9 Extreme Sports in Bangkok

Wakeboarding in Bangkok might be limited to cables (for boat action, head to Pattaya), but that hasn’t stopped the sport from gaining popularity among water-sport fans. There are 2 main places to do it: at Taco Lake (off the Bangna-Trat highway going to the airport) and at Thai Wake Park (Rangsit).

Taco Lake is cheaper and easier to reach, with 2 hours at around 400 baht. Thai Wake Park, on the other hand, is more geared towards the pros, with flashier facilities and more challenging obstacles. 2 hours of wakeboarding here start at 800 baht and whole day costs around 1,350 baht. 

Urban Playground at The Racquet Club offers some excellent rock climbing opportunities right in the centre of Bangkok. Beginners and experienced climbers are all welcome at this family-friendly facility. A day pass starts from around 475 baht on weekdays – this gives you access to all the facilities including the climbing wall, gym, yoga classes, badminton/tennis courts and swimming pool. They also run introduction courses, starting from 500 baht per hour. You can find Urban Playground on Sukhumvit Soi 49, between the Phrom Phong and Thonglor BTS Skytrain Stations.

It’s quite easy to find a decent Muay Thai gym in Bangkok, being the country’s national sport and all. The question is, which one is best for you? Single passes usually start from around 550 baht, and you’ll get a better deal if you purchase multiple sessions of training. Some Muay Thai gyms offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays, which also include accommodation and meals. Some of our recommendations for some city centre gyms include RSM Academy (2nd floor at Jasmine City Building), Chuwattana (Chinatown Bangkok), Jitti Gym (next to Rachada MRT Underground Station), and Luktupfah (On Nut).

EasyKart Bangkok at RCA Plaza offers the chance to zip around a relatively challenging indoor track in 100c, 160cc and 270cc go-karts. The most powerful of these can reach speeds of 55 km/h (not that you’ll max it out), while the 100cc models are good for the kids. Prices start from around 500 baht per race.

For some surfing action right in the heart of downtown Bangkok, there’s no better place than Flow House. Part of several branches worldwide (including the UK and US), the venue has an artificial wave machine that mimics surfing on the ocean. It’s a great way to have fun, keep fit and cool off – all while learning a new sport. You can find the inflatable ramp at A-Square, between Sukhumvit and Rama IV Road. Hour-long sessions start from 800 baht per adult and 535 baht per child.

Skydivers in Bangkok have to head out of the city a little – after all, the Thai capital has one of the most congested airspaces in the world. Several companies operate out of airbases around the Chonburi or Pattaya area (around 1.5 hours by car). Some include transportation from Bangkok as part of their packages. Thai Sky Adventures offer single tandem jumps (no experience needed) and operate around Nong Kho Reservoir in Chon Buri.

Peppermint Bike Park is a multi-terrain course in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district, offering riders 2 interlinked tracks: 1 paved and another on raised wooden tracks. There are also ramps, small jumps and elevated curves to make things more interesting. Prices for non-members start from around 150 baht per hour (60 baht for helmet rental). The park stays open under floodlights until 8pm on weekdays and 9pm on weekends.

The Taki Racing driving school is the real deal for Bangkok’s racing enthusiasts. The 170-horsepower ‘Taki Formula’ cars here can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, while its full track comes complete with stands, pits and all the safety facilities you need. If you carry a full driving license and a spare 15,000 baht, the track is all yours for half a day. A full day of racing and professional instruction costs onwards of 40,000 baht.

Combat Zone 62 is a popular urban playground right behind Seacon Square, next to the Rod Fai Market. The centre offers plenty of space for airsoft (shooting your mates with not-so-soft plastic BBs) and paintball (shooting your mates with explosive, paint-filled pellets) matches. All equipment and safety gear is provided, and if you’re welcome to join in with other groups. A full paintball package at Combat Zone 62 costs around 450 baht (including 100 balls), while a day of BB gunning totals around 500 baht with safety equipment and ammunition.