The weirdest Bar In Thailand: The Reggae Fight Club on Phi phi Island

I have never been one to enjoy fighting or to support people who hit each other; however, the Reggae Fight Club bar on Phi Phi Island has changed all my perspectives. I can now say with confidence, that this is a must-stop bar if you visit the Phi Phi Island in Thailand.

When you think of Thailand’s Phi Phi Island, visions of pristine beaches, crystal clear water, and sunsets straight out of a screensaver probably come to mind. But there’s another side to Phi Phi — a side where people willingly get into a boxing ring with a stranger and they cheerfully try to punch each other in the face. Welcome to the Reggae Fight Club, where your night out takes an unexpected, somewhat bruising turn.

First Impressions of the Reggae Bar on Phi Phi

Imagine this: You walk into a bar with a chilled-out reggae vibe, the usual assortment of flip-flopped tourists, and a fighting ring smack in the center. The DJ plays Bob Marley, and people sip on their buckets of liquid courage when, suddenly, an announcer’s voice booms over the crowd: “Who wants to fight?” You laugh… until you realize that they’re actually serious and that people really do volunteer.

I had no idea what I was walking into when I stumbled upon this bar, and that made it all the better. I had no expectations, no idea what was going on — just pure unexplained adrenaline. It was such an odd experience! Strangers from all over the world banded together to cheer on more sweaty strangers as they swung their fists wide in an attempt to win a medal. This is the best I can describe my initial interpretation of the place.

The Rules Are Simple: Sign Up, Gear Up, Pray for Mercy

If you volunteer, here’s the deal: you get gloves, headgear, and three rounds in the ring with someone who likely has zero fighting experience (but maybe just enough to make things… exciting). The only rules are no kicking, and respect the fight.

What is the incentive to fight you ask? Well, bragging rights of course. Also, a free drink, a new friend, and a cool metal. You just might end up on the receiving end of a solid fist while the crowd cheers (or laughs) wildly.

Dodging and Dancing to Reggae (Emphasis on Dodging)

Never before have I been so enthralled and invested in a fight between strangers! Each fight is so exciting as people wildly swing, dance, dodge, and drink. Not only are the fighters invested in this fight, but the whole club buzzes with energy. The crowd is FILLED with drunk onlookers and amazed tourists cheering them on.

I watched this one set of men helicopter-swing their arms in an attempt to punch each other, both of whom missed widely. When one of the fighters finally landed a blow, someone beside me got so excited they dropped their drink on themselves as they screamed in sheer joy. It was utter chaos and it was magical.

Let me tell you, few things bring strangers together like an awkward boxing match and a reggae soundtrack. Something about the innocent — yet aggressive — drunk fighting scene has created an exciting spot filled with happy individuals. Fighters and onlookers alike walked out of that bar as friends, congratulating each other.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Reggae Bar on Phi Phi Island

The Reggae Fight Club on Phi Phi is a rite of passage, a hilarious event you won’t find anywhere else, and, surprisingly, one of the most memorable things I experienced in Thailand. Just don’t take it too seriously. You’re just having a good laugh, soaking up the island’s quirky nightlife, and earning a story you’ll be telling for years. And hey, if you’re lucky, you’ll leave with a great selfie in the ring, a free drink, and a new travel buddy who tried to land a punch.

This bar is run off the passion and aggression of the tourists that visit the island. It is a genius marketing plan really.

So, if you ever find yourself on Phi Phi Island, embrace the madness and step into the ring. Or don’t — no shame in just cheering from the sidelines. But if you do fight, know that you’ll come out with a funny story, a bit of bruised pride, and maybe, just maybe, a new appreciation for reggae and boxing gloves.

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If you are going to Thailand, it’s always useful to have a few handy phrases of the local language up your sleeve. It makes all the difference in your interactions and overall experience of the country! I have included a full cheat sheet and a list of simple phrases in a Basic Thai Language post.

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