A Bangkok Beautiful Sunday Morning Walk

It’s always nice when friends tell me they are heading to Thailand, especially if it means we can meet. They sometimes ask for advice, and I help wherever possible. In February 2024, a group were staying in Bangkok. Andy wanted a Sunday morning walk, so I got to work and put together something to occupy us for a few hours.

The Green Mile

Making Plans

I’d taken Andy and another friend on a Bangkok afternoon tour during a previous stay, which included a train ride, a boat trip and some sightseeing. This time, in a large group, we’d gone to football the previous evening at Port FC, where I introduced the gang to my Thai friends, who arranged beers when they were meant to be forbidden.

This time, I wanted to put together something together for my mate that would take us back to Sukhumvit Road. I met my mate at his hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 5 as we cut through the area known locally as Soi Arab onto Soi 3, heading away from the crowds.

The Railway Community

Off the Beaten Track

We joined the Saen Saep Canal at Nana Nuea Pier and walked along its banks until we were opposite Wat Makkasan. I was familiar with this area from when Steve, with whom I went on many adventures, and I visited the Labour Museum and then walked along our next stretch.

Andy had seen the images and wanted to walk through the railway community in the shadow of the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway. The tracks were rarely used anymore. They once connected the port with the old Makkasan Railway Works. The locals were as friendly as before, though we were respectful and wary that they could be fed up with visitors walking through their community.

It’s astonishing to see activity under the flyover, with snooker tables and Muay Thai rings among the sights. I was keen to explore after dark to get a true impression. The railway box and barrier, waiting to stop traffic, are at the end by Sukhumvit Road.

Wireless Road

Bangkok’s Opulence Discovered

We turned right at the main thoroughfare, past the slipway where I had sat in a taxi waiting to get out and have fun in Nana and Asoke many times before. After passing Phloen Chit MRT SkyTrain station, we took a left onto Thanon Witthayu, also known as Wireless Road. 

Wireless Road remains one of Bangkok's most prestigious, tree-lined boulevards, with its 5-star hotels and big-name businesses. Several embassies are located there, despite the British Embassy moving a few years ago. It’s a very pleasant escape, especially on a Sunday morning.

It leads to Lumphini Park. However, a new feature at the intersection with Sarasin Road meant we didn’t explore its wide expanses. We climbed the steps of the Green Bridge over Wireless Road and set out along a raised path called the Green Mile.

A New Lease of Life for the Tobacco Factory Sheds

The Green Mile

The raised walkway connects Lumphini Park and Benjakitti Park.  It’s designed for walking, running, and cycling, with pedestrian walkways and colour-coded bicycle lanes. The route passes directly through a local community living below. We went down the steps along the route to buy water from a shop. It offers a fascinating contrast between traditional life and the towering skyscrapers.

On our walk, the old Tobacco Factory Sheds on the edge of Benjakitti Park were being redeveloped. When I returned a year later, they were fully functional, used for basketball, padel, futsal, and other sports. The facilities can be hired, allowing anyone to enjoy them.

Benchakitti Forest Park is another outstanding feature that has brought the area to life. Its undulating boardwalks are illuminated from dusk, when most exercise as temperatures fall. We went inside the original park, with its huge lake and modern backdrop of Ratchadaphisek Road and Asoke beyond.

This Way to Mayhem

Back to the Mayhem

Soi 14 has been extended from Sukhumvit Road to the park for drivers. We crossed the pedestrian bridge and walked back up Soi 10. I phoned my wife, Taew, who met us at the Sportsman for a late breakfast before we went to Terminal 21, a million miles from the basic accommodation along part of our route.

It was a great start to a beautiful Sunday. It was to get better. My good lady had a surprise in store. Andy treated us to a belated wedding gift. We took the lift to the Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar at the Marriott Hotel in Thonglor to watch the sunset over the city and then met the rest of the touring party for fun until the early hours.

A Perfect Sunday

My Tips

It’s easy to exercise away from the traffic and busy pavements in one of Bangkok’s many parks or by the water. Choose a sensible, achievable route and don’t rush. Stop to rehydrate and take in the surroundings. Look behind you. You never know what you might be missing. Exercise at a cooler time of day before you relax, eat and drink, having earned the reward.

If you enjoyed this story, feel free to check out my YouTube Channel, where I share videos about everyday life in Thailand, local football, and travel across the country.

Thanks for reading.