Path of least resistance when running round the moat

[CaitlinHappyMeal]

Hi, I would like to hear your running routes just around the moat, clockwise, anticlockwise, inside outside, where to cross etc....to get the least disruption, least up and down curbs, safest etc.......what do you all do?

[masuk]

As with most of the city, nothing is designed for pedestrians. Crossing anywhere to get to the moat is hazardous. To the best of my knowledge, there is one, maybe two pedestrian crossings with lights. The remainder is Russian roulette on poorly marked zebra crossings.

The entire moat is kerbed and guttered, so you'll get stepping exercises as well as running. Try one of the parks. Oops, I forgot. There aren't any.

[daveAustin]

Even if it had a full, unhindered pedestrian/bike lane right around I wouldn't run it. The pollution around the moat is the worst in the city and you'd know all about the traffic. Best off trying the park near the uni or, better still, the path that runs up to Huay Tung Tao and then around it. But if I were to brave it, it'd probably be a combo of inner and outer path, anticlockwise.

[FolkGuitar]

I don't run it, but do fast-walk around the moat several days a week. I travel in an anti-clockwise direction, staring outside the moat opposite Chiang Mai Ram hospital and its suicidal pedestrian crossing (I figure that if I'm going to get hit by a car, best to do it close to a good hospital.) Just before the south-west corner I move to the inside, along the park until just before Chiang Mai Gate where I move to the moat-side inside path and stay on that all the way around. It gives me the most shade, the least amount of ups and downs, and the clearest walking path. Except during the heart of the Smokey Season, the pollution doesn't bother me. For the month that it does, I wear a good mask.

[beau thai]

I know a thai doctor who runs clockwise about 11pm when it is quiet and cooler. Watch out for Soi dogs!

And most of it is not too bad apart from the very touristy bit between Moon Muang/Loi Kroh intersection and Soi 7.

There is always the running track at municipal stadium just east of Chang Puak. And Buak Had Park in the South west corner but you would need to do quite a few circuits there.

[CaitlinHappyMeal]

I don't run it, but do fast-walk around the moat several days a week. I travel in an anti-clockwise direction, staring outside the moat opposite Chiang Mai Ram hospital and its suicidal pedestrian crossing (I figure that if I'm going to get hit by a car, best to do it close to a good hospital.) Just before the south-west corner I move to the inside, along the park until just before Chiang Mai Gate where I move to the moat-side inside path and stay on that all the way around. It gives me the most shade, the least amount of ups and downs, and the clearest walking path. Except during the heart of the Smokey Season, the pollution doesn't bother me. For the month that it does, I wear a good mask.

I like the sound of your part of the route, I will be starting at chiang puak gat, so I think I'll start on the inside path moat side until I get to the first bend that will connect me to where you start, I'll continue round as you suggested and see how it goes, smog and sunshine won't bother me as I'll be out at 6 am...thank you

[CaitlinHappyMeal]

I know a thai doctor who runs clockwise about 11pm when it is quiet and cooler. Watch out for Soi dogs!

And most of it is not too bad apart from the very touristy bit between Moon Muang/Loi Kroh intersection and Soi 7.

There is always the running track at municipal stadium just east of Chang Puak. And Buak Had Park in the South west corner but you would need to do quite a few circuits there.

Hi, I did go to look at the running track but I wasn't sure if it's open at 6am, or whether the faculty is open but the gates to the track are locked, and if there are many other using it at 6am, I don't suppose you know? ☺️

[CaitlinHappyMeal]

Even if it had a full, unhindered pedestrian/bike lane right around I wouldn't run it. The pollution around the moat is the worst in the city and you'd know all about the traffic. Best off trying the park near the uni or, better still, the path that runs up to Huay Tung Tao and then around it. But if I were to brave it, it'd probably be a combo of inner and outer path, anticlockwise.

Hi, thanks for the suggestions, I will be running at 6 am so traffic and smog not too much of a problem, thanks

[beau thai]

I know a thai doctor who runs clockwise about 11pm when it is quiet and cooler. Watch out for Soi dogs!

And most of it is not too bad apart from the very touristy bit between Moon Muang/Loi Kroh intersection and Soi 7.

There is always the running track at municipal stadium just east of Chang Puak. And Buak Had Park in the South west corner but you would need to do quite a few circuits there.

Hi, I did go to look at the running track but I wasn't sure if it's open at 6am, or whether the faculty is open but the gates to the track are locked, and if there are many other using it at 6am, I don't suppose you know? ☺️

Sorry I have no idea - if I am awake at that ungodly hour it would only be to catch a flight, and then only if totally unavoidable!!

Too many years spent early morning commuting in the west, so I regard 9am as early now.....

[CaitlinHappyMeal]

I know a thai doctor who runs clockwise about 11pm when it is quiet and cooler. Watch out for Soi dogs!

And most of it is not too bad apart from the very touristy bit between Moon Muang/Loi Kroh intersection and Soi 7.

There is always the running track at municipal stadium just east of Chang Puak. And Buak Had Park in the South west corner but you would need to do quite a few circuits there.

Hi, I did go to look at the running track but I wasn't sure if it's open at 6am, or whether the faculty is open but the gates to the track are locked, and if there are many other using it at 6am, I don't suppose you know? ☺️

Sorry I have no idea - if I am awake at that ungodly hour it would only be to catch a flight, and then only if totally unavoidable!!

Too many years spent early morning commuting in the west, so I regard 9am as early now.....

I have questioned my own sanity before now

[daoyai]

Starting at 6am ...just go, you will see your path, traffic doesn't really pick up until 7

[Beetlejuice]

If trying to cross a road by the moat, I pray to one of either 6 different Gods from various religions. One always hears my call and sees me safely across, never fails.

[jobin]

There is certainly one, maybe more, ped overpasses bridging the roadway. One near Suan Dok, connecting the big school to the other side. Also, numerous ped crossing with lights, u must push button to get the green and move fast as time is short.

Would need to question Y U run this route as many obstacles and dangers. If actual miles under foot is your need, maybe try running to airport and back,against the traffic. But if getting exposure (face, or reputation) is first goal, stay on the moat as more will see you and you can chat up the birds by relating your daily grind.

The hard core boys run to Doi Suthep.

[Dante99]

you can chat up the birds by relating your daily grind.

[/quote)

Do you really think she is into that?

[beau thai]

There is certainly one, maybe more, ped overpasses bridging the roadway. One near Suan Dok, connecting the big school to the other side. Also, numerous ped crossing with lights, u must push button to get the green and move fast as time is short.

Would need to question Y U run this route as many obstacles and dangers. If actual miles under foot is your need, maybe try running to airport and back,against the traffic. But if getting exposure (face, or reputation) is first goal, stay on the moat as more will see you and you can chat up the birds by relating your daily grind.

The hard core boys run to Doi Suthep.

Hadnt thought of the airport run - that's a very good idea.

Wide pavements, few obstacles and not so many folks around (apart from early queuers at immigration maybe) . Then light breakfast at Nim City. I am almost talking myself into this- almost!!!

[CMBob]

.... Chiang Mai Ram hospital and its suicidal pedestrian crossing (I figure that if I'm going to get hit by a car, best to do it close to a good hospital.) .

Just a couple of years ago, I could cross in front of Ram or pretty much anywhere along there without too much concern. Not any more, it'd damn near be suicide. The only place I can somewhat confidently cross near there is at the corner (Huay Gaew and Bumrungrit).

I also do the somewhat fast walk around the moat a couple of times a week. I'd run, I suppose, if someone was chasing me and had a large enough gun.....(nah...I'm just too old and too damn lazy).

[FolkGuitar]

.... Chiang Mai Ram hospital and its suicidal pedestrian crossing (I figure that if I'm going to get hit by a car, best to do it close to a good hospital.) .

Just a couple of years ago, I could cross in front of Ram or pretty much anywhere along there without too much concern. Not any more, it'd damn near be suicide. The only place I can somewhat confidently cross near there is at the corner (Huay Gaew and Bumrungrit).

I also do the somewhat fast walk around the moat a couple of times a week. I'd run, I suppose, if someone was chasing me and had a large enough gun.....(nah...I'm just too old and too damn lazy)

Directly in front of the hospital is a zebra crossing, and although most car drivers don't want to stop, the selor drivers generally do, and that causes the cars behind to stop.

My knees won't handle running any more. Too may years of mogul skiing beating the hell out of them. Walking generally doesn't bother them, though once or twice a week fencing does take its toll, the few days of gentle walking in between calms them down. This body don't run.

[mania]

I also no longer run but when I did my favorite was golf courses.

Although I have never golfed I lived right near a beautiful mountain course.

Impact was less & well cared for fairways made for excellent running.

Early runs or at dusk the course was empty

Are golf courses here fenced off?

[FrankOff]

I have only ever seen farangs huffing and puffing their way through clouds of carbon monoxide and with due diligence alongside the daily bumper to bumper traffic of the inner moat areas (and even in Chinatown). I have often wondered.... these people must be new to town and on some kind of get-fit 'holiday' or living out a need for narcissistic gratification.

Make Sense People!.... there are numerous areas in and around CM that offer safe,clean and breathable jogging environments that can be easily arrived to by songtow,peddle bike or motorbike.

Please take care of your health and well-being and search these places out.

[ramrod711]

I live outside town now but I used to live inside the old city, near Chang Puak gate. I left the house at about 05:30, walked clockwise around the moat. Always enjoyed seeing the early risers exercising in the park and spoke to many Thai people along the way. Keep your ears open, you can't see motorbikes and cars pulling out of the sois (most of them don't stop), but you can hear them coming. I really miss those walks but I would have to drive into town and park somewhere to do it now. I'm not sure if the lady that makes the freshly squeezed orange juice is still at Chiang Mai market is still there but it was awesome.