Where to run in Bangkok: the best parks and routes
The best places to run in Bangkok — Lumpini, Benjakitti, the Green Mile skywalk, Rot Fai Park and Benchasiri — with loop distances, best times and the run clubs that meet at each.
Bangkok isn't an easy city to run on the street: pavements are narrow, crossings are slow and the heat is relentless. The good news is that almost the whole running scene is concentrated in a handful of traffic-free parks. Pick one, show up early, and you'll find hundreds of other runners — and usually a run club to join.
Lumpini Park: the classic loop
Lumpini is the heart of Bangkok running. The car-free loop inside the park is about 2.5 km, flat and partly shaded, which makes it easy to count laps for any distance. It's busiest before sunrise and again after work. One local quirk: at 6 PM the national anthem plays over the speakers and everyone stops where they are for about a minute — runners included.
- Getting there: MRT Lumphini, MRT Silom or BTS Sala Daeng.
- Best for: lap-based workouts, after-work runs from Silom.
- Clubs: Lumpini Running Club (Tue & Thu evenings), 6am Run Club BKK and Mikkeller Running Club's Wednesday runs.
Early-morning social run club meeting at Lumpini Park with short 3 km runs around 6am.
Open evening runs every Tuesday and Thursday at Lumpini Park for all levels, welcoming beginners to experienced runners.
Social Bangkok run crew with scheduled Lumphini Park and city runs, usually in collaboration with Togeta.
Benjakitti Forest Park: where the clubs are
Benjakitti, next to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, has become the city's main meeting point for social run clubs. There's a lake loop of roughly 1.9 km, a forest section with elevated wooden skywalks over the wetland, and plenty of space to gather before and after a run. On a Sunday morning you'll see several clubs setting off at once.
- Getting there: MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
- Best for: social runs, meeting people, beginner-friendly groups.
- Clubs: Sabai Run Club, Bangkok Runners, Ugly Running Training Club and more.
Sunday evening run club at Benjakitti Park with easy pace, community energy, and open join-ins for new runners.
Friendly Meetup group running easy loops of Benjakitti Park every Tuesday at 6:30 AM since 2012.
Large central Bangkok park with 2.8 km running track and forest paths, popular for daily exercise.
Streetwear-infused run club with social, city, and long runs welcoming beginners to ultra runners.
Beginner-friendly Sunday run of about 3.5 km around Benjakitti Park, with no pace pressure.
Korean–Thai run club meeting every Saturday at 6:30 AM at Benjakitti Park.
Massive social run club emphasising fun over distance, with huge Friday nights and Sunday mornings at Benjakitti Park.
Good-vibes Bangkok run club with slow social runs, no pressure, and recovery rituals after the loop.
Punk-inspired inclusive running crew with style and fun at Benjakitti Park mornings, welcoming all levels.
The Green Mile: link the two parks
Lumpini and Benjakitti are joined by the Green Mile, an elevated walkway of roughly 1.3 km that runs above the traffic. Combine the two park loops with the walkway in both directions and you get a long, almost uninterrupted route — the go-to option for long runs in central Bangkok.
Benchasiri Park: a quick loop in Sukhumvit
Benchasiri, right by BTS Phrom Phong, is small, but it's the easiest green space for anyone living along Sukhumvit. Expect a short loop, lots of laps and a strong expat crowd. Founders Run Club Bangkok starts its weekly run at the park entrance.
Rot Fai Park and Chatuchak: long runs up north
In the north of the city, Chatuchak Park, Queen Sirikit Park and Wachirabenchathat (Rot Fai) Park sit side by side to form Bangkok's largest stretch of green. Rot Fai Park has a dedicated running and cycling track, so it's a favourite for weekend long runs. Nearest stations: MRT Chatuchak Park and BTS Mo Chit. See running clubs in Chatuchak.
When to run
Go early: most parks open before 5 AM and the coolest, cleanest air is before 7 AM. Evenings after 6 PM are the second-best window. Read our guide to running in the Bangkok heat and haze before your first summer.