Bangkok Sports

Soccer (or association football, to give it its proper name) is huge in the capital city of Bangkok. In fact, the region is home to a number of impressive stadiums – with the Rajamangala holding as many as 65,000 football fans at any one time. 

King Power’s continued partnership with reigning champions Leicester City FC has also heightened interest in the Premier League to a fever pitch. Visit any soi bar in the early hours of the morning to see a (very) noisy show of support for teams from the EPL and across Europe.

When looking for soccer gear in Bangkok, you can’t go wrong with Mahboonkrong Mall. Also known as the MBK, the store is situated right next to the National Stadium Station and hosts a wide range of stores offering a great selection of soccer gear at very reasonable prices. 

Tracing its history all the way back to the 16th century, Muay Thai’s status as the official national sport makes it an integral part of Thailand’s sporting culture. ‘The Art of the Eight Limbs.’ – so-called because it involves eight possible points of contact – is therefore widely practiced and studios and Muay Thai gyms are easy to find in many districts of Bangkok.

Golf is another big hit with affluent locals, who swap the bustle of Bangkok for country clubs in Bangplee, Bangkapi, and Klong Samwa during the weekend.<o:p></o:p>

Bangkok also caters for the golf enthusiast visiting the city for the first time, with a wide rnage of golf courses in and around Bangkok to choose from. The Alpine Golf Club (just outside of Suvarnabhumi) was the first hilly championship course in the country and consists of over 770-rai (1 rai = 1,600m2) of lakes, sandpits and other challenging obstacles. <o:p></o:p>

The Thana City Gold and Sports Club offers a 72 par course and it is located just twenty five minutes from the city centre – though be prepared to navigate weekend traffic if you’re travelling out of Bangkok on Friday evening. <o:p></o:p>

A lot of golf courses welcome walk-in players, though you’ll need to get hold of some clubs before you can head out onto the fairway though. Go browsing for Bangkok golf equipment at Thaniya Plaza, in Bang Rak - an entire mall devoted to golfing gear – or simply rent a set of clubs from your preferred course.  <o:p></o:p>

Bangkok might not be considered the safest place for cyclists because of the intense traffic, but with so much spectacular scenery to enjoy in and around the city, cycling is fast growing in popularity as a way to see the city and stay active. Bang Kachao, Benjakiti, and Lumpini Parks are all great places to get on the saddle and start exploring Bangkok’s cycling routes.