Outdoorsy Things To Do In Bangkok

[peanut]

Hi everyone,

I have been a bit bored lately. It seems that most people's idea of entertainment (well, in my circle anyway) is go out in the evenings + sit on a chair in a bar + drink.

I'd like to move my bum off the chair and do smth a bit more active and I would like to be outside. Yes, I know it's polluted, so a nice walk in the street is not really an option, but there's gotta be some things to do out there? Bicycle? Badminton? Dancing in the park? Any ideas?

[richard_smith237]

Golf ?

[jdinasia]

One kinda touristy outdoor thing that is an annual thing for me is a trip up the river to Koh Kred. Early trips to the parks(like Lumpini, Suan Luang Param9, Chatuchak or Suan Rot Fai (near Chatuchak).

The weekend water market at Baan Nampueng (almost under the Mega Bridge on the Thonburi side). The coffee shop strolls around Ram. univeristy etc ...

There are early evening aerobics events all over town .. some outside and some even in places like the car park at Onnut Carre Four

People watching -- my fave place in Khao San Road (some funky shops but the real joy is watching farang who think they have found the "real Thailand"

Golf ... tennis ... markets .... river taxi rides (the ride up Khlong San Saep is quite interesting .. then you can hit The Mall Bangkapi for lunch or shopping and ride back)

I still suggest folks get the Nancy Chandler map just for ideas of things to do.

jd

[pampal]

Bicycling in Suan Rot Fai is good, Walking in Suan Chatuchak and feeding the fish in the lakes.

Chao Phraya river express boat.

[ilyushin]

Paint ball, driving ranges, football games almost every place around 5pm, kite flying, RC aircraft and boats, fishing parks, photograpic treking, zoo and parks, tourist locations, Safari World, hundreds of golf courses, swimming, tennis, night bazzar, weekend market, air force museum, motorcycle racing, city bus trips to areas unknown, gardening, horse races, etc...

Edited January 15, 2010 by ilyushin

[peanut]

Wow lots of ideas thanks...

@ilyushin: sorry if this is a stupid question but what exactly do you mean by "driving range"?

This got me interested because I used to have a licence (lost) but never really drove 'cos I never had a car... so I would actually love to go somewhere where I can rent a car and practice driving. So, if you know of a place like that please share the details!

[maccaroni man]

Wow lots of ideas thanks...

@ilyushin: sorry if this is a stupid question but what exactly do you mean by "driving range"?

This got me interested because I used to have a licence (lost) but never really drove 'cos I never had a car... so I would actually love to go somewhere where I can rent a car and practice driving. So, if you know of a place like that please share the details!

[peanut]

Glad I could make you laugh

Now maybe you can answer the question??

Edited January 15, 2010 by peanut

[sbk]

ladies forum for ladies input as well peanut or would you prefer the bangkok forum?

[metisdead]

Glad I could make you laugh

Now maybe you can answer the question??

A driving range = golf driving range. A golfer goes to these driving ranges and practices with his/her golf clubs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving_range

[GrahamF]

Glad I could make you laugh

Now maybe you can answer the question??

I think he meant golf driving ranges. I had a giggle at your response as well, sorry.

[jdinasia]

Driving range= golf without the golf course or the putting green

[peanut]

ahhhh, I see....

not into golf so I had no idea, I just assumed it had to do with driving!

So what do you call a place where you practice driving???

[jdinasia]

ahhhh, I see....

not into golf so I had no idea, I just assumed it had to do with driving!

So what do you call a place where you practice driving???

The street? There is a track for street legals and hi performance karts behind Seacon Square through ...

You could always enroll in a driving school

[sbk]

moving to the bangkok forum as I see no reason for this here.

[IMA_FARANG]

To find out what can be done in Bangkok and the local area, go on the intranet and Google or Yahoo the topics like "day tours in Bangkok" or "short day trips in the bangkok area".

You will find a lot of activities you can book and join for tours of between a couple of hours to a all day trip.

Examples are:

A 2.5 hour trip by converted Rice Barge on the Chaopaya river (with a trip on a long tail boat out to the barge, and a meal served on the barge)

A 5 hour guided bicycle tour of Bangkok by bicycle, including bicycling through parts of Bangkok where most tourists never go.

The trip up to Ayuttaya(sp?). Either leaving going by bus to Ayuttaya and returning down the river by boat, or taking the boat up to Ayuttaya and then returning by bus.

Or a short drive out of the center of Bangkok to the suburbs where you can get a fresh fish dinner cooked for you. You pick the fish you want from the local fish pond, buy a bag of bread scraps to feed the fish (usually catfish) while you wait for your fish to be cooked for you.

Or for something more active...join a tennis club. There is a fee for membership, but you can use the courts (may require you calling to reserve the courts first.). There used to be a tennis court off Sukhumvit Soi 38. Go down Soi 38 off of Sukhumvit road, turn right at the first small Soi, and about 200 meteers or so down there was a small tennis court. There was an aprtment building there on the other side of te Soi, the tennis court was for the apartment, but you could become a member by paying the fee.

Anyhow, I'm sure if you Google or Yahoo the topic...you will find quite a few "outdoorsy" activities to do in Bangkok.

Edited January 15, 2010 by IMA_FARANG

[BlackGrape]

IMA, agree 100%

Any place is what you make it. Lots of things to do in Bangkok. Don't wanna list them.... Try learing Thai or Sailing! One of my employees called me from the hospital and said his paramotor failed and fell 100mtrs..haha. he fell on his ass.(Suwicha Thakor), he's in jail for leste majeste. Google it!

Another one, I told this Hat yai engineer he was going to Vietnam to be the man and he actually shit his ass out. Have the hospital documents to prove it. His ass acually came out cos he was scared.

Never a dull moment.....

Lets go back to Africa

[ilyushin]

ahhhh, I see....

not into golf so I had no idea, I just assumed it had to do with driving!

So what do you call a place where you practice driving???

peanut,

Sorry, I was late in my reply.

I should have added golf to driving ranges. Most have other sports and things so you can mix.

There are also driving schools that will take you thru a course. One near my house has like a maze of roads they use. These courses are rather inexpensive baht 4,000 for a few weeks.

Almost forgot there is a ski cable and boating you can also enjoy the outdoors.

Plane spotters, painting courses that use parks and university campus areas, plenty of talat nats ( meeting markets ) to go to. Rose Garden just outside Bangkok, Ancient City, any hobby you have in your home country can probably be found here including winter sports. Sky diving at Khampang San not far away. Possible other nearby airports too, flying instructions, Hash Harriers, scuba classes, etc...

The go karts are around. I haven't seen them, but as one poster mention at Srinakarin Road.

Have fun.

Edited January 16, 2010 by ilyushin

[sunsamourai]

Hi Ilyushin,

I'm interested too to get more infos on the painting classes and the 'talad nat' you're talking about. Any phone number or website for contacts ?

Cheers

Ss

[Millian]

To find out what can be done in Bangkok and the local area, go on the intranet and Google or Yahoo the topics like "day tours in Bangkok" or "short day trips in the bangkok area".

You will find a lot of activities you can book and join for tours of between a couple of hours to a all day trip.

Examples are:

A 2.5 hour trip by converted Rice Barge on the Chaopaya river (with a trip on a long tail boat out to the barge, and a meal served on the barge)

A 5 hour guided bicycle tour of Bangkok by bicycle, including bicycling through parts of Bangkok where most tourists never go.

The trip up to Ayuttaya(sp?). Either leaving going by bus to Ayuttaya and returning down the river by boat, or taking the boat up to Ayuttaya and then returning by bus.

Or a short drive out of the center of Bangkok to the suburbs where you can get a fresh fish dinner cooked for you. You pick the fish you want from the local fish pond, buy a bag of bread scraps to feed the fish (usually catfish) while you wait for your fish to be cooked for you.

Or for something more active...join a tennis club. There is a fee for membership, but you can use the courts (may require you calling to reserve the courts first.). There used to be a tennis court off Sukhumvit Soi 38. Go down Soi 38 off of Sukhumvit road, turn right at the first small Soi, and about 200 meteers or so down there was a small tennis court. There was an aprtment building there on the other side of te Soi, the tennis court was for the apartment, but you could become a member by paying the fee.

Anyhow, I'm sure if you Google or Yahoo the topic...you will find quite a few "outdoorsy" activities to do in Bangkok.

I disagree. you google stuff like that and all you get back its day and weekedn tours of the city and the rest of thailand aimed towrds and tourists and most of the toursits spots.

[Ave]

How about a free salsa class in Sukhumvit soi 13 (I have to check the soi number) at the Dream Hotel every Friday at 9 pm? Shame I live quite far otherwise I'd be there every Friday evening.

[MSingh]

ahhhh, I see....

not into golf so I had no idea, I just assumed it had to do with driving!

So what do you call a place where you practice driving???

A Driving Range.

[ilyushin]

Hi Ilyushin,

I'm interested too to get more infos on the painting classes and the 'talad nat' you're talking about. Any phone number or website for contacts ?

Cheers

Ss

Ss,

As requested links with detailks on painting classes Link 1

Link 2

Talat Nats are small markets that are setup on certain days of the week in areas all over Bangkok and the country for that fact. Usually they have vendors come and put up a small booth or tables or an open bag selling the items or food stuff. In Don Muang where I live is just off Songprapa Road and is every Tuesday and Friday with a smaller one on Saturday. If you want to see in another area, just ask the locals where and when it will be in that area.

Ilyushin

[ilyushin]

peanut,

I found a list of some things that might keep you busy both outdoors and away from the bar stool.

Ko Kret

About five miles north of Nonthaburi, the Chao Phraya River cuts the land and rings it, forming an island off Pakkred. Here on Ko Kret, a settlement of Mon descendents is slowly gaining more tourist attention. Mon artisans possess remarkable skills in crafting terracotta pots, jars, and other high-quality products. The 7,000 residents keep the island car-free. Boats, motorcycles, bicycles,

and walking provide transport around the area. A well-kept museum has a bountiful collection of valuable terracotta items, and the Mon cultural center was established to keep alive dying Mon identity.

Ko Kret's main attraction is a landscape filled with clay pots, kilns, and mortars, and an authentic ancient lifestyle more and more difficult to find.

Chao Phraya Express boats leave from the southern Wat Ratchsingkhorn Pier for the 90-minute journey to Pakkred. A boat tour around Ko Kret costs 200 baht.

Museum of the Department of Corrections

Your impression of the gentle nature of Thai people will be somewhat dispelled, if you visit this museum at Bangwang Central Prison in Nonthaburi. Take the express boat to Nonthaburi, walk past the clocktower, turn left, and walk a third of a mile along the wall of the prison to the entrance at the Correctional Staff Training Center.

Founded in 1939, this museum of ancient torture shows many of the grim methods used to execute prisoners during the Ayutthaya Period, the most notable being a huge rattan ball whose inner lining was studded with sharp spikes. The prisoner was placed inside and the ball given to elephants to kick around. In a most understated remark, the guidebook to the museum notes, "The offender will be hurt by many big sharp nails inside." Another memorable quote from the guide: "The executed prisoner's fingerprints will be taken for examination in order to ensure that he was not the wrong person."

There is no charge to enter the museum, and a staff member will gladly escort you around.

Wat Chalaw

In 1984, work began on magnificent Wat Chalaw, a Buddhist temple twice the size (over 300 feet long) of the King's Royal Barge it resembles, although the history of the small temple it replaces goes back 500 years. Located in Bang Kruay, a small, traditional village in northern Nonthaburi Province across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok, the still unfinished temple is one of the most outstanding architectural undertakings ever attempted in Thailand. When completed in a couple of years, at a cost of several million dollars and countless hours contributed by the good citizens of Bang Kruay, visitors will be guaranteed a sight to stir even the most jaded traveler. It’s worth a visit now.

To get there, take the express boat to Nonthaburi Pier, cross the river by ferry and continue by bus or motorbike for ten minutes to the town. Taxis are an alternative, but be sure the driver understands where you want to go. Longboats traveling on Thonburi waterways also pass by the town.

Little-known Wat Clusters

To minimize crosstown traffic delays when visiting Buddhist temples, the following, not often visited, wats are in the same general area, near the Democracy Monument:

•Wat Rajanada

An architectural Burmese-style wonder.

•Wat Sakhet

Atop a hill with good views of Bangkok, one of the city's oldest wats.

•Wat Sukhat and the Giant Swing

One of the most important wats in Bangkok.

•Wat Indravihan

An impressive Buddha, deserving more attention.

Tha Chin River Area

Located a half-hour drive from Bangkok in Sam Phran district of Nakhon Pathom province, the area hugging the calm Tha Chin River, said to be the cleanest river in Thailand, maintains its old charm and rural life style. Old traditions are passed down from one generation to another in the three small communities that line the river. If you want to explore pristine rural life of fruit orchards, Thai-style houses, temples, shophouses, and a fish sanctuary, this area near the Rose Garden Resort is worth your time.

Busses leave from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Don Wai.

Baiyoke Sky Tower

Rising 94 stories above the Bangkok skyline and surrounded by bustling shopping and entertainment attractions, the new Baiyoke Sky Tower Observation Deck is worth a visit with telescopes and information about Bangkok at the visitor's fingertips via a special computer system. The tower exhibits include a small Thai House, a tuk tuk, and a photo gallery of Bangkok's distant past. 222 Rajprarop Road.

Ancient City & Crocodile Farm

Covering 200 acres and the approximate shape of Thailand, Ancient City is the world's largest outdoor museum, located about 20 miles southeast of Bangkok. It was built about 25 years ago and has small replicas of every major landmark in the country. Ancient City is the history of Thailand in miniature.

You can travel to the park on our own, but your visit will be much more rewarding if you take a tour with the benefit of a guide to describe the landmarks. Ancient City Co. at Ratchadamnoen Avenue (Tel: 224 - 1936/7) organizes tours, or you'll find the trip among those listed on sandwich boards outside the offices of most travel agents. This unique outdoor museum is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily and charges 50 baht for adults and 25 baht for children.

The Crocodile Farm is about 1 mile from Ancient City. In addition to 30,000 crocodiles, the dinosaur museum has 13 species of life-size creatures.

Miscellaneous Museums

•Bangkok Dolls & Museum

Soi Ratchataphan in Pratunam area.

Tel: 245-3008

All kinds of Thai dolls are made in this factory for inspection and purchase. Open every day except Sundays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

•Philatelic Museum

1st floor of the Metropolitan Postal Bureau behind Sam San Ni Post Office

Tel: 271-2439

Thai and foreign stamps are displayed. Stamps and accessories for stamp collectors are for sale. There is a postal library. No fee. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

•Hall of Railways Heritage

North of Chatuchak Park near a multi-purpose parking lot

Tel: 243-2037 (Thai Railfan Club)

Steam engines, train models, and miniature trains are exhibited along with photographs and paintings depicting the development of the world's railway systems. No admission charge. Open every Sunday. Call for times.

•Museum of Imaging Technology

Department of Photographic Science and Printing Technology Building, Chulalongkorn University

Tel: 251-1913

Historic Photographs and imaging equipment are displayed. Exhibits include modern photographic arts and techniques, advance technology of three-dimensional photographs, electronic photography, and printing technology. Admission 100 baht. Open Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

•Minerals and Rocks Museum

Rama IV Road opposite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Tel: 245-6210

The exhibit is divided into two categories: geology and mineral resources. No fee. Open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

•Museum of Forensic Medicine

Sirirat Hospital, Thonburi

Tel: 411-2003.

Gruesome displays of celebrated Thai murderers and other grisly items. No fee. Open weekdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

•Royal Thai Air Force Museum

Don Muang Domestic Airport.

World-class collection of rare historic military aircraft. No fee. Open weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

•Thai Human Imagery Museum

Nakhon Pathom

Tel: 211-6261

An unusual museum peopled by fiber glass human figures that you'll swear are real. Stop by if you come to Nakhon Pathom to see the 400 foot Phra Pathom Chedi. Open daily from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Horse Racing

High quality horse racing, open to the public, operates most of the year in Bangkok on weekends; Saturdays at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) on Henri Dunant Road, Tel: 251-0181, and Sundays at the Royal Turf Club on Sri Ayudhya Road (Tel: 280-0020), each averaging ten races.

Golf

When you land at Bangkok's International Airport during daylight hours, you'll get your first glimpse of golf in Thailand on fairways between the two main runways. The sport is one of the fastest growing in the country, and, except for occasional heavy rains, golfers enjoy the sport year round.

Caddies are generally young females who carry your bag, clean your ball, give you the distances, and even read your putts, hopefully not your mind. You'll often have two accompanying you, one with an umbrella to shield you from the tropic sun and one to carry your bag.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has an excellent, well-illustrated brochure titled Golf in Thailand with the top 75 courses profiled in color.

Ice Skating

Yes, even in Thailand! World Ice-Skating Center, World Trade Center, 8th Floor. 100 baht/3 hrs.

Kite Fighting (April)

Sanam Luang, near Wat Phra Kao

Thai Boxing

A popular sport both for locals and foreigners. Take in a match at Ratchadamnoen Stadium, near Parliament, or Lumpini Stadium, Rama IV Road near Dusit Thani Hotel.

ALTERNATIVES

Learning

The Siam Society

Bangkok's Siam Society was founded in 1904 under Royal Patronage with the objective of researching and gathering information on the arts and sciences of Thailand and neighboring countries. The society sponsors lectures and artistic performances and regularly organizes one to seven day tours of cultural interest. All are conducted in English and led by prominent educators or Society members. The Natural History Section offers excursions for nature lovers. Tour groups are usually limited to 40, which fill a bus, the usual mode of transportation.

The Kamthieng House on the Society's grounds, a quiet oasis in the center of hectic Bangkok, is a historical treasure of 19th Century northern Thai architecture and artifacts. The house was dismantled in Chiang Mai, shipped to Bangkok and re-assembled in the Society's garden compound. The Society's unique library houses approximately 29,000 volumes on Southeast Asia.

For scheduled events and tours, contact the Siam Society, 13 Soi Asoke, Sukhumvit 21, Bangkok 10110. Tel: 661-6470/7, Fax: 258-3491.siam-society.org, e-mail: [email protected]

World Fellowship of Buddhists

33 Sukhumvit Road (between Soi 1 and Soi 3)

Tel: 251-1188

The WFB holds a meditation class in English the first Sunday of the month from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Lectures on Buddhism are held the third and last Sunday of each month from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Thai Cooking Classes

There are many opportunities to learn Thai cooking in Bangkok. Several independent cooking schools can be found (CHECK GoNOMAD’s ALTERNATIVES LISTINGS). All the major hotels also offer classes ranging from a few hours to a few days.

•The Oriental Hotel

48 Oriental Avenue

Tel: 238-0265

•Shangri-La Hotel

Charoen Krung Road

Tel: 236-7777

•Dusit Thani Hotel

RAMA IV Road

Tel: 236-6400

•Siam Intercontinental Hotel

RAMA I Road

Tel: 253-0355

•The Landmark Hotel

138 Sukhumvit Road

Tel: 254-0404

•UFM Food Center

Sukhumvit Road, Soi 33

Tel. 259-0620

•Modern Housewife Center

45/6-7 Sethsiri Road

Tel: 279-2831

TOURING

It’s easy to base in Bangkok and explore the region through a series of interesting and unusual daytrips.

Ayutthaya & Bang Pa-In

The most popular day trip from Bangkok is probably the visit to Ayutthaya (A-you-ta-ya), the old capital of Thailand, about 50 miles north of the city. For over 400 years, Ayutthaya served as the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam. European travelers described its glittering temples, palaces, and Buddhist images as one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. Unfortunately, the city met its end in 1767 when the Burmese razed the glories of Ayutthaya. You can easily make the trip to Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In on your own by train, an hour and a half ride from Hualamphong Station, or by bus from the Northern Bus Terminal.

When you arrive in Ayutthaya, hire (250 baht is a fair price) a tuk tuk with an English-speaking guide to show you the celebrated temples. Then hire (300 baht is a good price) a long-tail boat for the 12-mile Chao Phraya River trip to the king's summer palace at Bang Pa-In; return to Bangkok from Bang Pa-In by train.

Bridge Over the River Kwai & Kanchanaburi

The most moving part of a trip to Thailand is a visit to the infamous bridge over the River Kwai near the Burmese border, about 75 miles west of Bangkok in Kanchanaburi. David Lean's 1957 epic film, "The Bridge on the River Kwai," immortalized the location. Today, the rebuilt bridge and Kanchanaburi are major tourist attractions. In late November through early December "Bridge On the River Kwai Week" offers an impressive Sound and Light presentation recreating the historical event.

Nakhon Pathom & Buddha Monthon

Nakhon Pathom, 35 west of Bangkok, is a convenient stopover on the way to the River Kwai. The main attraction is the Phra Pathom Chedi clad in orange tiles and rising almost 400 feet, the tallest Buddhist monument in the world and the oldest in Thailand. Many believe it marks the spot where Buddhism was introduced to Thailand 2,300 years ago. Along the way, Buddha Monthon is one of Thailand's most beautiful.

Leave from the Southern Bus Terminal for the one-hour ride to the chedi.

Rose Garden Country Resort

This popular, though touristy, attraction is 20 miles west of Bangkok on the bank of the Thachin River. The main feature is a daily cultural show at 3 p.m. featuring Thai dances, a Thai wedding, Thai boxing, bamboo dancing, and other cultural events.

For those with limited time, the Rose Garden offers good insight into local traditions. Admission to the gardens is 10 baht and 220 baht for the cultural performances. The park is open daily with shuttle buses between the resort and major Bangkok hotels. Tel: 295-3261.