The best spot for a run in Chiang Mai is to combine a jaunt through the Huay Kaew Arboretum, the running track along the Ang Kaew Reservoir, and paths around Chiang Mai University. Most of the route is along off-road paths or sidewalks, and there is plenty of greenery making for a nice respite from the heat. This isn’t a specific mapped route — create your own combining these elements.
Arboretum. Google Street View
Start with a ~1 km loop around the Huay Kaew Arboretum, which has some nice paths through woods. From the Arboretum, you can connect to the Ang Kaew Reservoir Running Track, a ~1 km path along the east side of the man-made lake. There are some nice water views, nice trees, and exercise stations, and you’ll see plenty of joggers. The southern end of the track borders Chiang Mai University, which features a large, wooded campus. You can easily put together 4-5 km around the campus between the Arboretum at the northern end and Suthep Rd. at the southern end. Make sure to check out Dhamma Hall (Sala Dhamma), a grand spot with a fountain just east of the Reservoir Track. Then, enjoy some of the sidewalk and pedestrian paths of the university. At the CMU Main Stadium, there’s a jogging track.
Add-Ons: For some hills, our challenging route in Doi Suthep National Park starts near the Arboretum.
The best spot for a run in Chiang Mai is to combine a jaunt through the Huay Kaew Arboretum, the running track along the Ang Kaew Reservoir, and paths around Chiang Mai University. Most of the route is along off-road paths or sidewalks, and there is plenty of greenery making for a nice respite from the heat. This isn’t a specific mapped route — create your own combining these elements.
Arboretum. Google Street View
Start with a ~1 km loop around the Huay Kaew Arboretum, which has some nice paths through woods. From the Arboretum, you can connect to the Ang Kaew Reservoir Running Track, a ~1 km path along the east side of the man-made lake. There are some nice water views, nice trees, and exercise stations, and you’ll see plenty of joggers. The southern end of the track borders Chiang Mai University, which features a large, wooded campus. You can easily put together 4-5 km around the campus between the Arboretum at the northern end and Suthep Rd. at the southern end. Make sure to check out Dhamma Hall (Sala Dhamma), a grand spot with a fountain just east of the Reservoir Track. Then, enjoy some of the sidewalk and pedestrian paths of the university. At the CMU Main Stadium, there’s a jogging track.
Add-Ons: For some hills, our challenging route in Doi Suthep National Park starts near the Arboretum.
Essentials
The Reservoir jogging track is a good spot to start
Not be the most bucolic run ever, but running the perimeter of Chiang Mai Old City is popular with runners. A road follows the old moat built to guard the city. A highlight is a loop around paths and shade trees of Suan Buak Haad Public Park. Go early!
A scenic run but also a serious hill challenge. Run from Chiang Mai Zoo as far as the spectacular Doi Suthep temple. The route is along Route 1004 from Chiang Mai Zoo. Up to 11 km one-way, 650 climb, with some shorter options.
The best spot for a scenic off-road run in the Chiang Mai area. One can do a run of nearly 10 km, combining a scenic loop around the lake and a new, dedicated running running track. A popular place for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Add with new 5 km cycle track.
Paved multi-use path in the Huay Tueng Thao Lake area runs along Canal Road for 5 km between a 'bike bridge' and the International Conference Center. Combine with 700-year Stadium & Sports Complex & Huay Tueng Thao Lake area route.
A tranquil spot for a run, with several small lakes, exercise paths, and shaded areas. Runners can also do a loop around the adjacent Highland People Discovery Museum on a pleasantly canopied road. It's 3 km combined.
It's worth the small fee to enjoy a run on the paths around the beautifully landscaped grounds of this park that's a popular visitor destination in Chiang Mai. Note that the park has set hours and a fee is required.
This facility is owned by Chiang Mai University and is located 9 km west of the central city. There are traffic-free roads and paths that are open to the public and popular with walkers and runners. Pleasantly green, with some several small ponds.
A popular spot for those who want a good running track. The grounds of the complex also have some long, flat sections that are good for interval training, and a road that goes around part of the stadium. Well lit and popular with runners at night.
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Essentials
The Reservoir jogging track is a good spot to start
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