To run in Bangkok is similar to telling someone you want to walk in Los Angeles, the common response might be why or how? Bangkok is congested and densely populated, whereas LA might be built for the car, so walking distances are quite far, Bangkok is built on ad hoc transport, wherever a car,motorbike or truck can go someplace, will go there.
The sidewalks in busy urban zones are populated with sidewalk business stalls, beggars, missing sidewalk blocks/potholes, masses of people and motorbikes occasionally. This makes running problematic if you are not aware of your surroundings.
The streets are another matter, you have mopeds merging, swerving without turn signals from the sidewalk to the soi's (side streets off of main roads), buses rumbling very close to the edge of the street, small tuk tuks buzzing by, pickup trucks and of course the regular personal car.
So, why run in Bangkok, well despite the pollution, noise and congestion, running is not an unknown to Bangkok, go to any large park and you will see people doing laps, sprinting or just walking with friends. I enjoy the shifting, weaving, hopping and dodging my way through people, chairs, over pot holes and the like on my way to a park for some laps. You are certain to have to build ankle strength from all the maneuvering you will have to do on your way to Lumphini park or the Benjasiri park located next to the Emporium mall.
One word to the wise, Bangkok is hot and humid, do not expect free drinking water at a park, so in your shoe, waistband or anyplace you might want to keep a 50 baht note for some bottled water or snack if you plan on a long run, you will need it.
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