Luke's Gym is the simple gym in Koh Lanta paradise

Koh Lanta, Thailand

While the island boasts stunning beaches and a relaxed vibe, finding a proper gym can be challenging so Luke's Gym fills this gap with a practical, no-frills facility that gets the job done. A scooter is essential to reach this location (don’t try and walk to it in the hot sun… that is a nice outdoor hike on it’s own!), and you would have most likely rented one anyway to explore the island. For fitness enthusiasts visiting Koh Lanta, this gym represents the best balance of accessibility, equipment, and value.

Luke's Gym

Address: 1043 Baan Phra Ae, Ko Lanta, Krabi, 81150, Thailand

First Impressions

A no-frills facility, so get your workout done and get out with some pace. The gym's rules are straightforward: no flip-flops (bring proper training shoes), help yourself to clean sweat towels as needed throughout your workout, and respect the equipment.

The Space

What you really want to know… Air-Con! Well, the gym is equipped with both air conditioning and fans, though they face a constant battle with the intense Thai sun so this combination guarantees that every workout will be a sweaty affair, but you know this already!

Equipment

It’s basic but functional equipment covering all the essentials and while the equipment might not be the latest and greatest, it covers all the fundamental needs for a solid workout.

Key Equipment Available:

One squat rack for your compound movements
Smith machine for guided exercises
Cable machine for versatile training options
Convertible leg press/hack squat machine (requires some technical know-how to switch between functions.. good luck with this I didn’t dare try changing it)
Lat pulldown and shoulder press machines
Various accessories for isolation exercises
Basic cardio equipment including running machines and bikes
Dumbbell weights are in kilograms

The Vibe

The atmosphere is distinctly traveller-friendly, with a steady stream of international gym-goers, especially during the early morning hours. Unfortunately, they have cottoned on to my idea perfect time to train before the sun gets too hot and the beach calls your name. You will be asked to share equipment here without hesitation and with this comes some with perfect form and others not so perfect requiring some patience and adaptability.

Communication

Communication poses no significant challenges.

Membership Pricing

Day Pass: 200 baht

Weekly Pass (7 days): 1,000 baht

Monthly Membership (30 days): 1,300 baht

Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8am - 7pm*

*Prices and hours were current at the time of writing. Please check directly with the gym for the most up-to-date information.

The Verdict

Luke's Gym successfully fills a crucial need for fitness-minded travellers on Koh Lanta, offering an adequate workout space despite some limitations.

Pros

Sweat towels and cleaning equipment available
Reasonable pricing, especially for longer-term stays
Well-maintained basic equipment
Friendly, communal atmosphere
Drinks fridge with water and protein drinks available
Bathroom and locker facilities

Cons

Limited operating hours (8am - 7pm)
Basic equipment that may require waiting during busy times
No dedicated deadlift platform
Air conditioning struggles with the tropical heat
Location requires scooter access

My Personal Experience

Now I have to be honest here, during our two-week stay on Koh Lanta, we opted for the monthly pass at Luke's Gym as it offered the best value for our traditional bodybuilding training style but when exploring the island's fitness scene, we discovered several alternatives worth mentioning:

Fit on Lanta: A CrossFit-focused facility featuring ice baths, climbing ropes, and tires for functional training enthusiasts

Various resort-based facilities: Several higher-end options available at premium prices

Pilates studios: Multiple classes available across island resorts and dedicated studios

Muay Thai clubs: Several options for those interested in traditional Thai boxing training

Despite these alternatives, Luke's Gym aligned best with our training needs and budget

I must say though… the equipment was perhaps the most humbling aspect of the experience. While everything functioned adequately, it gave me a newfound appreciation for the advanced technology we often take for granted in modern gyms.

Final Thoughts

Luke's Gym occupies a unique niche in Koh Lanta's fitness landscape. While it may not offer the specialised experience of Fit on Lanta's CrossFit setup or the luxury of resort gyms, it provides exactly what traditional gym-goers need: a reliable, affordable space with fundamental equipment. The gym's simplicity becomes its strength, offering a no-frills environment where you can maintain your training routine while exploring this beautiful Thai island making Luke's Gym is the simple gym in Koh Lanta paradise.

Would I Recommend It?

It's definitely not my favourite gym, and I wanted to love it as much as I love this island. It works best for travellers seeking a traditional gym experience at a reasonable price point. If you're looking for CrossFit-style workouts, Muay Thai training, or luxury facilities, explore the island's other fitness options for sure!