Five ways to live the good life in Bangkok
Yes, you can actually have a great time in Bangkok without punishing your body into submission with booze and unhealthy food.
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6 years ago
1. Visit one of Bangkok’s beautiful urban green spaces
There are a lot of green spaces hidden across Bangkok, but there’s no place quite like Bang Krachao. This massive “green lung” encompasses an entire bend along the Chao Phraya River just opposite Klong Toey, but you couldn’t feel farther away from Bangkok’s mass of traffic and giant crowds. Although many of Bangkok’s green spaces can also be explored alone, those looking to meet new people, get a bit of exercise and maybe even an educational day out should join the Spice Roads half-day bike tour that runs twice a day, every day. The tour rides through the area’s local temples, schools and markets, all while getting a good amount of exercise. B1,350 includes a bike, helmet rental and a professional tour guide. Register at www.spiceroads.com Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakarn
Credit: http://www.tacolake.com
2. Try your hand at some outdoor sports.
Spend the day cutting up some waves at Tako Lake, a full-featured cable wake park just outside of Bangkok designed for wakeboarding, wake skating, kneeboarding and water skiing. A day pass will cost you B400 while memberships are B7,500/year for 50 visits. Beyond the sports, this is a great place to relax away from the city center that also has an on-site restaurant and cafe serving classic Thai dishes, plus rooms to rent out for those who want to make an overnight trip of it.
175/1 Km.13, Bangna Trad Rd., 02-316-7809. www.tacolake.com
3. Sample some of Bangkok’s healthiest Thai dishes
There are lots of places to get healthy Thai food, but if you don’t want to spend too much time thinking about it, head over to Nai Lert Park Heritage House’s Thai restaurant, Ma Maison, located in the antiquated home’s beautiful garden. There, you can grab a miang pla too (veggie wrap with Thai mackerel), which comes paired with a well-balanced, complex sauce. Why is this healthy, you ask? Mackerel packs a serious protein punch with added minerals like omega-3 that help reduce the risk of heart disease. All the veg inside is deliciously fresh and raw— crammed with vitamins and a healthy dose of fiber. It’s like a vitamin supplement, only it tastes good and you’ll actually want to eat it again.
4 Soi Somkid, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-655-4773
4. Start training for one of these upcoming runs
ou could pump iron, box or jump head-first into the functional fitness craze sweeping Bangkok at the moment, but, honestly, the easiest way to start getting into shape is a good old run. There are heaps of marathons coming up in Bangkok over the coming months, and getting ready is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. Start small with a mini marathon (5k), like the Empire Tower We Run on Nov 5. Once you’ve succumbed to the abyss of a runner’s high addiction, you can eye up Thailand’s more challenging races, like the Phukethon on Dec 8-10.
5. Spend the afternoon shopping at the Bangkok Farmer’s Market
The Bangkok Farmers’ Market connects you one-on-one with local producers and lets you grab some of Thailand’s freshest ingredients, including local fruits, vegetables and pastries. The market is also home to a vibrant community focused on healthy, sustainable living that gives back to Bangkok through education and charitable work. This year, the Bangkok Farmers’ Market is taking its community-centered focus to an even higher level by partnering with Living in Bangkok, an annual event hosted by Bumrungrad International Hospital to help connect locals with the services and communities they need. Sep 23.
Sep 23. 21/F, Bumrungrad International Clinic Building. Soi Nana.
Living in Bangkok with the Bangkok Farmers’ Market by Bumrungrad
Coming into its 19th year, Living in Bangkok is an event hosted by Bumrungrad to help locals and expats connect with the services and products they need to live happier, healthier lives. This year, the event hosts a range of exciting talks, performances and exhibition zones that center on community, food and services. Get first-hand information from international schools and top-level gyms; take part in the event’s FRESH Game to win amazing prizes; shop for world-class organic produce at the Bangkok Farmers’ Market; learn to make your own crafts from experienced Thai artisans. There is a lot of take in, and it’s all designed to help people live the good life.
Sep 23. 21/F, Bumrungrad International Clinic Building. Soi Nana. www.bumrungrad.com/livinginbangkok
Bumrungrad International is the first Asian Joint Commission International accredited, multi-specialty hospital located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. Founded in 1980, it is one of the largest private hospitals in Southeast Asia, with 580 beds and over 39 specialty centers. Bumrungrad International offers state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic and intensive care facilities in a one-stop medical center. www.bumrungrad.com
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