Ever since I arrived in Thailand for the first time, I do my best to stay active. While I tried many things like training Muay Thai or scuba diving, I always try to squeeze in runs here and there. This post covers some of the top spots for running in Chiang Mai.
Throughout the years of living here, I found some nice locations to go for a run. So whether you are visiting during a holiday, or living in Chiang Mai long-term, if you like running make sure to read on! I recently also discovered trail running in Chiang Mai, which is absolutely amazing. For info on trail running, make sure to check out this guide I wrote with everything you need to get started!
As there are so many options I have split them up in different categories. Clicking on the maps takes you to a Strava route for each place.
Huay Tung Tao is a nice destination in itself to relax and to enjoy the views from a lakeside bamboo hut. The road around the lake is very scenic and and there is even a separate running and cycling track. 
Chiang Mai has a couple of good running tracks, great for serious workouts. 
If you don’t want to stick to any routes, just heading out into the suburbs and countryside is a great way to log miles and experience local life at the same time. The run op to Doi Suthep temple rewards you with amazing views like this one!
Chiang Mai’s iconic runs
These are the most well-known and most done runs. But in my opinion they are definitely not the most interesting options for running in Chiang Mai, so make sure to check out the other ones below!
The Moat
The moat around the old town is one of the features that stand out immediately when you look at a map of the city. One lap around the moat is not to be underestimated. While the 6km distance may not be very daunting, the traffic, potholes and heat can be treacherous!
Running around the moat is really only suitable in the very early morning when there is little traffic. But with little daylight, be careful for the high boardwalks and potholes! One really nice thing about this run is that you will run past some market areas where you can see locals offering alms to monks.
Doi Suthep
The most iconic run is also a challenging one! Running up to the Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple is not for everyone. It’s a 10,9km run, almost entirely uphill. Nonetheless, it is definitely worth it as it will definitely give you a sense of achievement, and there the views on the city below are amazing.
Note that if you want to visit the temple you need to dress politely, which probably means you have to bring a pack along. If you don’t want to run or walk all the way back, there are local songthaews that you can join for a very reasonable fee.
Public parks / short runs
There aren’t that many public parks and places in the city, so the options are quite limited. Nonetheless, the few options listed below are really fun places to go running in Chiang Mai and mingle with the locals at the same time.
Nong Buak Had
This is one of the most obvious and easiest places to stretch your legs when you are staying in the city center area. Nong Buak Had park is located at the inner South-Western corner of the old city square. The park is quite small and can get a bit busy sometimes, so it is not the place to get your long run in. Besides runners, you are also likely to see locals engage in other forms of exercise like Tai Chi, yoga, takrow, etc. This makes it a very enjoyable and lively place, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. There is a small open air gym too.
Huay Kaew Arboretum
A great place for running in Chiang Mai if you are staying in the Huay Kaew / Nimmanhaemin area. Huay Kaew Arboretum is rather small, but good enough for a quick run. The place is popular with locals, mainly students from Chiang Mai University. There are some exercise stations along the track, a good option if you want to mix in some cross-training. The fact that big trees line the track makes this place quite enjoyable, even during the heat of the day.
Chiang Mai University
While technically not a public park, Chiang Mai University doesn’t really fit in any other category. The campus of Chiang Mai University is famous among Thai people because of its green, natural surroundings. This makes it a perfect place for running too. You will see plenty of students running in the mornings and late afternoon.
Most foreigners are hesitant to enter the university grounds, assuming outsiders cannot enter. I never had any problems though, and being one of the only foreigners running on the campus is a guarantee for lots of smiles and giggles. Plan your route ahead or take a GPS to keep your bearings. The campus is vast and it’s easy to lose the way.
Stadiums / Tracks
If you want to have a good running workout with some intervals and sprints, a proper running track is always great to have. Luckily there are a couple of good options available for track running in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Provincial Stadium
This one really is a hidden gem and one of my favorite spots to go running in Chiang Mai. The Provincial stadium is located just north of the old city square so it is easy to reach. As soon as the sun starts setting, the stadium and its surroundings starts pulsing with activity.
The inner track inside the stadium is great if you want to do some serious workouts on an actual track. The road around the stadium is better if you just want to go for an easy run surrounded by plenty of locals. Had enough of the running? Why not join in for some open air aerobics, takrow, weight lifting or any of the other sports being practiced in the area. Chiang Mai Provincial Stadium is a one-stop place for people who want to exercise, suitable for serious athletes as well as recreational joggers. And even if you don’t plan on exercising, it is a fun place to do some people watching.
Chiang Mai Provincial Stadium is a one-stop place for people who want to exercise, suitable for serious athletes as well as recreational joggers. And even if you don’t plan on exercising, it is a fun place to do some people watching.
700 Years stadium
The 700 Years stadium is probably one of the better known places for running. But, surprisingly most people jog around the stadium compound and relatively few people venture out on the actual running track. Whereas the municipal stadium sometimes gets crowded, the 700 Years stadium’s track is almost never busy, making it the top choice for people looking for a serious workout.
Like at the municipal stadium, there are plenty of options around to practice other sports. The difference is that everything is more organized and professional here, and there are some fees to be paid. A definite highlight is the Olympic sized swimming pool. The fees are extremely affordable though, so don’t let this scare you.
Further out
Running in Chiang Mai really gets interesting as soon as you go a bit further out of the city. The possbilities are endless, and it really depends on how far you want to go. For the sake of this article I will focus on the most suitable places that have some basic facilities like parking and toilets.
Huay Tung Tao Lake
While Huay Tung Tao Lake is a nice place to visit even if you are not running, it definitely needs to be in this list. Basically there are two parts to run in the area: the purpose built running/biking track, and the road around the lake.
The track outside is a relatively new addition, it was created to provide exercise enthusiasts with a safe, green, pleasant place to work out. The really nice with some small ascents and descents, and best of all it is free to use! One lap is 5km, so you can easily rack up some distance there without getting bored, especially if you combine it with laps around the lake.
Huay Tung Tao is a scenic lake with a concrete road going all the way around. The track around is about 3,7km, a nice short run in itself, or good to combine with the track outside. It is a nice place for running, but also great to relax at one of the small bamboo huts that line the shore.
Mae Hia Agricultural Research Station
This vast compound belongs to Chiang Mai University and is used by the university to conduct research on agriculture related topics. But besides that it is also a great place to go running in Chiang Mai. There are various roads and trails, but a big loop around the compound is approximately 5,5km. Its one of my favorite places for runs because you almost exclusively meet locals there, mainly younger folks.
If you are a serious runner and are looking for some competition, there are plenty of races throughout the year. One of the most complete sites to keep an eye on what is going on is RunLah. Feel free to follow me on Strava, it’s a motivation for me to stay active!
