Set your running pace in Bangkok
Ever wondered about running in Bangkok? Is it even feasible? The Bangkok metropolis pulsates with relentless energy, manic traffic and a sky-piercing skyline, making it more than just a typical cityscape. Notwithstanding its busy demeanour, running in Bangkok is an achievable task, not just for residents but for adventure-seeking tourists too.
Exploring the possibilities of running in Bangkok
In a busy city like Bangkok, it is easy to associate that you will find it difficult to run through this city. However, due to a variety of initiatives, there are plenty of opportunities for you to jog through that will immerse you in the vibrant culture of the metropolis or through the lush parks and meandering rivers that make up the natural part of Bangkok.
Can you run in Bangkok?
Yes, you can run in Bangkok. One thing that you must consider is that in Bangkok, there is not much of a running culture that encompasses a majority of the populace. With heavy traffic, uneven and narrow paths, bicycles and motorcycles that drive on the pedestrian paths, and a lot of people who walk on the paths, it is easy to see why most would prefer to run in more controlled environments like a treadmill at a gym.
However, for a lot of fitness enthusiasts, there is a belief that running outside gives the most holistic benefits so there is a preference to use the outdoor opportunities that Bangkok offers. With that, the increasing number of gyms and fitness clubs have popped up which encourages this trend on top of the city authorities have taken steps to ensure that people who want to run have the best environment to enjoy this activity.
Finding your stride in Bangkok’s best jogging spots
Bangkok offers a variety of parks that give you a distinctive experience to experience that calm part of the city and the opportunity to escape from the busy streets of Bangkok. From spacious parks in the city centre to running along the Chao Phraya River, these spots offer a rewarding running experience for the daring.
1. Lumphini Park
Lumphini Park is one of Bangkok’s most well-known parks that is located more relatively central in the city. One of the things that Lumphini Park is famous for is its wildlife which includes a variety of birds to gaze upon and a strikingly large population of Monitor lizards that roam alongside the citizens visiting the park.
With that, Lumphini Park offers wide roads for cyclists to pedal on but also has space for runners to use. This park will offer one of the most interesting running experiences as you can visit or see a few sites along the way such as the King Rama VI statue, the pedalos, and the famously cheap Lumphini Park outdoor gym as you pace along the lake in the centre.
Address:
Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Track Distance:
About 2.5 kilometres
Opening hours:
| Opens Daily | 4:30am – 10pm |
2. Benchakitti Park
Benchakitti Park is also located around the centre of Bangkok where it is located nearby the previously mentioned Lumphini Park. What people can find at this park is the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre nearby where some big expos are held and the Benjakitti Forest Park Museum.
This park offers a great track that circles the perimeter of the lake at 2 kilometres where you can take a nice tranquil run around it. Furthermore, if you wish to run some more, you can go off the beaten path at the Benchakitti Forest Park where you will find that you can run through the marshlands. This area to the west side of the park where the environment houses a variety of birds and Monitor lizards as well.
Address:
60 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Track Distance:
About 2 kilometres
Opening hours:
| Opens daily | 6am – 8pm |
3. Rama IX Park
Suan Luang Rama IX, or Rama IX Park, is the largest national park that you will find in Bangkok. Named after the late King Rama IX, or King Bhumibol, and built for his 60th birthday. you will find that this park is not an easy destination to reach as it is a bit far from the public transportation systems.
Once you make it inside, you will find one of the most rewarding runs as the expanse of the park will give you one of the nicest and most rewarding runs that you can have. The main attraction that you will be seeing is the large botanical gardens and a huge lake with a pavilion that serves as a gallery for the late king.
Address:
Chaloem Phrakiat Ratchakan Thi 9 Rd, เเขวง หนองบอน Prawet, Bangkok 10250
Track Distance:
About 8 Kilometres
Opening hours:
| Opens daily | 5am – 7pm |
4. Bang Krachao
Bang Krachao is an artificial island that finds itself located at the bend of the Chao Phraya River. This area is on the outskirts which finds itself filled with a lot more open space and fresh greenery that will give anyone who visits a great sense of tranquility. This spot serves as a nice spot for walks around the various temples on this island or a bike ride through the streets and the national park as well.
This island offers a great vista for running which has multiple ways to enter the island. One of the more well-known ways is to drop off at BTS Bang Na where you will take a motorcycle taxi to Wat Bangna Nok and then take a ferry across to Wat Bang Nam Pheung. With this difficulty to reach the location, comes the reward of having one of the most running experiences with near-limitless opportunities. You may have to compete with the cyclists for road space though.
Address:
Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan
Track Distance:
About as far as you make it.
Opening hours:
| Open always | As much time as you need |
5. Chatuchak Park
Located near the famous Chatuchak market, Chatuchak Park is a nice park that encompasses the Rot Fai Gardens and the Queen Sirikit Park. As the oldest and second-largest park in Bangkok, Chatuchak Park gives you a lot of options when you visit it alongside the beautiful natural haven within the urban jungle of Bangkok.
This park has dedicated cycling and running paths that will give you about 6 kilometres of distance. With this long path, you can avoid coming across the same sites which should create a fresh change of scenery all contained within your runs. If you happen to be there during the weekends, you can visit the Chatuchak Market after or during your runs.
Address:
Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Track Distance:
About 6 kilometres
Opening hours:
| Opens daily | 5am – 8pm |
Its popularity of running in Bangkok shatters preconceived notions about its nonexistence in this busy city. Although you will not often see a lot of runners as you commute around or visit the centres of Bangkok, taking a journey off the beaten path will have you gazing upon a handful of runners who practice for their competitions. With the competitions and teams that they participated in or aim to join proudly displayed on their shirts, you can also see that there are events that are dedicated to running as well.
Get your running shoes and go for a run, see if you can set a nice running pace for yourself. There is no pressure to be the best as long as you get to experience the picturesque spots of the parks mentioned above or the busy city streets.
If you are looking for the next step in your fitness journey, you can check out how the parkour scene is doing in Thailand.
