Running in Bangkok as a visitor: where to run near your hotel and clubs that welcome travellers
Visiting Bangkok and want to keep running? Where to run near Sukhumvit, Silom and the riverside, run clubs that welcome travellers, and the practical tips that make it easy.
Bangkok can look impossible to run in from a hotel window: busy roads, narrow pavements, heat. But the city has a huge running community, and joining a group run is one of the best ways to meet locals and long-term expats on a trip.
Where to run, by where you're staying
- Sukhumvit (Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo): Benchasiri Park is next to BTS Phrom Phong; Benjakitti Park is a short walk or one MRT stop from Asok. See clubs in Sukhumvit.
- Silom, Sathorn and Lumpini: you're next to Lumpini Park — the classic 2.5 km loop. See clubs in Lumpini.
- Siam and Ratchadamri: Lumpini is one or two BTS stops away, and Benjakitti beyond it via the Green Mile walkway.
- Riverside and the old town: quieter roads early in the morning; the old town is where the Bangkok Marathon runs. For a proper park, take the MRT to Lumpini.
- Chatuchak and Ari: Rot Fai Park and Chatuchak Park, with a dedicated running track.
Run clubs that welcome travellers
These clubs are free or drop-in and used to new faces. Just follow them on Instagram and turn up.
Massive social run club emphasising fun over distance, with huge Friday nights and Sunday mornings at Benjakitti Park.
Friendly Meetup group running easy loops of Benjakitti Park every Tuesday at 6:30 AM since 2012.
Open evening runs every Tuesday and Thursday at Lumpini Park for all levels, welcoming beginners to experienced runners.
Global beer-run club: a 5.6 km route ending at the brewery, plus Wednesday park runs.
Weekly 3 km run for founders, investors and friends at Benchasiri Park, ending with coffee.
Early-morning social run club meeting at Lumpini Park with short 3 km runs around 6am.
Here on the right day? Check the weekly club calendar to see who's running while you're in town. Or for something truly local, try a hash run.
Practical tips for visitors
- Go early. Parks open around 4:30–5 AM and are busiest — and coolest — before 7 AM.
- Use the BTS and MRT to reach the parks rather than running along main roads.
- Give yourself a few days to adapt to the heat and humidity, and slow down. See our heat guide.
- Bring cash for water, coconut water and post-run breakfast; park vendors may not take cards.
- Pack light running clothes. Forgot something? Our running gear guide lists the best running shops.
- Stop for the anthem: at 6 PM in public parks, everyone stands still for the national anthem.
Racing while you're here
There's a race almost every weekend, and many accept foreign entrants online. Here are the next ones: