Udon Thani is one of the best cities in Isan for outdoor exercise, and its parks are especially popular with runners, walkers, and cyclists. If you are looking for the best parks for running in Udon Thani, the top choices are Nong Prajak Public Park, Chaloem Phra Kiat Public Park, and Nong Sim Lake, with Nong Ta Krai also worth considering for longer, quieter laps.
1. Nong Prajak Public Park
Nong Prajak Public Park is the most famous running spot in Udon Thani and the best all-round option for most runners. It has a dedicated jogging and walking track around the lake, a separate bike lane, and a route that is commonly described as roughly 2.3 km to 4.5 km depending on how you count the full loop and connected paths.
This park works well for easy runs, steady tempo sessions, and social evening jogs. It is especially lively after 5:30 pm, so it is ideal if you like an energetic atmosphere, but less ideal if you want a completely empty route.
2. Chaloem Phra Kiat Public Park
Chaloem Phra Kiat Public Park, also known as Nong Bua Lake, is another strong running choice near the city center. It is smaller than Nong Prajak, but it is still a good place to exercise and has a jogging track around the lake that is popular with locals.
This park is a good option if you want a shorter, more manageable lap or a second running location close to town. The circuit is often described as a little over 1 km, which makes it useful for intervals, repeats, or relaxed recovery runs.
3. Nong Sim Lake
Nong Sim Lake is a practical running spot for people staying near the northern part of central Udon Thani. It is less famous than Nong Prajak, but it is still one of the city’s useful lakeside exercise areas and gives runners another quieter option.
Because it is smaller and less tourist-heavy, it can be a comfortable choice for runners who want a more local feel. It is especially useful when you want to avoid the busiest parts of Nong Prajak.
4. Nong Ta Krai Park
Nong Ta Krai Park, near the Border Police Camp and east of the ring road overpass on Route 22, is a good option if you want a longer loop and a less crowded setting. Reports describe the circuit as at least 3 km, which makes it attractive for longer steady runs.
This is a useful park for runners who prefer space, fewer interruptions, and a more relaxed environment. It may not be as polished or famous as Nong Prajak, but it offers a solid training route.
Which park fits your run
If you want the single best answer, Nong Prajak Public Park is the top running park in Udon Thani because it combines scenery, safe infrastructure, and a strong community running atmosphere. If you want shorter laps near the center, choose Chaloem Phra Kiat Public Park, and if you want a quieter session, Nong Sim or Nong Ta Krai are better picks.
Best by running style
- Easy long run: Nong Prajak Public Park.
- Short laps and intervals: Chaloem Phra Kiat Public Park.
- Quiet local run: Nong Sim Lake.
- Longer, less crowded route: Nong Ta Krai Park.
Practical running tips
The busiest time in these parks is usually late afternoon to early evening, especially around 4 pm to just after 6 pm, so mornings are often calmer. Nong Prajak is open daily from 4:00 am to 8:00 pm, and it is known as an alcohol-free zone.
If you plan a run at Nong Prajak, stay aware of cyclists and walkers because the park gets busy. For a smoother workout, aim for early morning or just before sunset, when the weather is often more comfortable and the paths are easier to share.
