Bangkok is commonly known as a shopping and food haven for travellers. While the shopping and food scene may be interesting for the occasional tourist, once you’ve been based here for a while it could get a bit boring. This post is my top 5 favourite places to keep active in Bangkok. And you will notice that they do not include any of the mainstream parks .... these are the truly hidden gems, which sometimes even locals don’t know of! If you are looking for some exciting activities, beyond your normal jog in the park, try out these locations!
#1 Bueng Nong Bon Water Sports Complex
This place is located just next to the more popular King Rama 9 park in the Prawet neighbourhood. It’s quite a distance away from the popular touristy place so mainstream transportation may be hard to get by, thus advisable to drive or take a taxi there. However, if you are up for an adventure you can take a multi-modal transport of BTS and the red songtaew to get there. More about Bueng Nong Bon Water Sports Complex here.
At this water sports complex, you can try various activities such as Kayaking, Sailing, Wind Surfing, Bike Rentals and even just running. Please note that only members can rent the equipment. To become a member, bring your passport and pay an annual fee of THB41. Approval is instant!
Avoid going on a public holiday or long weekends as the rental office may be closed.
#2 Suvarnabhumi Skylane Cycling Track
The Suvarnabhumi Skylane Cycling Track is definitely the best publicly accessible cycling track in South East Asia. I bet, it even ranks up there as the top cycling tracks in the world! Yes, its that good. It provides a safe environment for beginners to elite cyclists alike. More about this bike haven here.
There are 2 tracks for adults- the outer track is a 2.5km loop suitable to warm up or if you don't feel like a long ride. The inner track is 23.5km. Although it is a flat track, with almost zero elevation, don’t be fooled into thinking that it is too easy.
You can bring your own bicycle and even rent at the bike shops. To get here, you can drive yourself or take the Airport Rail Line to Lat Krabang station and take a taxi here.
#3 Taco Lake - Open Water Swimming and Water Ski
If you are into swimming, your condo swimming pool will eventually feel too small. At Taco lake, you can literally swim in the lake to improve your open water swimming skills. Lake Taco is located in the Bang Phli area. The only realistic ways to come here is a taxi or driving. More information here. This is private property. That being said, you have to pay an entrance fee for swimming. The fees include water and a pull buoy. Pull buoy usage is compulsory.
At lake Taco, you can also try out water ski.
#4 Ekkamai Swimming Pool
The Ekkamai Swimming pool is located not too far away from the Ekkamai Bus Terminal. It is quite hidden and you need to do a little bit of exploring to find this place. I found it by surveying the area on google maps satellite view!
You have to be a member to join, bring your passport copy and a medical report from your neighbourhood doctor to confirm you don’t have diseases and don’t pose a risk to the health of others. The swimming pull length is 50m and depth is around 2 meters. Be sure you are a confident swimmer before jumping in!
Avoid 7-9 am on weekends and 4-6pm as there are swimming lessons going on.
#5 Rajamangala Sports Complex Velodrome
If you are a cycling enthusiast, it only makes sense that you have a go at the local velodrome. While it may be daunting for first-timers, the trick is just to convince yourself that you are not going to fall even at the steep banks!
It's free of charge. Sometimes there are events being held here, which means you can't use it then.
#1 Bueng Nong Bon Water Sports Complex
This place is located just next to the more popular King Rama 9 park in the Prawet neighbourhood. It’s quite a distance away from the popular touristy place so mainstream transportation may be hard to get by, thus advisable to drive or take a taxi there. However, if you are up for an adventure you can take a multi-modal transport of BTS and the red songtaew to get there. More about Bueng Nong Bon Water Sports Complex here.
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| Sailing at Nong Bon Water Sports Complex |
Avoid going on a public holiday or long weekends as the rental office may be closed.
#2 Suvarnabhumi Skylane Cycling Track
The Suvarnabhumi Skylane Cycling Track is definitely the best publicly accessible cycling track in South East Asia. I bet, it even ranks up there as the top cycling tracks in the world! Yes, its that good. It provides a safe environment for beginners to elite cyclists alike. More about this bike haven here.
There are 2 tracks for adults- the outer track is a 2.5km loop suitable to warm up or if you don't feel like a long ride. The inner track is 23.5km. Although it is a flat track, with almost zero elevation, don’t be fooled into thinking that it is too easy.
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| 2.5km Loop for runners and cyclists |
You can bring your own bicycle and even rent at the bike shops. To get here, you can drive yourself or take the Airport Rail Line to Lat Krabang station and take a taxi here.
#3 Taco Lake - Open Water Swimming and Water Ski
If you are into swimming, your condo swimming pool will eventually feel too small. At Taco lake, you can literally swim in the lake to improve your open water swimming skills. Lake Taco is located in the Bang Phli area. The only realistic ways to come here is a taxi or driving. More information here. This is private property. That being said, you have to pay an entrance fee for swimming. The fees include water and a pull buoy. Pull buoy usage is compulsory.
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| Taco Lake on a sunny day |
At lake Taco, you can also try out water ski.
#4 Ekkamai Swimming Pool
The Ekkamai Swimming pool is located not too far away from the Ekkamai Bus Terminal. It is quite hidden and you need to do a little bit of exploring to find this place. I found it by surveying the area on google maps satellite view!
 |
| Ekkamai Swimming Pool on a Sunday Evening |
You have to be a member to join, bring your passport copy and a medical report from your neighbourhood doctor to confirm you don’t have diseases and don’t pose a risk to the health of others. The swimming pull length is 50m and depth is around 2 meters. Be sure you are a confident swimmer before jumping in!
Avoid 7-9 am on weekends and 4-6pm as there are swimming lessons going on.
#5 Rajamangala Sports Complex Velodrome
If you are a cycling enthusiast, it only makes sense that you have a go at the local velodrome. While it may be daunting for first-timers, the trick is just to convince yourself that you are not going to fall even at the steep banks!
It's free of charge. Sometimes there are events being held here, which means you can't use it then.
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| Junior Event being held |
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