Where to Run in Bangkok

When most people think about Bangkok, going for a run isn't always the first thing that comes to mind, but that doesn't mean you can't find some great places to break a sweat. The city is full of parks, many of which have running tracks and clearly marked loops that are great for sprinters or beginners. The more adventurous can break away and chart their own course through this vibrant city, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of life in a city that's always moving with you.

Here's some of our favorite places to run in Bangkok:

It's Bangkok's own Central Park—57 acres of lush, sprawling parkland complete with running paths, fresh air, and plenty of shade (you'll need it, trust us). The popular route covers about 2.5 kilometers in a single lap. But that's just one route. There are so many pathways and potential runs that it's possible to choose a route depending on your mood. Feeling tired or pressed for time? Do a quick loop of the park. Want to go the distance? Weave through all the pathways and then run over to nearby Benjakitti Park for a loop around the lake.

This long, thin patch of green is a natural running loop. It might not be as big as Lumpini, or as shady, but the park has these handy markers measuring distance, so if you're training or the kind of runner who likes to mix up with interval training, then this is the park for you. But avoid it on the weekends when a nearby market makes the whole place super crowded.

Convenience is king at the National Stadium. It's right in the center of the city, so it's pretty easy to get to, and there's an outdoor fitness area and an Olympic-sized running track. What more could you want?

Got a new pair of Nikes you want to test out? Try to chart a course along one of Bangkok's rivers. We like the route that starts at the Hua Chang Bridge Pier and heads west toward the mighty Chao Phraya River. The route takes you past the Jim Thompson House, the Bobae wholesale market, and some of the city's most iconic Buddhist temples. The run might be a bit smelly, but the best part here is that there is always a water taxi nearby if you feel too tired to run back.