Outdoors in Bangkok and Surrounding Provinces of Thailand

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Outdoors in Bangkok and Surrounding Provinces of Thailand

Below is information on various sports and activities that can be done in and around Bangkok and Thailand's natural parks, which includes walking and hiking, mountain biking, flying and water sports.

Like most cities, Bangkok is well built up with limited areas for outdoor activities. Outside of Bangkok there are a number of natural parks which can be used for walking, cycling and wildlife spotting. Pattaya and Hua Hin have water sport facilities.

Thailand tourist board can provide information on outdoor activities.

• Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
  Tel: 1672
  Open: 08:00-20:00
  TAT website

Natural Parks

Compared to other countries, Thailand has one of the greatest areas devoted to national parks. There are both marine and land national parks covering over ten percent of Thailand's territory. All national parks charge an entry fee (it varies from park to park).

• For a full list of national parks, their attractions and visitor facilities see the National Parks of Thailand website

To the north west of Bangkok on the border with Burma there are a number of national parks: 

• Erawan: famous for its waterfalls and caves
• Sai Yok
• Si Nakharin Dam 
• Khao Laem

To the south east of Bangkok there are two national parks:

• Khao Wong (Khao Chamao) 
• Ko Samet: the most famous and also the busier of the two, although this large island still has areas where a visitor can escape the crowds

To the south west of Bangkok there is one national park: 

• Kaeng Krachan: the largest park in Thailand and one of the quietest. It has many hiking trails and a wide variety of animals including tigers

To the north east of Bangkok: 

• Khao Yai national park where elephants, gibbons and many types of birds may be spotted from the many walking trails

Walking & Hiking

The Tourist Office in Bangkok can provide information on walks and hikes in the national parks.

• The Thai National Parks website allows a search by activity or province. To select a location or activity: Click here

There are many companies that organise walking tours in Thailand and some specialise in areas where wildlife or bird watching is especially good.

• For companies offering hiking and walking trips see The AngloFILE: Walking, Hiking & Climbing
• The National Parks website has information on trekking: Click here

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Riding a bicycle in Bangkok - as in any big city - has its hazards; this is exaggerated by the huge number of motorbikes and the fact that there are not many cyclists on Bangkok's roads and no special cycle lanes. However most of the parks have special pathways for cyclists. At the Rot Fai Park (Northern End of Chatuchak Park) bikes can be rented cheaply for a cycle around the park.

There are specialist bicycle tour companies that offer trips to see the sights of Bangkok, travelling along the safer routes. There are also many companies offering cycling tours in areas outside of Bangkok.

At Sukhothai, the ancient Siamese capital, there are many cycle paths taking visitors around the temples, palaces and ruins. The easiest way to get round Ayutthaya is by bicycle (can be rented on site). Nakhon Nayak, situated north of Bangkok, has a number of mountain bike trails. In the Khao Yai national park there are 13 designated mountain bike trails.

• Bangkok Hash House Bikers (BHHB) is a group of mountain bikers that meets once a month for a ride of between 40 and 50 kilometres
• See The AngloFILE: Cycling & Mountain Biking

Climbing

Bangkok does not have many outdoor climbs but there are some in areas close by, such as Chon Buri.

• Information on rock climbing from the Thailand Tourism Authority: Click here
• For information on climbing areas in Bangkok: Click here

Horse Riding

A few commercial companies offer stabling or horse riding lessons in Bangkok and Pattaya.

• See The AngloFILE: Equestrian: Horses & Riding
• There are also a number of polo clubs. For further details: Click here

Flying

There are a number of private flying clubs in Thailand that offer flying lessons in a variety of craft: balloons, ultra-lights and bigger aircraft.

• See The AngloFILE Balloons, Paragliding & Flying Clubs

Water Sports

The coastal resorts of Pattaya and Hua Hin have facilities for all the water sports usually found at seaside holiday destinations – water skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, sailing and diving, to name a few.

• For information, refer to the TAT website

Diving is especially popular in Thailand because of the warm water and abundant sea life. Pattaya has numerous dive shops offering day and live-aboard dive trips to the surrounding islands. Snorkelling is also possible. In Jomtien, close to Pattaya, there are marinas that offer a range of sailing options.

• See The AngloFILE: Water Sports, Diving & Scuba

Fishing

Both Pattaya and Hua Hin have a variety of deep sea to fresh water fishing facilities.

• See The AngloFILE: Fishing & Angling: Fresh & Seawater
• Also see AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Fishing in Thailand

Further Information

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Sailing in Thailand
• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Golf in Thailand
• Before heading out, check the weather forecast: AngloINFO Weather