ACTIVITIES

For Body and Soul

Physical

Improve your physical fitness by challenging yourself with these activities. Here are my recommendations.

  • picture

    Gym

    Indoor

    While most condominiums have dedicated fitness rooms, many do not provide all the equipment that you require. If you wish to access a gym with all your required equipments, Bangkok has a large number of fitness centers around the city. The most popular ones are: Fitness First, Virgin Active, Jetts

  • picture

    Climbing

    Indoor

    Indoor climbing has become one of the most popular recreational activities worldwide, and Bangkok is not short of them. Rock Domain Climbing Gym is the largest in the city but other popular ones include: Stone Goat Climbing Gym & The Climbing Gym at Racquet Club.

  • picture

    Running

    Outdoor

    Due to the large number of parks in the city, outdoor running is extremely popular. My favorite places to run are: Lumphini Park, Benjakitti Park and Rama IX Park. For those in Sukhumvit and living away from the Main Road, Khlong (Canal) running is a great alternative.

  • picture

    Cycling

    Outdoor

    Cycling is one of my favorite ways to stay fit and do something with friends. For a slow and fun cycle, Wachirabenchatat Park has been one of my favorite places to go with friends. In case you wish to challenge yourself or get a workout from it, Happy & Healty Bike Lane or Benjakitti Park is highly recommended.

  • picture

    Swimming

    Outdoor

    With almost all hotels, and condominiums equipped with swimming pools, it is impossible not to take a dip regularly. While condo swimming pools are usually sufficient, those seeking for a dip with a view may check out the following hotels: SO/ Bangkok, Marriott Hotel The Surawongse, Novotel Sukhumvit 4 and AVANI+ Riverside.

  • picture

    Wakeboarding

    Outdoor

    I tried wakeboarding for the first time in Thailand and absolutely fell in love with it. Bangkok has 2 main places to wakeboard: Thai Wake Park and Taco Lake. Thai Wake Park also has a small skatepark next to the water, which makes it perfect to spend a day doing both with your friends. Both are away from the city center.

  • picture

    Skateboarding

    Outdoor

    I haven't skateboarded since I was 16 so gave it a try and absolutely enjoyed it. Sky Park BKK is my favorite but ESC Space Pumper at Thai Wake Park is also a great place to practice or enjoy the day with your friends or even add in a Wakeboarding session.

  • picture

    Badminton

    Indoor

    Playing Badminton with fellow expats has been a great way to get to know them better and build deeper friendships. 71 Sports Club has always been my "Go-To" venue, but The Racquet Club also has a great badminton court.

  • picture

    Yoga

    Indoor

    Yoga is one of the most popular activities in the world. I was first introducted to yoga in Koh Phangan, and since then, I have been doing it whenever I can. I have always gone to Yogatique, due to its fair prices and great sessions.

  • picture

    Martial Arts

    Indoor & Outdoor

    You cannot experience Thailand without experiencing Muay Thai. While most go to Phuket or Koh Samui for it, Bangkok has good gyms for you to add into your routine. Migaku Fitness Club is personally one of my preferred ones for Muay Thai. For other forms of Martial Arts, Bangkok Fight Lab is one of the most popular.

  • picture

    Community Recreation Center

    Indoor

    In case you wish to be in an "all in one" venue, why not just go to The Racquet Club? The Racquet Club has most facilities you need: A badminton court, swimming pool, climbing area and a fitness center, all within the same building. Membership prices may vary depending on the duration and great venue for those living in Sukhumvit.

  • picture

    Water Sports

    Indoor & Outdoor

    While Bangkok does not have a beach or a swimmable lake, you can still enjoy or try surfing at Flow House. Prices may vary and great to go on a hot day to cool off and do something fun with friends or family. Alternative venue: Nong Bon Water Sports Center is great for windsurfing on a windy day, and just next to Rama IX park.

Entertainment

Catch up on your favorite movies, see your favorite artists perform and explore the local entertainment scene.

  • picture

    Cinemas

    Indoor

    Bangkok has a wide range of malls, where each has a cinema. SF Cinema and Major Cineplex are major chains and dominate most malls in Bangkok. For more of an authentic experience, House Samyan is an indie cinema worth checking out!

  • picture

    Theatre

    Indoor

    There is a relatively small Theatre scene in Bangkok and unfortunately, I have only been to one. Ekkolo Theatre is a great theatre owned by 2 passionate French actors, where they regularly host different plays.

  • picture

    Concerts

    Indoor

    Thailand is home to numerous concerts that are held annually. From A-list Hollywood stars to K-Pop artists, artists from all over the world have performed in Bangkok. IMPACT Arena is usually the largest venue that hosts concerts but venues may vary.

  • picture

    Comedy

    Indoor

    Everyone loves to laugh and listen to jokes so why not attend a comedy show? The stand up comedy scene has been growing in the city for the past few years, with many comedy clubs emerging. Comedy Club Bangkok is probably one of the most famous ones out there.

  • picture

    Live Music

    Indoor

    Live music is everywhere in Bangkok. From the steps of BTS Stations and numerous restaurants, to malls and many different bars in the city. My personal favorite locations for live music over the past years have been: Maggie Choo's, Bangkok Island, The Jam Factory, Foojohn Jazz Club and Speakerbox.

  • picture

    Jamming

    Indoor

    If you play an instrument and want to play with your friends, E.Q Studio is the place to go. As a drummer, it has been my favorite place to play with friends and let out some steam. All music equipment can be rented easily and bookings must be made in advance by calling. Prices go per hour.

Arts & Craft

Looking to expand your creativity and imagination? Spend an afternoon getting your hands dirty or admiring the work of some of the best artists.

  • picture

    Museums

    Indoor & Outdoor

    Bangkok is home to a wide variety of museums that showcase the rich history, culture, and the art of Thailand. Popular museums include: Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Jim Thompson House and Art in Paradise.

  • picture

    Art Galleries

    Indoor

    Many don't know this but Bangkok's art scene has grown substantially over the past years. My favorite locations are: River City and SAC Gallery, but there are many more around the city. Some other popular ones include: Warehouse 30 & HOP.

  • picture

    Painting

    Indoor

    While some enjoy looking at art, some seek to create it or express themselves through it. Painting has become a popular activity among expats and Paint Bar is the perfect place to do so, while enjoying your favorite drink.

Others

Tried all of the above and want something new? Discover the following activities for something different.

  • picture

    Cooking Class

    Indoor

    Do you enjoy cooking? Learn how to cook Thai dishes at Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy. The class starts by heading to the market with the chef and learning how prepare a set of dishes from A to Z. At the end, you get to enjoy what you cooked.

  • picture

    Book Stores

    Indoor

    While Bangkok has numerous book stores in its malls (Ex: Kinokuniya), there are also many hidden or secondhand shops around the city. Dasa Book Cafe has been my favorite place to buy secondhand books, with books available in multiple languages.

  • picture

    Bowling

    Indoor

    One of the most popular activities among expats on a weekend during the day. Blu-O is a chain of bowling alleys located in many different malls in the city and also quite popular among the locals. Great place to have a few drinks and have a fun afternoon.

  • picture

    Paintball

    Outdoor

    Paintball is a great activity to test your shooting skills and build teamwork. It has also been a great activity for me to meet new people and get to know people better. Recommended for large groups.

  • picture

    Archery

    Outdoor

    Something quite unique that I have not done since I was a kid. While I was in Bangkok, Archery Thai was my place to go to shoot some arrows for a very affordable price. Great place to go with friends.

  • picture

    Shooting

    Outdoor

    During my time in the military, I enjoyed shooting very much as it served as a stress releasing activity. Ratchanawi Bang Na Shooting Range was a great place that reminded me how much I missed it.