So you’re on holiday, but don’t want to just laze around by the pool (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). Running is one way to stay in shape and explore Bangkok in a whole new way. Thanks to Siam@Siam Bangkok’s handy location right in the heart of the city, there’s plenty for the urban explorer to see and do within just a short distance. Don’t mind the tropical heat—the reward is totally worth it with these four routes we’ve picked out, perfect for morning or night.
Route #1: S@S Bangkok to Centenary Park
Centenary Park, owned by Thailand’s oldest university Chulalongkorn, is an ideal route for the runner who appreciates lush greenery and only the gentlest of slopes. Those are not the only things that make this 30-rai public park worth a visit. With its rain garden, retention pond and underground water drainage system, the park’s innovative design is such that no drop of water that falls here goes to waste. How cool!
Total distance from S@S: 1.2km
Tip: Top off your morning run with a refuelling pit-stop at Joke Samyan on Chula Soi 11, renowned throughout the city for its hearty bowls of rice porridge served with perfectly chewy fried bread sticks. No matter which time you come, though, you’ll never starve in this neighbourhood, which is considered one of Bangkok’s top street-food destinations. Check out our full list of must-eats now if you’re planning to grab a meal!
Centenary Park
Centenary Park
Joke Samyan
More glorious street food in the Samyan neighbourhood
Route #2: S@S Bangkok along Saen Saeb Canal and Petchburi Road to Pathumwananurak Park
Step foot out of S@S to the canal that runs behind the hotel and you’ll be greeted by a few hundred metres of vibrant graffiti-strewn walls. In fact, some of the city’s best-loved street artists have left their mark here, so keep your eyes open for their mini masterpieces. This route will take you through some of the most buzzing parts of the city, from Pratunam to Petchburi Road, before you finally find yourself in a seemingly unlikely green paradise right next to CentralWorld.
Total distance from S@S: 2.4 km
Tip: On your way back to S@S, take a tiny detour off Ratchathewi BTS station so you can stop by at our favourite nearby breakfast spot, The Fork Eatery. Recharge with a luscious shakshuka (eggs in tomato sauce) to soak up with some homemade toast or go wholesome with one of their salad bowls. If it’s cheat day, do yourself a favour and end your meal with their chunky chocolate cake. Perfect.
Fork Eatery
The vibrant street art of San Saeb Canal
Pathumwananurak Park. Credit: Land Process
Route #3: S@S Bangkok to Erawan Shrine and along Ratchadamri Road to Lumpini Park
OK, let’s get serious now. If you want to take your run up a couple of notches, you really should head for Lumpini Park, Bangkok’s biggest park which happens to be teeming with wildlife (including some fearless monitor lizards). First, though, your route will take you past some impressive scenes of urban life, whether it’s the incense and colourful marigold garlands on display at the sacred Erawan Shrine or the daily commuter bustle around Siam’s gleaming malls.
Total distance from S@S: 3km
Tip: After a few laps of the park, you deserve a mighty meal. If you don’t feel like street food from one of Silom Road’s famous stalls, take the healthy option at nearby Jones’ Salad. Should you take the route at morning time, we suggest running a bit further to Soi Ruam Ruedi where a big breakfast awaits at Cafe Tartine—their French-style sandwiches are hard to beat.
Lumpini Park
Erawan Shrine. Credit: Colin Tsoi / Flickr
Route #4: S@S Bangkok to National Stadium
Sometimes you can’t go wrong with the easy option. Just across the road from S@S sits National Stadium, aka Thephasadin Stadium, which inside the building comes complete with a proper track where you can run shoulder to shoulder with some of the country’s professional athletes (if you can keep up the pace).
Total distance from S@S: Less than 500 metres (come on, one more lap!)
Tips: Celebrate your P.B., or simply the fact you’ve exceeded walking pace while on holiday, with a feast at the nearby Stadium One. Head to Tang Sui Heng for tender Chinese-Thai braised duck with egg noodles or try a steaming bowl of tonkotsu at Lust Ramen. Keep the party going back at S@S with a few drinks and live music at Party House One.
National Stadium
National Stadium
Party House One
