Thailand is well known for it’s temples, beaches and parties, but one of the unexpected highlights for me was the public parks. A good place to run and usually a hub of various different activities.
Lumphini
I intentionally picked accommodation close by here for some runs and glad I did as it ended up being one of my favourite places in Bangkok.
Lumphini Park
Bustling with life from dawn to dusk and a great place to spend a few hours. Runners, cyclists, yogi, and tai chi enthusiasts gather daily, while families and friends relax by the lakeside—all the while trying to avoid the monitor lizards!
“Excuse me Sir, do you have time to talk about God?”
Would have been good if I’d seen this beforehand
Benchakitti
Had missed out on this park when looking at accommodation but its arguably better for running. It has a dedicated track around the lake which offers stunning skyline views.
Benchakitti Park
The surrounding area is a mix between nice quiet park and dedicated areas for a variety of sports. Right by the busy Nana district, yet a peaceful escape from the city’s chaos. Sunrise and sunset here are pure class.
Buak Haad
Nestled in the bottom left corner of Chiang Mai’s Old Town, Buak Haad Park is a cozy retreat. It’s pretty small yet absolutely buzzin. At two different times there is Yoga in the Park—free classes with up to 100 people attending!
A bit later in the day the slackers and acro folk arrive and all through the day there are people just chilling, reading, running or working out.
Buak Haad Park
The park closed towards the end of January to prepare for a spring flower show. I was gone by then so didn’t get to check it out but can imagine it was lovely.
The park itself is the pot of gold
Pai
While there’s no traditional park, Pai is pretty small and the general layout is like a natural playground for runners and nature lovers. Dirt trails weave through rice fields and rolling hills, providing a scenic and peaceful setting for an outdoor workout—I particularly enjoyed the many steps and steep include up to the Big Buddha.
It’s a refreshing change from city parks, and within the town itself is a rustic running track for the speedier sessions.
Good few laps done of the Pai Wittayakarn School track
DavAI SummAIriser
Want a quick summary of this post?
