a local gym, not a commercial business designed to get you in shape fast like one of the brand-name gyms or Muay Thai centres.This place doesn't have personal trainers, and I think it might be quite a task to find a partner to play badminton with there, though I'm sure you'll meet people on your trip who might want to play.The area isn't really somewhere I'd recommend to stay for a "get fit" holiday. You'd be better off at a place like Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, or perhaps a place in Samui (which I think is a better island) where you'll meet other people on the same mission as you. This will be a more motivating atmosphere, and a more fun one too.
      Reply

      • Arlo says

        Thanks for a speedy response. I appreciate it. My preference would be staying in Bangkok. Would you recommend any places and please also bare in the mind little about the budget and also getting fit as my sole reason is to get fit and maybe learn yoga and do some charity work if possible.Hope you could suggest. Thanks for your guidance in advance
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Hi Arlo, I have no experience of attending Muay Thai clubs in Bangkok, but I have a friend currently doing lessons to get fit so I'll ask him where and get back to you.There's plenty of fitness you can do for cheap and even free. There's Yoga in Lumpini Park. It's on twice a day, at 07:00 and 18:00. Get off at Lumpini station on the MRT. it only costs around 50 Baht I believe.You can also go running at Queen Sirikit Park. It's lovely there and they also have some outdoor gym equipment. I suggest running either very early morning before the sun gets hot or around 6-7pm. Lots of people go to run and cycle there. It's right next to Queen Sirikit station. Don't forget, at 8am and 6pm the Thai national anthem will be played and you will need to stop and stand still until it ends. Everyone else will do this, so you'll know when it's happening.In terms of areas to stay, I'd make sure you're quite central. This just makes visiting everything you'd want to visit that much easier, and is also ultra convenient for shopping, etc. You're also more likely to meet more people nearer the centre of town.If you want a budget place to stay where you are likely to meet other travellers, check out this hostel on Sukhumvit 38: http://www.hisukhumvit.com/rooms_rates.html A friend of mine stayed here and loved it. It's very central.There's plenty of budget accommodation, but I'd highly recommend paying that bit extra for a place that keeps a decent level of hygiene in terms of changing bedsheets and cleaning the bathroom, etc. The last thing you want is to be sick for a week of your holiday.If you want another place to visit with lots of cheap accommodation and plenty of yoga classes, go to Chiang Mai for a week.Hope this helps!
          Reply

  26. Philip says

    Hello,As someone who may be moving to the area in the coming months, I just Googled the facility and the maps.google.com stated "this place has been reported closed" is what it mentions. Possibly just a deterrent for the influx of the non-thai residents of the area? Thank in advance if you know otherwise, I saw above your May 10, 2015 post stated you were visiting home.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Phillip, I'm back but haven't been down there due to being busy. I've been working out at my condo gym in the meantime. Perhaps someone else who is following this post and uses the gym regularly can answer this?
      Reply

  28. Randy says

    Google Maps says the place is closed. Should I ignore that? I wonder where they get that info from. I doubt it, but I suppose it is possible it was closed in the month since the last post on this board. I'm living in Salaya working at Mahidol University, but I really need a good place to squat and deadlift and whatnot. I can't wait to check this place out. If it's as good as everyone makes it sound I might just move closer rather than riding the bus for two hours to get there then two to get home. How much is a taxi from Victory Monument to the gym?
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi Randy, I haven't been down there for a while because I've been visiting home. A taxi fromVictory Monument will be about 60 Baht with no traffic I'd imagine. There must be a good gym like this closer to where you live?
      Reply

  29. LA-Trader says

    TLL: For Christ Sake! . . Shut this Post / Comment section down already!! ..50 Meter Lap Pool, 400M Running Track, Killer Free Weight Room, etc. . . yes .. it's basic, but it is bad-ass . . and it won't be the best kept secret in Bangkok for much longer. Pretty soon . . .they will be charging $75.00 USD Per Month because of the sudden "TLL Inspired" Farang influx. They'll jack up the price just to get rid of us! . .. .(I'm really just teasing) . . carry on. .. . after all, I didn't know about until you Posted it. (hope all is well with life and family.)
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Haha, I was thinking exactly the same thing. In seriousness, I'm quite sure they'll introduce some form of tiered pricing if it starts to get over crowded, or overrun with "farangs"! From what I've heard, aside from the 1999 ASEAN University Games and being the home of Bangkok United, the facility was built with the local community in mind – affordable fitness facilities for those who can't afford the commercial gyms in Bangkok. So if they did raise the price it couldn't be applied to locals, and would most likely be for foreigners, which would no doubt stir up the old dual pricing debate. I wouldn't mind paying more, to be hones, as long as it's not extortionate like many of the gyms in BKK. I'm well, thanks. We're in the UK at the moment but back to the hustle and bustle of BKK in a couple of weeks. I hope all is well with you.
      Reply

  30. Mushy Pea says

    The Thai Japan Youth Centre is a great place. It took me a few years to find it, and i only live 5 mins walking distance away. But I've been a member there for 8 or 9 years now. mainly for swimming, but i do weights too when its not so busy. they also have tennis and squash courts, karate lessons, outdoor aerobics at 6pm most week days which is very busy. NOTE the pool is closed on mondays, not sure if the other facilities are open on mondays. all in all id recommend it over the expensive, trendy fitness places with running machines as you can run real circuits there or swim, and at 15B per swim the price is great too.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Usually there's a handful of guys in there. Best to go early if you can. But there's enough equipment there to get on with something else if the racks are busy. Actually, I think there's also squat racks in the big room where the boxing ring is, so you can use those if it's busy in the main area.
      Reply

  33. Dennis says

    I've been looking for a couple of days on the internet trying to find some good gyms to join, but man I thought Thailand was going to be cheap until I saw some of the prices. Tiger subscription is 31.500baht/month. Thought it was a typo at first but apparently it isn't. Many other gyms ranging from 2000~5000 baht but to be honest I never paid more than 1000baht in the Netherlands.Anyway, all that aside this looks like the perfect place to workout during my 5 month visit. I was wondering if by any chance they have olympic bars and bumper plates at the gym facility (or at least olympic bars). I'm not sure where I'm going to stay but how would you rate accessibility (wouldn't mind travelling an hour)
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      They do have Olympic bars and plates in the big room where there's boxing rings.It's pretty awesome; everything you need is there. It's not the best location, I have to say, but you can get there easily from Param 9 MRT station, or Huay Kwang for that matter. You will need to take a taxi or a bike from the station. Tell the driver you want to go to "Thai-Yippon fit-ness, ding deng".
      Reply

      • Dennis says

        Thanks for the info. I'm going to be in Asia for 5 months and mostly in Thailand(Bangkok) if all goes well so this will be really great for working out. 40 baht a year is a steal!Really appreciate you taking your time and effort to put this out on the internet, without it I would've probably gone to some ripoff gym for farangs.
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          No worries. Gyms are pretty expensive here. I guess it's because it's a luxury associated with the middle classes, and therefore most Thais can't afford it or just would spend the money on it anyway. Going to a modern, trendy gym is a sort of status symbol I suppose. Therefore the gyms can charge high rates based on exclusivity". All the best for your trip!
          Reply

  38. Icarus says

    Thanks for sharing. I've been in BKK for 18months and have been searching for a comprehensive gym that isn't hideously over priced. As you say, not interested in getting shafted by Fitness First, WE or other fashion gyms, and my condo and work 'fitness rooms' seem more to be able so say they have one, rather than providing the equipment/environment to actually get fit in. Ever the cynic however, I still can't quite believe the membership prices you're citing here?!! Shame it closes at 21:00 and on Mondays but nonetheless I plan to check it out ASAP! Cheers!
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I haven't been down there for a while but I'm pretty sure the price won't have changed much. It's definitely the best you'll get for your money in Bangkok. Quite a few foreigners go down there, but few mention it as they don't want it over run by expats because then they'll put the price up!
      Reply

  39. mankato says

    Im usually have a running and swimming in this stadium at eveing, and I do Muay Thai also, we can workout together if you are interested, now Im looking for someone who wanna play badminton there, because the court fee just 25 bath per hour, and its a awesome court, hope to see u all soon^^
    Reply

  41. Jake says

    Thankyou so much for this. It seems quite unreal to me and I still don't believe it. I have been in Thailand for 2 months looking for a good gym with olympic free bar and a squat rack. It seems a good gym in Bangkok means unlimited cardio machines. I was planning to go all out on 5,000 a month until I saw this. Will go and check it out ASAP!
    Reply

  45. Brian Binns says

    Peter: How are you? I haven't checked into the site recently because I've been really busy . . . actually, I am here in Bangkok now . . . arrived January 16th and will be here until April 10th /11th then back to Los Angeles for a few months before returning again . . . anyway . . . I am going to check out the Thai/Japan Youth Center out this afternoon after I finish writing this comment. . . I am staying pretty near that location . . . I am at the Bangkok Living Apartments which are located on Pradiphat Road near Soi 3 which is very close to both the Saphan Kwai and Ari BTS Stations . . . I have been working out at a very expensive gym called "The Olympic Club" which is located in the Pathumwan Princess Hotel (Cost: $155 USD Per Month for a Month-to-Month membership), I believe it is cheaper, maybe $100 per month with a longer-term commitment . . . they have a 25 meter pool, and pretty much any type of aerobic / strength machine / free weight equipment anyone might need . . . they also have a running track on the roof as well as steam / sauna / etc . . . but, like most Hi-So hangouts it has a kind of disconnected, emotionally remote vibe (just my opinion) . . . my workout is mostly a kind of hybrid combination of triathlon training and ashtanga yoga . . . I keep my strength training really simple: a lot of inclined push-ups / push-ups with a 45 lb. plate on my back and a lot of Chin-ups mixed in with the swimming and cycling, so I don't use that much, if any free weights . . . thanks for the heads up on this place, I had heard of it but had not checked it out yet . . . I'll let you know my impressions.
    Reply

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